Increase Your Cat Diesel Engine Horsepower. Rerate a C15, 3406, C7, or any electronic Cat.

Wondering how to add more horsepower to a Cat C15, C7, C13, or 3406 engine easily, this video describes the best and easiest way to do it. A simple rerate can added 15, 25, 50, or even 100 horsepower to your Cat C15, C7, or any electronic Cat Diesel Truck engine without changing injectors, turbochargers, pistons, or other expensive hard parts. Interested, then watch the video to learn more. A Rerate can be performed at any Cat Truck Dealership. Comments and questions can be left in the comment section. Did this video help you save time or money? @AdeptApe on Venmo or [e-mail] on PayPal for donations, thank you so much for supporting the channel!

[@teejay9944]

I think Its Great what you do AdeptApe! Thank you from Proud C15 Acert owner!

[@MRALBERT571]

That was a really good way of telling the pros and cons of both sides of the story, at least for someone that has worked on them. Thank You.

[@MasterWitchDoctor]

my company uses cat and cummins isx. the intermodal uses 579s and volvos with 600 hp isx and the flatbed and heavy haul uses cat c15s and c18s. we have a c500 with a quad turbo 3412 (1300+ hp) for 150 ton heavy hauls. the cummins dont break down much and get 8+ mpg and seem to be money makers. the cats (especially the c18s) have more power but burn more fuel. break downs are not common theyre both pretty solid. if i was an owner operator it would be a volvo with a cummins over a 379 with a c15 or c18.

[@michaeldunagan8268]

I am confirmed. I read the Pittsburgh Power past articles in a Truck magazine. "Cannot understand why rebuild and not also increase rhe horsepower?" and "The rebuild price is about the same for a. 350HP as it is a 550HP engine" and "Improve fuel mileage" "You only live once'". I am benefiting from longevity with a low rated 370-435HP Cummins N14 Celect Plus (It is to increase the horsepower and torque in the last two gears only when going up a grade). I do actually feel it kuck in at times. It has 43.5k hours and over one million miles. Day cab undef 4.7k idle hours. Intermodal also helps: I am not hauling steel or heavy liquids. Most loads I pull are are under 30k lbs net. I am empty 50% of the time. I do care about gradeability: I just run my low horsepower N14 at 1450-1600 when loaded and chop my way the upper midwest hills. Eaton 13-Speed allows me to stay in the aforementioned range 95% of the time from 20MPH to 65MPH. I drove and MBE 4000 for a while with a 10-speed. Good low end for the bottom eight gears dow to 1,000. Poor Volvo Detroit lije gradabimity losing 10MPH up 3% grades. Cats may be the most poweful engine but in my experience they are also rhe most thirsty. I average 6.25-6.5 with my N14.

[@matts4290]

I did a rerate to my 3126. It was gutless, 175hp. Dealer said I could go to 190 with no changes. 210 if I changed the turbo, or 230 if I did the turbo and injectors. I’m sure injectors would’ve been pricey, so I installed a reman turbo. It seemed the only difference was the new turbo has a wastegate. Then I had them do the rerate. It’s still slow, but definitely noticed it has more power.

[@benjaminturpin2749]

Garbage engines those 3126s are. How you gonna get 200hp out of 7.2l?

[@RJ1999x]

@@benjaminturpin2749 7.2 isn't the problem, it's the design of the engine , it's a natural turd

[@traingp7]

The highest torque rating you can get is 2050 for the transmissions but trucks at sled pulls put out 3,000 plus foot lbs through these or lower rating transmissions with no problems. It's all about proper use of the transmission.

[@pepepepe5710]

Cummins in Amarillo Tx did just that to my 97 freightliner with a N-14. I went from 435hp ( 1600 trany torque ) to 525hp ( 1850 Trany torque ) and daammmmm that’s a beast now. Cost ???? $$$ 350

[@swamprat69er]

That answered ALL of my questions. Thank you.

[@Brian_Salsman]

If your Cat dealer has dyno I would also recommend a PAR dyno. Just because you engine flash file is for 500hp it doesn't guarantee your engine is producing 500hp. The engine is run on a dyno at the factory when it was build and the fuel rates were adjusted to with in normally 1 or 2 hp of what ever your rating happens to be. In some rare cases after an engine has been fully broken it or is several years old it can be up to 15 to 20hp low at the rated RPM and sometimes even more in the usable RPM range of 1100-1600RPM. If the dealer has a PAR certified dyno they can adjust the fuel rates back up to meet or slightly exceed factory specs for your engine rating. I have always recommended doing a PAR dyno before doing a top end and not after. The reason for this is if you valve lash is on the loose side you are loosing valve lift and reducing hp, when the injector rockers and rollers seat in and start to wear this normally retards timing reducing hp and throttle responce. Doing the PAR dyno before to top end set will compensate for this and bring your hp back up to spec. Then when you have your top end set it will advance the injection timing and the tighter valve lash will increase the valve lift for on average of about a 10hp gain. Not a huge number but in some cases every little bit helps. It might be helpful for some guys if you have a video to better explain what a PAR dyno is. In some cases it may not be available since most dealers don't invest in the required building separate from the shop, the very expensive dyno equipment and the trained technicians to operate it due to the low demand and profit. Hope this helps

[@paullogan9960]

9-11-2023 Praise our first responders. When I started driving professionally, I was informed to never allow the pyro to hit 1200. I could do very serious damage to the engine. So I held to that reasoning. even though this is 7 years ago It really hits home. These drivers today have no idea what this is about since the computer will not allow it to happen.

[@soto.pelaez]

can you make a video about single turbo conversion?

[@mikeleo7189]

A re-rate here At Blanchard in Summerville SC according to them is 750 for the Cat password to get into the ECM then 2 hrs labor. About a grand. I'll run my c15 475 and like it for a bit longer.

[@eliwillis1]

Awesome.. I like your channel got 2 c-15s and you been very helpful.

[@johngritman4840]

This was useful in trying to understand why an engine with 775,000 (Mack) might fail if the HP was increased from 415 to 485. FYI, over-runs on the engines were eight with each instance being more than a half hour! Must have been some enormous hills to descend. Again, I am neither a mechanic nor driver so I don't know. But I do know that the only change to the engine in the shop was software - no hardware at all.

[@prestonrubin7908]

I'm looking to doing 700 HP with a 6NZ when I get my first cat without screwing up the engine

[@IndigenousAmericanTrucker]

Yeah this what I do to electric Cummins motors, I take em to the Diesel Doctor I'm Effingham, IL and have him turn the motors up via file thru the ECM port. He normally turns em up to max 600hp 2050 ft/lbs torque if it's a non dpf motor or max 550hp 1850 ft/lbs torque for a dpf motor! I just didn't know it was called a rerate!

[@truckinstuff2849]

Good Channel and Good video. Keep up the good work, drivers need a Mechanic doing videos from your perspective.

[@bookeruzzell6213]

THAT was the most enlightening information that I've had in a very long time!THANK YOU!!!Just a thought,I wonder does that apply to all BRANDS?Like I said,just a thought!

[@user-su9fx1fh4p]

Thank you as always for sharing your knowledge brother😎

[@rightright6582]

Does rerating require a change in the governor?

[@Lexus2691]

I built a 3406E for a customer 5Ek was the stock engine family He wanted a serious up grade and buying all cat parts we put 6nz parts on his engine loaded liners head , cam, injectors and turbo being 19k in parts we had a rerate for the Ecm print out was 550 hp @ 1400+- rpm 1300 +- torque at 1400rpm i think it was a genset file not sure but oh man that truck will pull 100k up hills in sc like nothing else in the area kinda like it doesnt care how much weight it pulls never more that a dark grey cloud of exhaust smoke and clearing right up. The man is super pleased with his engine after 10years. Question educated guess on power at 2300rpms the print out states hp and torque at a very low rpm setting it would be interesting to know what it has at high idle

[@Seveneleven44]

Just bought another MBN C15, @ 435HP. Had CAT turn it up to 525HP, as it states on the passenger side of the motor. You have to find the right CAT tech for the job, because I've found out that most guys won't do it.

[@AdeptApe]

+sTEVAL570 I think many people are intimidated about it, unless you've done it before it can seem hard to find the information to do a rerate.

[@singhbola1942]

Adept Ape thanks for video . I have c15 6ng single turbo . My fuel mileage is around 4 mpg . I put new turbo and manifold by cat but fuel mileage is still 4 mpg . Need some help

[@Ranchready496]

Clean the soot🤔

[@winstonwilliams9801]

Ok...am i the only saw that lady walked across the room @7:59m

[@shortfuse1993]

awesome video, I'm quite interested in hearing more about the tuning end of things with not only Cats but on diesels in general. keep up the good work my friend.

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you for the kind words. The tuning on these engines can get pretty intense, but I just wanted to show that there is also a Cat certified alternative to the aftermarket.

[@shortfuse1993]

i still find it hilarious that you can plug in a computer and load a tune for a 550 or 600 horse C15 onto a motor that originally had 425-435 from the factory. perks of having a Cat versus a Cummins or Detroit lol.

[@jon-paulcooper8336]

+shortfuse1993 You can do the same with a Cummins or Detroit... js

[@antoniogueits1720]

@@AdeptApe u

[@bretyoung1869]

Very interesting 🤔 Good information, thanks 👍🏽

[@raymondidirigbe2620]

Am really enjoying your video,thanks a lot

[@jonathanbopp6964]

Wowzers, you get alot of comments! I don't know how you keep up with them all. I must say that I love your channel. Your devotion to educating others about CAT diesels is really cool! I enjoyed studying the C7 engine family re-rate chart you showed in this video. Do you have a chart of these families for the 3126B/3126E? It would be very interesting to look at (I like numbers!). I'm thinking about buying a bus and considering the T444E and 3126 as possible choices, but it will be a while before I can afford one. I know little about the CAT motors, but I've been learning quite a bit watching your channel. As a side note...do you ever plan to do a video on how to set the injectors (synchronization) for a 3116? I have no need for this, but just find the topic really interesting. I imagine there aren't that many out there these days, but probably still a few. I know a guy who used to work at a CAT dealership and said they were an awful pain to do. He was the only one in the shop who could (or would) do them. Thanks for any information you have. Keep up the great videos!

[@AdeptApe]

+Jonathan Bopp I used to reply to every comment before, but I don't have enough time for that now. I'm not sure when I'll do a 3116 rack sync video. We only get them about every 6 months, but I'm the lucky guy that gets to do them. They are very tedious to do. It isn't that they are crazy hard it is just a ton of little steps and the Cat instructions are hard to follow. As far as the 3126 rerate chart, probably won't be putting that up online because it is much more difficult to follow. It is much more component dependent and is several pages long.

[@jonathanbopp6964]

I can see where keeping up with so many comments would be time-consuming. I figured you didn't see too many 3116s these days, but I know they are still out there. I rode on a 1995 Bluebird GMC bus for years and it had the 3116. It never failed us, but was a real dog starting out...particularly on a hill. The turbo lag on them (or at least the later models) was something awful. The mechanic I knew said that they used to get that complaint at the dealer constantly. He said they would put the bus in gear and push down the pedal to see how many seconds it took the engine to reach a specific rpm. If the time was too long, there was an adjustment screw you could adjust to turn up the pre-boost fuel. I realize doing a video on that would be tedious and time-consuming. I know the timing of when you get one also might not be at a convenient time to do a vid. From the little I know, the process is vaguely similar to Detroit's "rack" system. Ah, so it would seem that a re-rate on a 3126 would involve more than than flashing the ECM in most cases. I had just assumed that it was similar to the C7s. If you ever get motivated, I'd still find the chart interesting, even if nobody else did. I love specifications and numbers. Thanks for all you do for all those who watch. I'm going to send you a donation this evening. :)

[@kylebergner8969]

Just curious how hard is it turn up 3116 have one in 96 topkick says 170 hp but a tick more would be nice nothing crazy just dab ​@AdeptApe

[@joncrandell7824]

Hey what do you recommend for a fuel additive to clean the injectors? If there's such a product out there?

[@ShainAndrews]

"Your engine family that is" LOL

[@WalterSamkai-es1rs]

Hi I have C 13 industrial engine and it runs for 5 years without service C13 AND 3306B HAVE SIMILAR PARTS ON VALVES SETS AND VALVE STAM.

[@nitroholics]

Can you please tell me where can I find those re-rate charts at 4:45 in this video? I am looking for the family delineations for my 3406E 5EK. Thanks!

[@serpentrae]

my friend has a 3406b 7fb with 40 psi+ lbs. of manifold pressure it will go higher but he said the turbo he has the guy who sold it to him said 40 psi was the max and the pry never goes over 900 he owned this truck for many years like this and get 7mpg on the highway and when im behind him I never see any smoke come out the stacks

[@AdeptApe]

+John Thomas These engines can handle power, this truck must be hot rodded because that is a lot of boost.

[@timothylines7115]

trucks and 966 loaders.great engines.

[@d-wadetransportation7526]

A ecm comes a dime a dozen. Just need to know the right people. I goto computer king in Dickinson tx. They warranty everything. And if you have a faulty one, they’ll hook it up to they’re truck. But I had a faulty one and came out at $850 with core.

[@CET675]

Dude, you're the man

[@kellykolnes1954]

I just bought a ecm from goecm for 1375 . Had it in 3 days from when I ordered it .

[@matti8894]

I learned a lot. Thanks

[@smiths915]

Im considering buying a 310 catapiller 3406 1992 FREIGHTLINER FLA104, can this be done with this semi truck? Thank you

[@scottbrazinsky615]

very informative.Thank you.

[@jimhuskey3343]

Back when I was running trucks they called it pretty codes in a truck I guess is what you call RI rate Fabick cat Fenton Missouri used to do a pretty good job with my truck the Dark Horse trucks all ran pretty hard running out of that shop when they rebuild them and put codes in them I appreciate your video kind of showing what they did I understand it a little bit now these would have been around when my trucks were still running the guys would have drove me crazy talking to you man LOL

[@ruthannwilliams6890]

THANKS

[@raymondidirigbe2620]

good morning adept,I want to thanks you for the videos that you have make us,I really learn alot of things from them,pls can you make video for me,a video of how to drup and engine from the a track☺☺

[@AdeptApe]

+raymond idirigbe I happily try to take requests, but I'm not exactly sure what video you are asking for?

[@brettbrettson69]

Adept Ape I think he was trying to say "drop an engine from a truck"

[@tamikoburgess2857]

Great vid

[@danielrampersad2077]

Really good information, thanks

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@user-by1ro2jh2p]

Tell all you need to know in a clear manner Im looking to rerate a C15 435 for pulling a low loader with an allowable gross weight of 59 tonnes/130000lbs

[@paultavres9830]

Go into et configure with retarter Free hp nothing else needed. Already wrote into software Give you about 15% more power Looks like your blowing alot of white smoke

[@ryanfisher6402]

Nice moustache

[@Aleiria13]

I have a question; Can I still add the exhaust, turbo, & Banks power-pack on top of this re-write if I have Cat rebuild my engine?

[@MichaelBrown-eo5sc]

It can invalidate your wanty ... Engine infirmation tag rough cover front timing cover. Previous owner had it.. 9 to 13 pages. Go to a cat dealer wanty downloader .. rerate danger. Corrupted flash file.. does not require any monetary value... Chance that it might damage current ucm....

[@philgates2182]

Where can I find the charts that you show in this video?

[@victormcox]

Forgive me, I know you get a million questions! If you don't have time, maybe some of the other guys can help. I'm try to find information on the best operating rpm range for a 2001 C-15 6NZ single turbo pre-emission. I'm averaging 6.0 mpg and normally keep it around 1400 rpm's in whatever gear for the speed limit and try not to let it get over 1800 rpms under jake down hill. I'm looking at a chart for horsepower put out by "Road Choice" Truck parts online and it references a 500 hp testing at 2100 rpm's putting out 1850 ft lbs. 2100 is not a working range is it??!! Again we truly appreciate all that you do for us!!

[@nickforgey509]

Peak torque is at 1200 rpm. If I remember right 2120 rpm will be your top engine speed limit. You get your torque down low and your horsepower up high. A lot of people dont want to lug the engine but a C-15 can take it, and really its where the torque is. If its running right you shouldn't have no problem pulling right out of it. Generally keeping the rpm low most of the time is gonna make the engine last longer. I overhauled one for a guy one time who kept his rpm low and changed oil religiously. It had over a million miles on it and the rod and main bearings looked brand new. 6NZ is a legend so make sure you hang on to it and keep rebuilding it.

[@mehmetg1137]

thank you for the info

[@jarrodwhittington9108]

great video

[@Sonymunoz]

What do u think we'll happen if I but a cat 3406e turbo on a cat3406 b

[@garyann4]

I have a c-15 serial SDP how can I find the chart that you used in this video to see how high I can go with my HP This is in a 2008 Pete and it had been deleted by 2nd previous owner. Shows 475hp on the computer but KW tech said it could be different HP because it has been deleted is this correct and how can I find out what the HP is? thank you for your time.

[@aiymankhan7222]

Hi can you explain the science behind re rating the ECM? I mean what components does the ECM command to work differently?

[@azal7458]

thanks alot

[@kenworth4049]

What are your thoughts on diesel freaks power harness could you maybe do a video on the pros and cons?

[@user-kk9je7kc7k]

КЕТ РУЛИТ!!! ХОРОШИЙ ДВИГАТЕЛЬ!!! БОЛЬШОЙ РЕСУРС!!!

[@raymondidirigbe2620]

I love that am look forword to see it

[@mileswatkins6472]

3406 and the c15 do we look at the same family ?

[@lectrickwall4479]

Zeigler CAT of Rochester, Minnesota says that they don't/won't do a re-rate. States that CAT "won't allow us to." Is this common? They sent me next door to Rochester Diesel. They say 100HP for @ $2000 parts/labor. That seems odd. It's a 2000 3126 f650 that started out as a 26' box truck , shortened & now has an f350 box. It's just a big toy I use to tow my 42' travel trailer a couple times a year. Not sure now exactly what to do. I'm just looking for an improvement in fuel economy. Any suggestions?

[@craignance5417]

Can you trun a 3126 up

[@TheFisnikbojku]

next valves on cat15 I am waiting

[@AJNpa80]

I've wondered about the C7s in the more recent BAE military 2.5 tons from the teens, would they be in the emergency family? Really I'd wondered because it was the military ordering them with the wide range of fuel requirement, were they saddled with the same emissions kits as the civilian trucks from the same years?

[@AJNpa80]

The smaller BAE LMTVs

[@mitchless1589]

My 550hp 6nz now runs around 700hp. Different turbo and program. I can not make my exhaust temp go over 1000 degrees without severely lugging the engine. Stock form it easily climbed higher. There is a good way and bad way to add power. Anyone I've known that has done a factory cat rerate has noticed little to no difference. Love your videos though. Thanks for what you do

[@AdeptApe]

+Mitch Less I'm sure there are ways to tune your engine better than factory, but it is easier to mess up than make it run better. Sounds like you know what your doing. Glad you like the channel.

[@musaberodger9425]

We’re can I get a caterpillar repair systems which contains every system, like SIS which contains every system,ET,factory password,

[@darienbecerra2887]

That's a pretty high chance

[@2ndMomentumGarage]

Can you rerate to the fire/Rv ratings now that the 3126 are beyond any factory warranties? I have a 190hp 3126 in a 2001 C5500 and would like at least to be at the 300/860 mark but more is better. I have seen the PDI tune/turbo/manifold aftermarket options but not sure if worth putting on a such a low HP engine. I assume it would be cheaper just to find a running used engine in the HP range I’m looking for. What do you think is the most cost effective way to change 190hp into 300hp?

[@Stephen-carr]

ok...why can't my local cat shop update the personality file so it can be turned up to a 550...5ek updated internals 455 stock.... had to recode injectors just to get this paper weight out its own way...lol..even my local repair shop can't get it to take the 550 keeps failing with personality file...

[@TheFisnikbojku]

thnx buddy you the man

[@HarryC786]

Very nice info. Hey boss, where are you from?. I got 1.3 mill on my pete 379 with cat, c15mxs. Start leaking right next to head. May be you can help me. Can you? Thanks

[@susanasandoval88]

where is located the tempeature sensor 2009 cat c15

[@david9668]

How about if we forget about thePower and focus on the torque that's what makes the engine

[@jawax30able]

what about a 2000 cat 3126 with a allison 2000 series

[@mehmetg1137]

can you tell me the difference between C13 verses C15 ? which is better ?

[@AdeptApe]

+mehmet g Well the C15 is the standard truck engine, it is heavier and 15 liters of displacement. The C15 makes more power and torque and is an overhead cam engine. The C13 is usually found in buses and some trucks. It is 13 liters of displacement and is a pushrod engine. Both use Mechanical Electronic Unit Injectors with a gear drive oil pump and water pump. The C13 is more sensitive to overheats causing damage and the C15 has more problems with its overhead and liner flanges.

[@jesuslightsmyway]

my dad had his 379 pete re tuned to 600hp but it put too much heat into the motor, had to cut it back to 550hp

[@d1bigshifter737]

what would injectors run for 6nz c15 3406 engine ? can i get mine rebuilt or dosent it matter as far as seating them back in?

[@firstvett69]

I just bought a 2004 Monaco motor home with a ISL Cummings 370 me have found no maintenance records so I will be doing a complete Oil and filter change to include fuel filters and such. The Engine has 67k miles what Oil should i start out with.

[@emmettkeaton2265]

what about a 3406b model

[@jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754]

I have a 2005 lexion combine with C9 engine. It's at 360 hp. Can we safely add more hp? Not driving the snot out of it. Just need a boost once in a while

[@clewashingtonwashington1086]

Where does the the tachometer cable plugs into?

[@2580jordan]

Looking for some help on a fuel issue on a 3406 b model

[@mikeexcavator1771]

installed the edge chip on my 3126 was very happy till check light came on after 1000 miles. reset and was fine. then heading down freeway and engine went to a idle. lemp to rest stop and unhook chip and ran fine. out $800 bucks. called edge said they discontinued that chip.

[@Addddam21]

What if you add or install aftermarket bullydog tuner

[@jerryvirtanen7350]

Very interesting. Is there a camshaft upgrade from a 2277508 that will allow for more horsepower? Thank you in advance

[@MultiPowerlin]

I said just turn the screw a full turn on the pump

[@edgarjizgarc]

Hey I just got a cat 3176 with 350 hp where can I check if can be rétate to a least 400hp if possible thanks

[@baldeortegon5399]

How do you clean the turbo oil drain pipe

[@raven7068]

How about a motorhome Cummins 8.3L engine, is it the same process?

[@catalinarios2864]

friend, good morning Could you sell me that list that shows the specifications according to the engine ... Cheers

[@cookiesyummyful]

Where did you get the charts for Hp specs

[@ronyoung6054]

What is the difference between a 3406 and a 3406b cat

[@rayfisher1973]

I have a C13 CAT oil pressure gauge reading zero no power I changed the ECM the oil pressure sensor outside the motor and the IVA insinde the motor still not working what I do next helppppp

[@nathanwoodward8877]

I have Cat ET at my work. I mostly use it for diagnosing fault codes on C7 Cats in school buses. My dad just bought a 2000 Kenworth with a C-15 6NZ 475 HP engine in it. He is complaining about the lack of pulling power in it compared to his old 3406C. Am I able to rerate his engine for him with my basic Cat ET program? If so, do you think you could make a video of it? Or at least explain where to find it in ET? I don’t work on Cat much, usually Cummins. On a Cummins I would just download a file from QuickServe.

[@mtgwdefender]

Hey guys! I have a C7 engine family 5CPXH0442HBK with the cylinder head off and the walls on cylinder #3 with some scratches, if not gouges. The original symptoms were huge blowby coming out and blue smoke / oil coming out of the tail pipe. What is weird is that cylinder and head area for cylinder #3 are dry and we found oil on top of the other cylinder / head area. Also, only cylinder #3 exhaust manifold hole is wet of oil and the other ones are dry. Please let me know what are the chances that this engine can be rebuilt, maybe by cutting the walls and putting bigger pistons. Or, what are the margens /specs / limit for cutting the walls. Thank you

[@derwinrussell1388]

Adept Ape any recommendations on Detroit Diesel 8.2T turbo??

[@MrErikw26]

What if your engine is already getting close to rebuild time?

[@eddiebullb1234]

I have a problem with a truck I am working on and $3600 and counting haven't been able to get it running . Is there a contact or place I can get in touch with you regarding this truck . 2006 F650 C7 Acert engine - replaced cam, cam followers , rod bearings , crank bearings, oil pump , 3 ecm's , engine wiring harness

[@l.m.iniowa3983]

I need to know if fuel additive is needed in a 3406b engine, because of low sulfur fuel, and what do you recommend? Thanks!