We decided to show you exactly how much power we have here at Diesel Power-to be more specific, the backup generator for the building we work in. A 20-story building requires a lot of power, and we were impressed when we saw our diesel-fueled generator that's used in case of an emergency electrical outage.
Heck, who wouldn't be excited when looking at 1,150 ci (that's 18.8 liters, for those who are used to metric) of compound-turbo Cummins. The engine makes 600 hp at 1,800 rpm, which translates to about 1,750 lb-ft of torque! The single-turbo versions of these engines have been used in various forms since the '70s, mostly as generators, but they were also installed in big rigs and were some of the largest engines ever produced for on-highway use.
It seems that just as 5.9L Cummins have found their way into motorsports, so have these monsters. Back on the East Coast, modified semis are used as sled pullers and will use these 1,150ci engines to produce more than 3,000 hp and 5,000 lb-ft of torque while utilizing up to four turbochargers.
Size MattersAlthough size is hard to judge by this picture, the motor is roughly 5 feet long and 5 feet tall and weighs approximately 3,800 pounds.
Power Has Its PriceWhile a typical car battery produces 12-14 volts, our KTTA-Cummins needs to power a building, so it produces 480 volts and has to do so all day. This type of power comes at a little higher price than your average 5.9L Cummins. Even a used KTA or KTTA (one turbo versus two) generator will fetch a price of about $30,000-$50,000.