The Detroit Diesel DD15 engine is known for its power and reliability, but even the toughest engines can benefit from upgrades. A high-performance Dd15 Head can significantly improve your engine’s durability and performance. This article explores the advantages of upgrading to an enhanced performance DD15 head.
Benefits of a Performance DD15 Head
Upgrading to a performance DD15 head offers several key advantages over the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cylinder head:
Superior Casting Quality
Performance DD15 heads are often built with higher-quality casting materials than OEM heads. For example, some aftermarket heads contain 5% more nickel in the casting. This increased nickel content strengthens the head, preventing cracks between the valves—a common issue with OEM DD15 heads. Cracked cylinder heads can lead to costly repairs and downtime, making this upgrade a worthwhile investment.
Improved Cooling
Enhanced DD15 heads often feature enlarged coolant passages, sometimes by as much as 30%. This improvement allows for better coolant flow, reducing heat stress and preventing overheating. In addition, reinforced inner ribs further enhance the head’s ability to dissipate heat, contributing to increased engine longevity and reliability.
Upgraded Exhaust Valves
Many performance DD15 heads come equipped with Inconel exhaust valves. Inconel is a high-temperature, nickel-based superalloy known for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion and pitting. These upgraded valves can withstand higher temperatures and pressures than standard valves, making them ideal for high-performance applications. Standard valves are prone to fracturing under high horsepower, a problem mitigated by Inconel valves.
Compatibility and Considerations
This enhanced performance DD15 head is compatible with Detroit Diesel engines with the following Engine Serial Number (ESN) prefixes: 472903S, 472904S, 472905S, 472906S, 472907S, and 472908S.
Alt: A new DD15 cylinder head securely packaged in a wooden crate for shipping.
Warranty and Shipping
Most aftermarket performance DD15 heads come with a warranty, typically one year, providing peace of mind for your investment. Many suppliers also offer free shipping to commercial addresses within the Continental US. Residential deliveries may incur additional fees. Contact the supplier to arrange delivery to a nearby freight terminal for free pickup if you lack a commercial address. The heads are usually packaged in durable wooden crates with nylon lifting straps for safe and secure handling. Notably, there’s often no core charge or return required, simplifying the replacement process.
Alt: Close-up of a DD15 cylinder head showing the nylon lifting straps for easy handling.
Conclusion
A performance DD15 head is a valuable upgrade for those seeking increased engine reliability, durability, and performance. The superior materials, improved cooling, and upgraded valves offer significant advantages over OEM heads. If you’re looking to maximize your Detroit Diesel DD15 engine’s potential, consider investing in a performance DD15 head. The enhanced performance and peace of mind it provides will pay dividends in the long run.
