DT466 vs DT466E: What Is The Difference Between DT466 and DT466E?
When it comes to motors, the difference between new and older models may be as insignificant as one letter. However, there may be more than meets the eye with this letter addition. Technology makes changes possible.
The biggest and probably the only difference between these two motors is the E. That stands for electronic and the DT466E is an electronically controlled engine while the DT466 is purely mechanical and it is the older of the two motors.
To learn more about this difference just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you know what is under the hood when you decide to purchase a school bus for a conversion project.
What is The Difference Between DT466 and DT466E?
The DT466 motor is the older version of the two engines. It is purely a mechanical-operated engine. Its era was pre-1996 when the DT466E took over. That makes sense as this is the technological age and a computer is needed to operate the DT466E.
The E stands for electronic and all the components needed to run the engine are electronic. Also, the DT466E is a more advanced engine utilizing the technological advancements that have been part of the automotive and truck industry for decades.
One thing you have to watch out for is that after 2004 International dropped the E from its motors. The engine is now known as the DT466 but it has all the advancements technology has developed in the past 20+ years.
You should be able to tell the difference between a DT466 of the pre-96 era and the DT466 of the post-2004 era. The parts are not going to be exactly the same.
DT466 vs DT466E
Both motors were made to last at least 350,000 miles and the DT466 was first built in 1971 and given a mechanical injection system. proper maintenance can extend that lifespan to 550,000 miles.
This was not very efficient and when strict emission controls were introduced later on, the company turned to an electronic injection system that provided cleaner emissions and better fuel economy.
The older DT466 was a very heavy engine, weighing in at just over 1400 pounds however both motors did come with 230 HP. The two engines are not interchangeable and you would have to change your electronic system if you replaced the DT466E with a DT466 motor.
The biggest difference between the two motors would be fuel efficiency and emissions. The DT466E is better in those two areas. Also, the DT466E can tow heavier loads making it very reliable and productive in other automotive needs.
International DT466 DT466E Torque Specs
DT466
The specs go as follows: 7.6 liter, 466 cubic inch engine; inline 6 turbocharged motor; bore stroke- 4.59″ x 4.68; Compression- 16.4 : 1 ***; HP- 300hp @ 2,200 rpm; and torque- 860 lb-ft @ 1,300 rpm
This was a direct injection system and the engine weight 1425 pounds, with a life expectancy up to 550,000 miles.
DT466E
Also a 7.6 liter, 466 cubic inch motor but it has a compression ratio of 16.2:1 and a bore stroke of 5.350” and a rating of 190 hp @ 2300 rpm; 485 ft·lb torque @ 1500 rpm.
This information should be on the valve cover if you need to see it when working on the motor. Also, do not think that these are the only two models for the Dt466 engine. There was a B & C version in between the 466 and the 466E.
Is a DT466E a Good Engine?
It is considered to be a very reliable motor but many mechanics find the 466E as more finicky than the older mechanical version. One area where this engine has problems is in the electronic upgrades. With more electronics involved expect more issues to arise.
This motor is more complicated to repair than the older motor. It is also known that this engine will outlive the truck or bus they are powering. Then this motor loves to tow heavier weights often exceeding the 23,000-pound mark that limits similar engines made by other companies.
What makes this and the 466 engine so popular among mechanics is that they were produced in large numbers. That makes finding parts a lot easier and a lot cheaper. If it does break down, you should have no trouble getting replacement parts for either engine.
Unfortunately, it is still a heavy engine also weighing in at 1425 pounds.
What Does The DT Stand For in DT466?
Once you learn the meaning behind the letters you will realize how simple it is. The D stands for Diesel and the T stands for Turbo. The DT together is merely telling you that this is a turbocharged diesel engine.
While this motor is good for up to 600,000 miles approx. and with good maintenance throughout that time, its longevity pales compared to the 5.9L Cummins 12-Valve 6BT. The latter motor can reach the 1,000,000 mile mark with the same good care.
If you want to rebuild the 466 it will cost you roughly $7,000 with the injection pump probably being the most expensive part to rebuild or even replace. That pump is also the most fragile part of the motor as it won't last as long as the motor will last.
Some Final Words
The two motors, the DT466 & the DT466E are basically the same engines. There will be a slight difference due to the electronic upgrade the latter motor received in 1996. This motor is continually getting upgrades as technology keeps inventing better electronics.
You should get cleaner emissions and more fuel mileage out of the DT466E than the DT466 but the latter engine will not be as complicated to repair. Sometimes that makes a big difference with those hands-on DIY mechanics who love to work on their own motors.
