These Engines Outlive Their Respective Vehicles
Some engines are built to last, and then there are some that just refuse to die. While the vehicles they came with rust, rattle, or get towed to the junkyard, these engines keep on ticking. Let’s take a look.
General Electric LM2500
This industrial gas turbine powers naval ships and offshore rigs, delivering about 25,000 shaft hp. It’s primarily air-cooled and thrives in high-load environments. It’s about $15,000 and has incredible fuel flexibility.
Caterpillar C7
A diesel workhorse used in buses, RVs, and medium-duty trucks, the C7 produces up to 330 horsepower and costs $12,000 - $18,000. Water-cooled and built for longevity, it’s common to see them hit 500,000 miles. By the time the vehicle is junked, the engine is just getting started.
Detroit Diesel Series 60
This 12.7L inline-6 diesel powers semis and buses, cranking out up to 600 hp and running up to 210°F (99°C). Its air-air intercooler ensures it stays cool under pressure and performs efficiently. It’s approximately between $10,000 - $25,000.
Mercedes-Benz OM617
The Mercedes-Benz OM617 is legendary and considered one of the most durable engines ever made. Delivering between 67 and 123 hp with air-cooled injectors, it can survive over 500,000 miles. It can handle 190°F temperatures and is often found still running after the car has turned to flaky German dust.
Ford 7.3L Power Stroke
Known as the “legend” of diesel pickups, the 7.3L Power Stroke puts out 215 to 275 horsepower depending on the model. Water-cooled with cast-iron everything, Ford truck owners love it for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues. The truck may creak and groan, but this beast keeps towing like a champ.
Pratt & Whitney F119
Built for the F-22 Raptor, this engine produces 35,000 pounds of thrust. Max temperatures reach 1,980°F, and it uses an air-air heat exchanger. While the airframe ages fast under G-force abuse, the F119 just keeps howling through the stratosphere like it's out for a jog.
V-12 Diesel (Water-Cooled)
The standard powerplant in many Soviet/Russian tanks, these water-cooled V-12s are rugged, simple, and easy to repair with a hammer. It delivers 1,000 to 1,500 hp and can run on anything vaguely flammable.
General Electric F110
Used in F-16s and F-15s, the GE F110 cranks out up to 32,000 pounds of thrust with an afterburner. It can handle high temperatures, rough field conditions, and vertical climbs like it’s sipping coffee. It’s approximately $15 million and usually outlasts the jets it’s strapped to.
Cummins QSB Series
Found in construction equipment, marine vessels, and heavy-duty trucks, QSB engines range from 110 to 265 hp. With water-cooled blocks and electronically controlled fuel systems, they’re built to adapt to various applications and handle 220°F. By the time the backhoe is scrap metal, this engine’s eyeing a second life on a tugboat.
Cummins NTA885
This diesel beast powers mining trucks, drilling rigs, and military vehicles. Delivering up to 350 hp and featuring liquid cooling, the NTA885 is overengineered in the best way. Its price ranges between $30,000 and $45,000, and it can handle a temperature of 210°F.
General Electric T700
Used in the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache, the GE T700 turboshaft is known for battlefield durability. It produces 1,800 to 2,000 shaft horsepower and can survive up to 1,000°F. It’s air-cooled with advanced materials and modular design, which means fast fixes and fewer failures.
MTU MB 873 Ka-501
This high-performance engine powers the Leopard 2 tank with 1,500 hp and water cooling. Designed for brutal warfare, it runs quietly, resists overheating, and has battlefield serviceability. It’s between $250,000 and $400,000 and withstands high temperatures.
Honeywell AGT1500
Used in the M1 Abrams tank, this turbine engine puts out 1,500 hp and can run on diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel. With air-cooled components and fast start-up, it thrives in combat zones.
Rolls-Royce Olympus 593
The Olympus 593 powered the Concorde at Mach 2. It offers 38,050 pounds of thrust and operates over 1,200°F. The Concorde was grounded for politics and cost, but the engines could’ve kept screaming for years.
Rolls-Royce AE 1107C-Liberty
Powering the V-22 Osprey, this turboprop/turboshaft hybrid puts out 6,000 shaft horsepower. It has an air-air intercooler and can take brutal vertical lift conditions. With a $25 million price tag, it can take high temps, rough landings, and sandstorms.
