Despite the intense competition in the markets of diesel engines, Caterpillar remains the “it” brand for many auto enthusiasts, even with models as old as the Power Cat 3406b engine.
This guide will dig further into Cat 3406b horsepower and torque, as well as extra tips to increase its performance. Keep scrolling!
What Is The Cat 3406b Horsepower and Torque?
Cat 3406b can generate 350 to 525 HP with a torque of 1350 to 1750 feet of torque, which is considered a major update compared to the brand’s original 3406a model.
The 3406c and 3406e injectors were later released as an improved version of 3406b with even more impressive measurements.
What Is It?
The 3406 engine line was launched by Caterpillar in 1973, starting with the 3406a model.
Several years later, the brand released a more upgraded version – the 3406b – with several notable changes to look forward to.
Cases in point included the new air compressor and injection pump; and, most importantly, unlike 3406a, 3406b is 100% mechanical.
This drastic upgrade contributes quite significantly to its impressive popularity.
As a 6.5 stroke, 14.6-liter diesel engine of 6 cylinders, Cat 3406b enjoys the physical measurements as follows:
- Dimensions: 117.28 L x 39. 22 W x 58.04 H
- Horse Power: 350 to 525 HP @ 1800 rpm (revolution per minute)
- Max Torque Specification: 1350 to 1750 lb-ft
Comparison With Other 3406 Engines
It is safe to say that the 3406b Cat specs falls into the middle range of the 3406 family – way beyond 3406a and slightly below more recent models like the 3406c or 3406e.
The chart below will help put things into perspective for you:
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Torque | Application |
| 3406a | 14.6 liters | 310 to 425 HP | 1090 to 1460 lb-ft | Construction equipmentHeavy-duty truckGenerators |
| 3406b | 14.6 liters | 350 to 525 HP | 1350 to 1750 lb-ft | Heavy-duty truckConstruction equipment |
| 3406c | 14.6 liters | 365 to 625 HP | 1350 to 2050 lb-ft | Construction equipmentHeavy-duty truckMarine applications |
| 3406e | 14.6 liters | 435 to 800 HP | 1450 to 2250 lb-ft | Construction equipmentHeavy-duty truckMarine applications |
How Do Cat 3406b Horsepower and Torque Affect Its Acceleration?
As previously mentioned, Cat 3406b specs fall into the middle range of the 3406 family (which is already quite a powerful family, may I remind you).
Hence, the engine does quite a remarkable job of improving your overall acceleration.
- Horsepower (350 to 525 HP): Higher HP equals higher power output over resistance forces, leading to better acceleration.
Hence, it is unsurprising that cars and trucks with 3406b can breeze through their cruising engine speed increase with ease.
- Torque (1350 to 1750 lb-ft): The above-average 3406b torque specs provide great forces against initiate and inertia movements.
So it’s quite a great choice for lots of heavy-duty vehicles and tasks. Steep climbs and heavy-/medium-load pullings are cases in point.
Of course, one should never skim over the vehicle’s tire traction, gear ratios, transmission system, and aerodynamics, which also play a major role in upgrading the car’s acceleration.
How to maximize the car’s structure for better speed and driving experiences is an issue I will gladly discuss in the next section.
How to Increase Cat 3406b Horsepower and Torque
Installing Efficient CAI (Cold Air Intakes)
A common method among seasoned drivers due to the low cost, CAI installations densify the cold air to contain more molecules per volume unit.
As a result, the air-fuel mixture generates much higher power input while also allowing deeper and cleaner breathing, which boosts the vehicle’s overall acceleration.
Better yet, the meticulous process of “sucking” inside air from a “colder” pin piston location also reduces unwanted resistance and turbulence, ensuring steadier airflow.
Reducing Your Vehicle’s Weight
Needless to say, lighter cars move much faster than bulkier ones.
To boost its speed, I’ve removed the more heavy parts of the vehicle (not just those in the mechanical engine blocks) and replaced them with lighter substitutes.
Some feasible changes are:
- Taking down the extra seats
- Removing the trunk’s unimportant items
- Uninstalling head bolt covers, lock nuts, deep sockets, injector sleeves, water pumps, etc. (under experts’ supervision)
- Replacing glass windows with acrylic
- Using conventional drum brakes instead of discs.
With a significantly lighter weight, the aerodynamic property improves as a result, allowing your engine to accelerate with more efficient power consumption.
Installing Water-Injection Kits
It is like killing two birds with one stone: the water-injector pump kit can increase fuel mileage gains and keep combustion chambers clean simultaneously by eliminating all residual carbon deposits.
And, of course, using higher-quality fuel also helps!
However, remember that this alteration does not increase horsepower output with a stock factory engine.
You should supplement the engine with horsepower turbo or superchargers to make it work.
As the model turbo and superchargers increase the engine’s air supply, your horsepower generation and fuel settings will experience a dual boost, fostering acceleration.
Increasing Compression
There are few methods as intuitive and effective as compression increase.
Despite the method’s popularity (as well as the common sense and rationality behind it), you must tread with utmost caution to get more power output without destroying the engine.
Your best bet is to consult professional engine builders, who may give you some insights regarding the best compression and cam selection for your truck.
Choosing Better Gasoline for Truck Engine Compressions
Now that your truck engine compression has been updated, the engine’s gas should also receive a corresponding upgrade.
Otherwise, the machine will get “pinged” (a common issue in older trucks), dampening the system’s combustion ability.
Not to mention, using poor-graded gasoline in newer trucks means your system will naturally adjust to the cheap gas and combust below its actual capacity.
Instead of increasing horsepower and mile motor performance, you are destroying them!
Such engine incompatibility also causes humming acceleration noise, mileage drop, and transmission problems.
Finding Matching Jet Dimension
Jet engine swaps are admittedly a gamble – since the wrong jet size may strip the 3406 Cat motor mods of their power instead of enhancing it.
Hence, I suggest experimenting a little with a commercial jet kit. Start with the primaries, then gradually increase the size while double-checking the results as you proceed.
If the size increase leads to power losses, begin going downward and test each size at one time.
Cleaning The Filters Regularly
Car filters are like a human’s lung; neglecting them will give the car breathing difficulty and, in turn, restricts its performance limits.
Always keep the air/fuel filters clean to give your truck better and more consistent 3406b Cat engine horsepower.
Replace the fuel filter at truck shops during service hours according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
Picking Matching Cylinder Heads
“Bigger” does not always go with “better”; what matters here is the compatibility between the truck’s exhaust hunting and intake velocity.
Also, ensure the camshaft profile matches well with the diesel cylinder head bore for better overlap and momentum.
Installing Chipsets
Modern truck models have computer systems to regulate all vehicle activities.
Although 3406b specs and configurations work better with classic truck gens, you can now buy aftermarket chips to override their factory designs.
Your truck engine efficiency will certainly escalate after this high-performance upgrade.
Conclusion
Cat 3406b horsepower and torque pressure are not half-bad for an old truck engine model. But there are still tons of extra tips you can implement to increase its power output and acceleration.
If you still struggle with any part of my instruction, feel free to let me know.