The 6.6L was available with a maximum 170 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque while the 7.8L could be ordered with a respectable 240 horsepower and 606 lb-ft of torque. 6.6L engines featured a square bore-to-stroke ratio while the larger 7.8L utilized the same bore but a longer stroke. The Brazilian Fords are far from powerhouses and will win you no races. However, many will argue that they are respectable engines that performed the tasks they were designed for while ranking competitively in the longevity and reliability departments.
In more recent times, the engines have been frequently confused with the 6.6L and 7.8L Duramax diesels designed by Isuzu. There is absolutely no relationship between Isuzu's 6.6L V-8 and 7.8L I-6 and either Ford-New Holland diesels save for the nominal displacement similarities. Different bore diameters, different stroke lengths, yet coincidently similar displacements. The engine series was abandoned following the 1994 model year, being replaced by more powerful (and technologically advanced) engine options. It competed with Cummins, Caterpillar, and Detroit diesel engines, all of which were also offered in Ford medium duty applications during this period.
Ford New Holland 6.6L, 7.8L Brazilian Diesel Specs
| Ford New Holland 6.6L Diesel | Ford New Holland 7.8L Diesel | |
| Manufacturer | Ford-New Holland | |
| Applications | 1985 - 1994 Ford medium duty chassis including B series buses, F-600, F-800, F-900, L-8000 | |
| Configuration | Inline 6 cylinder (I-6) | |
| Type | 4 cycle turbodiesel, sleeveless | |
| Firing Order | 1 - 5 - 3 - 6- 2 - 4 | |
| Idle Speed (hot) | 700 - 750 rpm | |
| Displacement | 401 cid, 6.6 liters | 473 cid, 7.8 liters |
| Bore | 4.40 in | 4.40 in |
| Stroke | 4.40 in | 5.20 in |
| Valvetrain | 2 valves per cylinder | |
| Injection | Bosch mechanical injection pump | |
| Aspiration: | Turbocharged, Garrett T04E turbocharger (naturally aspirated versions produced for certain agricultural applications) | |
| Horsepower* | 160 hp @ 2,600 rpm 165 hp @ 2,600 rpm 170 hp @ 2,600 rpm |
185 hp @ 2,400 rpm 210 hp @ 2,400 rpm 215 hp @ 2,400 rpm 225 hp @ 2,400 rpm 240 hp @ 2,400 rpm |
| Torque* | 378 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 388 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 402 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
457 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 509 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 593 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 606 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
*Common horsepower/torque ratings published in brochures for various Ford products; additional ratings may have been available and will vary by application.