Picking the right Cylinder Head for your CAT C15
E Edwin Matias

Picking the right Cylinder Head for your CAT C15

Nov 14, 2024

Why Does Your Cylinder Head Matter? 💡

The cylinder head is a workhorse part of your engine. It handles the heat, the pressure, and those intense combustion cycles so your CAT C15 can push all the horsepower you need to get through the toughest hauls. Think of it as the “heart” of your diesel engine’s power output.

The Lineup: Four Cylinder Heads, Each a Step Up 🚀

Texas Truck Market offers four different performance levels of cylinder heads for the CAT C15. We also offer each stage in a couple different brands, you can get the difference in the brands by giving us a call.

Here’s the lowdown on each option:

1. Standard Cylinder Head – The Solid Starter 🟢

If you want a straightforward upgrade without too much flash, the Standard Cylinder Head has you covered. This one’s built tough with:

  • All new OE-quality intake and exhaust valves, valve springs, and cam bearings.
  • A thicker deck and wider coolant passages, which means better cooling.
  • Increased nickel content for better strength and durability.

👉 Bottom Line: The Standard Cylinder Head is a good choice if you want a reliable upgrade that’ll keep your engine cool and running strong without breaking the bank.

2. Stage 2 Cylinder Head – For the Extra Push 🟡

Want a little more performance? The Stage 2 Cylinder Head builds on the standard model with Inconel exhaust valves. So, what’s the big deal about Inconel? It’s a super-strong alloy that stands up to extreme heat and pressure better than standard valves.

  • Inconel Exhaust Valves: These can take a beating without bending or breaking.

👉 Bottom Line: Stage 2 is for drivers who push their engine a little harder and want some added durability on those longer hauls.

3. Stage 3 Cylinder Head – Full Metal Power 🟠

Now we’re talking serious upgrades! The Stage 3 Cylinder Head gives you Inconel valves on both intake and exhaust. This makes your cylinder head almost bulletproof when it comes to handling high temperatures and extreme conditions.

  • Both Intake & Exhaust Inconel Valves: This fully replaces the standard valves with Inconel, cutting down on wear and tear from high-stress operations.

👉 Bottom Line: If you’re all about squeezing every ounce of performance from your C15, the Stage 3 might just be your perfect match.

4. Stage 4 Ultra Performance Cylinder Head – The Ultimate Beast 🔴

This is the big kahuna—the Stage 4 Ultra Performance Cylinder Head. It’s got everything the others offer, plus stainless steel fire rings machined into the deck. These rings protect your head gasket from blowing out when your engine’s under extreme stress.

  • Inconel Valves + Stainless Steel Fire Rings: This combo gives you a cylinder head that’ll handle the highest temperatures and pressures without flinching.

👉 Bottom Line: Stage 4 is for you if you demand peak performance and don’t want to worry about head gasket failure when the going gets tough.

Why Go New? 🆕

Here’s a tip from the pros: go with a new casting! 🔧 Texas Truck Market distributes brand-new castings for their cylinder heads. Welded or repaired heads just don’t hold up the same, which can lead to more failures down the road.

Ready to Make Your Pick? 🚛

Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, looking for a solid stock replacement, or maxing out on performance, there’s a cylinder head for you in this lineup. Need more advice? Reach out to our techs atTexas Truck Market. They’ll help you pick the right head for your CAT C15—just give them a call or hop on their website for a chat.

The Final Say 🗣️

Your cylinder head choice can make a real difference in how well your CAT C15 holds up, especially when you’re out there logging those long miles. From the solid Standard to the powerful Stage 4 Ultra Performance, each of these options offers a little something different. Pick the one that matches your engine’s workload, and you’ll be good to go!

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