talking with my dad (retired gm engineer) tonight, he asked what limits diesel maximum rpm.

our trucks usually redline around 3500ish although, according to those that have aftermarket power-adding devices that change rev limit, this can be increased to around 4000 with substantial power gains.

in motorcycles, lighter reciprocating parts (waisted bolts, knife edge rods, etc) are used to increase max rpm and power. (stock 600cc yamaha r6 redlines at 15,500rpm!)

is it just the additional weight of the diesels that limit them? does the compression ignition mandate heavier parts?

with a 6.5 or similar motor obviously the breathing is poor, but with a 32-valve dmax i would think a higher rpm would be beneficial and desirable?

what is the highest factory and non-factory rpm for a diesel anyone is aware of?

thanks for any info and opinion!
matt