Outside of the fuel system, the 5.9 24v is a very reliable engine. The engine internals such as the pistons, rod, and crankshaft will last a lifetime and can hold up beyond 500,000 miles.
Though it's quite restrictive, the factory cast-iron 12-valve cylinder head will allow you to reach 500 hp, but that aged head gasket might not live at 35-45 psi of boost.
From the factory, the engines were rated at 235 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The high flowing aftermarket VP44 pumps are now almost capable of supporting 800-plus horsepower on straight No. 2 (No. 2 is in reference to using only pump fuel) and more than 1,000 horsepower with nitrous.
The Cummins 5.0L V8 TurboDiesel is the best Cummins engine for smaller trucks and drivers who don't need as much pulling power. It utilizes a compacted graphite iron block for a durable construction that is still light enough for smaller applications.
What made the Cummins so popular was the fact that its peak power and torque was insanely usable—in fact, the redline is only at 3,000 RPM! The 12-valve was able to get respectable fuel economy while producing torque figures never-before seen in an ordinary pickup truck.
The Cummins 12-valve is hilariously simple and reliable, but what puts it over the top as the greatest diesel pickup truck motor of all time is how easily it can be modified to produce hilarious power numbers.
Dodge states that the Cummins is good for 350,000 miles before major overhaul. Chevy and Ford say 250,000 miles for their diesels.
Known for its reliable Cummins engine and its power, Rams have been the favorite truck of diesel drivers since the 1980s. The truck has gone through many changes over the last 50 years, with some years being better than others. The best years for Dodge diesel trucks are 1996-1998, 2006-2007, and 2010-2011.
1st Gen 12 Valve 5.9L Cummins Specs
| 1st Gen 5.9L Cummins Years: | 1989-1993 |
|---|
| Compression Ratio: | 17.0:1 |
| Firing Order: | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Fuel Injection: | Bosch VE44 Mechanical injection pump, mechanical injectors, direct-chamber fuel injection |
| Turbocharger: | Holset Fixed GeometryTurbocharger (VGT) |
Between 1999 and 2001, the Cummins 24v engine blocks with casting # 53 were manufactured by the Brazilian company, TUPY. It has been approximated that some 100,000 24 valve Cummins ISB engine blocks have a 53 casting and are of concern.
The 5.9L inline-six mill's factory rotating assembly from '89 to '02 is capable of handling 800 hp (1,400 to 1,600 lb-ft of torque) without breaking a sweat, and is often pushed into four-digit territory before aftermarket rods become a consideration.
The 5,883 cc (5.9 L; 359.0 cu in) 6BT, also known as the Cummins "12-valve" (since it has 2 valves per cylinder) was the first member of the "B" engine family to be used in a light truck vehicle. The 6BT used Bosch fuel systems, injector, and VE rotary pump and P7100 inline injection pumps.
5.9L 12v Cummins Specs
| Production Years: | 1989 - 1998 |
|---|
| Weight: | Approx. 1,100 lbs dry |
| Oil Capacity: | 12 qts w/ filter |
| Governed Speed: | 2,700 rpm |
| Horsepower: | 160 - 215 HP @ 2,500 rpm |
3rd Gen Cummins Turbochargers in 5.9L EnginesIn 2003, the Holset HE341CW turbocharger is introduced. This turbocharger has a mechanically controlled internal wastegate and it features a fixed geometry design. In 2004.5, a new turbocharger is introduced by Cummins.
A 24 valve blocks and heads will bolt up with small modifications but pistons are different between the two. Also from '94-'02 the motor mounts are the same, the early 1st gen blocks have different mounts as well as the 2003 - current models do.
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) became standard in 2013, when Ram/Cummins launched more powerful versions of the 6.7L Cummins (up to 385 horsepower and 850 lb-ft). The SCR system requires the use of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), a urea based substance, to further cut nitrous oxide emissions (NOx).
The 24 valves are nice but the technology in the common rails is far superior. And the potential of the CR is ten fold that of the VP44 and 24 valve. The core engine itself is also much improved from the 24 valves.
Registered. there are two different 24v 5.9 cummins heads. one for the vp's and one for the cr's. there are lots of good heads around.
There are three types of fuel systems used on the 5.9 Cummins engines, and these differences are the only major aspects that set them apart from each other. The engines are universal as far as transmission mounting, if a tranny fits one engine, it will fit another (providing the proper adapter plate is used).
Third Generation, 2002 – 2008The third generation was a major update for the Ram, with an all new suspension, frame, powertrain, interior features, and sheet metal. Body styles include: 2 door regular cab.
In terms of fuel efficiency, Cummins' engines are 6% better than Caterpillar . That's not the only area where CMI's coming out on top. It's taking share from CAT in other heavy-duty engines as well. Cummins is taking share from all its competitors, actually, as it's now the largest supplier to Paccar .
Getting a 12-valve to idle at the correct engine speed is one thing; getting it to stay there over its lifetime is another. Late model 12-valve Dodges should idle at 750 to 800 rpm, in drive with the air conditioner on with an automatic transmission or in neutral with the air conditioner on with a manual transmission.
The Cummins is so good because it was designed to be a very strong engine for industrial use. Designed by Cummins for that purpose and not just to be in a horsepower race and fit in an existing pickup truck. Cummins, unlike Ford for example, is interested in making engines that are durable.
The stock specs for a 12-valve Holset HX35 will vary from year to year and whether the truck was a manual or auto, but the compressor inducer will be between 54 and 56mm. While popular upgrades for common rail trucks range between 64 and 67mm, a hot street 12-valve 5.9 needs to be a bit smaller.
Cummins diesels take 11 quarts, from 89-2002 in dodge applications. Save the extra quart, and every 3rd
oil change you only have to buy 2
gallons.
How many gallons of oil does a 12 valve Cummins hold?
| Production Years: | 1989 - 1998 |
|---|
| Oil Capacity: | 12 qts w/ filter |
| Governed Speed: | 2,700 rpm |
