Hello,

I'm new here...and I've been eye-balling the classifieds all weekend because I want a diesel ram. I would like a 1st gen, but my second choice would be a 2nd gen 12 Valve. I've read the forums and it seems that the 12 valve is very much in demand...What are some of the main resons why this motor is the one to have? So far I've read that it's great for drag racing...anything else?

Also, If I get one I don't plan on doing any mods...I would like to keep it stock and use it for carting, not pulling...What would you recommend?

Sincerly, patheticfool

 

Mechanical fuel system,easy power upgrades !

Bob

 

reliability is the main thing.The fuel system is mechanical so its proned to less problems I guess.The 24v is great too just the lift pump is a poor setup.Ive got both and dont regret buying either of them.the 24v is a way nicer truck and runs better,but the 12v i wouldnt trade either.If you dont mind wrenching and adjusting things then a 12v is the way to go.If you dont like messing with stuff very much then a 24v with a fuell pressure guage is good too.The 24v isb's get a bad name because if the lift pump goes then it takes the injection pump with it sometimes because they are electronic.There are alot of relocation kits for them.

 

first gen are excellent!

but second gen 12v are better

no really... 97 was the last full production year for 12v with all the bugs worked out and generally considered the best year.

some like 98 12v due to extra doors. it's a transitional year with 12v motor and 24v body. some like it for the short box, others think it's a step backwards

thought I wanted a wanted a 98 12, until I found out most came with a 53 block. sticking with my 97!!

matter not which series.... get a 12valve...

it's not unusual for folks to sell off their almost new CTD and repurchase an old 12v.

 

P7100 is called the "million mile pump" for a reason. Fairly easy to modify and build more power yourself. Some mods for building power are free. The extreme lack of computer controls. For the most part, the biggest job the computer has is controlling the fuel shut off selenoid and the heat grid in the intake. Also, lets not forget the sound of the 12 valve engine itself! The list goes on.

 

Reliability

The 12v being all mechanical has few sensors, no electronics, no engine computer, these are things that keep and later motor from running good or running at all. The 12v has very little in it's way...you don't even need a charging system to keep a 12v running! The mechanical fuel system vs electronic ones will of course always be far more dependable too.

 

reliable, powerful, and it sounds like ur driving a tractor down the road.

 

Which is why I love going on redneck runs through the city!

-Dustin-

 

WOW! Thanks everyone...You guys really did help me out since I had no idea what the big deal was. I do like a nice loud tractor sound And mechanical over electrical sounds like a plus.

Tell me, Is it safe to get a '94 12 valve?

I ask because I know the body style changed that year...but were they using 12 valves in the earlier 1st gens, or did they start in '94?

sincerely, Patheticfool

 

I prefer the new 12v found in the 94-98.5

But the older ones do have a unique look.

-Dustin-

 

I have a 94.. For the first year of the new model, it has very few problems.. The only thing that is bugging me is the dull headlights that happens with age..
Mine is a Laramie SLT full load reg cab 2wd.. Its my first cummins, I bought it with 189,000 km's on it.. If I would have known how good these trucks were, I would have bought one when they were new..
The 12 valve is loud, even bone stock, it makes far more combustion and mechanical noise than the newer CTD trucks.. Mine is like a cadillac crossed with an John Deere tractor, its very comfortable to drive, but sounds like a farm implement in traffic... In summer I have had people complain to me in stop and go traffic about the volume of the motor, and also in drive thru line ups.. Suprisingly inside the truck on the highway all you hear is turbo..
Mine is not going to win races at 160 hp, but its averaging 28 ish mpg, and pulls my enlosed 24' car trailer pretty good.. A little more power would be ok, but it just runs so well I have just left it stock..

 

exactlly...I'm not nocking the guys who tune and mod their trucks, but from what I have read on these forums...it seems the modified trucks start having small problems. I figure if I buy a stock truck and leave it alone, It won't be inclined to have as many little nickel dime problems.

 

Stock?
I bet you only keep it that way untill you ride in a Bombed truck....
Second gen 12v are nice. First gens are cool but drive and ride like a brick with wheels. 12v trucks that are clean are getting very hard to find. And you will find a clean say 96-98 12v will cost you about the same as a clean 2000 24 valve.

 

Nah, I am just gonna leave it stock.. I've met some of the bomber crowd, with the twisted off driveshafts, blown trannies, and cooked turbos.. I have an Rx7 with a 74 mm turbo on it for my speed fix..
I like just turning a key and not worrying about guage watching in this truck, it seems to come with age, the older you get the less patience you have for modded stuff..

 

I love 12 valves because they can be fixed with a screw driver and bailing wire Shutoff solenoid goes out wire it up and keep going. It is kinda freaky though when you turn your ignition off and the engine is still running. Kinda like our old deere.

Chris