clutch1

since you're just asking about the engine as the title says 12v vs. 24v
the 12v is a more reliable and tougher engine. the dodge made by DC, on the other hand is a whole different thread.

2500

a new CTD pulled up to me yesterday in a parking lot. it was really sweet looking... a red 2006 CTD quad cab short box.

I said "Nice truck!" but privately was thinking... as I stood next to my 97 12v. smerk.. I've got a better truck!

clutch1

better engine, maybe not a better truck, now throw a 12valve in a 3rd gen then that'll be a better truck

rebal

24 V ==VP 44and 53 block. but I like them all i am very happy with my 24Ver

Dodge12vKing

Is it weird that I feel safe in my trucks arms?

dieselfuelonly

Nope .

I know that every time I go out and get in my truck it is going to fire up just find and not stop till I shut it off.

Unless I run outta fuel.

But at least I wouldn't have to worry about frying a VP44 .

Clayten

The 12 valve is to me like a dragon. Belches smoke, sometimes fire out the exhaust. Makes a thunderous noise, and no knight in ULSD armor can kill it. Oh ya did I say it can fly? Long live the dragon.

trbdsl96

I've a 96 and an 02, both with mild mods. Engine wise I like them both in thier own way.

The 12v gets slightly better mileage, has awesome low end torque and can be drivin like you hate it without fear of needing a ride home. It has 250000+ miles on it too by the way. O yeah and its paid for!

The 24v gives incredible power gains from seemingly minor work (installing an aftermarket computer of some sort), it seems to develop HP better at high RPM, it has slightly better throttle response.

The 02 is a nicer all around truck though. A little more comfortable and a little quieter on the inside.

My wife thought that because I had modded the 96 she could beat me red light to red light with me in the 02. My fisrt mod changed that. My wife's not the best speed shifter though. I can literally smoke her in the 02 with me in the 96!

I wouldn't trade either one.

runningbird

I have both, 94 12v and 98 24v, the 12 is a 5 speed, the 24 is an auto. the 12 has 350k, the 24 has 180k. the 24 is a nice looking 4x4, the 12v is a beat 2wd. I kick myself all the time thinking I could have had a 98 12v. I let my daughter drive the 98, I keep the 94 for my self. I'm always amazed at the power and milage I get with this thing. love the 12v !!!!!

2500

aprox. 8 months ago... found DTR looking for help on deciding between a 12v or 24v CTD.

everyone overwhelmingly stated go with 12v.
thanks to everyone that steered me to 12v!!!!

kas83

I was deadset on a 24 Valve when I came across my 97. Electronic controls make for easier starting in winter, which means family members won't have troubles with it. The VP44 always stood out in my mind, as I didn't want to be stranded because of it. The deal on the 97 was simply way too good to pass up. I wanted a quad cab for easier access, but can deal with sliding the seats. Had the truck been more expenisve, or not taken care of as well, I probably would have searched and eventually bought a 24v. Both engines take very well to minor mods, and with exception to the VP, are stout motors.

There is something to say about 15 year old motors holding up to abuse, where as trucks half as old are stranding drivers on the side of the road, though. Pump for pump, absolutely no comparison, P7100 wins out.

blake2500

ok so i'm 1 month into owning my first diesel - 24V. I literally lie awake at night worrying about this fuel pump problem. Mine has 115000 miles on it and i drive it pretty easy all the time.

my question is this - since i screwed up and took a 24V home what do I need to do to address the VP44 problem, and how inexpensively can I do it. I'm a starving college student who works 40 hrs a week. I'll be making payments for the next few years on this truck and want it to at least make it that far.

maryinmt

We bought a 12 valve 97 regular cab brand new and kept it for 7 years. It was the best truck we ever owned. 2 adults and 2 carseats won't fit in a regular cab so we sold it and bought a 2004. That was a lemon for the fuel system and they gave us a 2005 in exchange. We drove it for 6 months and sold it. 12-14 miles to the gallon! And we got passed once by a toyota pulling a camper! That was the day we put it in the paper. We now own a 97 12 valve extended cab. I sure do miss the "Blue Blur" though. That was what everyone called it because that was all you saw as it was passing you! Don't sell the 12--- you will regret it.

clutch1

you have a good truck, the most preventative thing to do is watch fuel psi and make sure you always have decent fuel to the vp.

TrkEnvy

im looking at a 98 12v 2500 right now.. price seems fair and its in good condition.. is there anything that a CRD guy like me should know about the old 12v?