I have been looking for a good 12 valve for the past 2 months or so. I have two decent options that may or may not pan out. One is a 96 and one a 97. My question is what are the main differences between these two years. I do plan on slowly bombing my truck, Is either one a better platform to start with. Thanks.

 

Nope

both are seeminlgy idenical in HP ratings, 180 horse auto, 215 manual, however tho, it hink that the 97 does not rely so much on vaccum pressure as does a 1996, there are some differences between the two, as well as for the fuel filter removal i think..

But for BOMBing purposes, its not significant...

Rick

 

That's right. In 97, they went to hydraboost brakes, and changed from a spin-on fuel filter to a canister. Not many further differences.

 

So 96-98 5 spds all have the same pump and the same bombing capabilities? Thats good to know, I thought I had to try and find a 98.

 

I was reading the last issue of Diesel power and they had an article on the cummins motors used in variouse years. they said that the 5 speed in 96 was equipped with a catalyst and an EGR, but not in the 96.5 through 98(unless a california model, If I remember right.) Is that a pain to deal with?

 

I do know that some of the other parts did not interchange. I am having a rough time finding a clockspring for my 96 (hate dealers) but I can buy the one for a 97+ all day long. I'm sure there are other subtle differences as well, but the big things remained the same.

 

That is wrong , everthing from 94-98 (12 valves) had a catalyst , but ONLY california models had EGR on them.

 

Can a california model be identified by the vin #?

 

That's 80% right, there were a few early 94's that snuck through without a cat.

 

97 have hydroboost brakes, 96 have vac booster

 

i'd say its rubish because mine had a muffler but no cat from the factory and i have a 97 non cal. i know because i had the original exhaust made into duels and only had to cut off the muffler

 

whats the difference if you remove the cat and the muffler anyways??

 

CPL#, 1863 IIRC.

 

I have a 97 and it DOES have a cat and muffler on it and its a non cal. model

 

I found this site but i dont see anywhere where it would say its a california truck. Unless they mean the manufacturing plant. But i dont know where all those cities are