What is the best year for the Cummins? for reliability, and for plain ole' hot rodding.

I have heard the 98.5 is the best and i have also heard any 12V is the best, what is you all's opinion. AND WHY?

 

That there is a loaded question. You might as well forget it. You're going to walk away more confused than before you asked.

Most reliable - I'd take a 12 valve due to the P7100, and simple mechanical nature of the beast. 98 model for the quad cab, and 12 valve. 98.5 went to the 24 valve.

Most power - I'm sure you can pump out plenty o' power with a 12 valve, but it just makes sense that the more valves you have, the more air you can blow through the pump. So, take your pick of 24 valves, I guess.

The main problem with this question is that you can get more power than you need with basically any Cummins powered Ram, and plenty of reliability once you have just 1 or 2 small items tackled. If I were to narrow it down, I'd say the '92 models through the '07 (excluding the '07.5) were the best for reliability and hotrodding.

- JyRO

 

reliability can be sacrificed with too much hotrodding. as with anything.

the newer common rails are easier to build quick, cheap power with. just plug in a downloader or module, and easily 130 hp additional.


As far as reliable, depends on the trans you get and how much you abuse it.

 

a ported 12v head will outflow a 24v head, and you don't have to buy exotic valvetrain to turn 4000rpm... wait... I don't think a 24v will turn 4000rpm without a 12v injection pump

 

then why is it that when someone P Pumps a 24v they just dont put the 12 valve head on as well? i dont thinks its possible for a 12v ported head to outflow a ported out 24v head? as far as a 24v turning 4k rpms, just go buy a redline box and there ya go, 4k rpm beast

 

best year for a 12v is a 97 or 98 and best year for a 24v second gen i would go with a 99 or 2000. as far as a common rail motor, the 03 is by far the best you can get.

 

you'd have to change to 12v pistons too... ported 12v won't outflow a ported 24v, but it'll come pretty close. valvetrain is WAY cheaper for 12v!!!! ok, you got me on the 4,000rpm... what about 5000rpm?

24v's scare me w/ the shared rocker... seen what happens when a valvespring breaks!

 

97...

Best year Dodge Cummins PERIOD.

Latest "Old Style" 2nd Gen, so EVERY bug was worked out (minus the KDP) and no chance of a 53 block.

Most hot rodders including the 7 second Cummins dragster use the P7100 which is by far the best injection pump money can buy...

 

kinda biased but seems 97 just before the 53 block issue would be the best. 98.5 12V QC LB without a 53 block could be better.

and yes I've been trying to find a low mileage 98.5 5sp...

 

All 98.5's were 24v --- good luck!

 

Give me a 12 valve, a grinder,a few simple tools, and a 4k GSK for $130, and about 3 hours. Id say 130hp is no problem on a 12 valve for cheap either

But to be honest about it. ANY P7100 12 valve will be about as reliable as you could ever hope for.

Eric

 

What bugs did the '96 12v have that the '97 didn't?

 

maniac........people with grinders give us modern bombers a bad name

 

thanks.. should have put to 98.5 12v

low mileage 98 12V 5sp LB 4x4 QC non/53 ... hey it could happen

 

a big fat one shaped like a brake booster!