This has probably been asked a hundred times before, but what is the cheapest truck to mod? Lets say I want to purchase a truck and I want to take it to 500 hp. Would I be best cost wise, to get a 12v, 24v, or cr?

 

Quick answer, 12v 5spd

 

Can you explain a little, please? I would like good, useful, facts.

 

12 valve engines are all mechanical they are not cntrolled by electronics like the 24 valve and the common rail. You dont have to buy expensive chips and programers to add more fuel in a 12v just get some bigger injectors. I dont know about the others years but the 97' has a p-pump on it and you can change fuel plates, turn the starwheel, there are numerus adjustments for more fuel. Its just much easier to rely on mechanical aspects than to mess with electronics. IMHO anyways.

 

Thanks, Bid Red! Do you have an idea of what it would cost to get to 500hp with a 12v? And what supporting mods would it need? About the same as my 06 or different?

 

Pretty much because a p7100 fuel plate is cheaper than a "chip" or "box". Alot of "adjustments" on a 12v will get a bit of HP for free. Delievery valves and injectors can get you a lot of fuel in a 12v. A dual disk clutch that can handle 600hp is cheaper than an auto that can handle the same. Plus manuals had the dana 80 hybrid rear ends.

 

a 94-97 12v 5 spd or auto would be the cheapest to buy and modify. free mods for extra hp, no electronics to possibly mess things up no junk injection pumps or lift pumps no 53 block to worry about

 

Hey, guys! I'm digging up this old thread because I am now selling my 06 and in the market for something cheaper, namely, a 2nd gen. So, whether I buy an already modded truck, or get a nearly stock one and do the mods myself, I still am interested to see the best and cheapest way to get into the 13's with a ctd. Thanks!

 

Getting that injection pump on a 12v tuned right is the best, easiest, fastest, way to get that power. Ive heard of gains of 150+ hp just by tuning it right.

 

Don’t rule out the 98 12 valves. The likely hood of finding one that is a great deal is slim but possible

 

another thing I was wondering was if there is an mpg difference between 12 and 24 valves. I am pretty sure they both beat the common rail in this aspect.

 

for 500 hp from a 12 valve you're gonna need twin turbos, 3200 governor springs, o-ringed head, 60 lb valve springs, a good exhaust manifold, an intake horn wouldn't hurt either, 4 or 5 inch exhaust, a stock hx35 will be suffice for one of the turbos.

 

don't forget head studs and a built tranny, auto or stick either one will have to be modded to handle that much power. I don't think that 500HP and cheap are things that go together no matter what truck you have. but i guess that depends on what your definition of cheap is. 5 grand is a conservative estimate and thats if your able to do all the work your self.

 

500 hp from 12v is possible with out twins just in my opinion a 66 or 64 can put you there with correct fueling and air......

 

This is why I was wondering if it might be cheaper or easier on a 24 valve.

Is 400 h.p. more achieveable without so much engine work?