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im looking to buy an old wrecked truck eventually to use the power train in a rat rod. but id like to get some input on what people consider the best year/s of cummins to use? im not looking for massive power (400hp max) and i dont want anything too new that needs a huge wiring harness to run. i was thinking 94-98 gen. what do people think? were these engines still nice and basic with minimal wires like the 89-93s?
pros and cons?
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the truck- 2000 2500 ex-cab, long box, 4x4, auto.
open exhaust, BHAF, edge attitude, raptor 150, and frantz filter
I went for a 95, I got a smoking deal on it, I am using the engine trans on my restoration. I would keep with earlier versions, for a rat rod I may even suggest the 1st gen they are mechanical and simplier than the 3rd gen trucks. I had a thread here a while back asking a similar question and I had some very good feedback, 12 Valve VS 24Valve
Hope that helps and good luck!!
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1939 Dodge 1.5 Ton stakebed, 98 Dodge 2500 gasser, 95 Dodge Cummins,
Working on Cummins Conversion for 1939 1.5 Ton www.1939Cummins.info
IMO the 1996, 1997, and 1998 12v's are the gold mines. they came with the 180/215 pumps, the 47RE, and the 1996 does not trigger a CEL for emissions (only applies to cali models).
This is why i have a 1996
Abe
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1996 12v SLT Extended Cab 2500 | AutoCraptic | 2WD | BHAF | 17" 3rd Gen Wheels | 1 Ton Chevy Brake cylinders (AWESOME!) | 5" MBRP w/ Muffler | AFC Forward | Starwheel a few clicks up | 3k GSK | Autometer Gauges | Interior Color change in progress CLICK HERE
hmmmm, whats sounding the best to me is the 2nd gen 12 valve then. if they are as simple and mostly mechanical as the 1st gen 12 valves but have more potential for power, that might be my best option. it would be nice to have a good motor to start out with if i DO decide to go nuts with the power some day.
so a 2nd gen 12 valve (94-98) will also start right up with nothing more than fuel and 12 volts? no crazy computers?
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the truck- 2000 2500 ex-cab, long box, 4x4, auto.
open exhaust, BHAF, edge attitude, raptor 150, and frantz filter
^ thats not too bad. it can be more than a few wires from speed sensors and the PCM to the trany im guessing? how about 94 and 95? still 100% mechanical?... tranys too?
id be looking for an auto
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the truck- 2000 2500 ex-cab, long box, 4x4, auto.
open exhaust, BHAF, edge attitude, raptor 150, and frantz filter
89-98 12 valves are all pretty much 100% mechanical. The 94-98's use a different injection pump (P7100) that can supply more fuel than the 89-93's (VE). So the 94-98 12 valve would probably be the most ideal engine, but pretty much any year 12 valve will be good. They should all be able to make 400 horse with some mods done to them.
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