1st vs second generation 12 valve

inmate · 12-23-2010, 05:36 PM

I am starting to look for a 12 valve truck and am debating about a 1st gen or 2nd gen. the truck would be used for towing fairly frequently and also spend a lot of time on rough roads as well as long trips on the highway.
I like the body style of the older trucks but will pick a more solid mechanical truck over looks any day. I despise computers in my vehicles and was wondering if the 2nd generation had any type of computer (i know the engine is not computer controlled). I am not looking to get huge horse power out of the truck so the VE pump is not a problem, but i will likely try to get a little more power out of the truck without having major effects on fuel economy. I have heard bad things about the manual transmissions used in both trucks and was wondering what the general opinion is on which transmission is better. and other pros and cons and opinions on each of the trucks would be appreciated.

Thanks

zrultima · 12-23-2010, 08:48 PM

get a 97- p pump truck best u can get 215hp stock and with some adjustment u can get it to 350

ykdave · 12-23-2010, 09:14 PM

96-98.5 standard trucks will get you the most bang, 215hp stock and can get into the 300s for nothin

All in all, i dont think you could go wrong with any of the first or second gen trucks. they each have their pros and cons.

But with towing and alot of highways in mind, i would be leaning towards the 2nd gens for creature comfort and power.

cumminsdriver92 · 12-23-2010, 09:56 PM

I agree the later 2nd gen has more power and creature comforts. Maybe less miles too...

inmate · 12-23-2010, 11:26 PM

what changed after 96 to give more power any different parts of just different tuning? can the same power be gained on older models without any more effort

ykdave · 12-24-2010, 12:22 AM

different injectors and pump

The earlier trucks still have alot of free power potential, just not quite as much

inmate · 12-24-2010, 10:59 AM

i thought that all the 12 valves between 1994 and 1998.5 had the bosh pump?

zrultima · 12-24-2010, 11:08 AM

All 12 valves from 94 to 98 had bosch pump just some had more power then others the 1st gen cummins had the VE pump

ykdave · 12-24-2010, 10:02 PM

the 94-98.5 dodge engines were all bosch p7100s (pretty much EVERY variation and year of cummins engine uses a bosch pump)

They just differed in internals for different years/ratings

inmate · 12-25-2010, 10:25 AM

how much computer stuff does a second gen have compared to a first gen is the comp just for the gauges and the grid heater or does it control more than that.

zrultima · 12-25-2010, 10:52 AM

the 2nd gen injector pump is mostly mechanic there pretty much the same for the 1 and 2nd gen after 98 they had the vp pump which used electronics is not very reliable u can make it reliable but not like a 12 valve

ykdave · 12-25-2010, 02:54 PM

all of the 12v engines are 'mechanical'. meaning no ECM required for operation.

The early VE pumped engines will require a +12v source to activate the shutoff solenoid. the p-pumped engines do not need anything at all if you use a cable/mechanical shutoff instead of the solenoid.

The PCM in the 94-98 trucks only controls some basic functions. grid heaters, charging (voltage regulator), gauges, and transmission functions for the auto trans