Need advice on first cummins

smokin21 · 09-26-2011, 08:05 PM

Wondering which is better. I love the 2nd gen body and sound, 3rd gen not as much but more room than 2nd. I have an 8 mnth old son, I wanna put a little bit of power to it, maybe 400hp, enough for performance and increased mpg. Which would be better? I have found both in my price range but the 03-04 have more miles, around 200k. Like i said i love the 2nd but is the 3rd better for family when my truck is needed? I'am aware of TC and fuel system and some of the other things that iam gonna take care of. Just some advice which is more suitable, main thing about the 3rd gen is there that much more room than the 2nd? If not gaining that much then probably sticking with the
2nd. Thanks

***Twistedcummins*** · 09-26-2011, 08:25 PM

400hp will be cheaper and more easily achieved on a 3rd gen compared to a 2nd gen. And the 3rd gen has a little more room than the second also. So for what you're asking, I would say 3rd gen.

wisdom_23 · 10-08-2011, 12:08 PM

are you lookin at autos or manuals? i have an 01 manual and with just a chip and upgraded vp put down 354. i havent put it on the dyno but im sure with just my sticks i got amost 400 out of it. plus upgrades for 24v are much cheaper, depending on what you lookin at at least. injectors, fuel system, things like that. my bother has an 03 and sticks for it are stupid expensive. also auto trannys will not take that much power before they crap out and they dont get as good fuel mileage as standard. as far as room, he does have a little more bein a 4 door, but i can just move me front seats up a litte and have just as much if not more.

Drew G. · 10-08-2011, 12:58 PM

On a 3rd gen, you can make over 400 horse with just a Smarty and a transmission upgrade.

**dave@BD Power** · 10-08-2011, 01:14 PM

I had same problem when I bought my 03 and now prefer the look of the 03 to the 2nd gen, it will grow on ya, the comforts are nice... and its newer!

-Smarty
-Edge Insight
-Super B Single Turbo
-4" Exhaust
-Cold Air Intake
-Flow Max Lift Pump
-Valve Body

Would be my recommendation

elephantrider · 10-08-2011, 01:18 PM

3rd gen all the way. i had a 3rd gen for
three years, sold it and went to a 1st
gen. if you cant afford or dont want a
4th gen, then get an 04.5-07 truck.

cchrider · 10-11-2011, 02:16 AM

I have a 02 sec gen. I to love the look of sec gens. Obviously its not as roomy as the 3rd gens. I carry my gf's 2 yr old around all the time, its not to bad. I just have to slide the seat forward and crawl up in there when I put him in his car seat. Guess it really depends on the person, either way you will get used to it. As far as auto or manual, I wouldnt trade for my 5 spd.