I am thinking highly about converting the truck over to a Cummins engine once this one give up the ghost, any ideas on what engines are better as far as power available with upgrades, as well as stock, and fuel mileage. Is it the 12v,24v or CR Engine?

 

i really dont think you can go wrong with any cummins engine!take your pick!

 

id say 24v more modern and less complex than a cr web sites for cummins conversions are www.fordcummins.com www.destroked.com and www.cumminsconverions.com
good luck on the swap

 

If I were to swap today, I'd throw in a CR.

 

24V or CR, both are easy to make huge power, and more refined than the 12V.
The 12V uses a different injection pump than the 24 or CR that is a little harder to "dial" in, plus 12 less valves so the airflow is not all it can be.

 

12 valve mechanical engine, hands down.

But... It depends on what you're after.

 

If youre looking for a quiet, streetable daily driver, a common rail is what you want, you can turn it up for a race or dyno, or detune it down to a stock power level to pass an emissions test (even with alot of modifications) and tow with it on another power level. The bad thing about a 12 valve, is that with a mechanical pump, if you are putting out 800hp (or 1400, whatever) you are ALWAYS putting out that much. Not very streetable, louder engine, but on the other hand, the pump on the 12 valve can flow ALOT of *****in fuel to make alot of power.

 

I travel a lot so the fuel mileage would be a factor, but want it loud and powerful as well. I often tow a 12k lb trailer, emissions is not important, let er smoke!

 

Then you want a 04.5-07 5.9l (325hp and 600tq)...make sure you get the computer with it.

 

What's wrong quality1construction can't get up Cresson Mountain anymore ?

 

In that case, I think the common rail would be your best bet. CR engines are currently making over 1000 HP and there are a ton of them in the 600-800 HP range. Power is not an issue with a CR.

I'll have to disagree with you there. I'd go pre-04.5 and find an 03-04. The 03-04 has a few advantages...1) they get better MPG, with one less injection event. The newer ones have a post-main injection event for emmissions purposes. 2) easier swap, since you don't have to put a complete Dodge electronic accelerator pedal assembly in the truck. Newer motors need it because that's where the throttel is controlled. 03-04 you run a cable from your current pedal to the APPS (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor) that's mounted on the engine. 3) cruise control - it's not yet figured out how to make the cruise control work with the Ford buttons on the newer motors. If you travel a lot, I figure you'd probably want cruise control working.

I wouldn't worry about the power differences between the stated years either. It's basically all in the programming and once you hook up a programmer to it, they're all the same.

The 04.5+ motors are capable of slightly more power with the head design and the extra injection event, but the older ones aren't lacking...like I stated above, over 1000 HP and one of those was made on an 03 "235 HP" motor that's still got the stock internals. Is it worth the tradeoffs of the downsides I mentioned above for the possibility of more power?

 

Good info there Jeremy. Rep given.

Edit: Rep attempted to be given. I'm sure of it, that rule Still sux.

 

I would consider the 12V If it has had the modification to correct the dowel pin of death issue in it. Part cost under a $1.00 but parts & labor when installed in a truck are around$400.00. Do it yourself before you mount the motor in the truckand save yourself some headaches.

 

Can somebody add a poll? There is to many opinions! But great info non the less -

 

I am leaning towrds a 12v or 24v, not the CR, according to fordcummins.com, there are a lot more wires to deal with on the CR. I also read about some tremendous hp from a 12v, but like the idea of the 24v moving more air. There are a boat load of upgrades for both.