The 6.4 makes a LOT more horsepower and about the same torque as a 2001 Diesel. The V10 gas of the era, made more horsepower, 310 HP, and the same torque, 450 Ft/LBS as the Diesel, and it did it at about 2400 rpm, so down low in the rev range. It produce over 300 Ft/Lbs just off of idle. Red line on the V10 was 4500
1998.5-2002 24V Cummins (24 Valves) Specs
In 1998, a revised version of the 2nd Gen Cummins was introduced. It retained the same body style, but big mechanical changes were made. The new 5.9L Cummins engine had 24 valves, or 4 valves per cylinder. The mechanical “P-Pump formally known as the Bosch P7100 fuel injection pump was replaced with a rotary electric VP44 injection pump. This injection pump is one of the most common 2nd Generation Cummins problems. Other 2nd Gen Cummins specs were changed as well, that helped Dodge trucks stay slightly above their competitors. 1998 Dodge Ram trucks with the 24 valve 5.9L Dodge Cummins engine produce 235 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque when paired with the 5-Speed Manual transmission. Trucks from 1998 with automatic transmissions make 215 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
24V 5.9L Cummins Performance Specs
Engine Changes
Cummins dramatically changed the late 2nd Gen Cummins engine. By doubling the valves, overall performance improves. Drivability improves because of better throttle response. The 24V engine configuration also allows for much better coolant flow compared to the previous 12V engine. Another big change is the new “53” engine block. Despite how reliable Cummins engines typically are, blocks marked with the “53” stamp are susceptible to cracking. They feature thinner walls that overtime can develop coolant leaks. For this reason, trucks built before 1999 or after 2001 are more desirable.
Fuel System
The change to an electric rotary injection pump was a big step for Cummins. The VP44 injection pump works with the ECU to control fuel injection timing and fuel flow. An electric lift pump was introduced to help keep fuel pressure constant. This lift pump is actually one of the most common reasons the VP44 pump fails. If it doesn’t get the proper fuel supply it’s very likely to break. Aftermarket lift pumps like an Air Dog or Fass system is highly recommended! Despite moving to an electric rotary fuel injection pump, mechanical injectors are still used on late second generation Dodge Cummins trucks. They were re-located however which makes servicing them easier, as well as improves the spray pattern for a better combustion sequence.
Air Induction
The 24 Valve 5.9L Cummins used the same turbocharger as 12V models from 1994-1998. The Holset HX35W was used on all models until 01′ and 02′. In these years, trucks with automatic transmissions used a HY35W turbocharger.
High Output 24V 5.9L Cummins
Late 2nd Gen Cummins trucks are available in a high-output configuration. The High Output 24V 5.9L Cummins comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. This is slightly different than what we’ve seen Ram do in current times. Manual transmissions are much less capable than Aisin automatic transmissions or even the standard 68RFE. Automatic transmissions in 2000-2002 were not nearly as good as they are now. This NV5600 6-Speed manual transmission is a much better option than early automatic transmissions, especially when it comes to adding aftermarket power.
High Output trucks produced 10 extra horsepower and 45 more lb-ft of torque from the factory. Higher horsepower and torque numbers are easily achieved however and the manual transmission makes it very affordable to support those big numbers. Check out our favorite 2nd Generation Cummins Performance upgrades post to find out what parts you need to add big horsepower and torque numbers to your truck.
2nd Generation Cummins Specs
Because both 12 valve and 24 valve variations of the Cummins engine are found on the second generation Cummins, pay special attention to the years listed. 2nd Generation Cummins specs are going to vary slightly between model year.
