Widely considered one of the best pre-emissions diesels, the 5.9 Cummins succeeded the 5.9 12v and was produced until 2007. Learn about common problems, and performance modifications such as intake manifold upgrades, tuning, and best upgrades.
Tuning is the best performance modification for a 5.9 Cummins. It offers huge power gains and the lowest cost per horsepower of any other modification. But there are a lot of considerations and options when it comes to choosing the right tuner for your goals. Tuning is very different for the VP44 engines from 1998.5-2002…
The 5.9 Cummins 24v is known for its incredible reliability, but is also well known for its performance potential. While CP3 versions of the engine are going to be the most capable, even the VP44’s can produce some decent power levels with just tuning and a few bolt on modifications. In this guide we’re going…
If you were looking for turbo-diesel power in the 1990s and early-2000s, you had two main choices: Ford’s 7.3 Powerstroke V8 or Dodge’s 5.9 Cummins I6. These were some of the first modern diesels to have direct injection and turbochargers as standard, opening up entire new worlds of performance opportunities. Though now long out of…
While it has been out of production for almost two decades, the 24v 5.9L Cummins is still widely regarded as one of the best turbo-diesel engines ever made. Also known as the 5.9 ISB, the engine was the successor to the beloved 12v Cummins. Dodge produced the 24v Cummins from 1998–2007, where it made 215–325…
While both versions of the 5.9 Cummins offered solid power for their times, they are significantly underpowered compared to the diesel engines of today. Fortunately, a handful of performance mods can easily liven it up and give it more life. One of the best upgrades is a 5.9 Cummins cold air intake. An upgraded intake…
The 5.9 Cummins is legendary in the diesel world for many reasons. However, by modern diesel standards it’s a bit lacking in power and torque. Fortunately, it has plenty of untapped potential. A few basic mods can truly take it to the next level. Among the best upgrades is an intake manifold, also known as…
Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins engines are often regarded as some of the most reliable light truck turbodiesel engines ever. The 12v Cummins, also known as the 6BT, has a legendary reputation for reliability. However, the newer 24v 5.9 (ISB 5.9) Cummins is still an excellent, reliable diesel engine with a few pros of its own….
The Cummins “53” Block was used in Cummins 24 valve ISB diesel engines from 1998.5-2002. Manufactured by Brazilian company, TUPY. The “53” block casting has thin water jacket walls that are susceptible to cracking. With coolant cavitation, corrosion, coolant pressure in the block, frequent or heavy towing they may crack, causing a loss of coolant. Failing to…
The 5.9 Cummins 12v was known for its bulletproof reliability. However, Cummins had to modernize the engine and add newer technology to keep up with the diesel power race of the 90’s, bringing the new 24v common rail engine. The switch from a 12v to 24v and to common rail fueling lead to a number…
