1st gen vs 2nd vs 3rd
 

I currently have a 96 chevy 6.5 td, but am wanting a cummins. I am told my truck doesnt handle smoke well, and will destroy everything. Im wanting to get a cummins before i have to buy a new engine for mine. Does the first gen handle smoke well? I have a budget of >10000, so 3rd gens are kinda out, but Im being told those are the best engines. is buying a first gen a bad idea if i want power? My current truck is far from a power house. Can i get a first gen up there in hp and torque? or do i need to save the money and get a second? or Is third the way to go? Not buying now, just doing my homework before I make a purchase. Thanks

What do u mean "handle smoke?" if your just wanting it to smoke, that's stupid IMO. If your want more reliability, and more hp, then the 2nd gen 12v is by far the best bang for the buck performance and reliability wise.

I mean handle smoke as in it wont melt my pistons if it does smoke. And I knew the 12v were the best, but arent the 24v cheaper to boost hp?

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And are the first gens hard to get power out of?

the pumps on the ve limit you. the p7100 like stated is the best all around pump. they last forever and you can make gobs of power with them. the vp44 has a relitivly short life expectancy and fuel pressure HAS to be monitored but it is the cheapest to get bigger hp out of on the budget because you can plug and play with a chip/tuner and vuala. if you like to tinker get a first or second gen 12v. if you arn't so handy with a wrench and just want to get in it in the morning and be competitive get a 24 valve and chip it.

With a p-pump u can gain 130+ hp for free. And gobs of smoke as u call It does not melt motors. High egts do.

for reliability go for a 1st gen theyre built to be abused and make a lot more power than the 6.5 you will be amazed in difference. a 2nd gen 12v is your best bet for power+reliability but you are gonna spend around $13,000 for a solid, rust free 2nd gen with a decently low amount of miles.

I like the later 2nd gen 12 with the 200+ P pump, I have a 24 Valve I will put my money on the reliabilty of this truck on any 12 Valve. But the 12 Valves are fairly easy to mess with, just dont go a turn your pump up put in a fuel plate it will save you diesel leaks in the end, But I preffer the 2nd gen over the first just beacuse I like the inside better, but first gens are damn mean lookin...

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Plus there so much you can do to a cummins, and alot cheaper than a D max or a Stroker, but I will say the D max is the racing engine of the Diesel world. But you wont catch me drivin one.

Try this: http://www.turbodieselregister.com/i...sGuide2011.pdf