Which dodge to buy?
 

Hello, I am in the market for a dodge turbo diesel. I am finding a lot of automatics out there, which I am currently shying away from as I do want to upgrade the engine some. I heard that the first and second gen Dodges auto trans would just suck power from the engine if it went above stock power, so I am holding out for a manual. though I am hesitant at all on the first generations as the Getrag transmission seems to have fifth gear problems, the 727 has no overdrive, and the 518 isnt as tough as the 727. I was looking at second gens, and the automatic transmissions are tougher as far as I can tell, but im not going to go crazy on power upgrades, here is what my plans are. 16cm turbo housing, aftermarket turbo back exhaust, fuel pin, and turning up the fuel pump....maybe a 3200 rpm governor spring, if it wont affect the longevity of my engine. with those power upgrades, will I have to do costly upgrading to a 518 or a 47RH? if not, i might buy one of them...or should I just go for the second gen with a manual....this will be a daily driver, pull a small boat often in the summer(2500LBS) and HEAVY hauling will be rare. Thank you

i think the auto will be fine with built internals, but i love my 6 speed, next dodge i buy will remain a 6 speed :tu:

if you get a 2nd gen, before doing ANYTHING to the truck, get a good aftermarket lift pump, and a fuel pressure gauge to protect that injection pump.. id guess you would need a 150 GPH or 165 GPH depending on any future upgrades. with what you seem to be wanting, i wouldnt limit yourself, you'll change your mind once you start adding power!

airdog, fass, raptor, and dtt all make good pumps.

welcome to diesel bombers :c:

Well, I just found a rust free, straight bodied 93 dodge 4x4 extra cab, straight stock with 136xxx miles on it for 7k, Ill probably end up buying it, it has the a518 transmission. So I guess Ill be strengthening the internals of the tranny? or will I really need to, perhaps a lower stall torqe converter?

dang thats low mileage on a 1st gen and ext cab 4x4!! good find there.

not sure what to do on the transmission, but also what would your plans be on this truck?

fuel pin, turn up fuel pump, 16cm turbo housing, 4in turbo back exhaust, build up tranny, lower stall torque converter......eventually 4in lift, and 33's or 35's. Daily driver, pulling a small 2500lb boat, and occasional heavy towing.....thats the rough outline

id have a hard time doing anything other than an exhaust to a truck with that few miles :scare2:

but sounds like a good build up man! :rocking:

I am a member of a different forum and they were saying that it may be better to switch turbos to an HX35.....been doing a lot of research, some say it raises EGT's some say it lowers, some say it offers absolutely no performance enhancements, others say it spools up alot faster, but is restrictive in the top end...others say it wont run as high of boost pressures.....
To me it doesnt seem like anybody can agree....is the HC1 with a 16cm housing better than a stock HX35?
I was also going to ask if I should do the 16cm housing....the 89 and 90 dodges had an 18cm housing, but dodge made it bigger the next year....by putting a smaller housing on would I be undoing something that dodge did to make the engine better?

i honestly am of no help to you at all. i dont know much about the 1st gens at all.. im very limited knowledge wise :ouch:

i hope someone steps in here!

try posting your specific questions in the 1st gen section 1st Generation Dodge Cummins 89-93 - Diesel Bombers

might get responses from someone who knows more :c: