Well first off Im going to be selling my powerstroke and my other truck (gasser) in spring to start a project truck.

Im 100% content on it being cummins powered. I have a few questions on which engine years i should pick for starting the build up. I would like the engine to be atleast 500 rwhp on fuel only. I am planning to use BD compounds on it. I have no fear of wiring up a transplant. I am unsure of what year of engine to get; I dont want to run into a problem where it would take alot of money to get decent numbers where if i were to get a newer engine i could of avoided this. I am thinking of getting a 03-04. So basicly what would mods would be required for :
A 12v to go over 500
A 24v to go over 500
A CR to go over 500rwhp

 

either the 12v or the CR i would stay away from the 24v with the VP44 on unless you want to P-pump it , the 12v i would try to find an engine from a 97-98 because it has the bigger (hp wise) pump on it, you could hit 500 pretty easy with a 12v, and the common rail starts out at 350 at the crank so thats about what 280-300 at the wheels and with good programming and the twins you should have no problems what so ever

 

I have been told to watch out for the "53" block. are there any 53 blocks mixed in with 97-98s??

 

No

If I remember correctly they were in late 99s - 01s...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, please.

 

I believe there were some but they were very few and it was the late 98's if any, I think i remember Dr. Evil saying something about them but yeah they were mostly in the 24v and very very few in the 12v's

 

Yes There has been 53 Blocks on some 12 Valves. CR or 12V. 12V is going to be your cheapest route on finding a motor and modding it and a 12V can be very Easy to get 500hp ESP. with Twins. CR is the better motor. CR blocks are the strongest and their heads flow the most. I would run BD R700 twins you can still tow and get great power. DDP 90 HP Injectors. Obviously the biggest chunk of change is going to be Twins but you need to beef up your tranny thats also going to be a big pinch in your wallet. So yeah if you want a CR motor which is the all around better bet I would do it and Use like a Smarty Programmer or Smarty POD. Stock CP3 will be fine with just the 90s Headstuds are a must also. CR motor your going to need a supply pump also like a FASS or Airdog. Just some Thoughts CR best bet. I will keep a eye on this thread help out as much as I can.

 

96-98 5 speeds had a 215 pump. I have seen cracked 98 12 valve 53 blocks. Never heard of one from 97 but anything is possable with mother mopar.

If you go the 12 valve route you could save a little cash and get a 94 or 95 and have some pump work done. Anyway you slice it a 12 valve is gonna be easy to hit 500hp.

 

Don't forget about the all important transmission (if auto) or DD clutch (if manual).

 

Thanks for the correction guys...

 

my 97 is not a 53 block but i have not even looked at the 98 12V. if you want alot of fuel to put through twins i would go 12v. i am a little bias though