Ok so here it is I know alot of people have opinions on the different Detroit vs PS vs Cummins yada yada i am sure if I search long enough I will find a similar post but I haven't yet so.

Of the CTD motors what has the most bang for the buck? Reliable million mile type motor if your looking for 400-500 horsepower without Juice (not a baby and I don't like the bottle)

1st gen 12v Pluses and minus (granted no power anything but steering and breaks isn't fun but I do enjoy old school so let's keep this to axles drive train and durability including Off Roadability)

2nd Gen 12v

2nd Gen 24 V I read alot of people love the 12 v but what about the 24? Am I just reading the wrong articles?

3rd gen Whats the advantage of the common rail motors? I'm still really just trying to understand the differences in each of the generations mechanically but I am already having a tough time getting opinions on the matter so start simple.

Then what about other options as in what is probably the strongest block for future sequential turbos or other higher dollar (not 20k motor high dollar) build ups to make a real punchy motor, what came with good rock crushing axles and transfer cases I don't know much about anything built after the NP205 cast iron giant

Awe come on someone has to have somewhat of an opinion? I've searched about every thread I can at work (blocked computer and my home computer died) I've read through alot of your posts and most any 1 of you knows enough about these to give a good sound advice on the running gear along with the motor information on these trucks.

 

its a matter of personal opinion out of the cummins , the rotary pump 12V's are limited , the P Pump 12 V's are stong and easly modified , the 24V head flows more air but the VP44 is junk and i dont know anything about the CP3 's

 

I would go with a 12V or a CP3 third gen. The third gens take power very easily and have good on road manners, as well, the CP3 is a pretty tough injector pump compared to the VP-44.

Im not sure where you live because you didnt list it - but I suspect the third gen would function better in a cold environment.

 

If I had the money I would go common rail and never look back.

At least, never go back until my alternator stops charging in the middle of the desert and I discover that I've been running my battery down over the past three days, and now I have 150 miles to go without any electricity at all. I drove from the state line to Phoenix the other day like that, not many vehicles can live through a complete electrical failure like that without pause.

 

ROFL I live in California so although the actual torque and towing power will likely never be fully tested short of cranking a 37-54 inch tire over a rock my concerns are more unrealistic like.

If I hook a broken down KW on a tow strap to get him off the freeway am I going to burnch a clutch out getting him rolling or will I be able to get him rolling at all if he's loaded. Will this motor last me XXX,XXX miles because frankly my grandpa had a truck that worked and he finally got rid of it....never if it aint broke don't fix it..

at the same time getting 50,000 miles out of a first gen or 80,000 miles out of a 2nd gen because the parts that go out...are EXPENSIVE and that's no joke replace the VP44 or fuel pump or torque converter diesel is just plain more expensive so capable and long lasting is #1 and #2 is how much does it cost to make it fun to drive