Im buying a diesel soon my dad has a 7.3 and i need an honest opinion. I want a truck to bomb and something that will last me a while. i hate the 6.5 chevys so no way. 24v are a little $ and i like the 12v for it being mechanical. What is a better buy for a teen who is limited on cash. A 12v dodge, 24v (if i can find one for cheap) or a 7.3 turbo. opinions should be based on longevity and possible power made for its price,(like how mutch power i can make for a 100 compared to 50 on that vehicle.) is mechanical better? thanks a lot guys

 

From what I learned on here, the 12v with the p pump is the easiest and cheapest to bomb. But, you will need gauges no matter what year make and model that you bomb.

 

o yea guages are a definite.

 

a chevy s 10 is the best for someone without money...these trucks are great reliable machines but when **** goes wrong it usually cost alot and then when you add fuel/power your just putting more stress on those expensive parts...

that being said a 12v is by far the easiest to get power out of but once again more power more stress...the VP-44 24v are good trucks but the fuel system leaves alittle to be desired...and common rails are really popular they make sick horsepower with just a chip but are the most expensive to bomb...

get your truck but dont go crazy or it will be sitting behind the barn because you dont have the money to fix the broke parts

 

im good with like 350 400 hp just enough to showoff to the ricers. chevys are out of the ? srry chev guys. the new common rails are like 15grand out of my league

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if i do get a 12v stock what the first thing to do besides staight pipe intake and guages?

 

Every time my truck breaks down I watch another grand fly out a my wallet if I'm lucky. I know I sound like a party pooper but I'd rather rain on your parade now rather then have you sittin in the thunder storm later when it goes bad. I got kids to that I wish would listen to my advice.

But ya the 12V is by far the cheapest and easiest power your gonna find but with all the EPA stuff comin the adjustable power of the 24V is gonna get to be more important then ever in the near future.

 

Most important thing is to find a truck in good shape that is in your price range. All of the 5.9 cummins engines are easy to get extra power out of them.

 

Junior,

It's not just the engine 'bombs' you have to consider. Automatic transmissions don't like much over 35-40hp from stock, so there's a bunch of cash there.

Manuals...a lil more wiggle room but when you need a clutch you're looking at $500-1200 bucks in parts depending on what you want, plus the labor to pull a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck tranny out. Again, that whole if you can turn a wrench thing...

2wd or 4wd?

You have champagne dreams and a beer budget. Seriously, if you're broke, don't buy a diesel pickup. Get a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 and save your money for awhile....cuz all the 'dip' in the world will do you no bit of good when your truck is broken and you can't fix it.

 

CUmmins 12v be the cheapest east to make a few adjustments and make good power

 

guys im not Broke but im also not someone working a fulltime job. I Know that in especially the dodge diesels the auto trannys are pos. Im gunna have a good amount of cash becuase i do have a job and im not looking to put more than 350 400 hp total.