Ok so I have an 01 24 valve 5.9 cummins with a bumper, flatbed, s&b intake, 4" exhaust, chip, injectors. Those are the main things. I've been saving some money and was thinking of getting a tranny, turbo, subs and a few other things but before I invested in this truck I was thinking about maybe getting a third gen. And putting my money into that. Was wondering what you guys think and if a third gen would be worth it, I know that the 3rd gens have the common rail, more stock hp and a different body style but other then that what's the difference?

Any help is appreciated

 

Well that would depend on if you're looking '03-'04 5.9, '04.5-'07 5.9 or a 6.7 cause there are differences between the three...

 

Oh ya sorry. I'm looking to get a 5.9 and I wasn't aware that there was a difference between the 03-04 5.9s and the 4.5-07 5.9s

 

Well besides going common rail, the '03-'04 were rated at 250 HP / 460 TQ. In mid year the '04.5 came out with significant enhancements. New pistons, forged rods, new valves are things I can recall off the top of my head. The turbo starting with 04.5 was electrical controlled so boost pressure matched engine requirements so that they could ditch a whole bunch of troublesome EGR parts. '04.5-'07 was rated at 460 HP / 610 TQ. A considerable upgrade.

Engines through the entire 3rd Gen were solid. NV5600 pretty solid and easily bulletproofed. Automatic is a lot more stout than 2nd Gen but still not in Allison's league. Front ends tend to be the Achilles heels but upgraded parts are readily available...