Hello,
I might get a gen 1 instead of a gen 2, since they seem pretty nice and for some reason I have seen a bunch of them, and my uncle also owned one, but he sold it and bought a 99 f-250....and that crappy transmission went out not towing anything just driving around. Enough of that, I have a couple of questions about the gen 1 style cummins. Are there any differences with the engine between the 1st and 2nd gen? What speed trans did they have? Are they not popular? Because if I need a part I would like to be able to order it in an auto parts store or online. Is there anything wrong with the style? Is there a year I should not get? How powerful are they? I have plans on buying one near the end of the year and put stacks on it. I think stacks would look much better on a gen 1 that a gen 2, but that is just my opinion. Thanks for helping

 

1st gens have the basic 12v cummins.

no real computers to talk about.

minimal upgrades - exhaust, turbo, air intake...not computer

they will have lots o miles on them, NO PROBLEM!!!

I have a 93 (last yr of 1st gen) with 338,000+ miles on it, have one bum injector I think (workin on problem). otherwise its a fine truck and engine.

the body style is "grandpa's" truck to me...I can run 100 mph on the freeway no prob also!

the 93 came with the 3 speed+ OD (4th is bolted on). they can have fits from age, but whats new.

some parts are available from napa, etc. others are dealer only .a fewengine parts are now CUMMINS only since dodge has not carried certain partsof the older models for a while now.



good luck on your decision.

 

the only difference between the gen 2 and gen 1 engine is the injector pump. I believe the 88-90's used an after cooler to cool the intake air with radiator water, and in 90 or 91 the intercooler made it's apperance.

 

Which year would you suggest then for a first gen cummins?
Thanks for all your help, it is very usefull. What did they use for manuals?
If they dont use a computer, what do they have?

 

It's all mechanical. The engine will run without an electricity after you get it started (besides the shutdown solenoid). You'll want to get one with an air to air after cooler (intercooler) so if drew is right 90-93. These will make more power. I believe the trucks came with a getrag five speed which can easily be swapped with a nv4500. There are bolt on kits availible for the trans swap.

 

if you can find a 5 speed.......

 

or you could put an eaton fuller 7spd behind it

 

That would would be pretty sweet. So, what your saying is that it has mechanical fuel injectors? Or, does it use a similar type setup? A 4spd auto would suit me well, but if I could find a manual, I would go with it though. Thanks for all your help

 

the fuel injectors are very mechanical. they are only fed by the injector pump.

there is a fuel return line tied through each injector.

 

LOL .... looks pretty funny with that shiny new master cylinder.