Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12 Valve Or 24 Valve

[rdodd]

Im know very little about 2nd gen trucks and have a chance to buy 2 different trucks. One is 1994 ctd, reg. cab,5-speed,85,000 miles, 2wd,exc cond. $8000. Other truck is 1998 24 valve, 5-speed, reg cab,45,000 miles, leather,loaded, 2wd, exc cond. $14,000. Do these trucks sound reasonably priced? Which would be better deal? I can only afford one. Also what are pros and cons between 12 valve and 24 valve? Which can be turned up easier?Any information would be appreciated as i don"t have much time to decide.

 

[mikel]

Ok, from what you have said both trucks will need the KDP addressed, so that's a wash either way.



I think the 12 valve may be a little cheaper to turn up, but HP per HP you will have to deal with more EGTs with the 12 vlave than with the 24 valve, so the overall cost to get "useable" HP will probably be about the same either way.



I'd have to say that the $$ you'll spend on BOMBS is more likely to be tied to how far you want to go than to which truck you have.



The P7100 pump on the '94 should be more durable than the early VP-44 on the 98 (a definate pro for the 94). There were some known issues with the early VP-44s failing when fueling boxes were added.



If memory serves me the '94 will have 175hp and the '98 will have 215. From my experience with the stock 175 hp truck it will be a dog. You'll want a plate of some kind (about $250) and governor springs (about $175) at the least. BTW, a #4 plate will make that 94 go like a bat-out-of-h. You'll be right at the limit of what the stock clutch will hold though and you will be able to get into EGT troubles if you push it hard enough.



On the 98 you can do a low-end box like the EZ along with some injectors like DDII's and it'll pull hard enough to need a clutch. I think the box is about $500 and the injectors will be the same.



The price seems fair on the '94, I gave that much for the truck in my sig (it was stock then too) with 83k on it and it needed brakes and ball joints, but it is a club cab.



I hope this helps your decision.



Mike

 

[rdodd]

What year was the kdp no longer a problem? I thought the 24-valve engine was no longer a problem.

 

[BV]

I have read that some 99 24v's have had the KDP problem so I would say 2000 and newer should be safe.

 

[rdodd]

Could someone tell which years had cats on exaust?

 

[Smokin Dodge]

As far as I know all 94 and up have them and maybe before.

 

[Coalsmoke]

If it were me, I'd bank the extra $$ and go with the 12V. mikel is right with the p7100 being a really good pump.

 

[Deezul1]

The 12 valve makes HP pretty cheap. By watching for group purchases or sales you can put a plate and 370 injectors in one for around $500. No computer at all on the engine with 12Valve.

Lift pumps are failure prone on 24 Valve and can take out the injection pump on their way down. I like not having to trouble shoot computer stuff if there is a problem on the 12V.

 

[KWentling]

Might want to check out the oil pan thread of Sandusky's on his '98. 5 24-valve. I like the simplicity of the 12-valves!



Kim