Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12v or 24v? which one to buy?

[Christen]

my brother is getting a newer truck and he asked me to ask the guys and gals what they think? he would like to know the pros and cons of both trucks? now no prejudice here. be honest! its not every day u go out and spend 30 grand or more! tnx in advance! denny!

 

[Reb.B]

if u want to full on race truck then a 24v with a p-pump is what u need, if u want the most reliable truck in the world get a standard shift 12v. PERIOD! the p-pump is 500% more reliable. If all your electronics fail, just tie your shut off lever up, but in gear, and pop the clutch when u get down the hill. the 98 12v is the best truck made and the 94-97 12v are close runner ups. try to get a 96 -98 and then u get the 215 pump with the standard shift. Also, tab the KDP, and u're ready to go.

 

[KLockliear]

I disagree with the 24v/p-pump thing. Again, what do you want to do with this truck?

 

[C. Harlan]

12 Valve... . All the way. . cheaper to fix, and easier to get more horsies out of... I know some of y'all overvalved people might say you can hook the pump up, but the VP44 is way more to fix. . I know when I have to give up my truck (See Siggy) I will get a P7100 pump in my ISB... . I refuse to accept changes! Anyways, My $. 02 worth.





•Chris•

 

[KatDiesel]

Originally posted by charlan

but the VP44 is way more to fix. .

Brand New VP44 is $1250. I don't think you'll find a P7100 for that price.



Each engine has pros and cons, I want the 12v for its sheer power making ability and abilty to increase RPM. However I love having the adjustabilty at my finger tip of 0 to 160hp, and anywhere between on my VP44. So guess I'll just have to get both eventually.

 

[Steve Roseman]

The only advantages I can think of a 24 having over a 12 are... uh... um, oh yeah! You aren't required to have a catalytic converter!

 

[Deezul1]

Originally posted by KatDiesel

Brand New VP44 is $1250. I don't think you'll find a P7100 for that price.



Each engine has pros and cons, I want the 12v for its sheer power making ability and abilty to increase RPM. However I love having the adjustabilty at my finger tip of 0 to 160hp, and anywhere between on my VP44. So guess I'll just have to get both eventually.

But the VP 44 has to be replaced a lot, the P pump hardly ever.



No sensors to go bad, both are good engines, its the stuff outside that can cause the most trouble.

 

[Christen]

tnx for all the help,it is appricated,now its up to him to make a decision,i made mine!later

 

[Hammer]

Well it would depend on what his plans are for the truck as Keith has already commented on. He would need to have some kind of idea of his plans and then he could make a more accurate decision. They both have their good and bad points,neither are perfect.



12 valves have the dependable P-Pump,the deadly KDP and are able to make some stump pulling torque low in the rpm band and are great for towing and pulling.



While the 24 valve with its VP44 has some minor pump failures,but,has the ability to rev free higher into the rpm band and seem to better adapted to all out rpm rips(i. e. -drag racing,etc). I know there are a few guys who pull with these motors,but,the 12 valve is the prefered gun of choice to do that. The newer electronic trucks also have one very distinct advantage the 12 valve guys do not have and that is the ability to switch off the extra's in bad weather or slick roads.



While we all like offering a opinion on it,reality has it being his decision. Do some searches,chat with members,look around at whats available and make a choice that he will be comfortable with and stand by it,good or bad. No truck is perfect,they all have their flaws,but,they all can be made they way he wants it with a little tlc and help from the membership here. Time for him to drop his first check into the mail and spend the best 35 clams he will ever spend and join here. Arm himself with knowledge and info and then make the dealers squirm with what he has learned when they can not pass one off on him. Good Luck and happy hunting... ..... Andy

 

[Deezul1]

Wadda Ya mean 12 valvers cant switch off the extra power? My truck has a variable power switch, its called "right foot connected to brain" at least most of the time.

 

[Reb.B]

some people! okay, here it is, ... . the 12 v with a p-pump can spin higher than a 24v with a VP 44. now i said, its what u want to do. The 24v head design is better and WILL flow more, . . so in a full race setup the 24v head and a p-pump is the best. p-pumps are fully adjustable: plate position, star wheel, valet switch and afc arm adjuster which will pull the power back down where u think its best. The VP 44 Sucks, period. U can't get any life out of it. Its only efficient for 500 hrs. Then its starts to leak internally, which is good in a way because then it lubricates itself. U can buy used p-pumps all day for 200-300 dollars and put them on a stand for 45 mins to adjust and u're ready to roll. Its plain and simple, cut and dry, 24v motor and 12v both can run hard for a long time and live, the vp 44 can't. we need a poll on how many p-pumps have just died on u in a 100K and how vp 44 have.

 

[Roger rodbolt]

I have both engines and like THEM alot. Hammer and Klocklier made very good points. The '98 and up drive and stop better and are more comfortable. If you can find a '98 12 valve this may not be an issue although the trucks were again upgraded in 2001. I have the engine parts and pump to convert my 24 valve to the P7100 but I'm not willing to give up the higher pressure fuel injection and variable timing that the VP44 offers. I believe that you will get more horsepower per cc of fuel with the VP44. The 24 valve engines will run cooler egts when bombed to the same level then a 12 valve which is a big plus. Personally, I think the common rail on the 2003's will be the best engines yet . The GCVW, handling and brakes are much improved too. Wish I could affort one . Larry