Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12V or 24V?

[RMcNee]

Ok here it goes, girl friend has a 97 2500 4x4 auto,136k, pulls a 36' 4 horse trailor, right now had no powersteering or brakes... (yea i've read the other threads, tearin into that this weekend) When i get it fixed she wants to sell it to get a newer one, I just got a 99 qc, 5 speed and she loves it, of course I've already got a list of goodies to bomb the hell out of it... what i havent seen is what can be done to the 12V's, she has already had something done with her fuel plate??? I'm not diesel guy... i'm a BBC guy... i'm just gettin into these rattlin *** things :--) . Her transmission is acting up. . ( on the truck ) so is thing worth sinkin money into? She likes drivin my stick (the truck) so she's thinkin a 3500 with a stick. It would probably be better for her with that big ol trailer shes got... (for the horses ) Well any info would be great. . thanks Russ

 

[SEmerson]

A 12 will make just as much power as the 24 probly more. It is also easyer and cheaper to bomb. Also more reliable.



Long live the 12v's

 

[mikel]

Well, since you asked this on the 12-valve forum I'd bet most of your answers are going to be along the lines of get her a 12-valve...



I have owned two 24-valves and two 12-valves so I'll tell you what I have observed.



In stock form the 24-valve is peppier, no question

In stock form the 12-valve will make it's power and torque at a slightly lower RPM.

The 12-valve will make less racket.

Generally speaking, it is cheaper to make power with the 12-valve.

The p7100 (The injection pump on the 12-valve) is more reliable than the vp-44 (24-valve pump).



At 136k the engine is just getting broke in good, so if she doesn't have some fundamental problem with the truck then drop 3-4k on a transmission and then stick a fuel plate, governor springs and gauges on it (Probably around $500) and she'll have a nice running truck.



Remind her that newer is not always better, it's hard to beat a 12-valve for reliability.



Good luck,

Mike

 

[Joe G.]

Do a search on "lift pump" on the 24 valve forum. That will tell you all you want to know.

 

[JPittinger]

She should definitely sell it. She'll be much happier and so will you. In fact, you should give me your phone number and I'll go ahead and take it off yer hands. With that many miles, I'll only be able to give you a few thou under blue book, but you'll both be much happier.



Hope that helps.

JJ

 

[pwerwagn]

The 12V is quieter. It acts a little more like a diesel than the 24 does. It is cheaper to BOMB. It is easy to work on. Fix her dowel pin (the truck), and as someone else suggested, put in a #10, a trans, some gov springs, and gauges.

 

[AfterBurner]

Second with the 12v engine, but it might be worth it to get her a 3500. that's a lot of trailer for a 2500 chasis. But if you can stick with the 12v, the '97s are the best from what I here.

 

[pwerwagn]

But if you can stick with the 12v, the '97s are the best from what I here.

I disagree with that. The 98's have the quad cab, the short bed (if you want a single wheel) and a much nicer dash (in my opinion). The 98 12V is the same motor as the 97. (96-98 are the same, 180 and 215 pumps)

 

[Got Smoke?]

I disagree with that. The 98's have the quad cab, the short bed (if you want a single wheel) and a much nicer dash (in my opinion). The 98 12V is the same motor as the 97. (96-98 are the same, 180 and 215 pumps)

Yeah but finding a 98 12V Quad Cab now-a-days is about as likely as striking oil in your back yard!



Tell her to keep the 97, its 100 times more reliable than a 24V with their faulty fuel system. Besides tell her to look at it this way, if she drops 3 or 4 grand on a transmission for the truck that's already paid for then that would save her how many more thousands over buying a different (i. e. newer) truck?



Get a transmission, gauges, 3K Govenor Spring Kit, and a #11 plate (if she tows heavily like your talking about a #10 with get EGT's HOT! ).



She will be AMAZED at the new truck she gets with those mods! Oo.

 

[pwerwagn]

Yeah but finding a 98 12V Quad Cab now-a-days is about as likely as striking oil in your back yard!

He never said anyting about it being rare, just that the 97's were best.



Anyways, take the advice and stick with the 12V'er.

 

[BTighe]

if you sell it to JJ you could take his truck in on trade. it has alot more miles on it so its not worth much