Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Best year for 12v's ?????

[Hemiless]

I currently own a 02 24valve truck but have been toying with the idea of building 12v hotrod and was wondering which year was the best. I know I will be buying aftermarket parts but which engine is the best foundation to start from or is there any difference between the 12v motors? Sorry for the ignorance but the last 12v I ever messed with was my dads 89 which we stuck a banks intercooler on back in 90 but we have long since sold that truck. Any help would be great.

 

[DBogo]

97 or 98 they had the 215 pump in em and 98 has the new interior

 

[george]

Hey, what pump did the 96 have?

 

[DieselTweaker]

Im I remember correctly the 96 had a 180hp pump

 

[DBogo]

i beleive 180 in manual 160 in auto

 

[justinp20012500]

Hands down the 98.



They are still kind of pricey though.



I will just wait another year or so.





Justin

 

[JMcFerrin]

96 manual has a 215

 

[bmoeller]

'96- '98. 4 -



Auto is 180 HP



Manual 215 HP



'97 was a good year.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

just don't get the California version with egr--they were 180s. The brake proportioning valve was positioned for better access to the fuel filter etc. in 1997 than in 1998. 2 wheel ABS (standard) also reduced clutter compared to 4W ABS. 97-8 had hydroboost brakes, better than the vacuum used in 1996.

 

[knwells]

I currently own a 02 24valve truck but have been toying with the idea of building 12v hotrod and was wondering which year was the best. I know I will be buying aftermarket parts but which engine is the best foundation to start from or is there any difference between the 12v motors? Sorry for the ignorance but the last 12v I ever messed with was my dads 89 which we stuck a banks intercooler on back in 90 but we have long since sold that truck. Any help would be great.

I did what you are considering my purchase was a 1998 12 valve because it I felt it was he best foundation.

 

[knwells]

Hands down the 98.



They are still kind of pricey though.



I will just wait another year or so.





Justin

Even after a year or so the 98 12 V might not come down in price. They may go up.

 

[Hammer]

97 or 98 they had the 215 pump in em and 98 has the new interior

Depending on what style interior you have a taste for is what year to buy as they have said. ANY of the 12valve trucks are good trucks to modify in my opinion. Just because they have the "215" pump on them doesn't mean they are the best. You will find most shops who build performance P-Pumps use the 160 or 180 pumps anyway. They are more suited for fuel delivery at higher rpms than the 215 pumps. Now if your going to do is toss in a set of delivery valves and a rpm kit,then the 215 pump is the best choice. I have seen just as many stout running 94,95 and 96 automatic trucks on a jet as I have the 215 equipped stick rides. Find the truck and interior you want,but,if what you desire in your mind is a Quad cab then your choices are limited. The 95 and 96 trucks around here can be had at some righteous prices because of the "215 pump" mystique so if you find one like that and it fits your fancy dont pass it up as its just as good for performance work as the others... ... . Andy

 

[Justin1889]

Id have to say a 98

 

[Dieselram]

I know where a 98 12v regular cab 5 speed is, 75K i think the boy want's $18k for it

 

[RBrunson]

My vote is with Justin, took me a long time to find this one and I am going to keep it a long time. Just broke in at 106k.

 

[AMink]

I'd like one of the early '98's. 12v with the quad doors. For now, my 97 is doing just fine!

 

[DogDiesel]

Best Cummins

For me, a 1997 5. 9 in a Chevy 1 ton 5 sp 4x4. Conservative 300 HP setup. Ride is nice. Mandatory 2" cab lift to clear hood. No payments. Nicer.

Wayne