Which 5.9 Block Is The Best.

[Moulder]

My father has a 1997 Ford F-250 with a very sick Powerstroke. I am going to try buying the truck from him and build a Cummins the way I want it. The machining side will not be a problem as I am an engine machinist (gas engines). The problems I see running into are parts and information. I have read very little about the QSB 6. 7 liter. The crank from this engine put into a 5. 9 block sounds very appealing. I found the location of the nearest Cummins dealer (Houston) and I am going to see what information I can get. My qustion is which block, if any, is the best one to look for? The motor will have a mechanical injetion pump, but I am not sure on which head yet (12 or 24 valve). There might even be a chance for twins.

 

[Mhannink]

well if it where me i would look for the international harvester blocks i hear they are the real power blocks. if not then probably any block that doesn't have a big 53 on the side of it

 

[Moulder]

So any 5. 9 in an International or Case tractor? What about a combine? Would this be up to or after a certain year?

 

[Mhannink]

well from my understanding there are only a handful of ih/cummins blocks the one ive heard about was in a 96 dodge i don't know what other years they might be but i think really its not really a big deal any cummins block thats not a 53 will be fine. i also think that any head will fit on any block. not sure but seems like it would.



another thing you might think about doing (if its true) is use the euro 6. 7 crank and con rods since it was stroked and use the american 6. 7 pistions since they where bored. i don't know if its true about those 2 differences but if so then that would be sweet

 

[zstroken]

I think the IH block is more common than people realize. I have an aquaintance that worked for cummins and he say during the early/mid 90's they used a ton of those. They may not be common in the dodge application, but he said he saw a ton of them.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

3rd gen block is strongest but gear case from first and second gen doesn't interchange on it. Nor does the block plate at the bell housing.

 

[Moulder]

Would the IH/Case blocks have the same mounting locations as the Dodge block? I am guessing this is a structural block. Is there a significant difference in strength that would warrant looking for this specific block? Also why is the 53 a bad block?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Of the 24-valve blocks I read the 01. 5 and 2002 blocks were the strongest, heaviest in the Ram application, especially the Mexico blocks (Brazillian blocks are Tupy).



Vaughn

 

[rockjeep73]

Ive read that the 56 casting block is one of the strongest, which were cast in Mexico. The 53 blocks are prone to cracking in the water jacket.

 

[Moulder]

Is the 53 block an early production block? If I just decide to rebuild a Dodge/truck 5. 9 what years was the 53 block in trucks? Is the 56 cast on the side like it is on the 53 block?

 

[rockjeep73]

I think the 53 block is most common in 99 & 00. The 56 is cast into the block just like the 53.

 

[bgilbert]

53 also found on 98 12V's.

 

[RBratby]

how good are the Brazillian blocks (tupy). thanks Richard

 

[Mhannink]

the 53 block is bad because it has a 5. 5 mm side wall where the norm should be something like 9 or 10. the 56 is better but of the 24v the best one has a bunch of small numbers where the 53/56 should be these blocks are the best next to say the 3rd gen and ih/cummins blocks. that one has a 11 mm think side wall. the 12v 53 is not near as prone to cracking as the 24v one i don't remember why. but if it where me and i where building a new motor i would be searching high and low for a mid 90's ih/cummins block. jmho

 

[firemanmarc]

If you are looking far an IH block, start with the Agriculture world. I know all our Whites here that have 6BT's and 4BT's have "IH" blocks. Case/IH used them in their combines along with their tractors. . I am pretty sure all Tenneco (Case industrial) built engines are "IH" blocks. Just giving you some other options, remember that the 6BT is a widely used engine and has been around for quite awhile. Many places to look, just not enough time..... Good luck, marc

 

[Devildog]

where is the number on the block. I look all over the bottom sides, top sides and still can't find it.

Thanks, Chas.

 

[Hohn]

Of the 24-valve blocks I read the 01. 5 and 2002 blocks were the strongest, heaviest in the Ram application, especially the Mexico blocks (Brazillian blocks are Tupy).

Vaughn

I have an 02 with the Teksid block

It's the best for 2nd gens... .

 

[azpete]

Mines a 55 block. Any Idea what that is

 

[jwilliams3]

The one that preceded the 56... . :-laf

 

[azpete]

Now jwilliams3, you go to the back of the class room!