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1994-1998 12 Valve 5.9L Cummins Specs

Following the 1st gen Cummins footsteps was no small task. Dodge had immense success with the first 5.9L Cummins engine and the D250/350 trucks, and they had to keep the momentum going. As a result, they kept the 5.9L Cummins and made some adjustments to improve them. The term 2nd generation Cummins refers to Dodge diesel pickups between 1994-2002. There are two variations of the 2nd gen Cummins though. 1994-1998 trucks feature 12 valves and are very similar to the previous trucks engines. 1998.5-2002 trucks , have the 5.9L Cummins engine with 24 valves. We’ll go over what make these trucks unique and a complete list of 2nd Generation 5.9 Cummins specs below.

1994-1998 12V Cummins (12 Valve) Features

The first variation of the second gen cummins features the desirable “p-pump” fuel injection pump. New injectors, a larger intercooler, and a new turbocharger were also introduced. These additions help reduce emissions output compared to the previous generation. They also gave the 5.9L 12v engine better performance. Early 2nd Gen Cummins trucks produced greater horsepower and torque numbers than the previous model year. These horsepower and torque numbers depend on your transmission configuration though. 1994 Cummins equipped Dodge Ram trucks have 175 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the NV4500 5-Speed manual transmission. 1994 Cummins trucks with an automatic 47RH transmission only offered 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

5.9L 12V Performance Specs

Fuel Injection

The early Second Generation Cummins received a new fuel injection system featuring new injectors, injection pump, and even the pistons were updated to accommodate better combustion events and lower emissions. The Bosch P7100 mechanical injection pump is without a doubt the most important component of this fuel system though. The “P-Pump” injection pump provides better fueling and can be upgraded for even higher flow and performance. The P-Pump doesn’t do it all by itself though. Injectors were added that were built to sustain the higher fuel pressures. The piston fuel-bowl design was changed to provide better swirl and improve overall combustion quality.

Early Second Gen Cummins Air Induction

A larger intercooler and a new wastegated turbocharger were added to the second generation Dodge Cummins. The initial turbocharger offered on the 1994 Dodge Cummins is a wastegated variation of turbocharger found on the 1st gen Cummins. This turbocharger is known as the Holset H1C. Late 1994-1998 2nd Gen Cummins trucks have a different turbo. They have an upgraded Holset HX35W or HX35 turbocharger. This turbocharger has proven more than capable of sustaining stock boost levels, and has been known to hold up to pressures of 40 psi.

The Engine of Choice for Diesel Racing and Sled Pulling

Today, late 12V Dodge Cummins trucks are preferred for racing and high-performance applications. Horsepower over 1,000 can be easily achieved and these motors are more than capable of handing the extra power with some small upgrades. Even as a daily driver, the 12V Cummins is an ideal choice. Even with tuning and other performance upgrades these diesels can hold up for hundreds of thousands of miles before having to complete any major repairs.

1998.5-2002 24V Cummins (24 Valves) Specs

In 1998, a revised version of the 2nd Gen Cummins was introduced. It retained the same body style, but big mechanical changes were made. The new 5.9L Cummins engine had 24 valves, or 4 valves per cylinder. The mechanical “P-Pump formally known as the Bosch P7100 fuel injection pump was replaced with a rotary electric VP44 injection pump. This injection pump is one of the most common 2nd Generation Cummins problems. Other 2nd Gen Cummins specs were changed as well, that helped Dodge trucks stay slightly above their competitors. 1998 Dodge Ram trucks with the 24 valve 5.9L Dodge Cummins engine produce 235 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque when paired with the 5-Speed Manual transmission. Trucks from 1998 with automatic transmissions make 215 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

24V 5.9L Cummins Performance Specs

Engine Changes

Cummins dramatically changed the late 2nd Gen Cummins engine. By doubling the valves, overall performance improves. Drivability improves because of better throttle response. The 24V engine configuration also allows for much better coolant flow compared to the previous 12V engine. Another big change is the new “53” engine block. Despite how reliable Cummins engines typically are, blocks marked with the “53” stamp are susceptible to cracking. They feature thinner walls that overtime can develop coolant leaks. For this reason, trucks built before 1999 or after 2001 are more desirable.

Fuel System

The change to an electric rotary injection pump was a big step for Cummins. The VP44 injection pump works with the ECU to control fuel injection timing and fuel flow. An electric lift pump was introduced to help keep fuel pressure constant. This lift pump is actually one of the most common reasons the VP44 pump fails. If it doesn’t get the proper fuel supply it’s very likely to break. Aftermarket lift pumps like an Air Dog or Fass system is highly recommended! Despite moving to an electric rotary fuel injection pump, mechanical injectors are still used on late second generation Dodge Cummins trucks. They were re-located however which makes servicing them easier, as well as improves the spray pattern for a better combustion sequence.

Air Induction

The 24 Valve 5.9L Cummins used the same turbocharger as 12V models from 1994-1998. The Holset HX35W was used on all models until 01′ and 02′. In these years, trucks with automatic transmissions used a HY35W turbocharger.

High Output 24V 5.9L Cummins

Late 2nd Gen Cummins trucks are available in a high-output configuration. The High Output 24V 5.9L Cummins comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. This is slightly different than what we’ve seen Ram do in current times. Manual transmissions are much less capable than Aisin automatic transmissions or even the standard 68RFE. Automatic transmissions in 2000-2002 were not nearly as good as they are now. This NV5600 6-Speed manual transmission is a much better option than early automatic transmissions, especially when it comes to adding aftermarket power.

High Output trucks produced 10 extra horsepower and 45 more lb-ft of torque from the factory. Higher horsepower and torque numbers are easily achieved however and the manual transmission makes it very affordable to support those big numbers. Check out our favorite 2nd Generation Cummins Performance upgrades post to find out what parts you need to add big horsepower and torque numbers to your truck.

2nd Generation Cummins Specs

Because both 12 valve and 24 valve variations of the Cummins engine are found on the second generation Cummins, pay special attention to the years listed. 2nd Generation Cummins specs are going to vary slightly between model year.

Horsepower and Torque Numbers

12V 5.9L Cummins Horsepower & Torque

24V 5.9L Cummins Horsepower & Torque

2nd Generation 5.9 Cummins Towing Specs

So many improvements were made to maximum tow capacity between 1994 and 2002. The tow capacity numbers below are maximum numbers. Your truck’s towing capacity will most likely be another option. To figure out your exact tow capacity and payload information, check out your owner’s manual. You can also look at the Trailer Life website.

Max 2nd Gen Cummins Tow Capacity (Based off of 2002 Numbers)

Learn More About the 2nd Gen Cummins

Click on one of the links below to learn more about 1994-2002 Dodge Ram trucks with the 12 valve or 24 valve 5.9L Cummins engine.

• 9 Best 2nd Generation Cummins Performance Upgrades
• Comprehensive 2nd Generation 5.9L Cummins Maintenance Schedule And Guide