5.9 L Cummins 12-Valve

12-valve Cummins 5.9 L EngineIntroduced in 1989, Dodge was late to release a diesel powered truck. However, their competitive edge was the 5.9L Cummins 12-valve, the first turbo-diesel to appear in a 1-ton truck. The B 5.9 was later replaced by a 24-valve version of the 5.9L Cummins in 1998.

5.9 L Cummins Specifications:

Manufacturer: Cummins
Production Years: 1989 - 1998
Applications: Dodge 3/4 & 1 ton trucks.
Configuration: Inline 6
Block/Head Material: cast iron / cast iron
Displacement: 359 ci, 5.9 liters
Compression: 17.0:1
Bore: 4.02 inches
Stroke: 4.72 inches
Injection: direct injection
Aspiration: Holset turbocharger (intercooled in 1991)
Weight: approx 970 lbs.
Peak Horsepower: Introductory: 160 HP @ 2,500 RPM
Peak: 215 HP @ 2,500 RPM
Peak Torque: Introductory: 400 lb-ft. @ 1,600 RPM
Peak: 440 lb-ft. @ 1,600 RPM
Reputation: Reliable, loads of low speed torque.

Additional 5.9 L Information:

  • The crankshaft on the Cummins B 5.9 weighs in at 150+ lbs.
  • Turbocharger manufacturer Holset is a subsidairy of Cummins.
  • The 5.9 was capable of nearly doubling torque & fuel economy in comparison to Dodge's V-8 gasoline engines.