By Edward A. Sanchez
The Cummins B-series engine has built a loyal fan base among Dodge truck owners since its introduction in the late 1980s, and for good reason. This workhorse engine family has provided reliable, strong performance for hundreds of thousands of customers, and millions of miles.
The engine has also proven to be exceptionally receptive to aftermarket upgrades, to the point where 500+ horsepower and 1,000+ lbs./ft. of torque are attainable with a few well-planned upgrades. Though not all Cummins owners are looking for this level of orbit-altering power and torque, it's nice to know it's possible. Here are a few of the latest goodies out for all versions of the Cummins 5.9, from the early 12-valves to the latest "610."
Advanced Flow Engineering
When you've got a tricked-out diesel engine cranking out some serious twist, don't forget the importance of airflow. Advanced Flow Engineering now offers a Cold Air Intake System that the company claims flows 80 percent more than stock and delivers 4 extra HP and 8 Ft/Lb of torque. All factory connections are retained and no drilling or cutting is required for installation. For severe-duty or commercial applications, the company recommends its patented Pro-GUARD 7 filters with seven layers of media that hold 11 times the dirt of a conventional paper filter.
877/512-8111
www.afefilters.com
ATS Diesel Performance
ATS Diesel carries a full lineup of diesel performance parts for the '94-to-current 12 and 24-valve Cummins motors. Best known for its performance torque converters, ATS also carries propane injection systems, high-flow performance injectors as well as water/methanol injection systems and exhaust brakes.
800/949-6002
www.atsdiesel.com
Banks Power
Gale Banks was in the diesel performance business long before it was cool, back when diesel trucks were considered nothing more than workhorse tow rigs. The company's long-running experience in the business has culminated in its latest offering, the "Six Gun" power tuner, offering six levels of power for the end user, as well as built-in safety features to safeguard the vehicle's drivetrain at increased power levels.
800/601-8072
www.bankspower.com
BD Diesel Performance
Anyone familiar with the diesel performance scene has heard of BD Diesel Performance. The company offers a full host of hop-up parts for the Cummins, up to its deliciously insane twin-turbo 24v set up capable of 500+ horsepower and up to 1,400 lbs./ft. of torque! Naturally, the company offers transmissions, torque converters, exhaust brakes and monitors to keep all that power under control.
800/887-5030
www.dieselperformance.com
Blue Chip Diesel Performance
Blue Chip Diesel is a Cummins specialist. If you're lucky enough to live in the Northeastern U.S., you can have your truck serviced at its headquarters in Hudson, New Hampshire. The company was made famous by its FMS fuel management system box for the Cummins, integrating fuel management with a boost gauge, and pyrometer. The company now offers a race-only version called the Redline Performance Box, which Blue Chip claims gives the engine full fueling from 3,200 to 4,000 RPM on 98 1/2 through 2002 Dodge diesel trucks for maximum performance.
888/628-7373
www.bluechipdiesel.com