1994 To 1998 1/2 Dodge Ram Power Recipes - Dodge Diesel Trucks

Perhaps the performance benchmark of the diesel industry, the '94 to '98 1/2 Dodge Ram is one of the most tried-and-true platforms for diesel enthusiasts. Horsepower levels of up to 1,500 hp can be had with the legendary P7100-pumped 12-valve engine, although we'll admit that's quite outside most people's budgets. Still, within our $1,500, $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000 budgets, you'll find that the 12-valve Cummins can pack quite a punch.

View Photo Gallery | 6 Photos

Photo 2/6 | Diesel Power had a '97 12-valve project that made 272 hp at the wheels with minor fueling modifications. We eventually hit 340 hp with an aftermarket turbo, intercooler, exhaust, and intake, but never quite made the power we were looking for due to a lack of tuning.

There are notable differences between the '94 and '98 1/2 model year trucks and engines, however. The best of the lot are '96 to '98 1/2 models, which had stronger transmissions and a more desirable injection pump. The 215hp P7100 injection pumps found in manual transmission-equipped trucks can provide enough fuel for almost 600 hp at the wheels with very basic modifications. The earlier 160hp and 175hp pumps will take more work (larger injectors, bigger delivery valves) to get to those power levels. The point here is your modifications will vary depending on what kind of injection pump you have.

If you're into basic mods and expect your diesel to last forever, this is your truck. A manual transmission '94 to '98 1/2 Dodge Ram with a fuel plate and turned-up stock turbo will last forever-we know of a few car haulers who have put 700,000 to 800,000 miles on their engines before a major rebuild. So whether it's basic performance or ultimate power you're after, second-generation Dodge Rams are hard to beat.

BUDGET: $1,500

Modification: Killer Dowel Pin kit
Reason: Because engine failure is no fun
Vendor: Source Automotive
Price: $60

Modification: Gauges
Reason: To keep an eye on boost and EGT
Vendor: Pure Diesel Power, Auto Anything
Price: $250 - $350

Modification: Fuel plate and boost elbow
Reason: To add more fuel and boost
Vendor: TST Products
Price: $250

Modification: 3,000-rpm governor spring kit
Reason: More rpm and improved powerband
Vendor: TST Products, Pure Diesel Power
Price: $110

Modification: Aftermarket intake
Reason: More airflow is needed with more fuel
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Aftermarket 4-inch exhaust
Reason: More exhaust flow is needed with intake and fuel upgrades
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $350 - $450

Horsepower Range (at the wheels): 200 - 330 hp
Weak Link: Stock torque converter

TOTAL: $1,270 - $1,470

BUDGET: $2,500

Modification: Killer Dowel Pin kit
Reason: Because engine failure is no fun
Vendor: Source Automotive
Price: $60

Modification: Gauges
Reason: To keep an eye on boost and EGT
Vendor: Pure Diesel Power, Auto Anything
Price: $250 - $350

Modification: Fuel plate and boost elbow
Reason: To add more fuel and boost
Vendor: TST Products
Price: $250

Modification: 3,000-rpm governor spring kit
Reason: More rpm and improved powerband
Vendor: TST Products, Pure Diesel Power
Price: $110

Modification: Aftermarket intake
Reason: More airflow is needed with more fuel
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Aftermarket 4-inch exhaust
Reason: More exhaust flow is needed with intake and fuel upgrades
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $350 - $450

Modification: Torque converter (auto)
Reason: Stock converter will slip
Vendor: Sun Coast Converters, ATS, Goerend Transmission, NADP
Price: $1,100 - $1,300

Modification: Clutch upgrade (manual)
Reason: Stock clutch will slip
Vendor: South Bend Clutch
Price: $1,100

Horsepower Range (at the wheels): 200 - 375 hp
Weak Link: High EGT (215hp pump) or stock injectors (160hp and 175hp pumps)

TOTAL: $2,370 - $2,770

BUDGET: $5,000