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The Cummins 12-Valve is more convenient to use than the traditional V8. It also requires less effort for repairs and maintenance.
Since the advent of the automotive industry, there has always been some kind of competition among car manufacturers which revolves around building the best vehicle — and this often involve performance, through the production of incredible engines. Notably, diesel engines were particularly under the spotlight over the years, and some even gained an iconic status. Take the Cummins B series as an example.
This American manufacturer of engines introduced the B series of diesel engines in 1984 for various applications. Within the automotive industry, the B series was used in school and public service busses as well as Dodge Ram Pickup trucks. The former will particularly stay remembered for its use of one of the three generations of the Cummins B series engines.
Yes, we are talking about the first generation popularly badged as the B Engine. Although the entire series featured innovations that were recognized and sought after as efficient, the first generation proved to be the most appealing. The 5.9-liter Cummins, known as the 12-Valve Cummins, was the first member of this family to find its home in a light pickup truck. It was also the one to gain the most praise and the title of one of the best diesel engines of all time.
What makes the 12-Valve Cummins so popular and widely recognized? Learn in this brief but thorough engine review.
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It's not without reason why so many people consider the 12-Valve Cummins as one of the best and most reliable diesel engines ever introduced in pickup trucks. The fact that even today, more than 30 years after its introduction, this Cummins engine is still widely present on the road only talks in favor of this notion.
The 12-Valve Cummins presented to the public a whole new range of specs previously not seen in a pickup truck. Although we wouldn't drool over 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque today, that was quite an achievement back in the day. Cummins made the production of high horsepower and torque seem easy, and no modifications were needed to increase the performance or support the power output.
Overall, the exceptional reliability of the 12-Valve Cummins came from the robust design. Primarily developed for commercial applications, this engine could handle quite some stress, which is also evident from how long it has been in service for so many trucks. The 12-Valve Cummins was also more convenient to use than the traditional V8, taking up less space and requiring less effort for potential repairs and maintenance.
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If we take a step back and look at the making of the 12-Valve Cummins, it becomes clear that this engine always had an innovative intent. Back in the day, Dodge lagged behind Ford and GM in terms of diesel trucks and their torque, towing, and fuel economy ratings. Its answer to this unfavorable situation was to partner with Cummins and develop a mighty 12-Valve engine to put in the D/W 250 and 350 pickup trucks. This way, Dodge created real competitors to all the Ford and GM models — and much more, as it will turn out to be.
As a commercial diesel engine, the 12-Valve or the 6BT Cummins of the first generation could tow up to 11,900 lbs at maximum. Though this was an impressive number for the era, that was not all to the 6BT. The engine also featured fuel injection and a forced air induction system for seamless performance. Because of the direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber, the power increase was significant.
What's more, the 12-Valve Cummins was one of the first engines to offer a turbocharger and an intercooler. The turbocharger managed to increase the level of compressed air reaching the engine, which also resulted in more power and overall better performance. Intercoolers, naturally, helped in making the combustion process more efficient.
Paired with a manual transmission of Dodge pickup trucks (the automatic one was not the best option), the 12-Valve Cummins did wonders on the road for all those who needed more power, a higher towing capacity, and unquestionable reliability. The same applies even today, so many years after the 12-Valve Cummins made such a huge impact on the market.
Now, it's true that new, more environmentally-friendly electric engines are entering the scene lately, and we can't deny their importance or capability. Who would have thought, 50 or more years back, that EVs would actually become so powerful to not only compete but outrun some of their combustion-engine counterparts?
In the same line, who knows what awaits yet for the world of pickup trucks and engines. But we do know one thing — considering everything mentioned, the 12-Valve Cummins engine will stay remembered as one of the best diesel pickup engines ever made.
Suzana Mijatović is a Literary Critic secretly in love with all things automotive. You'll find her either reading Dostoevsky or under the hood, changing the transmission fluid and oil filters. She has a long experience in writing about car parts and automotive products, from brakes to seat cushions. Suzana is also an amateur poet and photographer.