1st Gen Dodge Cummins Performance Parts, Specs, & History

One of the grandfathers of American diesel power, the 1st Gen Dodge Cummins engine remains an enduring symbol of performance and attitude. After thirty years of reliable service and dependability, Cummins' 1st generation of Dodge diesel engines remains a standard by which performance trucks are measured.

Back in 1981, Dodge introduced their first Ram pickup. It was designed as a successor to the D-series and intended to compete with Ford and Chevy in the passenger truck space. Available in single cab, crew cab and extended cab variants, the Dodge Ram saw middling success in the 1980s.

It wasn't until 1989 — with the introduction of the 12-valve, six-cylinder Cummins 1st Gen (B Series) diesel engine — that the Dodge Ram pickup became a staple in the American automotive landscape. The 5.9-liter 1st Gen Cummins was a modified B series engine that saw a lot of use in school buses, box trucks, delivery vans and other commercial vehicles.

Dodge took the B series engine and dropped it into its 1989 chassis. The 5.9L turbo-diesel became one of the best-selling pickups on the market. The 1st Gen Cummins Dodge Ram was so popular that Chrysler had to stop taking orders for it in 1989 so they could ramp up production for the 1990 model year.

Despite a modest 160hp at 2,500rpm, the Cummins 1st Gen engine was a class leader with 400 lb-ft of torque at 1,700rpm. Coupled with Dodge's foresight to offer an all-welded bed floor design — which eliminated trapped water and rust formation around fittings — the Dodge Ram became a long-lasting success.

Then and Now: The 1st Gen Dodge Cummins Today

Today, the 1st Gen Cummins diesel pickup has become an American classic. With over thirty years of reliable service and an excellent reputation among diesel truck enthusiasts, the 1st Gen Dodge Cummins remains a highly sought-after work truck and collector's item. People love the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine so much that many truck collectors and hobbyists will retrofit older models of the Dodge Ram pickup with a 1st Gen Cummins.

Changes to emissions standards, engine sizes and other introduced technologies have pushed modern diesels to output more torque and horsepower. However, the Cummins 1st Gen remains a classic.

Aftermarket 1st Gen Cummins Parts

A vibrant market of aftermarket parts can help you modernize and expand the capabilities of your legendary powertrain. Our 5.9L 12-valve 1st Gen Cummins parts cover every aspect of your powertrain. Some of the performance parts we carry include:

●       Air Intakes

●       Turbochargers

●       Exhaust Systems

●       Injectors

●       Intercoolers

●       Transmissions

●       Stacks

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1st Gen Dodge Cummins Engine

We could only cover some things about the 1st Gen Cummins diesel engine. The history of the Dodge Ram pickup is an even longer story. Here's some more information our customers frequently ask about.

What Model Years Include the 1st Gen Cummins Engine?

The production line from 1989 to 1993 included the Cummins 1st Gen diesel engine. 1989 was the introductory year of the 5.9L inline-six that would populate the Dodge Ram until the 2nd Gen Cummins engine was introduced in 1994.

Do Dodge Ram Pickups Still Use Cummins Engines?

Yes. The 6.7L 5th generation of Cummins engines currently powers the Dodge Ram pickup. This generation has been running since 2019, with the 6th generation expected to launch in 2024.

What Are the Most Common Upgrades for a 1st Gen Cummins Engine?

Many of the upgrades you want for your Cummins 1st Gen diesel engine will depend on what you hope to achieve. Having a goal in mind — more power, better fuel economy, etc. — will help determine which upgrades to pursue. If you have any questions about what you want to order, contact us, and we will help you decide on the best products for your 1st Gen Dodge Cummins engine.

Order 1st Gen Cummins Performance Parts Online

Pure Diesel Power is a leading provider of 1st Gen Cummins performance parts. Our selection of performance and replacement parts help you maintain or upgrade your 1st Gen Dodge Cummins diesel engine. Free shipping is available on qualified orders. With thousands of products available from today's top brands, Pure Diesel Power has the products you need to enhance the performance of your diesel engine. Order your 1st Gen Cummins parts today.