Well I've always preferred to underwork a machine, rather than overwork it. But I understand diesels might be different that way, like tinkerer says. As for what I drive - I'm pulling a 87 Buick Grand National that I drag race - so I do like power And I know a little about turbo mods. Does anybody know the stock torque ratings on the 5.9 vs the 8.3? That probably means more than hp anyway right?
Thanks again
D
I have a 5.9 in a 35'MH and pull a Cherokee. I'm no speed demon but I haven't been stopped on any hill I wanted to pull. You know the toad is there however.
I own a year 2000 Fleetwood Discovery 37V, 5.9/275hp Cummins DP. After suffering the inadequate power of the stock engine when towing a dinghy up a hill, I decided to do something about it. So, I purchased a power booster "Electronic Chip", and boosted the rating from 275hp to 330hp! I tow a 5k lbs Dodge Caravan,at highway speeds without any problem and 4-6% hills at a reasonale and acceptable speed. The chip increased my foot-pounds torque by some 70%. I usually drive at 60mph. From a standing stop, the coach accelerates quickly up to speed. Needless to say, I am very happy with the results I'm getting. I will also mention, that the chip controller,has 4 settings ranging from 300,up to 330hp increments.
Each level also increases the torque value to a higher percentage. The cost of the chip...$700.00. It's a "do it yourself" installation, if you are mechanically inclined, or have a reputable and certified Diesel mechanic install the unit.
with all the mod posts, no one has mentioned that if you build a 5.9 you need to watch the heat. The motor may not have enough radiator. Likewise you need to make sure the egt's don't get too hot and smoke the turbo. The torque on the 5.9 will be around 600 ft lbs. make sure the tranny can take the torque and power if you increase it. Other than that the 5.9 is a good engine and can pull pretty hard.
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow (fur Bearing Children)
once again more posts with wrong information than right. the 5.9 will have an allison transmission, hopefully a 6 speed. Nearly every garbage truck in exhistance has this combination, it is nearly bullet proof. They were also put in a lot of city buses. I get 10 to 11 (36'H/R Endeavor)pulling my Jeep cherokee at 60 to 65, at 75 I get 7 MPH you can hop it up but try it first you might just be satisfied. Remember 6 speed Allison transmission.
There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"
Ron K
"Well I've always preferred to underwork a machine, rather than overwork it" I think you just answered your own question. The 5.9 is a great little engine that can be boosted/chipped for more HP/torque but it does it at much higher RPM's than a 8.3. BUT, are you going to be able to use that extra HP without overheating on a long pull and have you overloaded the Allison tranny? There is a lot of difference between a 36' MH and a 40' MH. A 5.9 in a 40' MH pulling a 7K load is going to be a slug, even in a older MH without the extra weight of a slide, tile, and a big tool box. NOW a older 36' (not as heavy as newer ones) pulling a 4K load with a mild HP increase will be fine. Also most MH's with a 5.9 will only have a hitch rated for 5K, some only 3K. Sure a 5.9 in a PU is a great engine and I love my 7.3 PSD in my F350 as it will handle grossing 26K lbs very well, but a 36' DP is going to weigh more than that empty and without a toad.
Something about pay me now or pay me later comes to mind. If you end up not being happy with the 5.9 (even after adding many mods/$) it's going to cost a lot more to trade for what you really need. They did not put a 8.3 in a MH because it was cheaper, they put it in there to keep us happy and to do the job we ask it to do, mile after mile, and even on a long grade above 10,000' in CO. Now that I'm at the the pass and have to start down, I sure wish I had an exhaust brake (most 5.9 do not) to help slow me DOWN.
I have a 5.9ISB 300 hp in a 38' Kountry Star, with no problems. I tow a PT Cruiser, 3+k's. Like others have said, you will not be the first one up the hill, but that is non issue to me. I have found that it is important to keep the radiator clean (rear radiator). I include that in my annual service, and it has helped to keep engine temps down on those long grades.
'02 KOUNTRY STAR DP
'04 PT CRUISER INFERNO RED
LUCKY THE TRAVELIN'BLACK CAT
I am one that says buy what you need and don't buy something you need to modify to get what you want. Towing more than 5,000 lbs will require that the MH has the rating to do so. A current thread here discusses shorter DPs. A 5.9 works best for shorter DPs and 35-36 should be the maximum length. For an example, I have a 260 HP 5.9 ISB, five speed Allison, and about 25,000 combined weight including my towed car and the combination is fine. I get good MPG with the smaller engine also.
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And I know a little about turbo mods. Does anybody know the stock torque ratings on the 5.9 vs the 8.3? That probably means more than hp anyway right?
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