5.9L Cummins 12-valve
The Cummins B 5.9 was introduced in 1984 as an agriculture engine. It was not until 1989 that it became the first B-Series Cummins engine to be used in a light duty truck; the Dodge Ram. The B 5.9, also known as the "12 Valve", became a popular alternative to the V8 engines typically used in these trucks, as it generated nearly double the torque at low engine speeds and nearly doubled the fuel ecomony as well. Mid-year in 1991, the B 5.9 recieved an intercooler. The 12 valve featured Bosch Direct Fuel Injection utilized a VE injection pump between 1989 - 1993, and a P7100 injection pump between 1994 - 1998. The 12 valve 5.9 remains one of the most popular versions of the Cummins produced.
5.9L 12v Specifications:
Displacement: |
359 cubic inches, 5.9 liters |
Configuration: |
Inline 6 cylinder |
Firing Order: |
1-5-3-6-2-4 |
Compression Ratio: |
17.0:1 |
Bore: |
4.02 inches |
Stroke: |
4.72 inches |
Injection: |
Direct Injection: |
Aspiration: |
Holset turbocharger |
Valvetrain: |
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, solid lifter camshaft |
Oil Capacity: |
12 quarts |
Weight: |
approx. 975 lbs, 905 lbs dry. |
*Horsepower: |
160 - 215 HP @ 2,500 RPM |
*Torque: |
400 - 440 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM |
Governed Speed: |
2,700 RPM |
Years of Operation: |
1989 - 1998 |
5.9L 12v Cummins Engine Dimensions:
Length: |
40.0 inches |
Width: |
24.9 inches |
Height: |
37.9 inches |
5.9L 12v Cummins Info:
• The 6 BT 5.9L Cummins was originally used in Case agriculture equipment.
• The 12-valve 5.9L is popular in Diesel motorsports due to its simplicity, reliability, strength, & performance potential.
• The 5.9L Cummins 12v is one of the most popular choices for engine swaps. In compact width, performance potential, and simplicity (all mechanical design, not electronic) allow it to be swapped with relative ease. Additionally, their are a large volume of 12 valves available making it an affordable process.
Related Topics:
| 6.7L Cummins Specs | 5.9L 24v Cummins Specs |
| 4BT Cummins Specs | Getrag G350 5-speed Specs |
| Cummins Power Rating Timeline | Cummins Maintenance Schedule |
6 BT Cummins Specs