98 F-800 with 5.9 cummins mod questions

I have a 1998 f-800 with the 5.9 cummins.The truck has about 210 h.p. stock,but is not really enough power.The truck is a 20 ft. flatbed with a crane mounted on it.I own a tree service and I use the truck to take down trees and haul away the logs.It does okay when it's empty but when I put a load of logs on it,it's really underpowered.I would like to do some mods to it if I can,but I talked to the mechanic and he said" these motors don't like to be turned up"I know everyone modifies the 5.9 in pickup trucks,why can't I modify mine?If I can what do you guys recommend?  

1998 was the year they went to the VP-44 injector pump, and IIRC, was also one of the years the the "53" block.  If you have a "53" block (should see the numbers "53" near cylinder #5 on the block) then I wouldn't do much other than the BHAF (big honking air filter).  The "53" block has been known to crack after adding power upgrades.  Not all of them do it but it's something to be aware of.

On the cheap, you could get a hotrod VP-44 and a set of 50HP nozzles for the injectors.  You'll need a better intake manifold like a CFM Plus and possibly a better exhaust, and the BHAF that you can pick up from almost any Napa Auto Parts store.



Kris  
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 QC 5.9L - No Mods Yet
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 QC 6.7L - Titan Fuel Tank Owner

Thanks for the info.It's just my luck that I have the first year for a crap motor I'll probably just leave it alone.I wonder why they would make a weak block for an engine that's used in heavy applications?Is there a chance it's not a "53"?  

The only way to verify it is to look on your block.





Kris  
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 QC 5.9L - No Mods Yet
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 QC 6.7L - Titan Fuel Tank Owner

yes there is a chance but its slim. U C the 53 block was cast in Brazil, and used in mostly light duty trucks I.E. Dodge. there was another cast at the same time in Mexico which is better its identified in the same place but with almost unreadable numbers and symbols. Also is this a 24 or 12 valve truck? It was a mid year switch for dodge but im dont know about your app. If it is a 12 valve your all set seeing as only the 24 has the 53 block. Also the mexican blocks usually ended up in heavy and medium duty stuff like boats excavator and such so u may luck out if you do have a mexican cast 24 valve. They are pretty rare and sought after actually. On either engine any thing you can do to help the truck breathe better will give you at very least fuel mileage gains. The biggest problem with the 53 block is that it is very thin just under the freeze plugs on the exhaust side and is known to crack there up to 12 inchs long. It is a very tight crack and will usually only leak coolant when the engine is hot and under high rpms. The crack usually occurs because the engine was not properly brought up to temperature in very cold climates below 20 degrees, or if the engine is subjected to high rpms over stock like 4000 or better. There are fixes available to repair the cracked blocks so all is not lost. I my self have a 53 block with almost 400,000 on it and no trouble yet.  
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Which side of the block would I find the numbers?Which cylinder is number 5?Is there an easy way to tell if it's 12 or 24 valves?  

If its a 12 there will be 6 individual valve covers if its 24 there will only be 1 long one. the numbers should be around an inch tall and on the drivers side front bottom corner just above the flange that the oil pan bolts to this area may be very dirty so you may have to clean it to make them visible. You can search code 53 block on google and you should get a picture.  
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