Essential Upgrades for 3rd Gen 5.9L Cummins: A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrades for 3rd Gen 5.9L Cummins

Entering the diesel realm with a 3rd generation Cummins 5.9L marks a promising journey. Renowned for their robustness and upgrade potential, these engines stand as solid choices in the diesel community. While the 12-valve variants are esteemed for their power-handling capabilities, the 24-valve models boast superior horsepower and fortified internals, setting the stage for impressive performance upgrades.
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​Exploring the potential of these trucks beyond their stock configurations is a common desire among enthusiasts. With an array of aftermarket upgrades readily available, enhancing the performance of the 5.9L Cummins becomes an enticing prospect.

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Today, we'll delve into the first four essential modifications crucial for unlocking the full potential of your 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel.

1) Aftermarket Intake

• Improving airflow with a cold air intake stands as one of the initial upgrades to consider. Stock cold air intakes often exhibit shortcomings, such as inadequate sealing and airflow restrictions. Opting for aftermarket options from reputable brands like S&B, Wehrli Custom Fab, or Banks ensures significant enhancements. These upgrades optimize airflow, reduce intake air temperatures, and enhance engine efficiency, resulting in increased power and improved fuel economy. Moreover, cold air intakes are relatively affordable and straightforward to install, making them an ideal starting point for truck modifications.

To learn more about aftermarket intakes and other performance upgrades for your Cummins engine, visit Schultz Diesel Sports.
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2) Tuning

• Custom tuning emerges as the most cost-effective method to elevate your diesel truck's performance. Whether your vehicle is stock or equipped with bolt-on upgrades like a cold air intake, custom tuning unlocks maximum horsepower potential. Unlike generic off-the-shelf tunes, custom tuning offers tailored performance enhancements and switch-on-the-fly capabilities, allowing drivers to adjust tunes according to driving preferences. With proper custom tuning, expect significant power gains of up to 100 extra horsepower and 180 additional pound-feet of torque from a stock motor.
  

Explore custom tuning options and unleash the full potential of your Cummins engine with Schultz Diesel Sports.
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3) Transmission

• Stock transmissions equipped with 5.9L Cummins engines are notable weak points, particularly when aiming for substantial power gains. Stock automatic transmissions tend to slip beyond 400 horsepower, while manual transmissions factory clutch struggle to handle additional power. Upgrading to a built transmission becomes imperative for Cummins owners seeking enhanced performance and durability. Although transmission upgrades entail a considerable investment, they are essential for achieving substantial power gains and ensuring reliable performance.
  

Upgrade your transmission for enhanced performance and durability with expert services from Schultz Diesel Sports.

4) Turbos

• While the stock turbo in 3rd generation 5.9L Cummins engines performs adequately at stock power levels, it falls short at higher power outputs. Upgrading to a larger turbo becomes necessary to surpass the 400 horsepower mark. An upgraded turbo not only increases peak power but also delivers improved performance across the entire operating range. Pairing a larger turbo with custom tuning and a built transmission enables significant power gains, making it a vital modification for Cummins enthusiasts aspiring for higher horsepower figures.
  

Upgrade your turbo for increased power and performance with expert assistance from Schultz Diesel Sports.

Exploring the upgrade potential of 3rd gen 5.9L Cummins engines unveils a world of possibilities. With aftermarket upgrades readily available, enhancing performance and unlocking additional horsepower becomes an achievable goal. By prioritizing essential modifications like aftermarket intakes, custom tuning, transmission upgrades, and turbo enhancements, Cummins enthusiasts can unleash the full potential of their trucks, paving the way for exhilarating driving experiences on and off the road.