Engine Components for 5.9L

The 1st generation Cummins was designed with durability and simplicity in mind. They choose to use an inline 6-cylinder engine, this took up less space in the engine bay. As a result, making it easier to work on. The 5.9L Cummins is made out of a cast-iron block, cylinder heads, and a forged-steel crankshaft. Inside this engine are cast-aluminum pistons and forged-steel rods. These rods and pistons were designed to withstand high cylinder pressure.

A key factor in the enhanced performance of the 5.9L, was using direct fuel injection and a turbocharger. This was the first 3/4-ton and 1-ton truck to use a turbocharger, which is revolutionary for the time. The 5.9L was outfit with a fixed-geometry Holset H1C Turbocharger; capable of producing up to 18 PSI of boost.  Also the use of a direct-injection fuel system. This method  injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The 5.9L Cummins truck utilized a Bosch VE rotary injection pump, this was driven off the camshaft gear. This mechanical pump was designed to increase fuel supply pressure with increasing engine speed. This pump had a maximum pressure of 17,400 PSI on a stock pump.

Later Dodge added an intercooler that would further increase power and efficiency. This intercooler was used to cool the compressed air from the turbo, to create denser air that would aid in a more efficient combustion process. As a result, these revolutionary upgrades gave this engine increased performance, drivability, and towing capacity.