I searched around here and didn't really find any discussions that talked about a preference to either. So my question is if you were gonna buy a 2nd gen and wanted to get some extra power out of it while still maintaining rock-solid durability, which would you choose? I know a 24v is easier to mod with a programmer but ease of mods is not important here. I'd be willing to do some internal work to get them either up to snuff. Like 450-600 hp snuff. Tranny would be an auto which would be brought up to snuff also. More specifically I would choose either a early '98 12v because I like the new interior for '98 much better than '94-'97, or a later 2nd gen 24v like '00-'02. I prefer years that are close to the end of that generation of body style. In this choice I prefer 2nd gen over 1st gen for refinement and 2nd gen over 3rd gen for price(and other reasons).

 

That is one big can of worms to open. Me, I cherish the simplicity of my 12 valve, and the real potential that is there. I wouldn't be afraid to own a 24 valve, though. Either way, what is more important to me is making the best of what I have, not trying to have the best. No matter what you buy, it will need refinement.

As far as I am concerned, the best deal for the base truck is what would make my mind up...

 

Would it be best to avoid the earlier 24v's if I went 24v?

BTW, I like the first line of your signature!!

 

For reliability 12 valve all the way, and they are easier to bump hp output. They can push more fuel through the p pump then the crappy vp44.

 

I have had both.
I miss the 12 valve. It is easy to fuel up. same mods with turbo etc.
It also has more grunt than this 24 valve. Better for towing and mileage.

 

I had both, now only 12 valves. Had a 2000 24 valve, was plagued with nothing but problems, injection pump went out, tone ring blew up, valve guides and valve stems were junk at 80,000 miles and eventually the 53 block cracked. I replaced it with a 12 valve and a 98 PCM and wiring harness. Much nicer driving now, alot quieter too.

 

There isn't really much of a discussion. First truck was a 24v. Fixed the major flaw with it. Second truck, bought a 12v. No real flaws with that one. Cost me less to get my 12v to 450+hp than it did to get my 24v to 350hp.

 

12 Valve.........

 

I'll throw my vote for a PPumped 24valve but that's just me...

 

What year did the p-pumped 24 valves come out?

 

they didnt. 24v came with the vp44 pump. you have to make the p pump fit on the 24v. that is also what i would like to do with my truck. 24v head flows better.

 

What does it take to convert a 24v to a P pump and what years had the "53" block?

 

Both are good engines and can easily run 600rwhp and be reliable. Lots of trash talk about how bad VP's are. Don't believe most of it.

Its been awhile since I saw a P pump truck push 600rwhp barrier. Seen lots of VP trucks into the 700's

 

Ill stick with the old 12v. Super easy to work on and rock solid reliability.

 

I have owned every generation. My 24 valve cost a fortune just to keep running. After a new lift pump, and injection pump, bent pushrods (this truck was bone stock and untouched) I sold it when the tranny went out. My 12 valve runs flawlessly every time, in any weather. Fantastic mpg, good power, and runs cool. I love this truck, and might be buried in it.