How much horsepower does a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins have?
The 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins engine produces 160 horsepower.
In 1997, the Ram 2500 relied on a 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel, a 12-valve inline‑six that powered many heavy‑duty trucks of the era. This configuration delivered 160 hp and roughly 400 lb-ft of torque, emphasizing torque and reliability over peak horsepower. The figure is representative of the US-spec truck for that model year, with some export variants and equipment differences occasionally affecting numbers.
Engine and performance snapshot
Key numbers that defined the 1997 5.9 Cummins in the Ram 2500 are summarized below.
- Engine: 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (12-valve inline-6)
- Horsepower: 160 hp
- Torque: 400 lb-ft
These core specifications reflect the standard configuration for the 1997 US-market Ram 2500. Variations by trim or export markets could lead to small differences in labeling or calibration, but the 160 hp/400 lb-ft figure remained the baseline for that year.
Context and evolution of the Ram 5.9 Cummins power
To understand how horsepower evolved after 1997, it helps to view the transition from the 12‑valve design to the 24‑valve update that followed.
- 1997: 5.9L Cummins (12-valve) – approximately 160 hp and 400 lb-ft
- 1998 onward: 5.9L Cummins (24-valve) – approximately 215 hp and around 440 lb-ft
The 24-valve version introduced in 1998 marked a notable jump in both horsepower and torque, aligning with Dodge’s push to modernize the heavy‑duty Cummins lineup and improve towing and overall performance.
Notes on model history and impact
For enthusiasts and buyers, the 1997 5.9 Cummins figure represents a stable, torque‑focused diesel era before Dodge’s mid‑late‑1990s upgrade to the more powerful 24‑valve engine. The horsepower count matters less than the accompanying torque in heavy‑duty work, but the later jump to roughly 215 hp signaled a meaningful performance shift in the Ram family.
Summary
In short, the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins engine delivered 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, reflecting the 12‑valve era of Dodge’s diesel family. The power profile evolved quickly after 1997, with the 24‑valve update in 1998 bringing a significant horsepower uplift and expanded torque for heavier towing and more robust performance.
What year to stay away from Ram 2500 diesel?
The 2012-2016 and 2018 Dodge Ram 2500s have developed a reputation for chronic reliability issues that you should avoid. These models suffer from severe problems like brake system failures, faulty steering components, turbocharger breakdowns, and transmission defects.
How much HP does a stock 5.9 Cummins have?
305-325 HP
The last generation 5.9l Cummins engines from 2003 to 2007 used HPCR pump and 24 valves. They have 305-325 HP and 600-650 lb-ft of torque. Cummins made a displacement change in 2007.5 to the 6.7l Cummins diesel.
What is the towing capacity of a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins?
The 1997 Ram 2500 with the 12 Valve 5.9 Cummins Turbo Diesel engine typically has a towing capacity around 12,000–14,000 lbs, depending on configuration. Key components to check include the transmission cooler, heavy-duty brakes, and suspension upgrades to handle a 32' fifth wheel safely.
What year was the 5.9 Cummins bad?
Though injector failure does occur on aged '89-'98 and '98.5-'02 6BT and ISB Cummins engines, the electronic common-rail versions employed in '03-'07 5.9L's are much more prone to failure.
