If you’ve been a fan of diesel performance for more than .00002 seconds, you’ve probably heard the term “2nd Gen Swap”. And if you’re not sure what the heck that means, you’ve found the right article.
2nd Gen Swapping or 2G swapping, is hands-down one of the most popular modifications for 2003+ Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9 or 6.7 Cummins.
And no, it does not mean swapping a 12-valve into your truck!
The Mighty 2nd Gen Swap
Simply put, a 2nd Gen Swap is a turbo kit that utilizes the same exhaust manifold style and turbo mounting location as a 2nd (1994-2002) Gen Ram 2500/3500—hence the name. You see, from 1994-2002, Cummins-powered Ram trucks came with a center mounted turbocharger right from the factory, which was mounted on a divided exhaust manifold.
2nd Gen Swaps have a number of benefits, including:
- Larger turbocharger options
- Improved Performance
- Equalized Drive Pressure
- More balanced EGTs
- A very unique sound
- And more!
2nd Gen Swaps make it very easy to run S400 frame turbos—ideal for Cummins owners looking to make 700+ horsepower. However, these turbo kits aren’t just for competition vehicles—far from it.
With proper tuning and turbo sizing, these kits are easily used on daily-driven trucks.
The Internet’s Favorite Turbo Setup
While 2nd Gen Swapping is not a new idea, social media seems to have helped them skyrocket in popularity. The absolutely head-turning sound of a 2nd Gen Swapped 6.7 Cummins is unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
Additionally, the power and performance that can be had with a 2nd Gen Swap is eye-opening, especially when paired with aftermarket injectors, CP3s, and FASS Fuel Systems.
For example, a common recipe for building an 850+ horsepower 6.7 Cummins is:
- 2nd Gen Swap with an S472 turbo
- 100% over injectors
- 12mm CP3
- FASS 165GPH Fuel System
- ARP 625 Head Studs
- Aftermarket Pushrods
- Aftermarket Valve Springs
Notice we didn’t say this was cheap to do—quite the contrary. However, it’s important to note that a 2nd Gen Swap can be built for nearly any power level.
Buying a 2nd Gen Swap
While we’re big fans of the good ‘ol 2nd Gen Swap here at FASS Motorsports, we surprisingly do not sell them. Due to regulatory concerns, we are unable to offer these turbo kits to our customers.
That said, there are plenty of fantastic options out there on the market!
Just a quick Google search will return dozens of 2nd Gen Swap options for both the 5.9 and 6.7 liter Cummins. Not sure which kit is best?
Hop in some Cummins-based Facebook groups—you’ll find all the information you need.
What else will I need?
Keep in mind, if you’re 2nd Gen Swapping your 2003+ Cummins, you’ll probably need more than just the turbo kit. Depending on your horsepower goals and turbo sizing, you may need to invest in:
- ARP Head Studs
- Larger Injectors
- Performance CP3 Injection Pump
- Aftermarket Valve Springs
- Aftermarket Pushrods
- Custom Tuning
- Built Transmission or Aftermarket Clutch
See, while 2nd Gen Swap kits themselves are not typically too expensive, the additional parts needed can get pricey—depending on how far you want to take your truck.
FASS Motorsports: The Parts Your After
While we can’t help directly with a 2nd Gen Swap turbo kit, we can supply everything else you need! From larger injectors to ARP Head Studs and more, our vast catalog of Cummins performance parts locked and loaded.
If you have questions about some of the parts mentioned here, give us a shout! You can reach us by phone at (636) 429-7020 or via email at info@fassmotorsports.com.
And as always, thanks for reading!