INTERCOOLER — 1989–1993 DODGE RAM 5.9L CUMMINS (12-VALVE)

Lower intake air temps and improve charge-air reliability on your first-gen Dodge Ram D250/D350 (1989–1993) with CPP Diesel. This section covers intercoolers & universal cores, piping, boots, clamps, V-band connections, and sprayer accessories tailored to the VE-pump 12-valve 6BT. Note: factory intercooled trucks are ’91.5–’93; early ’89–’91 trucks can be converted.

Shop by Subcategory

• INTERCOOLERS & CORES (’89–’93) — 1st-Gen hub with universal/upgrade options.
• BOOST TUBES & INTAKE HORN (’91.5–’93) — charge pipes, horns, clamps, and hardware.
• V-BAND FLANGES & CLAMPS — HX40/S300/S400 connections for hot/cold side.
• CLAMPS & ACCESSORIES — band, Torca, and U-bolt styles for secure joints.
• SILICONE COUPLERS (UNIVERSAL) — 5-ply straight/reducer options for custom piping.
• INTERCOOLER SPRAYERS (CryO₂) — universal sprayer kits & accessories.

Featured for 1st Gen

• On 3 Performance Race Core Intercoolers — high-flow universal cores for custom swaps.
• CPP/Cummins V-Band Hardware — HX40 & S-series clamps/flanges for reliable sealing.
• PPE 4.0" 5-Ply Silicone Coupler — durable, high-pressure intercooler connection.
• 91.5–’93 Boost Tubes & Intake Horn — late 1st-Gen plumbing parts and clamps.

Why Buy from CPP Diesel

• First-Gen Focus: Parts vetted for 1989–1993 VE-pump 12-valve trucks.
• Top Brands: CPP in-house, On 3 Performance, PPE, Vibrant, BD, and more.
• Expert Support: Help with ’89–’91 non-IC conversions, pipe routing, and clamp selection.
• Fast Shipping: Popular cores, couplers, and hardware ship quickly from U.S. warehouses.

Explore the full 1989–1993 Cummins catalog for complementary upgrades.

Helpful Notes

• Model years: ’91.5–’93 trucks are factory-intercooled; ’89–’91 conversions require custom mounting and plumbing.
• Tubing size: Most builds use 3.0–3.5" charge piping; confirm intercooler/turbo outlet sizes and space.
• Couplers & clamps: Match hose ID to tube OD and use quality band or constant-tension clamps.
• Leak checks: After install, pressure-test the system and re-torque clamps after a few heat cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an intercooler to my early (non-IC) 1989–1991 truck?

Yes. Many owners use a universal core with custom brackets and boost tubes, plus the right couplers and clamps.

What size piping should I run?

For typical towing/street builds, 3.0–3.5" works well. Larger setups may use 4.0" in short sections where space allows.

Do I need V-bands on the cold side?

Not required, but V-bands are compact and service-friendly in tight bays. Ensure proper ferrules and alignment.

Will a bigger intercooler lower my EGTs?

Usually. A larger core can reduce intake temps and help control EGT under sustained load—monitor with boost/EGT gauges.

What’s the easiest way to improve IATs without re-piping?

A universal intercooler sprayer is a quick add-on for short pulls or hot-day towing.