Best Upgrades For 5.9 Cummins Common Rail – 2021 Top Picks Reviewed

| Last Updated: December 24, 2021

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When you put a diesel or gasoline direct injection system under a microscope, you would come across a part called a common rail.

A common rail is a long metal cylinder; its basic function is to receive fuel from the pump and then distribute the fuel in the injectors at extremely high pressure.

There's a wide range of Cummins Common Rails to choose from to keep your vehicle in good shape.

Comparison of the Best 5.9 Cummins Common Rail Upgrades

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • The resolution on this screen is 480 x 272
  • Best overall that comes with a 4.3-inch touch display
  • Fully updatable and you can have access to free updates
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  • Made of high-quality steel
  • Comes with a six-month guarantee
  • Runner-up that works best with the Cummins B and C series diesel engines
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  • Comes with a bulletproof bottom end
  • Very useful for eliminating rail pressure
  • Best for the money that fits perfectly into the factory rail
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  • Enhances the power of the vehicle
  • Adds 30% more performance to the vehicle
  • Ideal pin governor for 1989 to 1993 models
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Types of 5.9 Cummins Common Rail Upgrades

Following are the multiple types of 5.9 Cummins Rail Upgrades:

Programmer

It is important to invest in a decent programmer or tuner if you are looking to increase the efficiency of your engine. Plus, it will keep you updated regarding the problems that are resting in your engine.

Barring

Another way you can update your engine is by updating its barring. A barring is usually used to turn on the main engine, specifically in the desired position.

Fuel Plug

Other than a programmer and barring, you can update the fuel plug, as well. A fuel plug is used to stop the fuel from going back into the pressure relief valve. In turn, this ensures that you get the ideal performance from your engine. 

Dowel Pin

The dowel pin is used to join two items together. You can upgrade the dowel pin as per your choice of material.

Governor Pin

Lastly, you can update the device that’s sole purpose is to monitor and maintain the speed of the engine, known as the governor pin. 

How We Chose These Upgrades

Look out for the following features when you are altering your car’s engine as per your desires. Remember, it’s always better to invest in a long-lasting product and the one that serves its purpose.

Compatibility

Don’t let yourself get carried away and choose a product that does not go well with your vehicle. Make sure you only choose the feature that suits you well and performs how you want it to.

Price

It is not always important for a quality product to be extremely expensive. You can get a quality and decent product at a reasonable price as well. As long as it goes well with your vehicle and performs well, you should go for it.

Durability

Always invest in upgrades that are durable; you don’t want to keep on switching to new upgrades again and again.

Review of the Best Upgrades for 5.9 Cummins Common Rail

If you’ve decided to upgrade your 5.9 Cummins Common Rail, finally, the next step is choosing which upgrade you must actually go for. Here are some options:

Best Overall 5.9L Cummins Tuner:
MADS Smarty Touch Programmer S2G

Smarty Touch Tuner

PROS

  • Weighs around 1.68 pounds
  • Comes with the fastest PID refresh speed
  • Best suitable for 1998 to 2012 Dodge models
  • Remarkable device that is fully upgraded because of its Wi-Fi feature
  • Comes with a remarkable collection of settings, giving you a golden chance to tune your vehicle’s engine perfectly

PROS

  • Might not work perfectly with every model out there
  • A bit more expensive than other units offering the same features
  • Sometimes, users face a glitch as it does not connect to their vehicles

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the users are extremely satisfied with this product. They say it is easy to use and worth every penny. However, some users did give a heads up by saying that this tuner won’t work with the Mac OS system, so unless you have a Windows system, you won’t be updating it. Despite that, they love the plethora of settings it provides as well as the fast PID refresh speed it promises.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The fact that it makes it easy for users to tune their truck or any other vehicle easily is the reason it stands out to us. It runs on the feature called the twin CPU; with the help of this feature, the overall efficiency is increased as well.

Who Will Use This Most

Those who are looking for a perfect tuner for their truck should benefit from this product. Its efficiency is appreciable and is, in fact, a dream-come-true. You can choose the power level as you wish, as well. It is the perfect upgrade for your Dodge Cummins engine.

Bottom Line

This is an ideal tuner or a programmer for your Dodge Cummins ranging from 1998 to 2012. The display on this screen is great. With this device, you can tune in to monitor the parameters and performance of the engine overall. Overall, it is a remarkable update, and it is worth it!

Runner-up:
Bolaxin Cummins Engine Barring

PROS

  • Weighs about 12.8 ounces
  • Design makes it easy to work with the engine
  • Steel adds tolerance and resistance to avoid rust
  • Friction-free quality makes it easy to rotate the tool
  • Extremely durable to make sure it serves you for a long time

PROS

  • Texture and the structure of the teeth are not that great

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers were very satisfied with this product, stating that the barring worked perfectly well as per its features on the product. Similarly, others reported that this product was fair for its price. The teeth on the tool are not very hard, and that was the only unsatisfactory thing about this product. Other than that, they love how durable and easy to use it is.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Bolaxin Cummins Engine Barring stands out to us because of its compact design and the fact that it is extremely easy to assemble. All you have to do is insert that barring in the flywheel housing, and then the friction-free operation begins. The valve lash adjustment is easy with this tool as well.

Who Will Use This Most

People who are looking to update their Cummins Engine would be extremely excited to know about this product. This tool works perfectly well on the Cummins B and C diesel engines. So, those looking for an easy and instant fix that will enhance the performance of the engine of their vehicles will love this the most.

Bottom Line

If you want an ideal barring for your engine, then this is the ideal pick for your Cummins engine. With the easy valve lash adjustment and its friction-free operation, this unit promises to give your engine the treatment it deserves.

Best for the Money:
 BD Common Rail Fuel Plug 03-07

PROS

  • Compatible with most of the vehicles
  • Enhances the cooling system of the vehicle
  • Very easy to find the spare parts for this product
  • Extremely good in the fuel economy department
  • Provides enhanced horsepower and torque to the engine

PROS

  • There are a lot of joint combinations
  • Some of the injectors are relatively expensive

What Recent Buyers Report

Almost all of the recent buyers are happy with this tool; some even said that they are so satisfied with this tool that they would buy it again. Buyers also reported that it was very easy to install; it only takes 10 minutes to arrange it all. All in all, it is a product that is capable of satisfying the customers’ needs.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The fact that it’s one of the best diagnostic tools out there and especially the fact that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a product like this makes it different from others. Moreover, it is easily affordable and offers you a golden chance to eliminate the rail pressure at such a low price.

Who Will Use This Most

Cummins Engine owners or Dodge truck drivers who don’t wish to spend a huge amount of money on the rail plug but also wish to keep their engines up to date would find this product extremely useful. So, if you're one of these, you will benefit from this upgrade a lot.

Bottom Line

Looking at the pros and main features of this product, one can be certain that the product is a must-have if one needs to have a vehicle with a perfect engine that gives your vehicle the boost that it deserves. Overall, it promises to keep your engine in the perfect state!

4. Fuel Pump Pin Governor

PROS

  • Promises excellent smoke control
  • Easily affordable since it is priced fairly
  • Power it provides is remarkable and noticeable
  • Does justice with its price as it is an amazing tool
  • Works perfectly in conjunction with governor spring

PROS

  • Some found it hard to locate the governor spring with this fuel pin

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers reported that they could easily tell the difference in the power and performance of the vehicle. Some also reported that they were able to control the smoke after this update. Overall, most of the users are pleased with their purchase and improvement in the performance of the car.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because of its excellent performance and the fact that it is well received by its users. In addition to this, the product performs well, particularly if you keep the price in mind. If you ask about our personal opinion, we will say that if you want to give your engine an instant boost, then buy this product.

Who Will Use This Most

Anyone who is looking for a full fuel pump kit to tune or enhance the power, speed, torque, and performance on their system would love to take advantage of this product. As it is easy to fix, it can give your engine a boost, which many would appreciate.

Bottom Line

With this pin governor, you can give your engine a 30% boost, which will truly reflect in the performance of your car. So, give your car a treat; we assure you it will be worth it!

5. DEF Silver Killer Dowel Pin

PROS

  • Only weighs 1.28 pounds
  • The perfect tool for the Dodge 5.9BT
  • Durable construction enhances its lifetime
  • Fits easily and perfectly in its place in the engine
  • Materials used prevents it from corrosion and oxidation

PROS

  • Tab of the product is aluminum, not the billet

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers reported that it was the perfect fit for the 1996 Dodge Cummins. They also stated that so far, it has worked and shown excellent performance. So, for all future buyers, you would not be disappointed with this product since it delivers what it promises.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The reason this stands out to us is because of its design. It is designed and crafted from corrosion-free and rust-free material. The design, therefore, is appreciable as it increases the life of the vehicle and, in turn, enhances the driving experience.

Who Will Use This Most

Usually, when you use a dowel pin in a Cummins engine, it can back out, and when it comes out, it ruins the rest of the engine. However, this product keeps that from happening. Therefore, those who want to keep things running smoothly should invest in this product.

Bottom Line

If you wish to keep your engine in a fit and perfect shape, it is necessary to keep updating its parts as well. A dowel pin is such a part that must be updated, and nothing can serve better than this corrosion and oxidation resistant pin.

Benefits of Investing in Quality Upgrades

Every product is designed to wear out sooner or later, but it is impossible to assume that the state of the product will remain the same forever. So, upgrading and updating is a must, especially if we are talking about a car engine. Investing in quality upgrades brings along several benefits, which include: 

Desired Features 

Often, your car engine is missing that one particular desired feature that makes it special for you, whether it is a common rail or headlights of your desired company. However, you can easily overcome this lack of features by investing in quality upgrades and install the desired features in your car.

Performance

If you keep on installing quality updates in your car, you will notice a complete difference in its performance. However, that is only possible when you opt for a particular update after doing proper research and not just shooting blindly.

Up to Date 

Don’t let that impeccable engine of your car settle! Keep on upgrading its features with what is new on the market to make sure your car always gives its best.

Conclusion

You have an option to update your car and increase and enhance its power and performance. So why should you settle for less? Upgrade multiple parts of your engine and drive your desired vehicle. However, before doing so, look at the pros and cons of those features and make a wise decision accordingly.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.