03 5.9 California truck

[Lucky155]

I have an 03 Ram 3500. Sticker on valve cover says 235hp. Are there are emissions controls that can or need to be removed for performance or fuel economy? No emissions checks here where I live....

 

[Bob4x4]

Nope-basically no gains from removing anything

 

[Lucky155]

Ok.... Thanks!

 

[SierraRam]

Smarty will really wake that truck up.

 

[Lucky155]

Not familiar with it... Just got the truck. It's bone stock.... 2003 3500 SRW .... I'm curious what the difference is between the 235hp and the 250hp....

 

[rscurtis]

That same platform was sold in NY for the 2004 model year. It has an oxidation catalyst just like the 2-valve 5.9 used. The 250 HP version which was sold in 2003 did not have a catalyst and did not have the same piston cooling set-up that the 305 HO engine did. Personally, I'd leave it alone, it should deliver great fuel economy.

 

[AH64ID]

The MY03-04 Cali's had a cat, the only other difference was tuning (in terms of emissions).

A Smarty Jr set on SW1 will give it the HO, 305hp, tuning and a small bump from that.

 

[BlackBullit]

Not to hijack this discussion....but my truck had the 250hp in it. I replaced the engine with a 305hp when I got the truck because it had blown #5 rod. So my question is this, with the Smarty tuner does it upgrade it to 305hp when you go back to stock settings?

 

[AH64ID]

Did you replace the ECM?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The HO engines had some upgrades like piston cooling, valves, etc. I suggest going easier on Smarty settings than with the HO engines. Timing may help mpg a little.

 

[Lucky155]

so, ballpark, how much is the Smarty JR? and any advice on "death wobble"? just started shaking in steering wheel when making low speed turns... not noticeable in curves at highway speeds...

 

[BlackBullit]

No. I used the computer off the original 250hp engine.

 

[SierraRam]

so, ballpark, how much is the Smarty JR? and any advice on "death wobble"? just started shaking in steering wheel when making low speed turns... not noticeable in curves at highway speeds...

That is not "death wobble" that sounds more like your front axle ujoints are going out and binding when turning.

 

[AH64ID]

No. I used the computer off the original 250hp engine.

It will go back to 250hp settings.

If you aren't looking for much of a power increase just run a Smarty Jr on SW1 default timing and TQ1.

 

[BlackBullit]

It will go back to 250hp settings.

If you aren't looking for much of a power increase just run a Smarty Jr on SW1 default timing and TQ1.

So...just thinking, would it be as simple as getting a computer for a 305hp and auto transmission and installing it?

 

[AH64ID]

So...just thinking, would it be as simple as getting a computer for a 305hp and auto transmission and installing it?

It would, not sure you would need to change the trans unless it was an early 03 with the 47RE.. even then??

Is this your sig truck? If so, I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[BlackBullit]

It would, not sure you would need to change the trans unless it was an early 03 with the 47RE.. even then??

Is this your sig truck? If so, I wouldn't change a thing.

Yes it is my sig truck. That's prolly some good advice to not mess with it. Its just i keep thinking about how to get more hp!

 

[AH64ID]

Yes it is my sig truck. That's prolly some good advice to not mess with it. Its just i keep thinking about how to get more hp!

Since you have a Smarty you will gain nothing by changing the ECM, except when in stock tuning.

 

[BlackBullit]

Ok, thanks. I'll write that off my list then. I dont run it on stock settings anyhow.
Another thing, do you know how an '06 turbo compares in size to the '03 turbo?

 

[JJPage]

06 is slightly larger...not worth the trouble/effort to swap out imo, other's will disagree. 03 = HE341 / 52/58/9(iirc?), 04.5+ = HE351 / 60/60/9. You would achieve a bit better flow if you also change out the cast elbow and downpipe. There are just so many better options available for the effort involved.