03 HO dosen't seem any stronger than 2002

[Wiredawg]

I Think the 03 is stronger stock

Fellow Rammers:



I bought an 02 3500 QC 4X4 ETH/DEE 4. 10s on Saturday before the TDR Nationals. Put 700 miles getting to Indiana from Maryland. I test drove an 03 3500 QC 4X4 ETH/DEE DRW 3. 73s and head to head, the 03 felt stronger and faster.



In fact, I'm buying my wife an 03 3500 QC 4X4 SRW long bed 48RE. I think that will be a really strong truck.



I'll still keep my 02 though.



Wiredawg

 

[cold Diesel]

I drove an 03 HO today and felt it was pretty weak as well. However I suppose in reality I feel my 02 with 400+ RWHP feels like it could use more HP as well.

 

[Casey Balvert]

In all fairness, let compare apples to apples. In most cases people are comparing a bone stock, brand new vehicle with ten miles on the odometer to trucks that are bombed and well broken in. In comparing my new 3500 with only 500 miles on it to my stock 97, the new truck is smoother and provides better acceleration through a broader rpm range. With only 500 miles there is also a clear improvement in power compared to when I first took it home. So when I compare the 03 to the stock 97, the new truck is clearly the better truck performance wise even though it is heavier then my 97. Time will be the judge if I can say the same about reliability. Just my 2 cents. Cheers,



Casey

 

[RWorth]

What is the possibility of having the normal program instead of the HO program. It is just a thought.

 

[hammersley]

You had better break "em"in right!

You have gott'a run the heck out of these Cummins when you're breaking them in -- and this means load "em" down - heavy if you can. Now don't abuse the brakes or gear set - but push that go pedal!

 

[Badunit]

Yeah, that break-in recommendation is going to be the hardest for me. I don't do that much towing and hauling but I do want to break mine in right when I get it. Guess I'll have to get a load of topsoil or something and find some hills. According to the Cummins site on the pre-03's, babying can delay engine break-in for up to 20K miles!

 

[Casey Balvert]

Re: You had better break "em"in right!

Originally posted by hammersley

You have gott'a run the heck out of these Cummins when you're breaking them in -- and this means load "em" down - heavy if you can. Now don't abuse the brakes or gear set - but push that go pedal!

No problem, I have one buddy with a Duramax and another with a Powerstroke. Both duallies. I will ask them if I can pull their trucks around so I can break mine in properly.



Cheers, Casey

 

[TowPro]

The stealer hopes you will fall in love with the 2003, then he hopes he can make you want it bad enough he can "steal" your 2002, which he will resell for as much as you paid for it 13 months ago!



I bet they make more on used trucks then they do the new ones.

Originally posted by RustyJC

Man, it beats me! I have 8,800 miles on my 2002 - it's 13 months old. Don't know why he thinks I'm in the market to trade, but I might go out and drive a 2003 just to satisfy my curiosity.



Rusty