04 HO or the 4.5 325/600 engine

[RGarza]

The question is which one to get. I hear that the 4. 5 has a catalytic converter on it which might make it get less fuel milege than the 04 ho w/o the converter. The difference in the hp and the torque between the 2 is only 20hp and 45 torque which can easily be made up with a quality air filter and exhaust system. I have talked to some that said if it could be iffy to add an exhaust to the 4. 5 because of regs that might happen later and that chrysler had to work real hard to get the emmissions levels right The only way they could supposedly do it was with the converter. Is there really any other differences between the two that would make me have to have the 4. 5. Can you add the upgrades to the 4. 5 the same way you can to the others without running afoul of some of the emmission standards that will be coming soon. I live in Tx and there really arn't any that I am aware of for diesels yet, but it wasn't until this year that we had to start hooking up tail pipes to the computers to tell us if we could even get a sticker on the gas engines. I cannot be long before they start telling us we have to do it on the diesels to. Any info someone might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rico

 

[DocDetonancour]

04??

Very interesting question. I jumped on the 04 because the word on the street was EGR. It never happened. Is the 600 going to be any harder on fuel and will there be any issues with the extra emmission hardware. Probably too early to tell, but the 04 gets great mpg and runs great. Pricing would be one consideration and what options are available if I was looking. If the truck was going to remain stock would also be a consideration. Tough decision... ... ???????????

 

[klenger]

FWIW, the 04. 5 has a 4" exhaust from trubo to tail pipe.



My milage hasn't been too impressive yet, but it's kind of early to tell. Tows the 5er nicely, and is really quiet.

 

[KLockliear]

If I had to pick right now, based on what I have heard about the 600 (and not having seen one yet), I would get an 04, not the 04. 5 for a couple of reasons:



1. The 04. 5 has a cat. This is going to limit what a vendor can supply legally to reduce your EGT's. May also provide a restriction that may stifle exhaust flow at higher HP levels.



2. Products are out right now for the current 04 truck. The 04. 5 may very well have changes that will require new electronics or other things, which means it may be a while before you can BOMB it if that is your intention.



3. It seems that 600hp or so will be able to be achieved with the 04 offering. How much do you want or need? If 600 is at or above your goal, why bother with the newer motor, especially if that means waiting to get those mods.

 

[BApple]

So why not justs take the cat. coverter off of the 04. 5?

 

[MABurns]

Tows the 5er nicely, and is really quiet

Is it physically possible to tow under 50 MPH for the first 500 miles?



The snow pile in front of the camper has melted enough that as soon as I get my hitch put in (this week) I will put the old girl to the test.

 

[wyosteve]

I was in the same dilemna until this morning. I've test driven 2 04"s and was less than impressed compared to my current rig. This a. m. I drove a 4. 5 and placed my order. At least to me it seemed to have more zip. Almost the same as my 01 HO w/ EZ. The deal was the same on either truck, i. e. invoice minus rebates and this is the only dealer I found who also treated me fair on my trade. It's a 3500 SRW Quad 4x4 Black Sport 6 spd. loaded except leather and infinity system. Should arrive in about 6-8 weeks.

 

[wyosteve]

Forgot to add that I like the minor changes on the 4. 5 better as well, i. e. 4" all the way, cooler intake, fan shroud, etc. You're correct in that an 04 w/ minor mods will match the hp and tq. , but the same mods to the 4. 5 will still keep it in the lead.

 

[racebeeper68]

I think you made the right choice wyosteve, I've had my 600 for 3 weeks now and it runs strong . I don't think I have any of the 04. 5 problems people speak of here except a little noise in the rear and I mean LITTLE. Not sure if it is worth messing with yet or leave it , I have 34,000 more miles to decide .

The cat is not an issue to me since I believe the 03-04 235 HP calif. versions have it also and it is not hi-flow or 4" exhaust either.

I am sure if a person wanted to they could gut it out and weld it back in with the welds up so they whern't obvious, but why bother mine runs like a wild APE. LOL.

 

[EXSTROKER]

what sort of milage are you getting?

so far mine sucks!!! 12-14. . got it thrs night 2-19

so only a few hundred on it so far. .

 

[racebeeper68]

I got 16. 2 first tank more hiway than city , 15. 5 second tank mixed driving, 12 mpg towing 9,000# at 750 miles on the truck, then last fillup 14. 5 and half that tank was mixed driving the other half had 7000# trailer behind me. It should only get better!

 

[fencebuilders]

Originally posted by BApple

So why not justs take the cat. coverter off of the 04. 5?

Other than the fact it is a federal offense to remove it... ... ... ... ... .....

 

[KD7GYJ]

I don't really care about the catalytic converter. If it improves emmission, go for it. As long as the EGR valving was left off. More pieces, more problems.



It would be great to have the cat' clean the "cough, cough" dirty air coming out the tail pipe. I can't imagine the cat' obstructing air flow when it's new, and it's suppose to work properly for the life of the truck. It might hit a rock and fall off some day, or hit a rock that would clean it out.



I am anxious to hear the true story of the "600", when others have had a chance to work with it.



Blair

 

[BApple]

Other than the fact it is a federal offense to remove it... ... ... ... ... .....

Is it only a federal offense in California or all 50 states?

 

[klenger]

Is it only a federal offense in California or all 50 states?

Think about it,. . if it's a federal offense...

 

[Hunter1]

And still is when you sell the truck



Hunter1

 

[geusterman]

I got about 14mpg from Spokane to Mount Vernon on first drive home from Dishman Dodge. Not to worried as it took my 02 HO 20K and a map sensor cleaning to go from 14mpg to over 18. geusterman

 

[PJ]

My 04 305hp has always done 21mpg on the highway. and the worst on the street has been no less than 16. Also funs liked a raped ape. Glad I bought before the 04. 5. l No cat converter for me. Ill never own anything that is liberal correct in the democratic state of Calif. .

If I wanted a clean air tree hugger truck, I would buy something electric. But that day will never come. Just look at all the Calif Bus's puking the smoke. Those are the government owned ones and they are exempt. . Ever drive behind a fire truck. . Choke choke choke puke. I rest my case. . Let the smoke puke out of my 04. . Im legal and there isnt anything I will do to change it! Heck, here in Oregon, we dont even have to smog out gassers. Yearly smog checks??? No way in my part of oregon and we have beautiful blue skys. . The wind just takes it south to California!

 

[geusterman]

You sound happy, PBJ! We like happy. At 21mpg you have the highest mpg 4x4 in America and we need to analyze it. guesterman

 

[MO'Donnell]

Get what you want option-wise, either engine is a great one. If you happen to find a truck JUST the way you want it and it has the 305/555, go for it, otherwise order what you really want. I honestly don't think 20 HP & 45 ft/lbs will make a big diffference in driving fun. I LOVE my 305/555!!!!!!!!!!