2004 RAM DIESEL NEWS

[evldsl]

I was told today by the dealer of a long beach dealership that He had contacted a friend at the Dodge divisional HQ and was told that all Dodge Ram Diesel engines built after 01-0-04 are the 325 horse power 600 torque engines. All I have to say is the truck I ordered is going to have the badest engine around or at least on my block. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[RobertBolinger]

I think you mean 1-2-04, right?

 

[curatchko]

Your dealer is wrong, it's 325 horse 600 torque.

 

[Dean Upson]

I think if I lived in CA, MA or ME and had an '04 SO I would be disappointed. I don't really see a big deal with the difference between the new guy and the pre-04. 5 HO's (that "600" does have a nice ring to it, however).



Dean

 

[RobertBolinger]

Dittos Dean

 

[evldsl]

Yea, I made the above changes to the date and the horse power it must have been due to the fact that I am totaly stoked about the new engine and since I live in california I need all the power the dodge can give stock. And I got it... ... " yea"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DPelletier]

bellyscraper,

Well, as long as you're editing, you're actually "stoked", not "stocked", (unless you've just ate a really large meal!)

Sorry for being a wiseass.

Congratulations on the truck. You'll love it.



Dave

 

[evldsl]

All changes made,man where would I be without the dictionary or my new 325/ 600 engine.

 

[jimnance]

Congrats, you guys in California, Maine, and Mass has been stuck. The new engine is a great thing for you guys.



My '03 H. O. with an Edge is keeping me more than happy! I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as well. <grin>

 

[LightmanE300]

The small bit of extra power will be nice, and certainly for the CA guys who previously could only get the small CA engine. If I were in CA, I'd be jumping for joy for the 325/600 too!



However I am still glad I got my early 04 with the traditional-no-emissions-crap 305/550, and would order that again over a 325/600. The difference is so small when you consider the power aftermarket accessories can add if you need them...

 

[OHale]

Oh Yes,



I am one of the afflicted in the state of Maine. I have waited, and waited some more. Oh how the dealer tried to tell me that a 235hp Cummins was PLENTY of hp and I would be oh so happy... ... Oh yes, the Service Manager told me, you could 'chip' your truck if you want more horsepower. Would you cover my warranty if I did, I asked? Not Sure, was the reply.



I even worked out various schemes to buy in NH in my business name and transfer the title back to me after 7500 miles had passed. I quit that project in disgust. I was not going to sneak around because my beautiful but poor and mis-managed state made a stupid move regarding diesel pickups (BTW, could be worse: Maine has banned 2004 and beyond diesel passenger cars. State VW dealers are suing. )



I waited and was rewarded. This year I WILL order a 2004. 5 Black 4x4 QC 600 48re SB 3500 Laramie. I will also keep my my '95 black dually in case I need to crash through any concrete border crossings. With the liberal politics we suffer here these days anything is possible. Also, only the dually has the proper cargo capacity for all the ammo, spare barrels, and aux fuel tanks.



Meanwhile, like Dean and others have said, a 305hp Cummins is a fine thing indeed. I am proud of Dodge and Cummins to prevail in increasing the quality and horsepower of these legendary trucks!

 

[RobertBolinger]

OHale-it was my understanding that Maine did not ban diesel cars-it's just that VW could not meet the emissions standards with the current fuel, and chose not to offer a diesel car for sale until 2007, when the low sulfur fuel is available.

 

[OHale]

Hi, Robert:



I'll see if I can dig up the link the the Portland Press Herald article.



Aah, here is the link:



http://www.pressherald.com/news/state/040102diesel.shtml



"Diesel drought: Emissions law blocks sale of some VWs"



Here is a quote from the article:



"Maine adopted the California standards in 2000, but this is the first time a car has become unavailable for sale here because it was not California-certified.



The restriction applies to new cars - those with less than 7,500 miles on their odometers - that feature the turbo direct injection, or TDI, diesel engine. " [So I suppose that would only be VWs, although the Mercedes Turbo Diesel has turbo-direct injection as well. Mercedes, it is rumored will sell once again a diesel sedan in 2004. Moot point because only a handful of Mainers would want one. - Ohale]



Here's more:



"Consumers can still drive to New Hampshire to purchase one of the cars and drive it back to Maine for registration. And they can still buy a used model in Maine. " [Gee what a great deal (Ohale). ]



It is a long article but I think you will find it interesting. Title of the article should be, "When Good Government Intentions Go Bad. "

 

[OHale]

Hi Again, Robert:



FWIW I grew up in NC, graduated NCSU in 1980. My brother still lives in Raleigh. I can tell you that the difference in government thinking between NC and ME is great, and it is coming your way. We are a poor state that has driven away every business through ridiculous environmental regulation and taxation.



Augusta has acre upon acre of beat-up brick buildings full of State employees that have nothing better to do than dream up these regulations. These same people keep reducing the number of Maine fishing days each year to the point families who have been fishing here for 200 years are quitting. The legislation is to protect the fish, but when the Mainers are forced to stay in port the Canadians come in and fish the same areas.



Sorry to be off-topic. Keep your eyes and ears open as this guff is coming your way. Vote early and often!

 

[RobertBolinger]

You said that "Maine has banned 2004 and beyond diesel passenger cars" and I pointed out that it was just for three years. In the article it is up to interpretation whether Maine (adopting CA restrictions) or VW (not making improvements if even possible) is the reason why the cars aren't for sale.

:-{}

Like I said it has to do with Low sulfur fuel availability:

"Rather than improve the technology to bring it into compliance, the auto manufacturer decided to wait until low-sulfur fuel is introduced in 2007. Low-sulfur fuel burns cleaner and will make the entire issue go away. "



I agree with you that it is good govt. gone bad. As Ronald Reagen said the best view of government is looking at it in your rearview window as you are driving away. In this case unfortunately it may be as you are driving to New Hampshire to pick up your TDI

 

[RobertBolinger]

I do vote-this state is a very unusual mix of people-



:-{}



generally do not vote for Democrat Presidents, however generally elect Democrats to Statewide office. Elected Jessie Helms and elected John Edwards to the Senate-with Jessie there was no question where he stood-but Edwards got elected with his pretty smile and came across as conservative-ends up he is liberal kind of like Ted Kennedy.



Are your new liberal rulers out for your guns too?

 

[OHale]

Hi Robert,



From the article, "The result: Volkswagen diesel models for 2004, 2005 and 2006 are verboten in Maine. " = banned. Not to beyond as I said, but 2007: I stand corrected. However, the economic cost to Maine is to drive business (pun intended) out of state and make cars that emit lower total emissions than the comparative gasser forbidden. The economic cost to VW, a worldwide seller, is infinitesimal. We only have 1. 2 M people in Maine so I don't blame VW for giving up the diesel market here.



What should happen is that Maine should admit they are, in effect, banning a 50 mpg low-emission vehicle, repeal the law and adopt the 50 state standard. This is just Maine trying to be like the 'big kids' (CA and MA) environmentally.



Personally, I don't give a farfegnuggen about VWs and don't want one. A friend of mine wanted one and now wants a hybrid vehicle instead. So, she will get 1) a foreign car with profits abroad 2) hydride batteries that will be hazmat when they don't take a charge anymore 3) low crash protection, and 4) about the same mileage as a diesel VW. Go figure. My gripe was with the CA/Dodge emissions in a state still trying to pave most of the roads.



OK I'll stop on this subject!



Oh, and btw thanks for making my heart skip by mentioning Mr. Reagan. I was a direct commission into the Navy by Presidential Appointment, by none other than the Honorable Mr. Reagan.

 

[OHale]

Hi Bob,



We are still out in front on guns. Buy anything you like here including class III. That is the one issue that will get a Mainer off his snowmobile for a fight and the libs know it.



My brother is on the Raleigh City Council. He is the 'Token Conservative" as he puts it. Has a number of pics of himself and ol' Jesse, they are friends.



My brother has some WWII BARs, etc. New restrictions on such in Wake County, but the Sheriff has allowed him an exemption.

 

[RobertBolinger]

OHale, we agree on Mr. Reagan, VW's, guns, the best diesel trucks, environmental regs that don't make sense, and probably politics in general-have a nice day!

 

[Steve M]

I'm one of the low lifes who's happy with a standard output 250hp/460ftlbs engine and a 47RE transmission. My '01. 5 235hp/460 did the trick as well. They both pull my 10,400 lb high profile 5th wheel 70mph in O/D no problem. Both will "almost" rip the tires loose from a standing start. And both have proven reliable. I have 22,000 on my '03 already. So while the HO and now the 600 are bad to the bone, the standard output is no weakling by any means. I bought mine at a greatly reduced price while the HO/48REs were being loaded off the truck.

Our local dealer just last week got an '04 3500 SRW LB QC HO 6spd with Infinity stereo, tow package and mirrors, and the whole list of favorite options. It wasn't there a week. But the less saught after trucks like mine sit there long enough to buy at a very nice discount.