Bought '04 w/ 325hp no cat

[Lordsman]

Hey folks,

I just bought a 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 with a date code on door of 3/04, it has a 325 hp rating at the engine valve cover tag, and it has NO catalytic converter. I checked all the previous posts on a search and all said a 325 hp motor would have a cat. Maybe a few squeaked out that way huh? Has anyone else seen any like this?

My other two Dodge diesels are climbing the mileage ladder so I thought I'd get a third generation. This one has 90,000 miles on it, long bed, 4 door, 3. 73ltd. slip rear end and very good condition. I suppose I'll have to get a new lift pump to be on the safe side. I haven't posted on here in a long time but I've been reading a bunch of your posts. Thanks for all the great information! Guess I'll have to update my sig...

 

[BarlowCummins]

I would say most likely it was removed by the previous owner. I removed mine as soon as I could but that was before we had emission testing here. If you need to get one Magnaflow makes a reasonably priced one. I got one earlier this year and I think it was around $250. 00.

 

[CPittman]

Does it look like someone welded a cat deleter pipe into the exhaust under the bed somewhere? My recollection is that the 325 engine trucks were called '04. 5 instead of a '04. The '04, or 305 hp engine had no cat and a mechanical waste gate on the turbo where the 325 had catalytic converter and electrically controlled waste gate.

 

[p-Bar]

You have an 04. 5 start date on the 04. 5 was 01. 04 . 04's didn't have cats . before you go in a tizzy for no cat most states don't do the half year changes in the smog book so the tech will call it a 04 that is what happened to mine in Commiefornia. Stop buy a smog shop and show them the registration and see what they say . I am curious to see if your state is as screwed up as mine.

 

[cerberusiam]

By the build date its an 04. 5 with a 325\600 engine and it HAD a CAT when it left the factory, guaranteed. Since it is used the CAT was removed because somebody thought it would help, normal. Can't rely on exhaust or stickers on the VC because they are easily removed and\or swapped



As far as that goes, it could have a 250 or 305 engine in it with all the 325 covers and you can't tell from the exterior.

 

[Lordsman]

I saw a big bulge in the middle of exhaust, pre-muffler which looked like part of the exhaust, it's about 8-10" long I suppose. There is some mud under the truck as the guy lives on a dirt road, once I wash it all off I'll get a closer look. I ran the VIN# and it shows that it has the HO motor. I pick it up friday, will wash it down real good and let you know what I find. I live in a county that does not require emission tests so don't have to deal with that. Thanks... . Mike

 

[steved]

I saw a big bulge in the middle of exhaust, pre-muffler which looked like part of the exhaust, it's about 8-10" long

That's the cat...

 

[cerberusiam]

I saw a big bulge in the middle of exhaust, pre-muffler which looked like part of the exhaust, it's about 8-10" long I suppose.

That is the CAT.

 

[Lordsman]

Wow, if thats the Cat I've never seen one like that. Even the owner was touting it as a pre-emission truck. If it is I have much to learn about these trucks. . lol

 

[rscurtis]

Compared to the new ones, it IS a pre-emission truck.

 

[BIGNASTY]

My son has an 04. 5 and his cat is in for the smog test. Then takes it home puts the test pipe back in. Like cerberusiam I dont think taking it out makes that much of a difference. I have the same truck as my sons and mine is stock and before he did the Mod thing our trucks were just alike power/mileage. With his mods taking the cat out may have made a difference but alas we have no dyno to prove that. I have thought about doing the same thing as not to burn up the cat I have been told that they are pricey

 

[cerberusiam]

The first thing to learn is don't take eveyrthing you hear about these trucks as the truth. :-laf Lots of suspect info floating around about just about everything on and in the truck, as you see with the CAT.



By your build date it is an emissions truck. Those builds started in 01-04. The engine came with 3 injection events, in-cylinder EGR, and a CAT that wasn't really. The standard catalytic gas converter is responsible for breaking NOX emissions down into compunds that while maybe not environmentally safe are at least a bit more friendly. This diesel CAT is really nothing more than a particulate trap and after burner. It traps the excess soot generated by the late injection events meant to limit NOX and finishes the combustion process with the excess EGT's generated by the same late events. For the most part it doesn't interfere with power, plug, etc, like the gassers. Its really only an issue if one consistently throws high EGT's at it with lots of fuel and big power.



That there is enough fodder for literally weeks worth of debates on the pros and cons and impacts on everything from power\driveability to governement regulations. :-laf:-laf

 

[Lordsman]

Thanks for all the info... I wanted the HO motor, but wasn't thrilled about it having a Cat. Doesn't seem like it will interfere or cause too much restriction from what has been explained here. THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Gonzo 1066]

My 04. 5 came with a cat, I have been Extremly happy with the truck. Just turned 100,000 miles, all of it towing hard in the mountains of the west. Have had no real problems with it. I did install a ATS manifold and S-300 charger with the Edge Juce and MBRP exhaust. Those changes really made the truck enjoyable to tow with.

 

[BIGNASTY]

My 04. 5 came with a cat, I have been Extremly happy with the truck. Just turned 100,000 miles, all of it towing hard in the mountains of the west. Have had no real problems with it. I did install a ATS manifold and S-300 charger with the Edge Juce and MBRP exhaust. Those changes really made the truck enjoyable to tow with.

Dont get upset but if your happy with the truck why all the mods? some of the things I need done that requires a truck my 04. 5 will not do,buy a bigger truck came to me one day

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Dont get upset but if your happy with the truck why all the mods? some of the things I need done that requires a truck my 04. 5 will not do,buy a bigger truck came to me one day

You have a valid question, I did the exhaust manifold because it was cracked. The turbo because it started to pass some oil. The Edge was for Fuel economy and gauges. My towing fuel economy has gone up about 2mpg and driveability and smileability has increased manyfold. Oo.

 

[BIGNASTY]

You have good reasons for the mods. I guess Im getting old and I look at the problems guys have and read the truck profile on them and wonder if it's worth the go fast,to the top of the hill first,type of mentality with the way parts cost are it makes me wonder what kind of job some of these guy's have to pay for all the fun. But then I was the same way when I was O/O and paying the bills we just did it a little different with the wrench. It all boils down to more fuel added to the motor at a different time but our fuel was only $. 75 and our 6 injectors didnt cost 3 grand.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I am not a kid anymore, I dont drag race the truck or do truck pulls. Mine is strictly a working truck, it does not leave the yard without the trailer behind it and weighing gross about 22,000#, the Mods I have made have all been so the truck will handle the load better, stop better and be around longer for my buisness. I am a diesel mechanic by trade and have done the similar mods on farm tractors and class 8 trucks.

I do have to laugh at the kids that have to build a 600-900hp rig to be happy, and then they cant tow with it. Dont seem logical to me at all. Moderation is a good motto to live by in life and trucks. IMHO