Chrysler Re-confirms RAM 1500 Diesel

[surfbeetle]

Remember the guy who took a 3rd gen 1/2 ton and put a 12v into it? He was getting 40+ mpg and could break the tires loose at highway speeds. It was unreal. I can't remember the link, I think it was linked from one of the TDR threads earlier this year.

 

[Regcabguy]

Seems to me that a gasser is lower in maintenance than a diesel. One fuel filter @maybe 30,000,plugs@ 100,000,air filter every 20,000,oil changes at 6,000 w/cheaper oil than ours. I don't know if along with the added purchase price if the 1/2 ton diesel application will fly.

 

[surfbeetle]

Seems to me that a gasser is lower in maintenance than a diesel. One fuel filter @maybe 30,000,plugs@ 100,000,air filter every 20,000,oil changes at 6,000 w/cheaper oil than ours. I don't know if along with the added purchase price if the 1/2 ton diesel application will fly.

I kind of agree with you, the fuel economy would have to be much much higher to justify the added expense.

 

[surfbeetle]

LOL I just posted this at 1:01 Pacific Standard time... I guess that the server hadn't updated yet from DST to Standard time cause the time stamp says 2:01 for the post. Stupid computers...

 

[rscurtis]

I've made several trips with an Isuzu 4500 box truck with the 205 HP 460 Torque 5. 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine. I couldn't help but imagine what an excellent powertrain this would be in a Dakota sized, or even a 1500 series pickup. 30 MPG would be an easy target for this combo.

 

[Dobrien]

About 2 weeks ago I saw a 1500 Crew Cab short bed with a BlueTec Diesel emblem on the tailgate. As I passed the truck, there was NOT a Cummins emblem to be seen on the side or on the tailgate. No plates on the truck either, not even manufactures plates. This was in Southern California, specifically on the east bound 91 Fwy in Riverside County. Does any one know anything about this truck? I know about the Cummins BlueTec Diesel, but like I say, NO Cummins label to be seen on the truck.

 

[Dobrien]

Oh, BTW. It was a new 2009 or 2010 Dodge 1500.

 

[cojhl2]

Seems to me that a gasser is lower in maintenance than a diesel. One fuel filter @maybe 30,000,plugs@ 100,000,air filter every 20,000,oil changes at 6,000 w/cheaper oil than ours. I don't know if along with the added purchase price if the 1/2 ton diesel application will fly.

Agreed, If you are buying a 6B engine merely for fuel milage I think it is bad economics.



The reason to buy and expensive, heavy, diesel is because you are going to work it and not just drive it around town or to the office.



But,, the light smaller engines like the Isuzu 4 cyl and the VW diesels make good sense to me for normal driving.



These engines are quiet, fairly light, and fuel efficient.

 

[Tinman]

Agreed, If you are buying a 6B engine merely for fuel milage I think it is bad economics.



The reason to buy and expensive, heavy, diesel is because you are going to work it and not just drive it around town or to the office.



But,, the light smaller engines like the Isuzu 4 cyl and the VW diesels make good sense to me for normal driving.

Not necessarily. The mileage difference compared to a 360 gasser in otherwise similiar trucks will be significant, probably double.



Practically speaking, it's true you need to work a HD diesel to justify it. But some of us are just diesel heads and don't care.



Agreed, the lighter, smaller diesels makes sense for daily "light duty" use, but the newer EPA'd engines really make it hard to want a diesel now.



WMonroe: I'd love to see a ISBe3. 9/4bt in a half ton. Would people buy a 4 cylinder? A lot of folks bought 6 cylinder heavy duty (CTD) trucks.



bheiting: I don't think dodge/Cummins went with the v config. so much for "consumer attitude" (although I'm sure that was part of it) as b/o fitting a 4bt sized engine is a half ton or maybe a sedan later on. A smaller shorter V makes for a larger market for Cummins.

 

[cojhl2]

Not necessarily. The mileage difference compared to a 360 gasser in otherwise similiar trucks will be significant, probably double.



Practically speaking, it's true you need to work a HD diesel to justify it. But some of us are just diesel heads and don't care.



Agreed, the lighter, smaller diesels makes sense for daily "light duty" use, but the newer EPA'd engines really make it hard to want a diesel now.

Again I agree,, if you compare a large (360) SI engine to a 6B then the 6B wins. My point was limited to light duty work where a large SI engine would not make sense either.



My point only makes sense if you are buying a large diesel only for milage without additional reasons like power etc then it is false economics.



Of course I am like you Tinman I would have the 6B weather or not it is actually justified just because I like it!



Heck I like any CI engine over any SI engine!!!

 

[WMonroe]

Not necessarily. The mileage difference compared to a 360 gasser in otherwise similiar trucks will be significant, probably double.



Practically speaking, it's true you need to work a HD diesel to justify it. But some of us are just diesel heads and don't care.



Agreed, the lighter, smaller diesels makes sense for daily "light duty" use, but the newer EPA'd engines really make it hard to want a diesel now.



WMonroe: I'd love to see a ISBe3. 9/4bt in a half ton. Would people buy a 4 cylinder? A lot of folks bought 6 cylinder heavy duty (CTD) trucks.



bheiting: I don't think dodge/Cummins went with the v config. so much for "consumer attitude" (although I'm sure that was part of it) as b/o fitting a 4bt sized engine is a half ton or maybe a sedan later on. A smaller shorter V makes for a larger market for Cummins.

I agree with you, and would love to see a 4bt in a Ram 1500, and I'm sure lots of people similair to those on this site would buy one. The only thing I meant was the general public would probably not want a "small 4 cylinder" in their truck. I know mis-informed people who would buy a duramax or powerstroke over a Cummins just because of the v8.

 

[opjohnny]

DoBrien that was probably a test mule you saw. Good catch. Carry a camera and get pictures!



John

 

[Sticks]

Unless things have significantly changed in the last 2 years, we still have comparatively crappy standards for our Diesel fuel quality as compared to the rest of the world.

This will be a HUGE factor in other manufacturers (foreign) throwing out more diesel powered vehicles in their lineup. Especially when you start talking about fuel system warranties.

Then there is Big Oil. They absolutely do not want Americans driving vehicles that get spectacular mileage. Cuts into their $13+ Billion (with a "B") per quarter profit.

I'd love to see more diesel options in the vehicles out there. Give me a Subaru or other small 4wd vehicle with a diesel (tracker, sidekick... ) and I'd be all over it.

 

[rscurtis]

With regard to fuel quality, it has improved tremendously in the last several years. One of the reasons for the large price spike in 2008 was the exports to Europe.