ETH vs ETC... EGTs

[MojaveJoe]

Since Im looking to buy a 3500 LB 4x4 QC 48RE and tow a 30' travel trailer, with considerable weight in the truck bed, I will want the most dependable and trouble free power plant.



I was considering an HO(CA) next year, but some here say the ETH EGTs will run 1400 on a long grade vs the probable 1100 of an ETC on the same pull. If this is true, and since I live in the So. Cal desert, I will no doubt be running high or higher EGTs.



It would seem if Iam looking for the most low maintenance, low worries, power plant (i. e. not having to stress about watching the EGT gauge for 30 minutes while I pull a long grade) I might be a happier camper with the ETC standard output engine. It also seems the ETC has a lot more aftermarket toys for improved performance. (Of course I would never install any until after my warranty is up )



I suspect everyone will be pro-their-own engine, but I would still appreciate your real life experiences.



How critical are EGTs with the CTD?

What would be my best engine choice for my use?



Thanx to all in advance for your opinions ,

Joe

 

[Pit Bull]

Joe list your requirements. How much weight will you be hauling and pulling? Do you want/need an automatic or can you use a 6 speed? Do you need a quad cab or can you get by with a regular cab? How much towing will you be doing, 10% 90%? I think you will get better input if you list what you want your truck to do? Are you willing to be your own warranty station and modify your truck to get the power and egt's you want? Or do you want to stay stock and keep your warranty for the 5 years and 100K miles?



My suggestion. If you are going to stay stock and you want the best pulling stock truck you should look at a ETH/DEE setup. If you are going to modify then order the ETC with the automatic and bomb the engine and transmission to suit your needs.

 

[boonsur]

My decision is based on 5 speed (w/ETC) vs 6 speed (w/ETH). I've heard the 5 speed has a really big split between certain gears, the 6 speed being much more uniform, making it easier to stay in the right rpm range.

 

[MojaveJoe]

Towing stats

OK Pitbull... . my towing stats will look something like this:



TT GVWR 12000

TT Tongue Wt 1100

LB Load 2000

Auto is a must .

Quad cab is a must.

Towing will be 75% of operation time.

Will stay stock during warranty.



That's as close as I can guess this late at night



Does anyone think high EGTs will be a big issue?

 

[Steve Campbell]

MY opinion is...

Get the ETC and upgrade to desired power level.



In the long run, it would be the cheapest, IMHO.



EGT are very importrant when towing for long periods. I think Cummins recommends no more than 1250, sustained.

 

[Brett Maverick]

ETH EGT's????

So who's saying the EGT's on a stock High Output will get up to 1400 degrees? Chrysler has repeatedly stated that the reason they don't install EGT gages at the factory is they're not needed, in stock form, you can't push a CTD into the danger range.



Now, if it's true that you can melt down a stock HO engine while towing within it's capacity, then the factory needs to provide that instrument for the customer to operate his truck safely. You certainly don't see these trucks coming out without an oil pressure gauge, or an engine temp gauge.



Has anyone out there logged dangerously high EGT's while towing in a real world situation? (Not on a dyno)



If this really is a problem, I'll install a set of gages in my HO when I FINALLY get to pick it up next week, since I also live in the So. Cal. desert, and tow a 13K fifth wheel.

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: ETH EGT's????

Originally posted by Brett Maverick



Chrysler has repeatedly stated that the reason they don't install EGT gages at the factory is they're not needed, in stock form, you can't push a CTD into the danger range.



Now, if it's true that you can melt down a stock HO engine while towing within it's capacity, then the factory needs to provide that instrument for the customer to operate his truck safely.

I don't tow with my truck but I have read enough posts on this subject to state that you are correct. I have never read a post where someone melted down a stock HO while towing within the factory published limits of the truck, that goes for HO or standard. Do a search if you are concerned, if it has ever been done someone in the TDR has done it



Checkout this thread I think it will put your mind at ease. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48525&highlight=melted+piston

 

[KLockliear]

Joe, looking at your post, it looks like you are going to buy an '03. If this is the case, the ETH/ETC thing is out the window. There were many differences between the 01-02 ETH's and the ETC's (compression ratio, FPM programming, turbo, etc) which caused the higher EGT's on an ETH.



With the 03 model year stuff, the trucks are identical mechanically. While the HO truck will make more EGT, it's making a significant amount more power as well. Getting the standard output up to that level will most likely get you to the same point EGT wise, from what we have seen so far (more testing will reaffirm this in the future), so get the HO to start with.



Brett, the ETH's have been known to make 1350-1400* temps stock. Our '01 made about that here in Vegas in the desert heat (easily over 100* ), towing our 15k# test 5er, on a 7% grade at 5500' elevation all the time.

 

[MCummings]

Yup, that was me spreading those stories. Maybe I shouldn't have posted it in the 3rd Gen. Forum.



I stated in another post about some differences between the SO and HO. Please take note, the differences of the motors were in 2002 trucks and older.



Thank You Keith for pointing this out.



Sorry 'bout the confusion.

Merrick Cummings Jr