Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Hi Everyone.
In early December 2002 I sold my '93 W350 Club Cab 5 speed.
I needed more interior room than a First Gen Club Cab offers. I really do miss that truck, if it had been a four door I'd still have it.
I took delivery of it's repalcement on 2-28-2003, a 2003, RAM 2500, SLT, QC, 4X4, SWB, HEMI, manual 5 speed. I went with the HEMI because only the derated standard output Cummins is available in California (235 HP). The HEMI is rated 110 HP higher. I just didn't want to pay $4400 (invoice) more for that much less HP. I tow VERY infrequently.
The Hemi sounds and performs just like an old powerful 4 barrel.
The truck goes 0-78 mph FAST (4. 10 ratio) by shifting the manual transmission just once (2nd-3rd). Torque comes on real strong at 3500 rpm and dosen't quit until 5800 rpm which is where the rev limiter is set (good thing it has a rev limiter!). THIS TRUCK MOVES!
Of course the power curve is the mirror opposite of my former diesel. With the '93 I could punch it at 1000 rpm in 5th going uphill and still accelerate well. At 2000 rpm on level ground if I floor the HEMI in 5th it basicaly sits there. GOTTA have those revs! But thats OK because the sound of the HEMI revving up is sweet indeed. I have received more positive comments about the exhaust sound than anything else.
Mileage: 11, which is 1. 5-2. 0 mpg below what my '93 got. This is where the Diesel really shines: I could blow black smoke (I mean really black-PW injectors and FULL pump settings) all day and get 12. 5 mpg. I had to get the HEMI smogged to get my California tags (yes, even though the truck is brand spanking new and is bulit to California LEV emissions standards, California requires it be smogged. I also had to get it weighed by a certifited weighmaster) and it generated 5-8 ppm HC (150 ppm is allowed) and ZERO measured Carbon Monoxide but gets 11 mpg.
I know there is no comparison in longevity, especially when delivering rated power for extended periods-the Cummins wins hand down. But, for me it was a good choice, it's a very fun truck to drive and very comfortable.
It was nice to get to know some of the guys through posting: OLD SCHOOL (Frank Simkowski, now deceased) KEENO, BIG DON, and, of course, POWER WAGON. I said it when I signed up and I'll say it again: This site is awsome.
One parting thought:
If you ever buy a new DODGE (or HONDA) anything I heartily and without reservation of any kind whatsoever recommend MARK ROBERTS MOTORS in Bartlesville, OK. 1-800-375-5377 (1-800-375-LESS) Web Addresses: www.markroberts.com OR www.markrobertsmotors.com. The rep that took care of me was Adrian and he'll take care of you too (and I mean take care of you in a good way-NOT the jack-around, haggling, bait and switch way).
You all take care.
In early December 2002 I sold my '93 W350 Club Cab 5 speed.
I needed more interior room than a First Gen Club Cab offers. I really do miss that truck, if it had been a four door I'd still have it.
I took delivery of it's repalcement on 2-28-2003, a 2003, RAM 2500, SLT, QC, 4X4, SWB, HEMI, manual 5 speed. I went with the HEMI because only the derated standard output Cummins is available in California (235 HP). The HEMI is rated 110 HP higher. I just didn't want to pay $4400 (invoice) more for that much less HP. I tow VERY infrequently.
The Hemi sounds and performs just like an old powerful 4 barrel.
The truck goes 0-78 mph FAST (4. 10 ratio) by shifting the manual transmission just once (2nd-3rd). Torque comes on real strong at 3500 rpm and dosen't quit until 5800 rpm which is where the rev limiter is set (good thing it has a rev limiter!). THIS TRUCK MOVES!
Of course the power curve is the mirror opposite of my former diesel. With the '93 I could punch it at 1000 rpm in 5th going uphill and still accelerate well. At 2000 rpm on level ground if I floor the HEMI in 5th it basicaly sits there. GOTTA have those revs! But thats OK because the sound of the HEMI revving up is sweet indeed. I have received more positive comments about the exhaust sound than anything else.
Mileage: 11, which is 1. 5-2. 0 mpg below what my '93 got. This is where the Diesel really shines: I could blow black smoke (I mean really black-PW injectors and FULL pump settings) all day and get 12. 5 mpg. I had to get the HEMI smogged to get my California tags (yes, even though the truck is brand spanking new and is bulit to California LEV emissions standards, California requires it be smogged. I also had to get it weighed by a certifited weighmaster) and it generated 5-8 ppm HC (150 ppm is allowed) and ZERO measured Carbon Monoxide but gets 11 mpg.
I know there is no comparison in longevity, especially when delivering rated power for extended periods-the Cummins wins hand down. But, for me it was a good choice, it's a very fun truck to drive and very comfortable.
It was nice to get to know some of the guys through posting: OLD SCHOOL (Frank Simkowski, now deceased) KEENO, BIG DON, and, of course, POWER WAGON. I said it when I signed up and I'll say it again: This site is awsome.
One parting thought:
If you ever buy a new DODGE (or HONDA) anything I heartily and without reservation of any kind whatsoever recommend MARK ROBERTS MOTORS in Bartlesville, OK. 1-800-375-5377 (1-800-375-LESS) Web Addresses: www.markroberts.com OR www.markrobertsmotors.com. The rep that took care of me was Adrian and he'll take care of you too (and I mean take care of you in a good way-NOT the jack-around, haggling, bait and switch way).
You all take care.
