How to tell if its a 600

[ghamilton]

A friend is being told by a local dealer they can get him a new 600 that another dealer has on the lot. How can we tell by the Vin number if it really is a 600? They claim they have had it for over a week. I personally think they trying to pull one over on him since they told him the first one he looked at was a 600. Luckily I have learned enough here to know the difference and it was not. Thanks guys.

Greg.

 

[ThomasMurphy]

The Cummins 600 and 555 both have a engine code of ETH. However, if you talk with Daimler Chrysler, you may be able to find another designation "ETH-XCK" which means it is the 600 motor. The 555 motor is "J**". Hope this helps you out using the VIN #.

 

[Glen]

Of course once you see the engine you can read the ID plate.

 

[Briman]

It should have plastic end caps on the inter-cooler and the fan shroud should be attached to the engine (not the body).

 

[crabjoe]

Don't the 600 also come with a hood blanket? I thought the Dodge release said it did, so I'd say that would be the easiest and the 1st thing to look for. I'd also think it would give the hp/torque numbers on the side of the motor.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Glen is rite, check the engine ID plate to be absolutely shure. It will actually state the HP and torque numbers - not a code like in the vin no.

 

[MLee]

600????????

the ID plate is on the "LEFT SIDE" of the valve cover. and also as stated above on the shroud and ends of intercooler.

Marv.

 

[silverram03]

Just take a look at the fan shroud (it has been moved back). See where the new coolant reservoir is (By the passenger fire-wall). The turbo and manifold are different as well. Even the top side of the engine is different looking. Had a few extra minutes to kill before the National Western Rodeo and looked over the new 600 for quite a while. They also had a cut-away of it there.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Did some local inventory searches tonight for a 325/600. Found most of the HO's priced at 5,225. One is priced at 5,360 (for the HO option).

I recall reading a topic here about identifying a 305 vs a 325 HO by the VIN, or was it the HO option price? I'm chomping at the bit to drive one of the new 04. 5 HOs! Drove a friend's 03 3500 HO 6x6 a few weeks ago with the 48RE but I still want to shift my own gears.



Only have 51K miles on my 01. 5 and I really love the truck but if I can get a new one for about the same payment I may jump on it!



Also I was looking at some on the lot locally this weekend when they were closed. I thought the 325 had a cat? If it does, I'm curious if it's easy to see when taking a peek at the exhaust. I'd like to be able to ID the new HO without having to pop the hood.

I hate going to the dealership when they're open, unless I know they have something there I want to test drive. Salesmen just follow ya around and bug the heck out of me!