2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How to tell if it's an HO?

[MAX A/C]

This weekend, I'll be driving 150 miles to look at buying an '01. Dealer says it's an HO/6speed, but decoding the VIN indicates it as a standard output (meaning it left the factory as either an auto or 5 speed).



Where else can I look (when I get there) to double/triple check that it is in fact an HO? I know some of you are thinking that if it's a 6 speed, it HAS to be an HO. But paranoid me says maybe the transmission's been changed out?



Didn't want to question the dealer anymore, as he swears rear discs did not show up until '03.



So where can I look for other HO clues?



Thanks

Scott

 

[mikel]

Rear Discs were on the '01. 5's.



If there is a spacer between the starter and the bellhousing then that truck has the 13 inch clutch, meaning it is an HO. No spacer, then it's a standard output.



The standard output engines were installed with 6-speeds for a short period.



Hope this helps.



Mike

 

[MAX A/C]

Mike-

Thanks, great info. I didn't know the 6 speeds came SO for a short period. That could explain it. Good tip on looking for the starter spacer.



Scott

 

[dresslered]

As far as I know, if that 8th digit is not a "7", it isn't an HO period. Mikel is correct that some standard outputs were installed with 6-speeds, but I am pretty certain that all HO's came with 6-speeds.



edit: Correct 8th digit (I was counting right to left by mistake)

 

[jtisdale]

Just check the engine tag. Its on the drivers side, towards thefront of the engine just below the apps. Black stamped tag rivited to the block . It will tell you the 235hp (SO) or 245hp (HO).

My 01 has factory rear disc brakes. The early 01's had rear drum.

 

[johncameron]

I have a 2001 HO with rear drums. The tag also reads 245 HP. Awesome engine by the way!

 

[mikel]

Good point on just looking at the tag, jtisdale. Sometimes we miss the most obvious answer...

but I am pretty certain that all HO's came with 6-speeds

In the years he is questioning this is correct, all HO's came with the 6-speed.



Later,

Mike

 

[midwestdually]

its the 8th digit of the VIN ... . if its anything other then a 7 its a standard ouput.

 

[DPelletier]

Everyone's given you good info. As far as I know the only SO, 6spd trucks were 2000's, not 2001's.

Let us know what you find out.



Dave

 

[rashwor]

Everyone's given you good info. As far as I know the only SO, 6spd trucks were 1999's. I know because I was hunting one of the rare monsters when I bought my '99, but production was very very limited due to early 6 speed problems. HOs became available in 2000 and were only available with the 6 speed. Rear disk brakes became standard on the 2001. 5s and up.

 

[Thomas]

"HOs became available in 2000 "



The HO became available in 2001, not 2000. I ordered my 2000 with the NV5400 but changed to the NV4500 because of supply problems with the 6-speed.

 

[dresslered]

I received my HO in early March of 2000 but it is a model year 2001. This is probably where the confusion comes in. I love the NV5600!

 

[Thomas]

Ooooops! NV5600

 

[MAX A/C]

Originally posted by midwestdually

its the 8th digit of the VIN ... . if its anything other then a 7 its a standard ouput.

The VIN given to me has a 6 there, indicating a standard output. But the salesman says it's an HO/6spd. So here are the possibilities:

1. The VIN given is wrong.

2. The salesman is wrong, it's a 5 spd.

3. The original 5 spd transmission has been changed for a 6 spd (not likely with only 28K miles on the truck); but then the salesman would be wrong about the HO claim.



Instead of verifying the VIN over the phone I'm just going to go look at it (have to go nearby anyway). I'll let ya'll know what it turns out to be. Thanks for all your help!

Scott

 

[mikel]

The salesdroid probably doesn't know that the standard output was available with the 6-speed for a short period and is ASSuming that since it's a 6-speed it has to be the HO.



I am stretching it a bit and giving him credit for being able to look at the shift knob and tell how many gears it has.



I am curious as to what this truck actually is.



Mike

 

[Heavy Metal]

What jtisdale said. However unlikely it may be, it is possible that the NV4500 was replaced with an NV5600. The engine tag will tell you what you seek to know.



ISB245=H. O.

ISB235=S. O.

 

[dresslered]

I am stretching it a bit and giving him credit for being able to look at the shift knob and tell how many gears it has.

LOL. Always give credit where credit is due!

 

[rweis]

I thought the HO engines were when YOU put in DDx's and a fueling box on it, then beefed up the transmission, and then ran a dyno.



Wrong?



Bob Weis

 

[Sixpack]

Mine is an O2 ETH/DEE and the 8th digit is a "C"(read left to right) . Engine plate says 245hp @ 2700 rpm's. Phil

 

[dresslered]

Mine is an O2 ETH/DEE and the 8th digit is a "C"(read left to right)

Two scenarios:



1. By the old VIN numbering system, you actually have a 1994-1997 truck in which somebody dropped an HO engine into.





2. I know that the 2003's (and must be for your 2002 as well), the C in the 8th digit (read left to right) means C = 5. 9L 6 cyl. Turbo Diesel High Output. Whew!