Is 235hp/460ft-lb adequate for me?

[gbraden]

OK guys, I've been waiting for quite a while for someone to pose this question, but they haven't. So here goes. I plan to get a new truck, probably a DC, but possibly a F**D, this coming model year. This will be my retirement truck and will be used as my daily vehicle and for pulling our travel trailer all around the country. Our current trailer weighs only 6,000 lb. loaded with supplies and water, but we'll likely get a somewhat larger trailer that will weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 lb loaded.

My concern is that since I live (very reluctantly) in Calif. , I will be limited to the DC with 235hp/460ft-lb rating, whereas all you other folks can purchase a high output version with much higher ratings. Also, even the injectors in the Calif. version are said to be smaller than the other 49 states versions.

I have never had a diesel before, so I really don't know. Maybe 235/460 is more than adequate for my needs.



By the way, I waited until this model year because I like the new Dodge Quadcab because, if it's like last year's 1/2 ton version, there are an extra few inches leg room in the rear. But, maybe I outsmarted myself.

Let's hear your opinion as to whether 235/460 is adequate for my needs. If not adequate, now what?

Glenn Braden

San Diego

 

[jwilliams3]

Glenn,

If it is power you are wanting then I would hold out for the 2004. 5 model year when you will be able to buy the 305/555 high output. This will be the EGR'd Cummins Diesel but this will allow you to have the higher powered option in California.

Or, upgrade the power of a 235/460 engine, it usually takes about 1 year for the aftermarket to market a performance upgrade for a new engine.

 

[nickleinonen]

can't you cali guys buy from out of state and import it back in? those california emission standards are a bummer sometimes. .

 

[KCJackson]

From what I understand, you can't bring a non-Cali vehicle into Cali unless you have owned/registered it at least six months out of state. This keeps people from simply crossing the border to buy.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Well Glenn, you're going about this in the right way. Asking good questions and listening. I hate to say it, but the DORF puts out a pretty good product. Several of my friends have gone that route and are happy with their choice, so no matter which way you go, you're headed in the right direction- Diesel is what you need. Keep in mind that the new Dorf is going to be a smaller displacment engine, and retain the V8 configuration. Our favorite will remain 5. 9L, I-6. That means a little aftermarket fix goes a LONG way in the torque department. Waiting for the next gen engine sounds like a pretty good idea to me too, so I guess I'm tossing my $. 02 in with Jwilliams. Besides, it'll keep you working a little longer and we won't feel so envious

Greg

 

[NDetoy]

Thanks Glenn for posting the same question I have been thinking about. My home state (CA) sure makes it difficult. I'm ready for the new 6 speed 03, but want to get the most HP I can get. What happens if I'm travelling across the country and will be gone for a couple months and I decide to trade my great old 1st Gen. in on a 03? You mean I could not bring it back to CA and register it? Maybe I would have to change the injectors to the smaller size. I might check with DMV and get the legal ruling. Well I can hardly wait for Sep. to start shopping for the new one.



I guess the 6 speed will have 245 hp? Thats 60 hp less than the other 49 states. Thats really for the birds.

 

[jwilliams3]

The model year 03 California trucks will have 235/460 in auto, and in manual.

Im not sure if you will be able to get a 6 speed in 235/460.

I'll have to check on that one.

I know there is no 245 model in model year 03 for Cali or any other states (for 2500 and 3500).

 

[Deezul1]

I cant believe you are required by law to only buy in Calif. What if you wrecked your truck in some other state and had to buy one there to get home? Do some checking and get a non Calif truck as the power loss sucks.

 

[Snow man]

Glenn,good question. Remember if you decide to modify it,and you opt for an auto,you will likely have to modify the trans to hold up to the power,and all this voids your warranty,which is something you may or may not value. I personally wouldnt buy the new model,and then viod the warranty,if it breaks your SOL,and its an unproven setup for now. Id buy a competitors truck,so you can get the 100K wrap arouind warranty,mand have your power,and use it too. I would not wait for 2004. 5. Your at an gae where i wouldnt wait for anything you want now. Life it too short to wait over yr at retirement age for a truck. Id do it when your ready to travel,and retire,not when DC builds it,buy the best truck you can afford,and enjoy it.

 

[FL70CAT]

Why not either wait for the new ISBe to come out ... . or





Put a set of injectors(275rv's or DD2's) in and forget about it. DC techs are not likely to spot a set of injectors, they are too bust looking for evidence of power boxes or wastegate mods.

 

[NVR FNSH]

You can buy a vehicle from out of state and register it in CA - just get a 30 day temp registration from the state you purchased it in and then register in CA when you get home. It used to be that CA charged a $300 'smog impact fee' - until a lawyer that moved to CA fought the rule and it was reversed. I got back my $300 plus interest on a '78 GMC P/U that I inherited from my grandfather in Texas.



If you can keep the vehicle registered outside CA for 90 days you can avoid paying sales tax on the purchase.



Brian

 

[Snow man]

Fl70,he wants a new common rail,dd2's arent even out yet,as far as iknow. If he put 2's in an 02 ,and brought it in for warranty,you dont think they'd notice the billowing smoke,check engine light from overboosting,or the firm shifting trans,since he'll have all those too. If he leaves a boost module on,they will spot it,if he takes it off,it will set a boost code if they stomp it,and they will. 275's are ok ,but dd2's are to big for an otherwise stock truck.

 

[NDetoy]

I know if you buy a 5th wheel or RV outside of CA and keep it out of the state for 90 days when you do register it in CA you do not pay any sales tax on it. So I was wondering if that would apply to a truck. I have checked with other state Dodge dealers and they say that they would have to order a truck with CA emmissions on it. Their has to be some way to get around this. I hate buying a truck with 70 hp less than other 03 trucks. Maybe I'll look for a leftover 02 and get at least 245hp.

 

[NVR FNSH]

Check into using the 'address' services that full-time RV'ers do to claim state residency in South Dakota or Vermont. You may not be able to avoid sales tax this way but it should be less than the 7%(?) you're paying. I recall seeing an ad in Trailer Life for creating a holding company in Montana to avoid sales tax on Class A motorhomes - might be worth a shot. I just have my dad by my trucks - he no longer lives CA



Have you tried the big CTD dealer in Idaho? Or the dealers listed in back of Trailer Life?

 

[FL70CAT]

The 275hp RV injectors would be what I'd go with if I was stuck with a 24V



If it were up to me though, I would definetely get the new ISBe!

 

[WadePatton]

Happy with mine

Go drive some of these trucks! Aren't there some TDR folks in the 'hood?



I have been really impressed with the power, driveablity and mileage (18-21) of my truck in the 235/460 configuration. Dad's 160 is a slug, but we're gonna fix that.



I'm also going to bomb mine with 275's and a comp, but it's not because I NEED to-just because I can.



Good Luck.

 

[gbraden]

Originally posted by NDetoy

I have checked with other state Dodge dealers and they say that they would have to order a truck with CA emmissions on it. Their has to be some way to get around this. I hate buying a truck with 70 hp less than other 03 trucks.

I'm with you. However, the web site for the Calif. Air Resources Board (CARB) says we must buy a new vehicle with Calif emmissions unless:

1. over 7,500 mi on odometer when acquired

2. obtain as part of inheritance or divorce settlement

3. purchased to replace a Calif. vehicle that was stolen while out-of-state

4. purchased to replace a Calif. vehicle that was destroyed or became inoperative beyond reasonable repair while out-of-state



Doesn't seem to leave much wiggle-room, but I'm going to keep thinking and asking questions just in case there is a way.



Glenn

 

[jerryrigg]

TABOO

Do I need to refresh everyone on Chapter 1, Page 2, Paragraph 2, section 1 of the Manly Man Handbook that all fathers give to their sons. It reads and I quote:

"there is no such thing as enough power". We may stop at certain points for a variety of reason. Such as: "low on funds", "keeping under warranty", "the wife needs to be able to drive it", or "can't afford the attorney fees".



Word such as "adequate" or "enough" are TABOO as there is no such thing.



Get the engine or bombs you think will do the required job. All of them are capable to pull large loads and still give good mileage, but you'll always want more.



-Matt

 

[JGarcia]

If you're stepping up to a 10,000 lb. tt that you will use a lot, I'd definately think about a 1 ton. Aside from having to commute in it, I've always kind of regretted not considering one.



JRG

 

[FFutch]

My stock 235 always pulled good with 10k+ in the hills,it was coming down the other side that could get dicey. Installed pac-brake problem solved. And then I found this wonderful website and discovered the lil'5. 9 had a lot more potential. Power corrupts absolutely ... Doug