Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Is buying a HO worth it?

[EBottema]

Well pretty much decided to go with a 24v prob a 2000-2002. I'm going to do a straight exhaust, edge comp, intake and a few other goodies down the road. few questions:



Does the HO engine last longer?

Do the oil cooled pistons help in this task of longevity?



Am i selling myself out by settling for a SO federal engine?



Also... do SO and HO's use the same block and what years use the #53 block???



Thanks guys!!!



Erik

 

[Oil Burner]

I don't know for sure but I believe I remeber seing some 53 blocks as late as 99 and 00. After that, you should be o. k. As far as the HO motor, I don't think you should expect it to last longer. The six speed is a great transmission and I'm glad I bought mine but you have to decide what you want to do with it. If you are set on upgrading with a Comp, then the ETC would be a better choice. They respond better to boxes than ETH trucks (which like injectors better). You can find the 6 speed in some ETC trucks in 99 and 00. They are more rare than HO 6 speed trucks but they are out there.

-Jason

 

[Sticks]

The big question is what do you plan on doing with the truck, and what transmission is bolted up behind it. If you decide to really up the power, or do a lot of heavy towing, the autos will need anywhere from $1500 - $5000 in upgrades to handle the HP, where as the manuals are $600 - $1100 for a new clutch.



ETC (SO engine) like the fueling boxes.



ETH (HO engine) like bigger injectors.

 

[InThinAir]

Well, I hate to derail your plans but I think that in the used truck Market, you should look for the truck that hasn't been too abused and then decide if you can live with the transmission/HO, 5 or 6 sp/ SO or HO. I was in the used truck market for 6 months. What I wanted was a 2002 1 ton 6sp. Everything I looked at was beat to death and not worth my time (or $$) to get it how I would like it. I wanted something that was average mileage. I will tell you that I ended up driving through 2 states to get a 03 used, Buyback, that I now have. My advice is that remember that these trucks are typically bought to do hard work. Most people don't know about the greatest forum on the planet. So you will find nothing with even an EGT. And talk to someone about a fuel pressure test before purchase they will look at you like you have 2 heads. The other day I saw, 65 degree outside, a 2500 pulling a gooseneck loaded up, pull up into the parking lot next to where I was getting fueled up and pulled right in a shut right off. Then I noticed he had chrome winter fronts on! 65 degrees. The turbo had to be almost red hot when he pulled in and shut right down. Then on the other hand. I how many times have everyone seen a truck sitting idling when they head into a store and it is still there idling away when you come out to leave 30 minutes later...



Just my opinion. Find a good truck from a good owner and decide if you can live with what is on it.



---Doug

 

[2ndgen2500]

try to find a truck on the classifieds on this site. good people are on here. and they have good trucks

 

[DPelletier]

Doug's right. I tryed to find a good used 01. 5 or '02 HO 6spd when I wanted a change from my '01. 5 auto and most trucks I looked at were absolute garbage. Didn't stop them from asking big bucks for them, though! I thought I just kept decent care of my trucks, but apparently NOT! Mine was better than 95% of the used ones I looked at.

Back to the original question, I think both the ETC and ETH motors are great and I wouldn't exclude either one, especially If I planned on modifying it. But, if I was buying a truck for towing, I would try to get the ETH, just to get the NV-5600.



Dave