Questions about CA '03

[JHersh]

I have just got wind of a 2003 2500 Laramie SLT for sale local. Have seen a pic and it's just what I have been looking for- it even has a 5-spd (yes I want a 5spd instead of a 6 spd) It sounds like this was a California truck (I'm in Colorado). Can someone tell me what the hp/tq ratings are and if there are any other differences other than the CAT. I have not been under the truck or under the hood yet, but am going to go look hopefully tomorrow. BTW-was Dodge still screwing w/ different transfer cases on 3rd gen trucks? (I've got a '95 w/ a NV4500 on one end, a Dana 80 on the other w/ a light duty transfer case in the middle - makes absolutley no sense)

 

[rbattelle]

My records show California trucks in 2003 got 235 hp and 460 torque. Here's what Steve St. Laurent had to say way back in 2002:

Trucks sold in California will get a 235 hp/460 lb-ft (CARB) version of the engine. This lower rating was necessary because of a tighter 3 gram nox carb standard and was achieved through the use of an oxidation catalyst, programming, and smaller injectors. The standard 49 state engine will have 250 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and the high output option will get 305 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque.

All 3rd gen trucks run either an NV271 or an NV273 (electric shift) transfer case.



Ryan

 

[Matt400]

I owned one, mine got great fuel mileage. I added a VA mild pressure box that gave it just as much umph as my stock 05 325/610 has.



The 03's have some smaller restrictions in the exhaust, not a true 4" system. Also mine had a 10. 5" rear axle which is smaller than the newer ones and also the H/O's unless you are talking dually.



The engine does not have the additional oil cooling jets but I don't see that as a big deal with the longevity of older 5. 9's

 

[daytripper63]

My 03 kicks butt no plans on getting rid of it anytime soon,check out my sig for mods.

 

[JHersh]

still haven't looked

Thanks guys, I still haven't got to go look @ it- hopefully soon! I do have the VIN now, is there any way to look up specs according to the vin? I guess I'm just really anxious to see it and find out any thing that I can before I see it. I'm pretty familiar w/ 1st & 2nd gens but not so much w/ the 3rds.

 

[Matt400]

You can plug that VIN into this page:

Goodyear VIN Decoder

Click on the VIN decoder

 

[JHersh]

Thanks!- I'm gonna try that, I think I will call a dealer and see if they can give me complete build sheet as well- I hope they can. I will be looking @ the truck tomorrow.