regular output vs HO

[BobWeber]

I've decided to buy a new truck. How much difference in performance and mileage is there between a standard output and a HO, in a 3500 2X4? The HO is a little more expensive, and calls for the 6 speed as well, again more $. Is there much of a difference? Thanks, Bob

 

[JDalton]

In my test drives of the two different rated engines I have found a significant difference between the two. Don't know about mileage since I am shopping still. But, I would think the resale market would be much better for the HO.

 

[ImagesThatSing]

I have owned the 99 3500 4x4 before this 03, and the standard with the 5 speed has significantly less power, much less power than the new engine. I drove mine pulling for the first time this last weekend to the place where we have gone every summer weekend for the last 5 years so I know each curve and hill well, and also the power requirements. The new setup pulled with such ease and elegance, by comparision, that I find it hard to stifle my strong enthusiasm. Worth every single penny for both the 6 speed and the 24% increase in power of the HO.



FWIW

 

[ImagesThatSing]

Also as far as mileage, it is too early to be conclusive, (only about 3,000 miles) but the mileage up to camp and back was 1. 44 miles below what I used to get with my 99. When it breaks in, I will know better, especially sinced this was its first weighted pull.

 

[d90boy]

I've had a few trucks prior to my current one (see sig) and have tried towing with them all stock before bombing them. I'm towing the Rover in the sig on a heavy duty trailer. Stock towing performance in stock rating with all trucks was wretched. These were a 175/420, 215/440, and two 245/505HOs. I just got back from a trip to Hot Springs AR with the new one and I'm extremely impressed to the point I'm not in an urgent rush to bomb it. Sure it lost speed on some steep hills but I never had to come out of 6th. I absolutely love this new HO and I'm not one to be easily impressed with a stock truck.

 

[rbattelle]

The difference in price is so small relative to the total price of the truck, you'll kick yourself later for not getting the HO.

 

[CKruse]

Very well put, for about $600. 00 your getting the HO. I was tempted to shave the cost a little by ordering the SO, but decided if your going to be a bear, u might as well be a grizzly! A few dollars in purchase price is long forgotten when you are enjoying the better performance.

 

[CROW]

Food for thought before you buy a truck:

1. How many people have you ever spoken to that have complained about too much power?

2. How many people have you ever spoken to that have complained about too little power?

 

[GHinton]

Mileage on mine is currently 18. 5 @ 1500 on the odometer. Don't know what SO's are getting, but this truck would leave behind my 97 like it was standing still. Pulls like a bull from 1200 rpm to 2000 rpm when the power really comes on. Go with the HO.

 

[BobWeber]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm in Canada, so the cost of the upgrade is a little more. $500 for the HO, $1500 for the 6 speed behind it. This will be a '03, 3500, standard cab laramie, with the HO and the 6 speed, it comes to $48,000 canadian. I think it is worth the extra $2000 as at resale time, it will pay off. Once again, thanks, Bob

 

[Scooby]

I think the general rule of thumb to calculate the appropriate engine/transmission combination for your individual needs are as follows:



Calculate the total weight you'll be towing/hauling and the % of time you will be carrying that weight. Then divide that numb---..... oh screw it... . the rule of thumb is to get the most power you can get straight out of the box! Always! As a wise man stated above (in the post above), "No one has ever complained about too much power!"



The % increase in the price is nominal in comparison to the total price (plus the money you'll save in not immediately bombing the SO just to get to the power of the HO).

 

[Prairie Dog]

I have to agree with Scooby, I made all the same calculations and decided I needed the biggest. nastiest, bad ass truck there is to pull my 4500 lb TT.

 

[gsbrockman]

BobWeber :

I previously owned a 2000 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 Auto w/3. 55 axle. I only had 275 hp injectors and the Magnaflow exhaust system. The truck ran out great, had less power than my '03, and used more fuel. I live in hilly Eastern Kentucky and I rarely need to shift to 5th (unless Grandpa's in front of me) there's so much torque. The grin on your face with the HO and the 6 speed is priceless... ... drive both at a dealership and see for yourself.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Prarie Dog, in the low mileage/power thread you mentioned you were going to pull the TT. How about some details



I can't wait to hit 1000+ miles so I can tow the boat. I'm very close, but I may do an engine oil change first though.



Vaughn

 

[krabman]

All kidding aside I cant think of any reason for someone who is buying a heavy duty diesel truck to not get the HO now that it is available with an auto. The only problem I have had with it is that I forgot my boat was back there and I drove it over a curb on a hard left. Never had that problem with my old truck.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Originally posted by Vaughn MacKenzie

Prarie Dog, in the low mileage/power thread you mentioned you were going to pull the TT. How about some details



I can't wait to hit 1000+ miles so I can tow the boat. I'm very close, but I may do an engine oil change first though.



Vaughn

Unfortunately the trip was only about 160 miles round trip and only one small hill along the way. My mileage was about 15. 5 on the overhead but it LIES of course and was probably more like 13. 5 to 14. I havne't checked it with calculator yet. It sure pulled it easy though. Starting off in 1st or even 2nd gear was so easy I couldn't tell the TT was there! Acceleration doesnt seem as brutall as my bombed 93 was but I noticed I got to 60 almost by the end of the on ramp when it used to be several hundred yards later than that. This is w/o really mashing on it. It's really hard to compare because while the 93 was very strong, it's torque conv. was junk and hooking up the TT only made things worse.

We're heading for southern Ca. in two weeks and I can't wait to hit those hills!

 

[WElit]

I took delivery of my 2003 HO w/AT 48RE 3 weeks ago and only have 1300 mi. on but it has night and day power over my 1999 w/AT. We will be ready for towing in a couple of weeks and see how big a difference it is towing the same trailer as with the 1999.

My $. 02 would get all the power you can.

 

[BobWeber]

Well, I bought one... I placed the order yesterday. '03 3500 Laramie, regular cab, 4X2, CTD HO, 6 speed, anti-spin diff, 3. 73 gear, trailer mirrors, and trailer package, silver with slate interior. I didn't want the quad cab, and all the trucks on the lot are quad cab 4X4. It will be here in 6-8 weeks, I can hardly wait!



By the way, what is a TT?

 

[Scooby]

Travel Trailer = TT

 

[Parshal]

I have the SO and 5-speed. I test drove the SO with auto and HO with 6-speed. I chose the SO more for the 5-speed than the engine. I only tow a 3600 lbs. travel trailer (at the time I bought the truck it was a 2000 lbs. popup, though) and figured the SO is more than enough. I had a difficult time choosing between the 5 and 6 speeds and chose the 5 speed since this truck is a daily driver, too. I don't use 1st gear so it's more like a 4 speed. I tried shifting the 6 speed skipping a gear or two and it was still a bit too much shifting.



I'll have to admit to now wishing I had the 6 speed transmission and HO although I want the 6 speed more than the HO. Even on that small TT 3rd gear is a bit wide although the EZ certainly makes it much less so. I believe the HO would have better resale value, too.



After all my rambling of trying to re-sell myself on the SO/5-speed I'd say get the HO. Maybe I need to go drive the HO/6-speed again to make sure I like what I have.