The New 325/600

[ACerf]

I visited the LA auto show today. While there I spoke to one of the Dodge reps about the 325/600 Engine. I was told that effective today the California and the three states. Have been approved for the current HO engine "305" and will be sold as the HO engine. The "235" has been dropped. However, the "600" has not been approved for use with the automatic, will only come with a 6-Speed manual.

I can see a new trans on the horizon, maybe a 5-Speed Auto??

There is also a rumor, a quite one, that a new and bigger crew cab is in the works. No date on that. In looking at the Titan and Tundra crew cabs. I think DC needs to do something about the the rear cab seating. Because these other boys are serious about the room I there trucks!

 

[AlK]

However, the "600" has not been approved for use with the automatic

According to the info provided in the article at the top of the TDR the above is incorrect. The following is a quote from that article.



"The Ram comes with either the iron-case New Venture 5600 six-speed manual transmission or the Chrysler 48RE four-speed automatic transmission"

 

[ACerf]

600

I have a feeling that the info that TDR had at the time was current info. However, things have been known to change when it comes to DC. Example; not long ago I read that the Diesel was going to be a new 6. 0 engine. But the ariticle was incorrect, because the 6. 0 was a new hemi engine, not a diesel. I would think the rep at the show should have the latest scoop. When he told me that I even asked him again about the trans. He told me that he feels that DC is thinking the 48RE can not handle the 600. If you look at the test report you notice that they compaired manual trans of Chevy and ford with the dodge not the Autos. That is possibley because they didn't have any! The writer could have been confused about the info. Especially since he made no mention of the fact the DC was still going to carry over the 305 engine. And as of today that was the first I had heard that as well.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

This is straight from the Dodge press release:



"An automatic transmission is also available with the new Cummins "600. "





Like usual most of the reps don't know a dam thing when it comes down to it, they are their to look good. And they are already taking orders for the 600 and an auto, so what do you think they are putting in their... .

 

[DPelletier]

I'll put my money on Mopar Mudder.



- Keep in mind that the '04 305 hp ETH doesn't meet Jan. 1st emissions regs. Doesn't mean that the '04. 5 ETH (600) couldn't be detuned, but I have only heard of one order code (ETH).



I suspect the guy that you talked to was uninformed.



Oh and don't hold your breath waiting for a new cab. I personally like my Quad Cab and find it has lots of room in the back seat. The Tundra and Titan are not (and likely never will be) competition for our Rams.



Dave

 

[RobertBolinger]

I'm with Mopar Mudder too... Joe's test drive for the article was in mid December, and included the 48RE-DC doesn't make changes that fast. The DC rep was just plain wrong-or possibly misunderstood your question.

 

[RobertBolinger]

Oh, and I also don't see the Tundra/Titan being competition for anything except the ½ Ton Dodge, Chevy, and Ford (previously known as American trucks) for the forseeable future. They gotta have a diesel and maybe a large displacement gas to compete with the ¾-1 ton Dodge, Chevy, and Ford.

 

[ACerf]

325/600

I guess I could be wrong, and maybe the rep was wrong. But, I guess time will tell. Since when did anyone in TDR believe a thing that DC said? This rep appeared to know what he was talking about. I have a source at DC that I could call, he would know for sure. I believe most info with a grain of salt anyway. But remember this example; All 48RE were going to be able to have the use of engine/pac brake! Was that a bit misleading?? So until I see a 600 with an Auto in the truck I am going to stick with the info I have.

As far as the cab size goes. I am happy with my quad cab, but I think that most people will agree that Toyota and Nissan know how to do things right! And since Dodge, ford and chevy truck sales are based mostly on there 1/2 trucks, these companies have to look to the future. I have read many posts in TDR complaining about the rear seat room. Ford is looking to the future with with the F-150, which is much like the Toyota and Nissan. I don't see Toyota or Nissan anytime soon making a Diesel truck, but who would have thought Toyota would race the Tundra in Craftman Truck Series! It would not surprise me to see Nissan doing the same thing.

 

[nickleinonen]

i'd love to see nissan in the truck series. it'll be more fun to watch when there are more "brands" in the series. what engine is toyota going to use? [they don't have anything that low tech for nascar specs]

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

Originally posted by nickleinonen

i'd love to see nissan in the truck series. it'll be more fun to watch when there are more "brands" in the series. what engine is toyota going to use? [they don't have anything that low tech for nascar specs]

Personaly I hate to see them come in, it is an American sport after all.



And like you said what motor do they have to run. The motors are suppose to be based on a production motor that is available to the public. Where do they offer a standard single cam V8 in anything? I am not looking forward to them moving to the Wiston, ups the Nextel cup series.

 

[y-knot]

I have know way of knowing what DC will do or come out with, But I would think the rep at the car show would be a credible and up to date source of information.

 

[KKlepfer]

catalytic converter?

"Only seven new emissions part numbers are needed for the new approach used on the 325/600 engine. A diesel oxidation catalyst (catalytic converter) is employed. " '04 Review



I thought Catalytic Converters couldn't' be used w/ Diesel because even the smallest amount of sulfur ruins them. Does any one know what the theory is behind the diesel oxidation catalyst, and is it considered to be a type of catalytic converter but different than gassers? Is it just as simple as heating up the EGT's to burn off the bad stuff. I suspect thats why the beefed up exhaust valves, manifold, and turbo lubrication is needed. Probably too simplistic, but still interested if anyone cares to share their wealth of knowledge.

 

[Doubleclutch]

I don't think Joe confuses easily

KKlepfer- I think it's lead that is the catalyst killer.

Not sure about what the transmission situation will be. It seems DC isn't shy about changing the way the trucks leave the assembly plant without consulting the buyer.

Just to toss some noise in to the Nissan/Toyota mumbling- In the early 80's there was sweet I-6 diesel made by... Chrysler/Nissan. Don't know what ever happened to it, I think it might have been for marine applications. It was a little too pricey at the time to replace the Perkins in my '64 1/2 ton Dodge.

Greg

 

[MojaveJoe]

305 HO for '04 now CA approved?

ACerfs post raises some EPA questions in my mind.



ACerf said:



"I was told that effective today the California and the three states. Have been approved for the current HO engine "305" and will be sold as the HO engine. "



He was at the auto show on 1-5-04? As of that date the only engine being built was the 325 HO that is certified for all 50 states due to the new Cat, etc (I think?)



Can anyone confirm this '04 305HO approved in CA and the other 3 states idea for me, or say how this statement could be definitively nailed down.





Thanx and Keep On Truckin

Joe

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I drove 325/600s, 6 speed and auto, at the event. So did others. I doubt DC would pull the rug out two weeks later. Also the source who talks about the 305 in this calendar year forgot a state. There are 5 not 4 total using CARB regs. I wonder if he forgot something else, like 20 hp

 

[tobaccogrower]

i just ordered a 04. 5 "600". i ordered it with an auto! if it comes in with somthing other then an auto, heads will roll!!... . james

 

[bish777]

My DEC. 3rd ordered truck has the 600 and the auto, its off the line today, ready to be shipped. I just called the 800 number to verify it has the 600 and auto.

bish

 

[DaleStevenson]

I try to be understanding regarding D/C wanting to keep a trade secret, but I inquired at 3 different dealerships and emailed Dodge in November regarding the 325/600 and they all denied any knowledge of the new engine. Then maybe 2 weeks later it was announced. Now that my truck is being shipped I cannot find out from my dealer if I have the 305 or the 325. My point is, I agree that we cannot believe all of what D/C says. It is also sad that our awsome trucks are built in Mexico.

 

[Tomeygun]

Originally posted by bish777

My DEC. 3rd ordered truck has the 600 and the auto, its off the line today, ready to be shipped. I just called the 800 number to verify it has the 600 and auto.

bish

by the way bish777... yours is the VERY first one to come our way, don't worry, I will hide the keys so no one drives it...



I bet I could charge money to see under the hood though!!!



now the fun part of watching the trains move with YOUR truck on it

 

[DaleStevenson]

Originally posted by bish777

My DEC. 3rd ordered truck has the 600 and the auto, its off the line today, ready to be shipped. I just called the 800 number to verify it has the 600 and auto.

bish

800 number? bish, pleeeeease can you share that number? As you see by my post I have been trying to findout what engine my truck has in it. Thanks.



Dale.