Hey all, I am in the market of buy a dodge. I would like to go used for various reasons. I am looking at an 03 now with the 305/555. What are the differences to the 325/600. I have heard about no cat on the 03 not sure if that's correct though. Just wanted to hear some opinions on the matter. I don't think the extra 20hp/45ftlbs would matter that much for my use. Anyway any help would be appreciated. Sorry if this topic has been beaten to death, I tried a search and i must not have typed in the right buzzwords. Anyway thanks
Evan

 

The 04.5 and up trucks have the cat. I believe they also have different injectors and some ECM changes that effect timing and duration. They also include 4 inch exhaust from the turbo all the way back.

Remember also, that there is the 03 and 04 models. Then there are the 04.5 on up models. The earlier 05 models have a plastic intercooler which has had some problems. Not sure if that covers it all....but that is a few things that come to mind in my readings on this board etc.

Welcom to DTR!

 

I'd get the 305/555.

 

It seems to be the general consensus is that the 555 motors also get better mileage, yours may vary of course.

 

Oh, one more difference I just noticed in TDR magazine.....the turbo is different. The turbo's in the 04.5 and up trucks allow more boost.....which accounts for some of the power gain.

I am sure you would be happy with whichever truck you get.

 

Turbo wastegate is vaccuum controlled on a 03/04's

Its' electronically controlled on 04.5 and up.

This allows for more precise control of the boost pressure, which was a lever for reducing emissions without having to resort to EGR as FOMOCO and GM did.

 

It's tough to beat a 555. Actually, I haven't seen a 600 outperform a 555 in any form yet.

 

I love my 555, gets great fuel mileage and with a couple of simple bombs it goes like stink

 

Also for some reason the 555's seem to be less prone to injector faliure"knock on wood" also getting 15.2 mpg with a good bit of idle time. city driving

 

I think you guys are starting to "stretch it" just a little bit.

 

Stretch what?

 

47re early "03" ....48re late "03" something to consider if you get an auto....... I have no complaints with 47re! A box will do the 600 for sure....but even stock you would love it!

 

My dad misses his 03 compared to his 05. 03 had better mileage and we both agree my 03 is quiet at idle compared to his 05.

 

I would bet injectors last longer on a 555 but I don't think that's been proven yet. Three injection events on the 04.5+ vs 2 on the 555's means 1/3 less wear to me. I would imagine it also helps when you start to reach the limits of how much fuel you can get by changing duration, but I could be all wet about about. It just depends if the 3rd injection event comes in soon enough to bump into the end of the 2nd event. Whatever. My 555 gets 20 mpg driving 60mph to work on country roads and has since the day I got it.

Andy

 

I would get the 555 due to better fuel mileage and it not haveing a cat. However I would look for a late 03 or early 04, because the 48re seems to be a better built trans than the older 47re. Both are good transmissions, but the 48re has had less failures than the 47re.