ok so ive been reading the 3rd gen forums for a while, (considering a new truck) and i have a question for yall. If you were to buy a new truck what engine would you get, the 600 or a 555. after reading all the probs with the 600, im kinda wanting a 555. did DC ever get their probs figured out, with the hesitation and the bad milage. just wondering your opinions, thanks

 

My opinion...if you want to go an extra 140 to 175 miles per tankfull...get the 555. I wish I had. I feel like I got stung.

 

Only real benefit to the 600 is that number, all the other differances are downfalls.

That number is pretty meaningless to, there are so many ways to close that gap its not funny. you can add 500 ft. lbs. just by plugging in a box!!!!
Play with the intake and exhaust a little, new injectors, waste gates, it goes on and on, there's no limit to the amount of power a diesel will crank out.

When it comes to resale. Which would you rather have a '69 GTO, or a '74? most people dont even remember the one with emmisions existed!

 

get 555, will not have to pass any future emmisions testing. I have 600 , in process of being lemoned.

 

I was wondering the same thing. I test drove a 600 with a 6 speed and realy liked it but then I started reading on here how horible of milage they got and am now probobly going to get the 555 if I can find one that is optioned rite.

 

me too (probably)

 

Seesh, harsh room!

Where are the reports of everyone getting bad bad mileage? What I've seen is a pretty normal spread. Some good, 19-20, and some bad, 12ish. Many new trucks, and many running winter fuel. From what I've read about other cumimins motors the mileage on many improves dramatically as the miles pour on. I thought that was even in the TDR "new member FAQ" packet. The hesitation seemed minor and was fixed. The basic engine is the same as the HO with some updates and a recalibration. The extra power comes factory approved, not aftermarket. It seems odd to be ok with a tuning shop swapping parts, but if the factory switches out similar parts it's viewed as unreliable. Even though the factory's test and development resources are much greater.

As far as the newer GTO's, well it's only fair to point out that in that era emissions controls were a pretty bad deal. Mechanical control systems. Blech. Tons less power when they tried cleaning them up. These days there are fewer compromises. The engineers have a much better idea of what's going on inside the engine. And the controls are very powerful as well. Vehicles these days are silly powerful, fun, and yet remain clean. The GTO doesn't hold it's value because it does not need emissions certification, it holds it's value because it's a classic. It's "the" muscle car. Brand name, plus many people who drooled over them as kids now have the coin to buy one.

 

I had the choice. Got the 555 and ain't looking back.

 

Me to and lovin every mile of it!

 

I can't find a 305/555 Dually optioned the way I like......so, it's the 600! If my new truck gets 14-16 empty on the highway at 70-75 MPH, I will be HAPPY! That is all my 2002 ever got....and I was never impressed.

 

You'll enjoy either one. As far as problems with the 600, the only one I'm aware of is the hesitation, and that was fixed very quickly with a reflash. Some people seem to think, mistakenly, that the ping/clatter is a problem, but it's not. It's normal. The mileage is still up in the air. The engine is far too new, it's wintertime meaning half of the country is running winter fuel, and then there are other factors such as driving style (being new, that most likely means "pedal to the metal" at every opportunity) and fuel quality. I recently test drove a 600 auto and was very impressed. The only thing I didn't really care for was how quiet it was. I'm kinda old school and the noise (especially of a Cummins) sounds very good to me. But, I'm in the minority, and the 600 is extremely quiet. So, whichever one you can get the best deal on would be fine. I could not find a 555 to match my specs, hence ordering a 600.

 

Thanks for the post JLasich.

Your's is the sound of reason.

I haven't heard the 600 yet but I've heard the 555 and it's very quiet. If the 555 is the basis for the 600 it's gotta be very similar in all respects.

DT.

 

Accepting change will be hard for some.......the old Diesel motor design is just about gone now and time for the new and improved to step-in. As for the Dodge Cummins old classic sound, it will never be heard again from new shipments (I miss it too). I think Cummins & DC are way ahead of the pack in Diesel design right now and the others are studying their changes very closely.

To me, the 600 packs some big power unseen before in this type of motor. We shouldn't see or best fuel milage until after 10k miles, so let's wait and see. I already get over 18 mpg, per tank unloaded with 70% hi-way and still have under 3k. Has for problems - not any for me - that's what I expect from a Cummins.

 

I agree with Cummins600, give the engine time to break in.
Also, from what I gather, quite a few of the 600s have autos, and personally, this combo doesn't help with the fuel economy. I have two friends with 555/auto/4x4 and their economy seems to be in the same ballpark with the 600.

MikeyB

 

Get the 600 I have driven both and hands down the 600 is more powerful; as for mileage I'm getting about 16 mpg on winter fuel and the temps here are only in the teens. Going down south this weekend will see how much it improves . My 99 is only getting 17-18 mpg in the same conditions.