Greetings,

I recently purchased an 03 Ram 3500 and beforing doing so I got a dealer print out, using the VIN, to see what options the truck had...especially the engine and trans. Although I knew somethings about the truck I didn't know nearly as much as I know now...so my confusion comes with regards to my engine. The dealer print out states I have a 305 HO motor...the valve cover states 305...but after reading some other posts on here and trying to order a MBRP exhaust; I've been told that a 325 is the HO not the 305. So I guess the question is do I have a HO motor or not and what are the differences that make it so different for the firment of an exhaust?

Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

For '03-04 the 305 is the HO engine. The 325 is the '04.5 and has a cat and a full 4" exhaust system.

MikeyB

 

MikeyB hit it on the nail. Some don't know the 03 and early 04s were the first upgraded HO for the new bodystyle, they just jump straight to the "600".

 

Wow you guys are everywhere...thank you for clearing that up for me. So what would you suggest I say when ordering an exhaust...? Should I say non high output since I have a 305?

 

No tell them its the 03-04 HO non 600. Or tell em its the 305/555 motor. 03-04 had a standard output, which you don't have.

 

The '03-04 SO/HO uses the same exhaust system. So like Rip said just order the MBRP
exhaust for a '03-04 model only.

MikeyB

 

See even I can learn new things!!! Just try to get a 4inch down pipe, will help make a differance.

 

The '03 and '04 HO MBRP exhaust has a 4" pipe. It necks down to 3.5 inch at the exhaust elbow. Best thing is to get a '04.5 exhaust elbow and order the pipe for an '04.5 truck. Or just don't worry about it and get the '03, '04 system with the 3.5 inch connector ring at the turbo.

If you plan to get the stainless pipe get the 304 stainless. The muffler is 304 anyway, but the pipe comes in either 409 or 304. 409 rusts. They also make a very nice stainless tip for the 4 inch pipe that can take a lot of road sand blasting and won't rust. Mine is a double wall tip that is 5 inch OD (4 inch ID).


John

 

Thank you John...for this info. If I order an 04.5 system will it come complete with a downpipe, muffler, and tail-pipe section? Also...is the V-band on the cast piece (off my turbo & connects to my down pipe) 3in or 4in? It looks to be 4 and then flare down to 3.5 to the muffler and then 4in out the other side. I just want to be sure if I order this...1 I order what will work properly and 2 that I won't have to send it back.

Also...I just tried locating a 304 SS system for an 04 and they all say 409...can I use the HO exhaust system on my truck?

Thanks,
Jim

 

No, most systems for the '04.5 and newer are cat back systems.
The MBRP systems are a full 4" on the '03-04. So just order the system for the '03-04 and you will be fine. As Raspy mentioned you could upgrade the turbo elbow to a full 4" also by using the elbow off of a '04.5+ model. But isn't mandatory.
I don't think MBRP makes a T304 system for our trucks anymore. Only T409.

MikeyB

 

Back to your question about HO motors.

For '03 and '04, there was an HO and an SO. These designations told you which motor you have as they made tow different versions. Simple.

Starting with Job 1 for CY '04, they only made one motor, the 325/600. So, no need for the two designations. There was only ONE motor. So, it's neither an SO or an HO, it's an '04.5 motor OR just call it a 325/600.

 

You say there was an HO and SO for 03 and 04- I didn't know they made the SO in 04 at all, even for the first part of the production year??

 

Turbo,


Well,................they did. And it came with a kitty.


John

 

That's true- but not sold in many other parts of North America!

 

Just so I can start getting the "lingo" down here...is the turbo elbow the cast piece right off the exhaust side of the turbo and also connects with a V band to the down-pipe?
Also with regards to the dp on an 03 model the cast flange is only 3in...on the "turbo elbow"...is that correct? I just want to make sure I get it all straight.
I see that they make a 304 SS for an 06 model...would that be cat back only?
Is there any other reputable companies that make a 4in SS exhaust for our trucks?
Thanks,
Jim