Hey Guys, I have been looking at 3rd gens for several months and have noticed several threads pop up about the SO or HO engines and how to tell which is which. Thru exhaustive research (yea right....) here is what I have found:

1. Starting in August/September 02, Dodge started building the new 3rd gens with the common rail. From August/September 02 until December 31, 2002 the Autos and 5spds were 99.9999 SO engines (Cali and 6 other states 250HP/460TQ, all others 295HP/460TQ). Only 6spds were the HO engines (305HP/555TQ). These trucks are 2003 models to most in the CTD world.

2. Starting January 01, 2003 (and depending where a truck being built was on the assembly line before Christmas and New Year Holiday) Autos and 6spds were all H.O. engines (305HP/555TQ). These are considered 2003.5 models to me. The autos were 99% 48RE (there are a few folks on here with a build date after 01/2003 that have SO engines with 47re trans), but by and large autos after 01/2003 were 48re's. This can be verified by looking on the engine data plate or take the VIN # to a Dodge dealer to be ran on their computer.

3.Starting with model year 2004 (started building them in late August early September 2003) all autos and 6spds engines were H.O. with a 305HP/555TQ. Starting January 01, 2004 the H.O. went up to 325HP/600TQ for both the 6spd and autos. This also signified the starting date for what is refered to as a 2004.5 model

4. Starting with model year 2005 (started building them in late August early September 2004) the H.O. engine rating went up to 325HP/610TQ, where it remained until the last 5.9 rolled off the line in late December 2006. All 2007 trucks built with a 5.9 are (I) consider 2007 models and the ones built after 01/2007 are 2007.5 models with the 6.7's (at least in my mind).

So if someone says they have a 2003.5 or a 2004.5 hopefully this will clear it up for everyone.

There are exceptions to all of the above. This is just a general guide line. Always check the engine data plate to know for sure.

Hope this helps,
Jim

 

5 speeds are 100% SO's. 6 speeds are 100% HO's.
The 5-state California SO is a 235hp/460 TQ. All other SO's are 250hp/460tq.


California SO's with the 48RE were still being built in May, 2003. Also, there are some 2004 California SO's built in mid-2003.

 

Thanks for the clarification 03Ram. I should have caught the SO and Cali HP numbers, my bad. Anyone see anything else to clarify or correct, please do so for others benefit (and mine).

Jim

 

I got one of those SUPER SLUGS, cali. 235hp s.o. CTD with 48re, What do i need to get it up to the H.O. numbers? Just a smarty, bullydog, power puck,etc. or do i need to change out injectors,turbo? Then do the re-flash.
thanks in advance.

 

Just a Smarty will do it! That is what I did...Enjoy!

 

Look at my sig. I'm running Smarty 6 and Quad 60hp. Runs great.

 

when in doubt, just look on the pump....