What exactly are the changes between the SO and HO motors that result in the HO's increased power output? Any links you all have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.<br>Chris<br>

 

This should help explain it. Straight from the horses mouth.<br><br>http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/p...urbodiesel.cfm<br><br>Casey

 

Thanks for that link - that's exactly what I was looking for! It sounds like the only differences are pistons (which I gather to be slightly higher compression, from reading other sites) and software upgrades.<br> How much of a better starting point is the HO then vs. the SO from a bombing perspective? Is the HO really worth the extra $600? Anyone have an opinion on this? Thanks again, Balvert!<br>Chris

 

I would buy the HO.<br>Higher stock fueling is better in my opinion, also I like the directed oil jet cooling of the piston assemblies.<br><br>--Justin

 

I read the Cummins info and all it said is it &quot;beefed&quot; up the pistons to -handle- the extra power in the HO (nothing at all about higher compresion mentioned at all) The turbo is the same. I would dare say that the only thing responsible for the actual difference in power is the software. The pistons in the 2002 seem to handle increadible power upgrades (500+hp &amp; 900+ft lbs)I really don't think the pistons are the weak link in the SO. I never read anything about people on these forums saying that &quot;You better upgrade those weak pistons&quot; before you start bombing. O ring the head maybe but that's about it for strengthening the motor.<br><br>If any body had access to a HO &amp; a SO - they could swap computers and see.<br><br>I'll put an HO electronics on my &quot;Things to look for&quot; at the wrecking yards in the future.<br><br>db

 

55 hp for $600.00 sounds like a great deal to me. <br>Look at it this way:<br>1) 55 hp is gonna cost you at least $600.00 in the aftermarket<br>2) This 55 hp won't void your warranty<br>3) I drove an HO before I got my SO and that thing hauled butt! I did not buy it because it was a complete strippo work truck with hardly any options except the HO and 48re trans.<br>4) Even the new SO CTDs have much more power than before. You may even get one and decide not to bomb it since it has so much power..

 

'03 CTD common rail are good to at least 735HP and 1300 lb of torque (p 38 july truck trend) while still getting 21 mpg street legal... ;D ;D