HO vs. SO - differences?
 

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>

Re:HO vs. SO - differences?
 

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

Re:HO vs. SO - differences?
 

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

Re:HO vs. SO - differences?
 

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

Re:HO vs. SO - differences?
 

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

Re:HO vs. SO - differences?
 

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..

Re:HO vs. SO - differences?
 

'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