Seems like all of the published facts about this engine indicate that it is similar, if not the same, as the ISB in the motorhome application. Here's my reasoning:
1. Valve seat inserts, hi perf valves, same as motorhome application
2. High strength ex manifold - could be two piece compliance, same as motorhome
3. Pre-equipped for exhaust brake - sounds like this has to be a VGT - only the VGT can function as an exhaust brake, too, w/o additional parts
4. Zero throttle launch - only the VGT can supply extra boost at idle to allow more fuel, and more idle torque
5. Quietest diesel ever in the Ram - rear gear train?
6. All of these don't require any new parts or technology, therefore cost is minimized

Comments? Criticizims? Can't wait to really find out....

 

I'm thinking the same thing, gaspressure. Which leads me to wonder about EGR, even though others on here have said it won't have it. The ISB in the motorhome application has it so it would make the most sense. I sure would like to find out.

 

jlasih,

That's the big question. There is constant work going on in this area and it seems that there are monthly advances in controling NOx emissions. That said, Cummins has clearly indicated that their NOx stratagy for on-highway is cooled EGR. They use other techniques for off-highway - in cylinder control, and in Europe they use SCR. It just wouldn't make sense for Cummins to make a huge additional investment in another NOx strategy for just one specific application - the Ram.

About those monthly advances - I just found this:
http://www.anl.gov/OPA/news03/news031128.htm
If this works as claimed, and is commercially viable, then this is the Holy Grail for the diesel engine manufacturers. Time it and tune it any way you want, with NOx aftertreatment, the manufacturers are free to enjoy unrestricted programming for their engines. The best is yet to come!

 

OK, JUST TO THROW IN A DIFFERENT VIEW. WHY DO THESE CLOWNS, MORE NOTABLY CALLED ENGINEERS, ONLY GIVE US 20 MORE HP & 5O MORE LBS OF TORQUE? I MEAN IF I WERE GONNA SPEND MONEY ON PRODUCT UPGRADES, HELL LET'S GO WITH AT LEAST 400 HP & 800 LBS. OF TORQUE. THEN WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO BUY ALL THE EXTRA GOODIES JUST TO GET MORE POWER THAT IS ALREADY THERE. WOULDN'T THAT BE JUST GREAT ?

 

Well CAPTDASH-

Speaking as a "CLOWN", the engineering department doesn't typically run the company. Engineering is typically constrained by things like market forces, legal departments, EPA and other government regulations, etc.

The marketing department typically "helps" the "CLOWNS" by determining that if they put it all on the table now, they won't be able to crank the specs up later when the competition does.

Anyway, don't you think a little shade tree clowning around is fun too?

100 Proof

 

LOL! The factory clowns would undoubtedly love to deliver you that extra HP and TQ. You can purchase pretty much as much HP and TQ as you can afford from Aftermarket clowns. There are a few that are known to hang out on these pages.

Unfortunately, most decisons from the factory are made by lizards or BeanCounters.

Clownfully yours!

BTW, nicely said 100proof.

 

http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/st.../07/dodge.html

 

HEY 100 PROOF, CLOWN IS A TERM I USE LOOSELY, SO NO OFFENSE ACTUALLY MEANT.I WOULD JUST LIKE TO BE ABLE TO ,BUY A BAD *** TRUCK TO START WITH, WITHOUT HAVING TO DO ALL THE AFTER MARKET STUFF. I KNOW THAT ISN'T FAVORABLE FOR THE AFTER-MARKET GUYS, BUT THAT IS JUST THE WAY I FEEL. IF YOU ARE GONNA BOAST, BIG, BAD, & BOLD, LET'S DO IT TO START WITH, NOT AFTER THOUSANDS OF MORE DOLLARS OF EDGE'S, EXHAUSTS,BULLDOGS. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? I HAVE JUST WALKED IN FROM FORT WALTON BEACH, FL TO ATLANTA, TO MY HOUSE. I WENT & GOT ME A POWERLOC TORQUE CONVERTOR. WHY DIDN'T DODGE PUT ME A GOOD ONE IN THERE TO START WITH? WHEN I GOT TO ATLANTA, I HAD A LIST OF PRODUCTS THAT I HAVE INQUIRED ABOUT ON THIS SITE TO PUT ON MY TRUCK. I HAVE GOTTEN ALL KIND OF FEEDBACK ON THIS SITE,BOTH GOOD & BAD ON VARIOUS PRODUCTS. OUT OF THE 7 OR 8 PRODUCTS I MENTIONED , MY PERFORMANCE GUY RECOMMENDED ONE OF THEM, WHICH WAS A SCOTTY 2 AIR SYSTEM. HE SAID THIS IS A BIG GIMMICK BUSINESS, DIESEL PERFORMANCE THAT IS.MANY BUSINESSES & ADVERTISERS MAKE CLAIMS ABOUT PRODUCTS THAT ARE TOTAL B.S. THAT IS WHY I GOT ON THIS SITE TO GET INFO FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACTUALLY USED THE PRODUCTS. I HAVE GOTTEN OFF TRACK, BUT IF DODGE DID IT IT RIGHT TO START WITH, YOU WOULDN'T NEED ALL THIS EXTRA STUFF. NOW LIKE IT OR NOT THAT IS MY OPINION, AS I AM ENTITLED TO IT.

 

Back to the subject of the new rating. Has anyone driven it yet? Frahm is the local dealer here in Kalifornia. They first told me they were in route. Then they told me 6-8 weeks. I know the HO people are not missing anything but I'm in the 235hp deal. I drove a FORD last night. Their numbers are close and the seat of the pants was not all that impressive. Granted, the test is pulling my 13k trailer over Cajon and then the grade above Bishop. Our next purchase might be the new 300/600. I hope it is still quiet. Then the TST for mine and we will be done. Yeah right. I'm trying to decide if I want to just ditch the cat and put in a new muffler or do the whole system in 4". I like the fact that mine is QUIET. Maybe it's all the years I spent driving a big truck but I don't like the noise on long trips. I drove a Pete for a while and I used to wear earplugs to block out some of the turbo. Before I did that, I would stop to sleep and still hear the turbo in my ears. No fun.

 

The 600 is supposed to be quieter than the SO. At least that's what I've read so far both in Wards Automotive and on the TDR site. Also the 600 gets a full 4" exhaust, but it does have a cat and muffler.

FWIW, it does seem Ford has some issues with pilot injection, which is one big thing that helps keep the noise down. So it's turned off, and will be it seems for quite some time. Digging around for '04 PSD info I found a few who had buyback '03s weren't happy that that their '04 was loud.

It seems that the 600's are just starting to trickle into dealerships. If you can wait, especially since you live in CA and the old motor is the SO, I'd hold out for the 600!