Corwin

Looking at a used Dodge diesel, is there an easy way to tell if truck is an HO or not on truck, with out looking up VIN?

GotBoost?

The tag on the engine cover will say 325HP. if it is a newer one.

Corwin

WOW that simple

Bubba_CTD

New one will be 325, older HO will be 305 and the SO will be 265(?).

JRW

The tag will be on the driver's side of the engine.

Dodgezilla

Older SO 3rd gen will be 250 hp or if it's a Ca model it will read 235hp..

AirGrabber

You can also look at the vin#. 8th digit will be a " C " if its a H.O., if its a S.O. it will be a " 6 ". You wont have to get the salesman to open the hood and stand there listening to his B.S. to find out

12PACK

I've seen listings for some 00 or 01 CTD's HO's that had a "7" in the eighth spot, so keep that in mind if you see one. Also, if it has a 6 speed and it's older than an 04.5, it's an HO. The SO's only got the 5 speeds for sticks. Speaking of trannys, if it's an auto and older than 03.5, it's an SO.

Corwin

So was a HO I believe as says 2900 RPM and 305 HP on engine sticker.

Any reason to buy the 325HP over the 305HP motor other then the extra 25HP, other upgrades at all on them?

Guess since I reside in Canada going to most likely have the issue with the lift pump at some time also with any newer 2003 and up dodge diesel.

Raspy

The HO has internal mechanical upgrades over the SO. Gallery cooled pistons is the one thing I remember, but there are some others. The SO responds very well to bombing, mainly because it's in a milder state of tune, but if you have the choice, the HO seems like the way to go. I don't think there is a difference, as far as mileage goes, between the '04 HO and earlier SO. The twelve valve engines seem to get a little better mileage and the '04.5's get a little worse. The 04.5's have catalytic converters as do some of the earlier California SOs.

Wetspirit

GotBoost?

Technology.......And the fact that you are one step ahead of the game if you wanna add a programmer or chip.

grizzlydiesel

I just checked my trucks engine and sure enough it said "325 horsepower @ 2900 RPMs"

This beast can really perform --- I am glad I bought the dodge over the ford.

thebestofindica

Here is a little link that explains everyone of the 17 numbers in teh V.I.N.

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/VIN_decode.htm