What are the advantages (besides HP) to an HO vs. SO in a 2003 CTD. I'm looking at buying 2003 CTD and will pull heavy loads about two to three times a month. What are the HP ratings for both

 

HO Advantages (305 HP and 555lb/ft):
1. More stock HP/Torque
2. Slightly beefier (better reputation anyway) auto trans (48RE, although some SOs came with it too)
3. 11.5" rear end (most SOs had the 10.5")
4. Better re-sale value? (depending on buyer)

SO Advantages (250HP and 460lb/ft, unless CA then 235hp):
1. Possibly better mpgs
2. Lower book price ($1000 IIRC)
3. Easy (or E-Z?) to bump up to HO power with about $250 in mods
4. Drive-train should last forever at stock power.

They're great trucks, the important thing is that they both have a Cummins under the hood. Depends on how you're going to use it I guess, I'm very pleased with mine.

 

If I put airbags or trembins (spelling?) on the back could I tow 15-20K lbs. with a gooseneck occasionally?

 

The suspesntion between the two is the same...

The rear end is usually the 11.5" on both if a manual trans. If an auto there are some, but few, 48RE SO's with the 10.5", most of the 10.5" trucks are 47RE SO's.

As far as power you will like a little more power of the HO if towing that heavy, same with the trans. The 48RE will handle it better, and the 6speed manual will also handle it better.. both were standard on the HO.

If you get an SO you can get HO programing with a programmer like the Smarty.. it will bring you to HO specs and then add the claimed power.

 

I've personally never hauled more than 10-11k. My SO with ~60hp in mods pulls that just fine . Can keep up with the traffic flow on western mt. passes (7% grade stuff) while keeping the numbers in-check, that's all I ask for.

I would tow 15k-20k short distances on flat ground if given the opportunity, but not on the interstate or through the mountains. That's just my comfort level. A dually would probably increase that comfort level, and that's probably where you should look if pulling that kind of weight.

 

He called you back?

 

No I've found some others but the one in Boston never called back.

 

My '03 was an HO but the motor was blown in it when I bought it so I swapped in an SO(it was cheap). I installed the Edge juice with attitude package and so far it pulls fine. Have yet to pull heavy with it though.

The turbos on both were the same and I think the injectors are the same as well although people have told me they are different...... they "looked" the same to me.

If you plan to heavily bomb it then hold out for an HO. They have a stronger bottom end and better piston cooling.

 

Did you keep the HO ECM or switch ECM's as well?

 

I had to use the HO ECM. The engine ECM is coded to the truck body ECM. Trying to use the ECM that came with the SO engine resulted in the Sentry security system not allowing the truck to start. I spent a LOT of time "bleeding" the injectors before I figured out the problem wasn't air in the fuel lines. Once I realized it was the security system shutting down the truck I swapped out the engine ECMs and it fired right up. Was very happy as I thought I was going to have to tow it to the dealer and get it reprogrammed.

 

The 03 HO did not have the auto option as it was not strong enouh for the HO yet.

 

Yes it did, just didn't start till trucks January 03 I think.

My 03 was made in April 03 and has 305hp HO and 48RE tranny.

 

The HO was not available with the auto when I ordered mine (it was built in Aug 02 )The 48R came out after Jan 03. Also the SOs if ordered with a standard trans came with a five speed not a six speed like the HOs.
Jim O

 

Your wrong... I can't believe you don't know your truck is a stick. Actually it's an SO and the salesman tricked you...... ha ha ha I stand corrected.

 

Just wondering if anyones listened to these 3 models and noticed any sound difference?
SO 250hp
HO 305
and the 04.5+ 325 or are they all pretty much the same you'd think a 325 motor would sound different with the 3rd injection event? but ive never listened close enough. have always been fasinated with the cummins sound, the 1st one were pretty quiet, then the early 90s ones a bit louder, then a bit more in 94+ then a bit louder again with the 24v then quieter, now super quiet. was admiring an 07 or 08 6.7 today when i was getting an ice cream cone. cherry red with the alum wheels and lots of crome just sounded a bit too quiet though