ehammett

I have a 98.5 and I know that its the 24 valve over the 12 valve that was produced up until the mid part of 98, however I have not kept up or been able to find the proper answers to the rest of the split years.

I am in the market for a 3rd gen 5.9 Dodge and want to make sure I'm looking in the right corners to get the best options, I want to know what is a 2004 and what is a 2004.5 and is there also a 2006.5? I know the 2007 and 2007.5 was split for the 6.7L but I dont know the rest.

If you guys could help me out on this I'd appreciate it, I'm buying another cummins 3500 within a week, thanks!

MikeyB

The '03-04 models had either the SO (235-250hp) or the 305hp HO engine.

In '04.5 the 325hp 600 engine came out and it's 50 state legal until the 6.7L arrived. Somewhere in mid '05 the NV5600 6spd manual was dropped for the inhouse (Mercedes) G56 6spd.

MikeyB

cbrahs

the 06.5 and 07 5.9 have different software in the ECM

D45

It seems like most guys are getting better mpg's in the 03/04's but some guys do well with 04.5+.


'04.0 has a bonus, in my opinion, becuase there is no catalytic converter or electronic turbo wastegate.

The '05 will have a cat, it also may have a plastic intercooler and some guys have complained about the Tow/Haul programming feature.

In 2004, some like the HO over the SO in the '04 year because of gallery cooled pistons.

The 04.5 up have a third injection event, the 03-04 have 2 injection events.

Internal design:
1) Better pistons - I believe they they have a factory heat coating that 03-04 didn't.

2) Better valves - again,.. for heat protection. (most of what was done was due to the 3rd injection event and the need to provide an engine that could handle more heat issues than preceeding models.

3) A bigger turbo in 04.5

HE351 turbo= 60mm; 04.5
HE341 turbo= 54mm; 03-04

4) An improved Intercooler (more cooling fins or deeper fins

5) 4" exhaust from the turbo to exhaust tip; 03-04 used a 4" to 3 1/2" exhaust elbow & 04.5 up used a 4" elbow

6) Improved injectors. Better spray pattern; 04.5 and newer

7) Not real sure on this one but I think the 04.5 has an improved head gasket over previous years.

8) Third injection event (more complete burn), 04.5 and newer

9) Improved exhaust manifold (thicker walls and flanges than previous); 04.5 and newer

04.5 and up the ecm is larger with more processing capability (3rd injection event again) and another reason they make bigger power more easily... also they have the oil cooling nozzles for the pistons. The 03-04 uses a "saddle" type system that is less effective.

04.5 and up have a better piston bowl design that allows for more oxygen to get mixed with the fuel for a better burn. The 3rd injection event is a downfall......

ehammett

So, how do i tell if it is an 04 04.5 or an 06/06.5 ?

From what I understand, I could get an 03-04 HO 6 Speed with 305HP or an 04.5+ with the 325HP 600 engine.

Are there any models that require emissions testing (I live in north carolina and my 98.5 is exempt from emissions, I only have a standard inspection for $9 vs $30+)

Is there any reason I should not get an 06? I was planning on flying to Texas to get an 06 but now I wanna know if its 06 or 06.5 and or should I go for an 04 or 05. So many options!

Jeff in TD

I have an 06 and like it fine.

As far as telling an 04 from an 04.5 the HP rating is on a tag on the front of the engine.

NJMurvin

Sticker on side of engine says 325hp or look underneath and see if it has a catalytic converter. If either of these, it's an 04.5.