I was looking at a 2004 that isn't the high output with a manual five speed. I was wondering what the HP and Torque was and what all was differen't. Any difference in milage? Can you just reflash the ECM and maybe replace the injectors or is there more differen't. I can live with out it being the high output but I do wonder about getting injectors later (10 years) if they have to be replaced. I just have seen very few that wern't the HO so I question parts price and if I can get them.

Thanks
Jeremy

 

SO- 250hp @2900 460lbs-ft.@1400
HO- 305hp @ 2900 555lbs-ft @ 1400
California rating 235HP @ 2700 460LBS-FT @1400
I read somewhere the the lower horse versions did not have gallery cooled pistons
Jim O

 

I am pretty Sure all 5 speeds were H.O 305/555. I think the difference you is between the 04.5 the 600 series. Which is 325/600.

 

six speeds were high output. people that i know that had the 5spd had the so.

 

Given that the truck is not the high output, it is considered a standard output rated at 235 HP/460 ft-lbs in order to meet the CARB standards of California, Maine, and Massachusetts. It will have a cat equippped on the exhaust system, if it's the original. I recently read a Chrysler press release that the HO offered premium valves and seats as well as gallery cooled pistons over the SO as Jim O mentioned. I believe that the 5 speed was only offered with the SO engine.

As far as injectors are concerned, I have seen nothing mentioned in the manufacturers literature regarding the SO designation. From what I gather, the 03 and 04 regardles of the output share the same injector. I also read that you can easily exceed the HO power level by installing a Smarty unit. I would consider a standard output 03/04 in the future.
I hope that you find this helpful.

 

Yup, nothing wrong with a "Super Output" engine. Get a box or programmer and you'll never know the difference.

 

Yup. Throw a little money at it and you will be happy... Here's my old 03 SO putting down 500hp back when it wasn't so easy to do.....

 

There should be a HP label on the valve cover since there are 2 SO models, the 235 HP california truck w cat and the 250HP SO (no cat, I think).

 

I agree!

The 235 HP engine manufactured to meet emission standards for CA, ME and MA was equipped with a cat on the exhaust was offered in 03 and 04.The 250HP engine was introduced in 2003 (mid-year) as an 03.5 was not equipped with a cat.

 

Actually, my original brochure from 03 had the 250SO available at the start of the year. Moot point just an FYI.

 

There is (sort of). The engine ID tag states the "advertised HP" in both cases.

 

My 250hp SO did not come with a cat and it's build date is 10/02, making it one of the earliest '03s. There is no such thing as a "03.5" (you might be confusing it with the 04.5 which came with a cat and 3rd injection event IIRC).

 

Friend has an 03 SO. Has a BDTD and a 5" exhaust on it.........its a rocket. Don't shy away from a SO engine.

 

better pistons and valves, Id keep loking for an ho. I did.

 

Correct

Not all SO trucks were Cali, but all Cali trucks were SO (i.e not HO). The SO was 250hp and the Cali was 235hp.


Pistons and valves are identical in HO and SO. The only difference is programing and the size of the piston cooling jets. All 5.9's have piston cooling jets, but the HO's have larger ones. I am not sure anyone has ever been effected by having the smaller jets.




A programmer like a Smarty Jr will bring you up to HO specs, than add the power. So from power standpoint it doesn't matter. I would look for one with the trans you want. You may find you prefer the 6-speed manual over the 5-speed if you tow a lot. Or you may find some 03's with the 47RE trans, and I would try to avoid those if you want more than stock hp.