I recently purchased a used 2003 Dodge quad cab dually, long bed, 4x4. The truck is a California emission model rated at 235 hp and 460lbs torque. What are some realistic expectations I can have with this engine? What is the Difference between the California emissions models and the 250 hp and 305 hp HO versions, block, head, ECU, etc? How would the increase in power from mods be as compared to the other engines? I guess what I would like to know is if this engine is worth trying to hotrod. I am interested in bigger turbo and the other electronic stuff but don’t want to dump money into something that won’t give me the performance I want. I see Cummins engines for sale on eBay. Would it be easier to put a HO engine W/ecu in the truck and get a 100 hp increase that way? Over a year ago I bought a 91 chevy 2500 with a 6.2 in it and put a Banks sidewinder turbo & exhaust kit in it and got hooked on diesel. I was happy with the power increase because because it only put out 165hp stock and I knew what to expect. When I read on this forum of trucks making 400hp and up I wanted to try and build a Cummins

 

Once you start adding good boxes to it ....it won't know it isn't a HO. I had my SO cranked up to wellllll far in excess of 550hp. Get a good downloader for an 03 like a Smarty or a good Box....I like the full blown TST with all the cool down, rail pressure, and adjustable timing. Cut out a 4" hole in the bottom of your air filter box. Get rid of the stock muffler with a 28" nelson add a boost and pyro (TST includes it ) and you're off to the races. If you have an auto get it built with a TC,VB, billet flexplate, and at least a billet input. ...if you're a stick then get a SBC CON FE at least clutch if you are going for over 375hp with some towing.

Oh yeah fill in your signature so we can help you better....got to the User CP tab on the left of the narrow blue line above. Good Luck. ks

 

Thanks for the reply abc4yew, I get a lot of information just from reading the forum. I know I need to do the trans & TC and I have an idea of the companies that have a good reputation with them. Because of where I am, it is easier for me to order a complete trans and install it myself. Is there much of a difference between a built 48re and a built 47re? Would it be possible to replace the stock 47re whith a built 48re with out too much modification. Things like re-pinning connectors or splicing harnesses aren't any trouble but something like replacing the PCM may be cost prohibitive.

 

Bump for the above questions. I'm in tha same boat as this guy.

 

Im sure someone will chime in but from what i understand the only major difference is that the 48 is already a high pressure valve body and the 47 isnt.

 

Q. What are the phyiscal differences between the High Output and Standard Output engines in 3rd gen Rams?

A. The engines are far more similar than in the 2nd gen Rams. Specifics are a little vague, but according to Cummins the differences are flywheel size, the computer program, and the addition of J-jets to spray the undersides of the pistons with oil on the HO. It has been speculated that the pistons may be different on the HO to accommodate the J-jets, but that hasn't been confirmed

A couple more differences that comes to mind are the H.O. only came with the 48 RE if automatic and it also had the 11.5" rear axle vs. 10.5" on the S.O.

 

48RE upgrades and order info

Here is info on the 48RE from the November Master Tech Reference Book. I have paraphrased a little bit.
Production of 48RE is scheduled for December. At that time production of the 47RE will stop.
Part of the design was to increase the durability to 150,000 miles. Major changes were made to the pump, valve body, friction material, gear train and park system.
The diesel pump has 20% higher capacity for adequate cooler flow. The addition of a seal ring to the reaction shaft allows the TC increased capacity for clutch engagement. The impeller hub on the torque converter is machined to accommodate the seal ring
The valve body provides increased line pressure in 3rd and 4th and during TCC operation, and allows the ability to engage the converter clutch in manual second gear for greater towing performance. The valve body also permits TCC engagement in drive-2nd gear for cooling protection, if the sump temp goes over 220 degrees. This may result in a change in shift quality, however.
The direct clutch in the 48RE's overdrive unit has 23 all new discs with friction material on one side only
The four-disc rear-clutch pack has been improved for greater durability. One disc was added to the front clutch for increased reverse torque capacity, and the overdrive clutch has five discs for non-HO and six for HO. The kickdown band lever ratio has also been increased.
The entire geartrain assembly is new, and all planetary gear sets and the overdrive carrier have a six pinion design. The front and rear carriers are made of cast iron, while the overdrive carrier is made of powdered metal.
The 48RE's drive shell is thicker for heavy duty reverse operation, and greater durability, and includes new thrust washers. To deal with higher vehicle weights, the park system has been enhanced with a new rod and wider park pawl. 2WD extension housing is designed to work with larger slip yolk.

 

I will probably need to order a trans outright. It is not worth it for me to send back a core. If a built 48re can replace my 47re that is what I will do. I am just not sure if the ECU on my truck can control the trans or if they can install a valve body that is compatible.

 

Look at the sig for my truck... 1st step is definitely a Smarty. Instantly raises SO level to HO level (read that to mean a 200hp increase on Smarty SW9 on an SO 235 engine) In anycase, I have a start that you can follow if you like, I still need injectors, CP3 and a couple other goodies. Like replace the Banks...

 

It's not too hard getting the power from an SO. You just need the $$$.....

 

no not at all but there is some good running S.O on this site

 

I certainly agree there.
Are you going to the Fall Brawl this weekend CTD03? I'm going to be there Saturday but it will be early afternoon.....

 

I find it hard to believe Cummins dropped the piston cooling nozzles in the SO engines. All 12valves had them no matter what the HP rating was. Same block right?

 

I changed the engine oil pan on my truck. While it was off I was curious about the nozzles too, but did not see any when I looked. It was reassuring to see the bottom end of the Cummins engine and the nice thick bed plate they have tying everything together though.

 

Making the power out of a SO is not all that difficult. We can use just about every performance upgrade that anyother truck can use. Us guys w/ the 03's get shafted in some departments though. We don't get all of those cool software updates through some companies. For instance, the Bully Dog Tripple Dog programmer lets you use a Crazy Larry program for 2004 year trucks and up, we don't get that.

Most everything else is universial though. You do have the 48re right? I beleive if your truck was made after 03/03 you will have a 48re.