I have a 2003 Dodge 2500 with the smaller 5.9. I need to know the difference of the 2 different motors and I also need to know if I have the same upgrade options as far as chips and turbos. I already have a Fass fuel pump and an ATS trans. PLEASE HELP!!
Info I also own an 03 2500 with the 250 hp motor. Most of the chips and tuners will not make the power with ours that they will with the 04.5's and up, but if you are willing to upgrade your Turbo then you can more than likely get all the power you want. The HO version offered on the 03 - 04 i believe had 305 hp or somewhere close. I am not sure whether they got it from tuning or a different turbo. I'm sure one of the others can answer.
All 3 motors available in 03-04 use the same upgrades, and are mechanically identitcal except for the 235 CA model, which used the old style block. So, to answer your question, no, there are no issues with which motor you have compared to upgrades. Also, the SO motors actually respond to chips better as they are choked down that much more already. The reasoning here is that the 2004.5 and newer trucks use a more advanced ECM with more computing power, and much more control, so there are more parameters that can be adjusted. The 03 is by no means a sloutch. Its a great truck and can be very powerful. You are starting out right with a FASS. I see you have the transmission handled, good for you. SO next, which power enhancements were you looking at? What were your questions?
Thank you so much for your help Diesel Nut! I have the exaust handled as well. What I would like is more boost goin up hill without too high of temps. I would like to get something to give me better MPG if possible, but mainly boost.
More boost isn't always good. You only want enough boost to keep the fuel you are injecting burned completely and egts reasonable. By increasing the boost output you won't really gain a whole lot with stock fueling. However, with say a Smarty and a boost jet, you can increase your boost levels a little, and the added timing would help economy. You would be looking at about a 65hp increase.
Chaddy There are several power options available for your truck. Do you want a plug & play module or a programmer? Programmer wise the Smarty, DiabloSport Predator & Bully Dog are all good choices. Modules....There's Quad, Edge Ez, DiabloSport Puck, Edge Juice are all also good choices. Sounds like you already have a good foundation set (tranny, exhaust & fuel system) so next on the list would be a good power programmer/chip....waytogo
