New 2005 Hemi On order
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New 2005 Hemi On order
Hello, I'm new to the DF. Lots of good info. here.
I ordered a new Ram 1500, Hemi, 4x4, SLT, Laramie, w/Sport Package, Quad, SWB yesterday. I have two SUV's now so I'm not real conerned about the gas mileage. I am wondering though if it will really get 17 on the highway. I ordered the 20's so I had to take the 392 gear. Has anyone on the forum changed out the ring and pinion to the 3:55 or 3:21. If so did the highway MPG improve. Also there's lots of chat on the web about the highflow exhaust systems and cold air intakes. Is any of this stuff worth the investment? Will the high flow CATS pass emission tests.
Just for the record before I bought, I did extensive research on the Titan, Tundra and the RAM over a 6-month period.
My opinion:
Dodge= style, power, handling and more value when you start loading up w/options. My truck listed at $40,000 and they came down to $32,435 and I still get to take advantage of all cash incentives when the truck comes in...could be another $3,000 off.
Titan= From a longevity stand point I think it's best truck on the market, drives like a truck, tows 9,500 lbs. and has ton's of room. I didn't like the down in the nose profile and the dealers stand firm on the price. I hope I don't regret my Dodge purchase.
Tundra= only a 7/8 truck, drives like a Lexus w/ really nice interior and comfort, again like the Titan it has a down in the nose profile, and it felt under powered or soft, had great paint fit and finish and the dealers were willing to negotiate
Tell me I made the right decision folks!
Thanks Dave
I ordered a new Ram 1500, Hemi, 4x4, SLT, Laramie, w/Sport Package, Quad, SWB yesterday. I have two SUV's now so I'm not real conerned about the gas mileage. I am wondering though if it will really get 17 on the highway. I ordered the 20's so I had to take the 392 gear. Has anyone on the forum changed out the ring and pinion to the 3:55 or 3:21. If so did the highway MPG improve. Also there's lots of chat on the web about the highflow exhaust systems and cold air intakes. Is any of this stuff worth the investment? Will the high flow CATS pass emission tests.
Just for the record before I bought, I did extensive research on the Titan, Tundra and the RAM over a 6-month period.
My opinion:
Dodge= style, power, handling and more value when you start loading up w/options. My truck listed at $40,000 and they came down to $32,435 and I still get to take advantage of all cash incentives when the truck comes in...could be another $3,000 off.
Titan= From a longevity stand point I think it's best truck on the market, drives like a truck, tows 9,500 lbs. and has ton's of room. I didn't like the down in the nose profile and the dealers stand firm on the price. I hope I don't regret my Dodge purchase.
Tundra= only a 7/8 truck, drives like a Lexus w/ really nice interior and comfort, again like the Titan it has a down in the nose profile, and it felt under powered or soft, had great paint fit and finish and the dealers were willing to negotiate
Tell me I made the right decision folks!
Thanks Dave
Joined: Feb 2005
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RE: New 2005 Hemi On order
yeah you got the right truck!! i wsa ready to buy a titan but just couldnt get what i wanted for my price you couldn't go wrong with either one of the ones you were looking at. but did you have to get the 3:92 gears because of the 20" wheels? i would have gotten them also but there all the same so i figure i get my owwn
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RE: New 2005 Hemi On order
I was in the same boat. About a year agao my wife and I started looking at new trucks. We looked at all the trucks on the market. We finally picked up our 05 QC 4x4 last Friday. I have not noticed 17 mpg (I too have 20's) yet but I was told it will get better as the truck gets broken in. I think I'm averaging 12.5 mpg with a mix of city/highway. Anyway, congrats on the purchase and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much I have/will.
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RE: New 2005 Hemi On order
I considered the Titan as well, but since nissan dealers wouldn't give on the price, I selected the ram as a better value. Haven't regretted my decision. I've also heard the Titan does not have the typical nissan reliability. Quite a few suspension problems.
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From: Clinton Twsp., MI
RE: New 2005 Hemi On order
I've got an 04' Hemi QC that I added a Magnaflow catback to.......I'm getting about 15-16mpg in stop and go traffic on the freeway, of course the Hemi doesn't let you go easy on the gas pedal !! I'm sure you'll love it !
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RE: New 2005 Hemi On order
I can live with 15-16 MPG...I also spoke to a CAT expert and he told me the stock converters from Dodge flow all you need for regular driving. They flow fine if your crusing at highway speed or stop and go driving. He said most of his customers only see a 1/2-1 MPG increase when they change to high flow CATS... but if your towing or loading the truck heavy you will benfit.
I'm really going to think things through before I start tinkering with the truck and will post any fuel mileage improvements that seem significant. I do really like the sound of the aero-turbin mufflers.
The following... is information I received from one of the high end highflow CAT manufactuers. My question to him was about fuel mileage and meeting emission requirements. His response seemed very honest and forthright.
I'm really going to think things through before I start tinkering with the truck and will post any fuel mileage improvements that seem significant. I do really like the sound of the aero-turbin mufflers.
The following... is information I received from one of the high end highflow CAT manufactuers. My question to him was about fuel mileage and meeting emission requirements. His response seemed very honest and forthright.
If your truck will pass an emissions test with stock converters, it will pass with ours. As for the effect on fuel economy, it will be minimal, unless you do a lot of towiing or heavy hauling. Under normal cruise conditions, there's relatively light load on the engine, so exhaust flow doesn't meet much resistance flowing through stock converters. Under heavy loads, exhaust flow is exponentially greater and the stock converters beccome a definite flow restriction.
Each vehicle responds differently to exhaust system improvements, so it is possible that you'll see an improvement in fuel economy. However, you shouldn't purchase high flow converters with the expectation of achieving a 2-3 mpg improvement. In our experience, except for a few unusual cases, our customers have reported a 1/2 to 1 mile per gallon improvement.
Depending on the type of header you install, it may be just as cost effective to purchase new converters, rather than having the original ones modified. However, if you purchase short tube headers, they should bolt up to the stock converters with little or no modification.
I certainly don't want to talk you out of purchasing our converters, however, I don't want you to purchase them with false expectations. If you have any other questions, let us know.
Each vehicle responds differently to exhaust system improvements, so it is possible that you'll see an improvement in fuel economy. However, you shouldn't purchase high flow converters with the expectation of achieving a 2-3 mpg improvement. In our experience, except for a few unusual cases, our customers have reported a 1/2 to 1 mile per gallon improvement.
Depending on the type of header you install, it may be just as cost effective to purchase new converters, rather than having the original ones modified. However, if you purchase short tube headers, they should bolt up to the stock converters with little or no modification.
I certainly don't want to talk you out of purchasing our converters, however, I don't want you to purchase them with false expectations. If you have any other questions, let us know.