im getting just about 17 mpg with my mods when i cruse at 65-80 mph

 

2-3 mpg is in my opinion plenty of difference between the 2 engines. With the way the gas prices are killing us all regardless of motor choice, that 2-3 mpg is going to make a bigger and bigger difference at what the 4.7 vs hemi owner pays at the pump. Also, keep in mind the difference is going to be even bigger if the hemi owners do what the owners manual recommends and put 89 octane in the truck. It says the truck can run on 87 but recommends 89. They probably are recommending 89 for more than one reason. I remember I once owned a 90 model mustang 5.0 and started out running premium like i was supposed to and then due to financial reasons i switched to 89 octane. It wasnt long and I got a clogged injector for my trouble. Anyway, both the hemi and the 4.7 make nice trucks. I just hope we can all continue to afford to drive them. If gas keeps going up, anything that gets less than 30mpg is going to kill us. [:'(]. Hey, then we could all start a toyota hybrid forum and ask what mods we could get to make it go faster.

 

Unless you got some bad gas from the station, the 89 octane should not have plugged up your injector.

 

The cost of the HEMI is more then $995 if you look at the tranny that has to be changed also. I think it was more like $2000.00 difference altogether.

 

1&2. Keep your foot out of the skinny pedal and you can get 17 mpg. We are getting this at less than 4k miles! My wife does it all the time but talk about hard to do - got to drive like an old person or so it seems. I'm averaging about 14-15 (maybe less sometimes) but then i'm a little tougher on the truck than she is and do more city driving. I've been happy with the 4.7 and don't regret not getting the "HEMI" at all. Does light pulling (5000 or less) and highway driving very well plus it will spin the rear wheels. My buddy has an 03 with the Cummins. Great truck but even he likes the 4.7. Of course that's apples to oranges.
You can get a v6 but it will be hard to find and it will probably come only in a base model. If you are wanting to have resale/trade-in, stay away from it. I found one or two when I was shopping for a new truck but you have to look hard. I looked at this option but with any towing at all, you don't want it. If just hauling in the bed and highway driving, you will be happy with it. Not a fast engine but reliable and peppy. Same engine in the Libbey and others.

Not knocking anyone but IMO, unless you pull a lot or like to mod for speed, I think the 4.7 is the way to go but like I said, that's just one opinion. Hemi's here in Texas added about 3-4k to the price.

I got just standard vinyl seats and they have really been nice - nicer than I expected and surprisingly soft. Don't get me wrong, the cloth were really soft but with a 1 yo grandson, the vinyl sure does come in handy when he decides to spill something on them. We take many long trips (100 miles or more) and they are plenty comfortable. Just wish I had the center console storage.

 

1st_sgt

Why is the Hemi out of the question? As has been already stated numerous times, the gas milage on the 4.7 isn't much better than the Hemi. Sure, the initial investment is a little more, but not too bad. Everyone has their own preference, but the only enigine I would take over my Hemi is the CTD (sigh... hopefully in a couple years!). Regardless, you'll get a great truck whichever you decide on. Happy hunting!

 

Im on my second hemi ram. The first was an 04 2wd ST Quad Cab 3:92 limited slip 4SP auto. 300-315 miles per tank. My 05 1500 4wd SLT Quad Cab 3:55 5sp auto is getting close to 400 miles per tank. Both have the same size tank. I have been very happy with the Hemi, I pull a 30ft travel trailer and on occasion a POS car I might pick up with a trailer. No problems towing either.

I dont think there is anything wrong with the 4.7. I also think that moderate driving at lower speeds will save you mileage, I drive around 60 on my way to and from work. If I go 70 I get crappy mileage, so I go slower-I am going to work, whats the rush????

I think either way you will be happy. I would stay away from the V-6. It will probably need more petro to get the truck up and going and any cost savings would be lost on resale.

Good luck with your purchase, and if you are near GA I know a dealer that can hook you up, a lot cheaper than most other places I have seen.

 

I have a 2002 4.7 and it gets about 14.8 MPG (no granny drivin'). When i run it on mid-grade gas, however, it gets a bit better gas mileage. My boyfriend drives an '03 2500 Hemi QC and he gets about 12MPG but he has a lead foot and a heavier truck.

 

If mpg is an issue get a 06' Hemi with the MDS its projected to have a 10% gas savings over the current 5.7 it will boost your resell value and get either the same or better mileage then the 4.7. I test drove an 06' 2500 with the MDS (currently own 05' 1500 w/Hemi) and you can not tell the difference between the two motors power delivery wise. The extra cylinders kick in faster then the mind can process. Who wouldnt want 345hp and 14 mpg in the city its a no brainer

 

The new dodges with the mds, does it sound any different (like crappier) when it is not running on all cylinders???