im looking at trading my 03 hemi ram 1500 2wd rg cab short bed sport for a 03 2500 4wd quad cab long bed.

i keep seeing places talk about a 04.5-07 cummins is there any limits with tunning like a 03 hemi or any special issues from 03 to 04.5?

 

All vehicles have tuning limits. The Biggest limit is your wallet. Anything is possible with a big enough pocket. And depends what your using the truck for. Some of the better tuners are not available for the older gen engines.

 

my plans are a daily driver and to pull a car trailer.

my mods will be intake exhaust and a programmer i dont need 600hp i have a race car for that.

but i want to make sure it doesnt have any limits like my 03 hemi does where it cant be tuned because it is the early ecm.

and i would like to know if they have any issues like if the 03's have weaker transmissions or anything like that.

 

Ok got ya. CAI? Or intake horn? If your looking for a CAI check the DIY threads, save yourself some money. I have a 6.7 so I had a few more things to do. Biggest thing I have learned is do the supporting Mods. Head studs. Fuel system, Fass or Airdog, which ever you prefer. Most run Fass. 150gph is plenty for what you want to do. I tow with mine as well. I have a different transmission then you. However on my stock 04 Hemi I never had an issue. Like you said its not a race truck. Maybe able to get by for awhile with the stock one. Are you doing a turbo upgrade? Adding an exhaust brake?

 

03 Hemi has weak valve springs, breaking can cause catastrophic engine damage. If you get an 03 or very early 04 make sure they have been changed or plan to change them.

in a Cummins, 04.5 has significant power increase over 04 and prior...

 

P38251 I don't know if I'm going to go that far but thanks for the info (there's always some reason to make the next step) right off the bat I'll be looking at a 4" turbo back exhaust with a Cai I was looking at afe for both and a possible turbo upgrade

Hammer I already have the 03 hemi it would be leaving in order to get the cummins.

What makes the 04.5 and up have more power? Is it just tuning or bigger turbo?

 

Keep in mind your stock fuel system may not be able to keep up. I have a CP pump on mine, and it kept up just fine. However I put a fass 150 because I am not done with mods yet. Also has 2 filters, one of which is a water separator. IMO it's good insurance.