'03 Cummins, diff between VIN 6 and C?
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From: Piedmont, SC
'03 Cummins, diff between VIN 6 and C?
Newbie to forum. Been searching and can't find an answer to my question.
Bottom line - I'm reading up on my truck ('03 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab Diesel Dually) and wondering what the big difference is between the 5.9 with VIN 6 w/250hp and 460 ft lbs and the VIN C w/305hp and 555 ft lbs? (data from wikipedia) Timing? Cam? Pistons I think are different?
Background:
I'd had this for going on 11 years now, my first diesel. Love the low maintenance - change the oil regularly w/shell rotella, change tires, add fuel. I have misc things I occasionally tow from an 8x18 tool trailer for community service work, a small 5x9 utility trailer, a 32' 5th wheel camper w/slide to a vintage Corvair race car. Built it myself like most of my Corvair friends. I'm a Corvair guy at heart so I'm a DIY guy.
Bought it w/90k on it and now it's got just over $200k on it. About 90k of that has been on WVO but that system quit working over a year ago and I haven't bothered fixing it. Just ran out of interest and not daily driving it or taking many trips lately.
About 6 months ago she died pulling out of my driveway. Towed it back home and thought it was fuel delivery but I've had an Air Dog for several years. Replaced the CP3, still just turned over. After several months or looking, thinking, towed it to my local favorite diesel shop. I blew a hole in a #6 piston. He says it's actually cocked sideways. Had it towed back home b/c I just don't have the $2500 in labor and the $4200 + $1000 for other misc crap for a replacement motor. Going to dig into it myself starting today. Yep, I've watched youtube and not afraid. If it has to come all the way out it will go back to the shop b/c I just don't have the lift for it. Pretty sure my little foldup will buckle in half. No spare truck w/o borrowing to carry the block and head to the shop.
Of course, new fuel injectors and ARP head studs are a must since I'm already pulling the head. Rather than buying a new motor outright I wouldn't mind replacing parts to get the VIN C HO results. Cost is a definite consideration though.
Deeper question: Will the 2004.5-2007 bolt right up? It looks like the same block? I assume computer is different? What about Turbo, exhaust manifold... what else? Is the 48RE up for it? Someday I'd like an enclosed race car trailer for spare parts, more tools, etc. Would you do that or just upgrade my existing 5.9 w/tuner? Should I have the turbo looked at,/reconditioned while it's apart? Knowing my intended usage, and I drive pretty easy, max of 70, and like good MPG, would you upgrade it? I also work from home now so it's not even a commuter. It will be used mostly for towing and the occasional trip to hardware store.
Since it will sit a lot I'm even thinking of adding an accusump to increase longevity. I need this thing to last a lifetime, hand it down to my grand kids after I race for 15 years.
Thanks for reading. It's appreciated.
Bottom line - I'm reading up on my truck ('03 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab Diesel Dually) and wondering what the big difference is between the 5.9 with VIN 6 w/250hp and 460 ft lbs and the VIN C w/305hp and 555 ft lbs? (data from wikipedia) Timing? Cam? Pistons I think are different?
Background:
I'd had this for going on 11 years now, my first diesel. Love the low maintenance - change the oil regularly w/shell rotella, change tires, add fuel. I have misc things I occasionally tow from an 8x18 tool trailer for community service work, a small 5x9 utility trailer, a 32' 5th wheel camper w/slide to a vintage Corvair race car. Built it myself like most of my Corvair friends. I'm a Corvair guy at heart so I'm a DIY guy.
Bought it w/90k on it and now it's got just over $200k on it. About 90k of that has been on WVO but that system quit working over a year ago and I haven't bothered fixing it. Just ran out of interest and not daily driving it or taking many trips lately.
About 6 months ago she died pulling out of my driveway. Towed it back home and thought it was fuel delivery but I've had an Air Dog for several years. Replaced the CP3, still just turned over. After several months or looking, thinking, towed it to my local favorite diesel shop. I blew a hole in a #6 piston. He says it's actually cocked sideways. Had it towed back home b/c I just don't have the $2500 in labor and the $4200 + $1000 for other misc crap for a replacement motor. Going to dig into it myself starting today. Yep, I've watched youtube and not afraid. If it has to come all the way out it will go back to the shop b/c I just don't have the lift for it. Pretty sure my little foldup will buckle in half. No spare truck w/o borrowing to carry the block and head to the shop.
Of course, new fuel injectors and ARP head studs are a must since I'm already pulling the head. Rather than buying a new motor outright I wouldn't mind replacing parts to get the VIN C HO results. Cost is a definite consideration though.
Deeper question: Will the 2004.5-2007 bolt right up? It looks like the same block? I assume computer is different? What about Turbo, exhaust manifold... what else? Is the 48RE up for it? Someday I'd like an enclosed race car trailer for spare parts, more tools, etc. Would you do that or just upgrade my existing 5.9 w/tuner? Should I have the turbo looked at,/reconditioned while it's apart? Knowing my intended usage, and I drive pretty easy, max of 70, and like good MPG, would you upgrade it? I also work from home now so it's not even a commuter. It will be used mostly for towing and the occasional trip to hardware store.
Since it will sit a lot I'm even thinking of adding an accusump to increase longevity. I need this thing to last a lifetime, hand it down to my grand kids after I race for 15 years.
Thanks for reading. It's appreciated.