I don't mean to appear dumb, but I guess I am when it comes to this.

First and foremost, getting the most fuel economy out of a truck is quite important to me. So do you know if the 5.7 hemi (2013) will have better mpg than the 2012 ? Or will it not be siginficantly so.

Are you saying that penastar will not make a diff. Should I wait for 2013's or just take the plunge now? Maybe wait and see if I can get 2012 cheaper ?

More confusion...thanks for putting up with me

 

Jan,

Here is the Ram powertrain info that has been released so far for the 2013 1500's. Yes, the MPG's will be improved. Also check out the link below.

The 2013 Ram 1500 will offer buyers a choice of three engines.

Chrysler Group's award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine offers best-in-class standard 305 horsepower, with 269 lb-ft of torque and best-in-class fuel economy for V6 trucks. It features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V6 powertrain.


The legendary 5.7-liter HEMIŽ V8 continues to be available, offering 395 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency has been improved by at least 10 percent over the 2012 version, and it now provides best-in-class fuel economy for V8 trucks. And the HEMI still delivers best-in-class towing (11,500 pounds) and payload (3,125 pounds) in the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty model.
The 4.7-liter V8 is also available, with 310 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
A class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission, now called "TorqueFlite 8," is standard on V6 models, and an upgraded version will become available on V8 models later in the model year. The TorqueFlite 8 improves drive-ability and enhances fuel efficiency. A new thermal management system uses engine coolant to warm the transmission fluid more quickly; this improves fuel economy, drive-ability and shift quality.


http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/2013/ram_1500/

 

Others ^^^ have warned me not to get the first year of a new engine because of kinks that need to be worked out. Does this apply to this engine do you think.

Thanks again for all your info
Jan

 

If you go with the HEMI I honestly wouldn't be to worried about the engine. The HEMI is a pretty reliable engine with tremendous amounts of power. If it were myself, I'd question the "TorqueFlite 8"....new tranny possible issues. But that won't be for the later models.

The EcoBoost looks like a nice engine and from what I've seen it seems like a DAMN powerful V6, but like Larry stated...when it breaks out of warranty, good luck with expenses. Ford's Turbos on their diesels seem to always leak oil after 50,000 miles and it always seems to be an ongoing issue once they leak. I know it's a completely different engine and completely different turbo. Plus, look up the exhaust for an ecoboost lol....to me it just doesn't sound right....yes you can hear the turbo wind up, but it still has that little engine sound...

 

The hemi is still the same, as is the 4.7, That part of the 2013 will not change.

The Hemi IMO is the best V8 motor out there, it combines the best power for mileage you will get. If you can use MDS to its full advantage and do mostly highway driving then you will be getting the most mileage out of a V8 motor. This motor however I believe gets around the worst (still above toyota and nissan) city MPG. There are many opinions as to why, but everyones are different. Having said that, if you plan to do any towing the Hemi is hands down the motor to have. IMO why even have a truck if you don't plan to tow anything? Yes some people like them for winter and the box space, including me. BUT I DONT buy a truck expecting good mileage. If I wanted something for winter and good storage there are many SUVs that could do just that, but because I tow a truck is more suited. The power out of this HEMI is incredible, I have driven Fords with the 5.9 or whatever they have, and its pretty gutless. The vortec chev and GM have are alright I guess, but very unreliable and not good on mileage. Where the HEMI is pretty reasonable on mileage while pulling considering. To give you a little comparison, I have a buddy who has a the 6.0L vortec. We both do a camping trip every year pulling our 30 ft holiday trailers, its about a 400km drive. He has to stop and fill at around 300kms, when I have about a 1/4 tank left. We are pulling at around 105km/h and we both have the 121 liter tank.

As far as the pentistar v6 goes, its a whole different motor in comparison. They are direct injected instead of fuel injected. It is basically the same kind of deal as the Ford Ecoboost. These motors claim to put out the same torque and HP as a V8. These two motors differ a little from each other, Ford having a turbo setup, and Ram having none. (Rumors of them starting in 2014)
I get a little leary of these motors , just for the fact that they are a V6 doing V8 work. The Ecoboost more so, being turbocharged and thats how they get their power. Maybe I just love my V8 power, and the fact that it DOES get better mileage pulling then the V6 ever will. BUT there is something to be said about having increased mileage while not pulling. To me its all up in the air, could be the change in times. Just like carbs to fuel injection.

I hope thats a little background for you...

As far as the MPG being better, I am sure it will be. MPG get better after every year of release. My 2011 gets a little better then the 2009s, im sure the 2012s get better then mine. This I don't think has to do anything with the motor. What differs is the programming within the motor/tranny, or the little bit of different body styling. The 2012s have a 6speed tranny vs mine which is only a 5speed, so im sure they will pick up a little MPG there.

NOW the 2013 has pretty BIG plans. They have a new 8 speed fully electronic tranny, automatic grill shutters, electronic power steering, and an available air ride suspention. Its supposed to lower the truck closer to the ground maximizing fuel economy. Add to all that again, an updated electronics system. The HEMI will not change, but combining that with the 8 speed tranny could increase fuel economy. I am considering upgrading when that time comes, but I get a little hesitant with all the new gadgets. However I upgrade every 2 years or so, so I will always be on warranty.

As I stated way above. If you plan to use the truck for towing, I will still consider the HEMI. But if you use it for the box, or whatever. Then yes the Penistar could be a viable option for you. This is the first time this motor has been in the RAM, however it has been used on other vehicles so it is not a brand new motor per say. Who knows if the motor will have issues with this 8 speed tranny, and whether the components will be able to handle the power. Either way when you change there are risks.


I hope I didn't just ramble on, but I do see a few people who get a lower motor, and wish they upgraded. As far as reliability, dodge has to put that truck through tests to get it market capable. So if you go with a new design its going to be covered on warranty. Its what happens after the warranty that could be the posing issue, but I don't worry about that! haha

 

Very Informatative..Thank-you Nate