I read this on autoblog a while back and since I've only recently become a member on Dodge Forum I figured I'd post this here. It isn't much as its only a reconsideration but I was just wanting to see what everyone else here thought about it. Click here for the website.

 

I don't see it happening.

With current technology, the fuel economy and longevity of new diesel engines isn't all that much better than gas engines. What's the point of paying thousands of dollars for a diesel if it won't get better fuel economy or last much longer than a Hemi?

There are rumors of a diesel in the Subaru lineup, but it won't happen anytime soon either. EPA requirements are getting harder and harder to meet - the hybrid will hit the streets first.

 

Just because it doesn't get better economy doesn't mean it isn't bad ***, that's the way a lot of Americans see things. and with more torque.

 

sign me up! I'd love a diesel 1500

 

+1500 cool points to iwhitne! lol a 5.0 cummins eating a 5.0 mustang. Now that is desirable.

 

Hey sign me up to I've been thinkin bout doin the conversion with a 5.9 mechanically injected so there's no computer

 

Yeah I dont know that much about diesel tech to understand you.

 

I can tell you right now that dollar for dollar a diesel is worth the extra money over a gas motor if the truck is going to see any kind of work. Hell right now fuel economy ignored I'm saving over $7 a fill up from empty just owning a diesel.

Factor in the increased fuel economy of my diesel over a gas motor while being worked and that adds up FAST. Case in point; I run a snowplowing company. My truck is strictly a work truck. All the other guys that I push with (except one other fellow 5.9 Cummins owner) run gas trucks. From 5.4L Triton v8's to 6.0L Vortec V8's. In a 20 hour shift I will burn from 1/4-1/2 a tank LESS than the guys in the gas trucks (depending on how heavy the snow is).

Now with that effiency PLUS the automatic savings of diesel vs. gas...over the course of just one year that's going to add up to thousands of dollars.

A half ton truck with an optionable diesel motor would be an unreal platform for contractors or everyday Joe's who will work their truck from time to time but cant justify buying a 3/4 ton or 1 ton just for the diesel option.

The market is there.

 

Yes indeed, the only problem I see with it is the potential for a 50k full size LD diesel pickup, diesel trucks are already so expensive, thats why I didnt get one.

 

Geezir - See right there you missed the point.

You're comparing your NON-EMISSIONS 5.9 to new emissions regulations.

I understand the benefits of a non-emissions diesel.

However, take a look at (for example) my 2008 Cummins 6.7. When I bought it, with 45k on the clock, the overhead display read about 10.5 mpg average. I understand there's a fair amount of error in that, but your typical Hemi does better than that. After gutting the emissions equipment (and slapping in the programmer) I've been able to bring the display average up to almost double that.

Cruising down the road, unloaded, with the cruise locked in at 60mph before the modifications I was able to get about 15 mpg max, whereas now at 70 I average about 25.


What I'm getting at here is what I said in my post above - there are a few major problems. First being fuel economy - not a whole lot better than a gas counterpart. Longevity - if they don't last all that much longer than a Hemi, what's the point? Why would someone pay a few thousand bucks more for it?

Don't forget we're not talking about corporate heads, not necessarily enthusiasts. Their priority is the bottom line.