ScottG wrote:
twodownzero wrote:
I would avoid the 03. It has a smaller turbo and less power. The gap between them and the newer year after that is something I wouldn't compromise on unless the price was right.
305 HP version went through 2004. Then went to 325. Same turbo through 2004 with 305. Certainly nothing about the 305 engine itself you would want to avoid and if you think the turbo is small, you don't understand how they work. The 305 has no issues with EGT and the turbo will happily flow well beyond that if asked to.
Many believe the 305HP was the best engine ever put in a Dodge and is legendary for its fuel efficiency. It also lacks the cat conv. the 325hp models were forced to employ (and hence, use bigger turbo housings).
BTW, my 305 keeps up with my buddy's 325 (in stock form) just fine.
Is this where the brand bashing starts?
The 305 hp version did not go "through 2004," as numerous posters mentioned above, the "600" engine replaced it for all models in mid 2004 model year. The "610" engine became standard for the 2005 model year until the 5.9 was retired.
I said "smaller," not "small." All of the modern turbos are big compared to the 1990s.
I can tell you also from experience that the catalytic converter does not diminish performance at all. I suspect the newer turbo is laggier though.