OK, I'm getting a bit torn here. They are blowing out these Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT Bighorn Edition pickups with the Hemi 5.7 for 18,888.......MSRP $31,000.....Seem like a very nice package, 20" aluminum wheels, all power etc....

If I decided to get this I'd probably scrap my plans for an Outlander 800 or Renegade this fall.

My concerns, my pickup is mainly used for hauling quads, occasional other utility uses. One of the reasons I chose to get an older pickup last year was cause I wouldn't have to worry about dinging it up etc....nothing wrong with the Ford I have but would like a little more power and that 5.7 would be more then double the HP my pathetic 302 5.0 has right now and the same or better mileage. I can sell/trade my PT and my F150 and probably get enough to only have to come up with about 5-6K more for the Dodge.

My other thoughts are to just put in a K&N, dual exhaust and have the EFI remapped in my F150. Stock it only has 150 HP, heck my Saturn 2.2 litre is putting out 140 LOL.

Anyone know how much I can pick up in HP if I had my 302 in the F150 tweaked? It's an 89 but only 73,000 original miles, the engine is still very strong but it's a long bed and with a quad in the back and one in a small trailer it feels like it struggles when I get into the hills/mountains.

OR should I just say SCREW it and sell both quads, dirtbike, PT Cruiser, F150 and just get this Dodge then the Renegade when it comes out? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]) I do like having a backup quad though.

 

you do know a Dodge ram with a 5.7 will be lucky if it gets 10mpg right?

 

BS BS BS. I have an '05 2500 quadcab, LB, w/ 4:11s. I routinely get 14/15 hauling a quad in the bed and one on a small trailer. I got 16.5 last fall hauling with a bed full of firewood, that was a 40 mile trip of all either back country roads or expressway at 65 mph. Last summer I got 16 driving 70-75 towing a 2000lb popup hwy. Normally I do about 50% city driving and my mileage is usually in the 13's. Under 10 would require him to be towing heavy. Additionally, a 1500 is a lot lighter truck, although those 20" hurt a bit, and if it is an '06, it probably has MDS and would get a bit better mileage, at least empty. I have yet to get under 10mph over the course of a tank of gas. Of course it does cost over $100.00 to fill it all the way up[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

raidermike, that is a tough decision. I love my Ram, but I needed something bigger than my Jeep to haul wood/camper/quads, or a combo of those. I bought mine when you could only order an'06, and got a nice deal. I see similar trucks for sale for less than I owe on mine, it is nice to not be upside down on a year old vehicle[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] On the other hand, I couldn't justify another new quad with the wife just now.

 

BS BS BS. I have an '05 2500 quadcab, LB, w/ 4:11s. I routinely get 14/15 hauling a quad in the bed and one on a small trailer. I got 16.5 last fall hauling with a bed full of firewood, that was a 40 mile trip of all either back country roads or expressway at 65 mph. Last summer I got 16 driving 70-75 towing a 2000lb popup >>>>>>>>

Thanks for the info...yeah, this is pretty much what I've found to be the case in my research. Loaded down my F150 doesn't get that kind of mileage, averaged 10 MPG on my last trip and that was only with a quad and dirtbike in the back, no trailer.

 

I travel my friends new ram quad cab with the hemi frequently, long hauls from indiana to utah or idaho, 3800 mile round trips she is getting 10.5 mpg pulling 3 quads and camp gear and fire wood. this is the total average, including all the mountain climbs there and back, so this is reality.

my chevy 5.3L has 50hp less than the hemi, same trip same load she is getting the same mileage. And so is my other friends older model chevy 350. and also my other buddy's new chevy 2500HD is getting the same 10.5 mpg, all 4 of our trucks all average the same on this long haul across country. this is at 75 mph most of the way, except the mountians of course. even my other buddy's ford f250 powerstroke turbo diesel only gets barely 10 mpg, which IMO sucks.

a ford 302 only putting out 150hp?? the chevy 327 (5.3L) is putting out 290, and the hemi is like around 340hp...you sure that number is right? my wife's chrysler town and country with the v-6 is kicking 200 ponies.

 

a ford 302 only putting out 150hp?? the chevy 327 (5.3L) is putting out 290, and the hemi is like around 340hp...you sure that number is right? my wife's chrysler town and country with the v-6 is kicking 200 ponies.

>>>>>>>>>>>

I THOUGHT that's what I read in the owners manual? Maybe I should double check.

 

150 HP was for the V-6 (couldn't imagine driving this beast with only a v-6) the 5.0 puts out 185. A guy at work said I could pick up about 50 HP with dual exhaust, K&N and an EFI chip.

 

the 302 will never be what the Hemi will be. It just won't.... Doesn't matter what mods you make. Plus the interiors in new trucks are so nice.

What you need to decide is it worth it? It sounds like the type of deal one doesn't see often.... Me I'd get the truck. You can't get near the use out of a quad.

 

What you need to decide is it worth it? It sounds like the type of deal one doesn't see often.... Me I'd get the truck. You can't get near the use out of a quad.
>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>

Yeah......thats what keeps nagging at me. I know the 302 will never match the power of that 5.7 Hemi but as a very cost effective alternative I can get more out of it.

My dad will be here soon, I probably won't bring it up cause he'll talk me into "going for a test drive" after Fathers Day Lunch.

 

I could not imagine a 50HP increase on a 185HP truck from just an intake, exhaust, and computer. That is being a bit too optimistic in my opinion. 20HP with an outside chance at up to 30HP would be realistic, especially for an '89 with a 302. Keep in mind also, you will get better milage with the intake and exhaust, but the computer will give you even worse milage when you use that new found power.

I have an '05 Ram with a Hemi on 20's. I regularly tow a 3300lbs car on a 2000lbs trailer and 500+lbs of tools and spare parts. On average with this load, I'll get just over 10 MPG but I'm also driving it like there is no load. The cruise control is set at 84MPH on the freeway, or I'm the first one away from the light in the city. I've got a true cold air intake{with a hood scoop}, a custom made exhaust{made by me, no muffler}, and a Hyperpak programer. Without a load, I get 11.5 MPG in the city, driving like a hot rod; and 14-16 on the freeway. I know I could get better milage without the computer programer or if I drove it like a normal person, but it's alot of fun to play with.

BTW- It runs 15.2 in the quarter, and that's not bad, for a truck.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]