looking for new truck

[that-thing-got-a-hemi??]

Hello all.. im in the market for a new truck.. and seeing how ford and gm are over priced, I was wanting to go with dodge.. I was wondering what ya would go with in trim style and why??.. trying to stay on the low budget

 

[TheMaddog]

How many you want to seat? And I'd go with the express.

 

[that-thing-got-a-hemi??]

5 is enough..

 

[Trupiano]

You could go with the express, in a crew cab. Should keep the cost pretty low. The quad cabs are nice, but they are absolutely uncomfortable for the rear passengers. The crews have a lot of room. I get compliments all the time!

 

[CaliDodgeRam]

Express crew for sure! Head down to a dealership and check one out.

 

[LB3711]

If you don't care about options and plan on modding later to the way you want Express is the way to go. Low 20k is where they start. Adding options the price jumps fast.

 

[that-thing-got-a-hemi??]

Express huh.. found some online around 30ish.. but thats probably because all thw work down here at home.. coming from a modded rcsb 4.8 chevy, cam, ltheaders, 3200 stall, vette servo, intake, exhaust, and a lil 200 shot of nitrous.. what could I expect performace wise in comparison..

 

[CaliDodgeRam]

All depends on what options you get on the express, and what type of performance you're looking for in comparison, I'm assuming HP, torque, speed ect?

 

[KBExperience]

I got a quad cab 4x4 express with the tow/trailer brake package for 28k in July if that serves as a point of comparison.

 

[that-thing-got-a-hemi??]

^^^ exactly what I mean.. im not asking for track times or anything.. I built my truck for all the people who tried racing traffic light to traffic light.. I would tell them it was just a 4.8 when they couldnt keep up, lol.. I have a 06 300c.. and to my understanding these newere hemis have more power.. i was pretty happy with my 300c, till I did an exhaust experiment (straight pipe) lost all the peppy take off

 

[GreyJ]

Down low the Hemis need their back pressure, upper RPM range they scream with an open exhaust or cutouts. My stock 2012 5.7 CC truck honestly surprised me compared to my 2006 5.7L charger with full bolt ons, tune, and then some.

Basic bolt ons, tuner, im sure it would bring a smile to your face. Whether its stomping the fun pedal from a stop light, towing, or just daily driving. An express is a good starting point to if you do plan on making it your own.

 

[that-thing-got-a-hemi??]

Yea.. after that, I decided to leave the 300c alone, lol.. so pretty much an express is a downgraded sport trim? Color matched bumpers. Dual exhaust, 5.7 hemi.. 2wd or 4wd configuration.. all included int he express package for a cheaper price.. I plan on making it mine.. I have real good friends here, upholstery, exhaust shop, and audio store.. all that will be done fairly cheap.. performance parts I will get online. I did all the work on my chevy, besides tune and stall. How hard would it be to install a cam in a hemi? Gm has alot of work space in the engine compartment

 

[GreyJ]

Basically yeah, so it's a great starting point. You'll find the aftermarket for Dodge isn't huge like Chevy but you shouldn't have a problem finding parts. As for a cam install, it can be as tedious task with a Hemi depending on your skill level. The guys I personally know who have done them all recruited people who have done it before, including the local Hemi expert. Keep in mind you'll need a custom tune after the install but I know a few company's can provide this over email and a handheld tuner.

 

[jasf]

FWIW I came from Ford(07) to Chevy(10) to my 12 Ram Express QC. The 5 months I've had it have been my happiest as a truck owner. I've only done cosmetic & light mods,but the potential is there for a lot of mods on an Express!

 

[that-thing-got-a-hemi??]

I learned to do a cam swap over youtube.. lol.. well im off this week, going down to houston to see what I can find

 

[2nazt]

good luck, this forum and the engine performance section is a wealth of knowledge, along with some of the vendor's and other members. A lot of members in Texas as well that have a lot of mods. Hope you can find a good deal and welcome you here with a new truck! Good luck on the purchase.

 

[Poriggity]

If I was in the market for a Ram 1500, I'd buy the express as well and just customize it to my liking down the road later. I'm personally a big fan of the copper orange color

 

[Chewy]

The Express is a hard to be price... BUT... If residual means anything to you, you may pay a little more now, but in the end it'll make the vehicle worth even more or allow it to be sold quicker. If that's not an issue for you and you drive them into the ground, then forget what I just said.