Ram vs Dodge/Chrysler - how complete is the separation?

[5030]

Massey built a V8 diesel ag tractor some years back and one of the farmers down the road has one. The cylinder banks stick out over the frame on both sides and it's turbo charged as well and he has it turned up a tad. Last year I had to do an in field weld on it, He actually broke the top link forged steel bracket completely in two pieces pulling a huge Swedish tine cultivator.

They sound real sweet with a straight pipe and the turbo really sings when pulling hard. Used to be a Massey dealer close by and still a lot of them working around here actually. He also pulls a large Loftness stubble chopper I've worked on as well. 2 years ago he stubble beat a box spring that someone put in his field and he didn't see it. Was probably loaded anyway. He like to drink and farm which is pretty typical around here. I spent a good part of a day torching out the mangled box spring and then had to order a new drive drive coupling from Loftness to replace the one that got shock overloaded. I asked him if he even felt it getting sucked in and he said the only thing that he felt was the Loftness jump up a bit...lol. Keep in mind that this stubble beater is 13 feet wide and has to be roaded from one end only. Sure did eat the box spring no issue and I bet the Massey blew some smoke too.

I have no idea what it outputs PTO wise but I bet it's well in the excess of 300 PTO. I also bet it sucks down diesel like a drunken sailor as well.

 

[5030]

I was not a fan of the in-line engines in the Saturn cars nor the in-lines in the first gen Colorado/Canyon trucks. I think engine design and proven durability trumps cylinder configuration. I have had great V's and inline's and very poor ones of different manufactures. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes not.

I see GM is having issues with the small diesel they put in the Colorado pickup trucks. Don't know what issues they are having however. Our vet has one and so far he's had no issues that I know of. I'm quite happy with my 7.3 Navistar diesel in my Ford F350 pickup truck but when I bought it in 1997, first trip was to Fords SVO in Rouge, Michigan and they modified both the engine and transmission and they dynoed it at 325 RWHP with OD locked out. It serves my needs quite well, never sees any snow, rust free and I've been offered what I paid for it new which was 37 grand. Not for sale. A new one comparably equipped would set me back close to 100 grand. Not happening while I'm alive. I have an ARB air locker in the front differential and a Detroit Tru-Trak out back, courtesy of Fords SVO I might add. All I paid for was the parts. No labor involved as my BIL was managing SVO at the time.

Has a full Gale Banks kit installed including his patent Quick Spool turbo and modified turbine blades plus as in line coolant and fuel filter assembly and yes, it will light the tires up in 2wd, no issue. Under full pull, it makes almost 35 psi boost and the pyrometer hovers around 1300 degrees. It has a full and very complete gage set installed as well.

 

[DarkBlack]

I was not a fan of the in-line engines in the Saturn cars nor the in-lines in the first gen Colorado/Canyon trucks.

Inline engines are a long, long, long ago proven reliable design, from millions of small motorcycle engines revving up to 13k Rpm’s, to the largest 30 foot tall inline ship engines, to the current millions of turbo inline 4’s going in most SUV’s…Whatever sub-par engine GM put in Saturns or Colorados is no indication of the inline engine reliability or potential

 

[Snobdds]

Inline engines are a long, long, long ago proven reliable design, from millions of small motorcycle engines revving up to 13k Rpm’s, to the largest 30 foot tall inline ship engines, to the current millions of turbo inline 4’s going in most SUV’s…Whatever sub-par engine GM put in Saturns or Colorados is no indication of the inline engine reliability or potential

It's also the cheapest to build...you forgot that.

 

[DarkBlack]

It's also the cheapest to build...you forgot that.

Didn’t forget it. Cheapest to build. One cylinder head vs 2, one exhaust manifold vs 2, less camshafts. , etc.
An I6 is also better vibration balanced than a v8.
Intake plumbing has room on a side, and not restricted within the “V”
Only real drawback compared to a V is the inline is longer, but that’s not a real issue in a full size truck.
I’m glad RAM is going to a turbo I6

 

[Snobdds]

Cheapest to build. 1 cylinder head vs 2, one exhaust manifold vs 2, less camshafts. , etc.
An I6 is also better vibration balanced than a v8.
Intake plumbing has room on a side, and not restricted within the “V”
Only real drawback compared to a V is the inline is longer, but that’s not a real issue in a full size truck.
I’m glad RAM is going to a turbo I6

More internal bearing surface with the V.
Don't need a long stroke to get the same power.
Can use more of the RPM band.
Cooling doesn't have the cavitation issues with a long block.
V motors are best served by a turbo supplying each bank, therefore they can be smaller and spin faster allowing for better low end torque.

 

[DarkBlack]

Here’s a easy read on the advantages of an inline-6, as mostly compared to a V8

The Inline-6 Engine Is Making A Comeback: Here's Why - SlashGear

The V6 and V8 have dominated engine design for a long time now, but the inline-6 is making a comeback. Here's why it's happening and why it may be a good thing.

www.slashgear.com

 

[jyoutz]

Here’s a easy read on the advantages of an inline-6, as mostly compared to a V8

The Inline-6 Engine Is Making A Comeback: Here's Why - SlashGear

The V6 and V8 have dominated engine design for a long time now, but the inline-6 is making a comeback. Here's why it's happening and why it may be a good thing.

www.slashgear.com

Thanks for posting. A very interesting read.

 

[5030]

Cannot read the article. it wants me to disable my ad blocker, something I never do.

 

[ruffdog]

Inline engines are a long, long, long ago proven reliable design, from millions of small motorcycle engines revving up to 13k Rpm’s, to the largest 30 foot tall inline ship engines, to the current millions of turbo inline 4’s going in most SUV’s…Whatever sub-par engine GM put in Saturns or Colorados is no indication of the inline engine reliability or potential

Engines with a v layout have also proven themselves. Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha all had their v-4 bikes through the 80's on up (many were touring bikes). Also, ship engines can be had in v configuration, like the Colt-Pielstick engines.