Questions about Magnum

[Silver Wraith]

Hi all;

I'm thinking of picking up a Magnum (finally)...I was going to be one of the first one to own one, then for some odd reason in 2004 I changed my mind at the last minute and bought a 2004 Ram 1500 QC. Now, I wish I'd bought the Magnum, and the dealers around here are offering remaining 2005 RTs heavily discounted, so I have the chance to correct the problem (too bad the interest rate is 7%...ugh...I have 0% now on my truck).

Anyway, a few questions.

Does the RT have to have higher octane gas?

And, what's this about tune ups? How often is a tune up recommended with an RT vs. an SXT (and if more frequent, why?)

I don't recall any issues with either of these things in my Ram which also has a Hemi.

My insurance company wants to charge $200 bucks a year more for the Magnum than my truck...obviously they don't consider it a truck here

Thanks everyone;

Rick

[the hurse]

First welcome to the forums!! You will like it around here. Now some answers to your questions...

1st - I believe that the RT's need to run at least 89 octane.

2nd - I dont know the answer to that one, sorry bro...

Damn that sucks about your insurance though.......but 200 bucks over a year? whats that like 15 more bucks a month.....not to shabby....

Once again, congrats on correcting your mistake!

[AJ_Gil]

The hemi will adjust itself if you choose to run 87 octane as opposed to the recommended 89 with a performance hit of course.
Get the Superchips Flashpaq tuner and then you can choose between 87, 89 or 91 octane settings (and pick up 2-3 MPG in the process) plus some pretty nifty tranny settings.

Never checked out the tune-up schedule but go for the Hemi, you won't regret it

[rt4]

You'll save enough in gas to make up the insurance difference. I'm not aware of any major difference between 3.5L and 5.7L in terms of maintenance. Good luck, RT4

[iRock]

Welcome, we have an R/T and use it as an every day driver. We get the servicing regularly. I think it's every 3,000 miles or so. Same as we did with any other car we've had.

[jarrod]

It is recommended that you change the plugs every 30k, but trust me… IT IS a lot easier then the hemi truck. Takes about 30 min for the car…

GET the hemi!!!

[COLORADOMAGNUM]

Tune-up for 5.7 is 30K miles. Tune-up for 3.5 is 100K. Insurance might be cheaper for the SXT than the RT also (mine is). Check with your insurance agent. Both are fine cars, the RT is definitely faster. But with a few mods, my SXT AWD is plenty fast for me.

[sugar-tj]

welcome from new jersey, NOW, go get your magnum.... LOL.... your gonna like it here....

[boggart]

Check different insurance companies. Different companies rate it as different things.

Both SXT and RT use 89 octane. I get much worse gas mileage if I use 87. I'm getting 20mpg in town and 25-28 on the highway. Every time.

[Strykker]

Damn the torpedos Captain, full speed ahead...HEMI, HEMI, HEMI.
If I wanted gas mileage I would of bought a scooter., HEMI's are way cooler and you can take company along on your trips for conversation.

[formerice]

If you like the hemi in the Ram, you will like the RT even more . Driven the same , I get 5 more mpg with the Magnum than the truck. If you do a lot of high speed freeway driving you will get 7 or 8 more mpg with the RT. I would recomend the SC tuner for both vehicles. 91 octane tune in the RT is addictive! I need a truck for a lot of my business, but use the RT and a 18' car carrier trailer a lot because it tows very efficiently. Truck for the big stuff or when I need to take 6 passengers. Don't think the Magnum is just a pretty face, think Jessica Simpson mowing your lawn, cutting your firewood, shingling your roof and bringing you cold beer while you watch. Get the picture!

[fnkychkn]

welcome Silver Wraith. the manufacturer recommends 89 octane (mid- grade). the hemi spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (regular resistor plugs). the 3.5L spark plugs should be replaced at 100,000 miles (160.000 km) (platinum plugs).

[Silver Wraith]

Thanks everyone.

So, the fuel mileage between the SXT and RT is pretty close, from what I can see. Is this because the 3.5 is really thirsty, or because the 5.7 with MDS is really efficient?

I'm getting close to making a move, and throwing caution to the wind. I've wanted one of these cars since they were a concept, and even though my brain says no, my right foot says yes!

[Thirsty]

The best I've gotten for mileage with my SXT AWD is 24, the average is working it's way up from 20 to 22-23 after 13,000 miles. That's the 3.5L. If your insurance company isn't going to screw you, and you live in the flat lands (no moutains to climb up and down) get the HEMI!

Did I say GET THE HEMI!!! ?

[WIMP]

My insurance for an RT was about $15 a month higher than the Merc. Villager Estate Wagon (read mini-van) was and the milage has been about the same. 25+ on long trips @ 70-75 , 26-27 @ beolw 65 and 16 in town.