[Don Fox]

I believe when the Hemi got VVT it went up to around 360 HP from the original 335 and then 345. I also believe the "hybrid" package bumped the HP up a bit more, but that was a short lived beast for 2009 only. The 4.7 was upgraded to 303 HP in mid 07 as we saw the new ones being installed when the DOC members toured the Newark plant in October of 2007.

Hard to believe it'll be 5 years ago on the 17th. It was a great trip and a fun tour due to meeting so many DOC members!

Don

 

[Don Fox]

All other things being equal, I also vote for the Hemi as having the extra power won't cause any issues. But, if you needed to add it someday, it'd costs a bundle. Remember, the upgraded 4.7 engine was pretty new at that point while the Hemi had been around since 2004. With the Durango's 5000+ lbs to move, mpg difference will be minimal and the pricing should be similar Hemi or not.

At the end of the day, either engine should do a fine job for you so look for the best deal you can get in the color you want and go for it. From some quick research, it appears that both the 303 HP 4.7 engine and the older 235 HP 4.7 used the same VIN designation of N in the 8th digit so you'll want to make sure any 4.7 you look at is the "upgraded" double plug version like the Hemi. There was also a "Flex Fuel" 235 HP 4.7 version indicated by a P in the VIN. The early Hemi's were indicated by a D while the later ones used a 2 and then a T for 2009.

Hope this helps.

Don

 

[Don Fox]

I'm going to pull back a bit on my HP numbers. While it's true the Hemi was rated at more than 335-345 HP in other platforms such as the Charger, 300, etc., I can't find anywhere at present where the Hemi Durango was rated more than that; except for the hybrid which is quite the rare bird.

Find a Hemi and you won't be disappointed!

Don

 

[Don Fox]

An easy remedy to this issue is to buy them both and then return the one you don't need. I wonder if they incorporated an oil cooler between the filter and block at some point that's tied into the cooling system? I've seen other vehicles like this, including some Dodge/Chrysler minivans, that ended up requiring a different filter.