Question about the SO vs. the 2004.5 325/600

[Gregor]

I Just signed up for TDR today and have been waiting to ask this question since I picked up my new 2004 CTD 2500 on 12-20-03. Placed order on 10-21-03. Oh yeah, I live in California. About a week before my truck came in, I heard about the new 50 State 04.5 HO. My truck came with the SO CTD. For a moment, I thought about asking the dealer if I could order a truck with the new HO, but I went ahead and took delivery of my truck because I had been patiently waiting for two months and I couldn't stand the thought of leaving without that beautiful piece of machinery sitting on the lot, with everything just the way I wanted it. Also, I was afraid of the EGR issue everyone was talking about.

Now, to my question. What is the difference between the old SO and the new HO, other than HP and Ft. Lbs of torque. I have been told that the motors are essentially the same and with a few mods, my motor could put out just as much, if not more power than the HO. They say the new CTD is quieter than the old 3rd gen. My truck is pretty quiet.

I have 500 miles on the truck and love it. I guess I am just venting and wondering if I missed out on something. I guess I need not worry, enjoy my new truck, and try to not keep up with the Jones.