Ram 2500 Performance Upgrades: A Horsepower and Torque Guide

Your Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty truck, and it's usually sporting a big diesel engine. In fact, some of the most recent models are putting down more than 1,000 lb-ft of torque. Even the older models have no problem hauling a boat, trailer, or cargo in the bed. Regardless of the model year, your truck may not be reaching its full potential from the factory. For this reason, you may want to turn to Ram 2500 performance upgrades. In this horsepower and torque guide, we take you through the best upgrades for your Ram 2500.

The Best Horsepower and Torque Upgrades for Your Dodge Ram 2500

Do you want a lot of power with a little bit of effort? Or are you someone who loves to fine-tune their engine? Regardless of your preferences, we have a little something for everyone. Learn about the best horsepower and torque upgrades for your Dodge Ram 2500 below.

Cold Air Intake

The cold air intake is a staple of the horsepower and torque upgrade world. Most enthusiasts start with this upgrade because they're easy to install, help your engine sound awesome, and tend to be affordable. Plus, with an ECU tune, some cold air intake can help you produce a little more power. Your throttle may also feel more responsive, and another benefit is that you won't have to change the filter as much. In fact, many filters simply need to be cleaned or oiled. For these reasons, it's never a bad idea to start with a great Ram 2500 cold air intake.

Turbo Charger Kits

Replacing the Ram 2500 turbo on your is a surefire way to add a ton of horsepower and torque. These systems force more air into the engine, which allows the engine to produce more power. If your Dodge Ram 2500 has a gas engine that doesn't come with a turbo from the factory, one of the best ways to catch up to your turbo-diesel brethren is to install one. On the other hand, if you have a turbo-diesel engine already, it doesn't hurt to upgrade it. What's more, you can improve the system's cooling with an aftermarket intercooler to further improve power and fuel economy.

Exhaust Upgrades

If you plan on adding performance upgrades, Dodge Ram 2500 exhaust upgrades are the icing on the cake. When your exhaust gases are flowing freely, your performance will improve. Plus, your truck will sound a lot better with a new exhaust system on it. If you just want your truck to sound better, you may only need an axle-back system. Now, if you want power, you'll want to upgrade to an aftermarket cat-back system. If you do this, just make sure you keep an eye on the emissions, especially in California. Finally, it helps to upgrade your Ram 2500 headers as well. Short-tube headers, or shorties, are great for power and torque at lower RPMs, and long-tube headers are great for mid and high-range RPMs. Choosing the right exhaust system for your Dodge Ram 2500 is important, so always connect with our sales techs if you have more questions.

ECU Tune

After you install all of your shiny new performance parts, don't forget about tuning up your Ram 2500. You'll be leaving power on the table, and sometimes even reliability, if you don't tune your truck after installing new horsepower and torque upgrades. After all, how will your truck’s ECU know that air moves more freely through the engine with that new air intake and exhaust system? This becomes an even bigger necessity if you’re adding forced induction, so don't forget to pick up a tuner. Our favorite choice tends to be a handheld tuner. Something like the SCT Performance BDX tuner is a great choice because it gives you control over the air-to-fuel ratio, cooling fan, and much more.

Things to Consider Before You Go

We don't want to be the “Fun Police,” but we want to quickly outline some of the risks that come with adding more power to your Ram 2500. The biggest issues that you may come across include problems with emissions and accelerated wear. While these are issues that you may encounter, the good news is that when you install the parts properly, you don't have to worry about any problems. Choosing the best Dodge Ram 2500 parts and accessories goes a long way in ensuring that your engine runs smoothly. Plus, our sales techs are always ready to guide you every step of the way.

Experience True Heavy-Duty Ram 2500 Power

At the end of the day, a heavy-duty truck should feel, well, heavy-duty. While the Dodge Ram 2500 is a beast from the factory, if you really want to feel the maximum potential of your engine, a few horsepower and torque modifications certainly can't hurt. Shop online today and discover some of the best Dodge Ram 2500 horsepower and torque upgrades.