Dreaming of a new engine with big V8 power? All entry-level Ram pickups come with a V6 engine, but you don’t have to be limited to that. Ram offers many different truck models with V8 engines. Here are the cheapest ways to get in a brand new Ram truck.
Ram 1500 classic
When it launched the fifth generation of its pickup for 2019, it ditched the two-door regular cab configuration. But knowing that some Ram buyers still wanted a convertible work truck, it continued making its fourth-generation truck. It’s badged as a Ram 1500 Classic.
: Dealer (black plastic grille and bumper) or Express (body-coloured grille and bumper). The free colors are white and red, and anything else costs at least $100.
Adding a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to the Ram 1500 Classic will and will cost you an additional $2,200. This engine isn’t available with the fifth-generation Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system, but otherwise it’s a modern HEMI engine. Note that Ram will also charge a $1,700 destination fee, and your agent may have to charge you for registration and other services.
Ram 1500 V8 engine
Ram currently advertises a $37,410 MSRP for its 2023 Ram 1500 truck. This is the modern (5th generation) Ram truck. For that price, you get a 4×2 truck with a V6 engine and a smaller four-door “Quad Cab” body.
If you want to add a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to the 2023 Ram 1500, you’re looking at a $2,995 price hike. Unlike some manufacturers, Ram doesn’t charge more for this engine upgrade on higher-end trucks—it’s $2,995 apiece. There are also no hidden extra fees for the required transmission upgrade or any similar nonsense.
In previous model years, you could choose between a HEMI V8 with or without a HEMI engine. But it looks like every 2023 Ram will feature the eTorque system. Don’t forget to factor the $1,700 destination fee and merchant fee into your search.
The cost of the Ram V8 engine is 2500
If you only need a two-door, remember that you can purchase the Ram 2500 Heavy-Duty with a regular cab. Why on earth would you end up getting a Ram 2500? Because it’s not much more expensive than the V8-upgraded Ram 1500, and every Ram 2500 has a V8 engine.
While the Ram 1500’s base engine is a 3.4-liter Pentastar V6, the V6 won’t deliver nearly enough grunt for a 3/4-ton 2500. In fact, you can’t even buy a 2500 with a 5.7-liter Hemi half-ton truck. That’s right, the Ram 2500’s base engine is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (aka the 392).
Even better is that with only two doors, the Ram 2500’s starting price is surprisingly low. While the 2023 Ram 1500 with the V8 upgrade will cost more than $40,000, the automaker is currently advertising the 2023 Ram 2500 with an MSRP of $44,205.
For that price, you get a two-wheel drive 2500 with 410 hp/429 lb-ft of torque 6.4L V8. It has a standard GVW rating of 10,000 pounds and an eight foot bed.
Read the other benefits or watch our review of the V8 Ram Classic in the video below:
