Short list of common modifications puts this Ram in the 11-second range without forced induction or nitrous oxide.
The 5.7-liter Hemi has proven to be one of the greatest engines in the history of the Chrysler Corporation, helping to make the Ram 1500 one of the strongest and quickest trucks in the segment. Best of all, the engine that launched the modern Hemi architecture takes well to basic upgrades and in this week’s Track Time Tuesday, a 2017 Ram 1500showcases a modified 5.7-liter Hemi.
While the modification list is fairly extensive in length, the owner hasn’t altered the stock bottom end, nor has nitrous oxide or forced induction been added. In short, this video shows what a newer Ram 1500 can do with a built top end and common supporting upgrades.
Moe’s-Built Ram 1500
This 2017 Ram 1500regular cab, short bed pickup was built by Moe’s Performance and tuned by Hemifever, both of which are leading names in the world of modern Mopar pickups. It is a rear-drive truck and in addition to the 5.7-liter Hemi, this half-ton is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Under the hood, Moe’s has added a carbon fiber intake, an 87-millimeter ported throttle body, their in-house HPT+ camshaft, an ATI underdrive pulley, a set of longtube headers and a set of stock cylinder heads that have been ported by MMX. As mentioned above, Hemifever handled the tuning of this built engine and the transmission, which is fitted with a 3,000 stall convertor.
Finally, this truck has a set of 3.55 gears out back, Belltech lowering springs, Inez Hotrods adjustable front upper control arms, QA1 shocks, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Spohn adjustable panhard bar and Illicit Customs rear control arm brackets. When coupled with the Bogart GT wheels out back that are wrapped in Mickey Thompson rubber, this Ram 1500 has big power and the capabilities to put it to the ground.
Hitting the Track
The video above from the Moe’s Performance YouTube channel begins with a short clip of the truck idling in the driveway, giving us a chance to hear the chop of the camshaft before heading to the track.
From there, we are whisked away to the drag strip, where the Ram 1500 takes on a newer Dodge Charger. After getting a lead on the start, the half-ton pickup never looks back, easily beating the muscular sedan while laying down an 11.90 at 113 miles per hour.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
