Improving engine performance is a continuous challenge for custom-truck enthusiasts. In this day and age of higher fuel costs, we are always looking for ways to enhance horsepower and increase fuel mileage. We couldn't help but add some bolt-ons to an '06 Dodge Ram equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V-8. Check out the images as we gained more than 30 hp in less than 4 hours.
CGS Motorsports: Air Intake System
We installed the CGS Motorsports performance air intake system for a more responsive throttle, increase in horsepower, and improved fuel mileage. The bolt-on kit consists of a straight 3-1/2-inch-diameter powdercoated air tube with airflow sensor port, cotton element pleats with a wire mesh casing, mounting bracket, and stainless mounting hardware.
JBA Performance Headers & Exhaust
Replacing the factory log-style exhaust manifolds with a pair of JBA 409 stainless shorty headers will increase the exhaust flow rate. The equal-length style header with 1-1/2-inch-diameter primary tubes that merge into a 3-inch-diameter collector with a medium-length inner cone will reduce scavenging while increasing both power and torque throughout the entire power curve. It utilized the factory catalytic converter with the JBA after-cat 3-inch-diameter exhaust with a tubular, flow-through after-cat muffler system.
The '06 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.7L Hemi was rolled onto the DTS dyno rollers and tied down. | 
Dyno Master Wes Northorp inputted engine specs and ambient conditions before receiving any baseline numbers. While increasing the engine rpm, Wes used a handheld remote to control the dyno procedure. | 
The mighty Hemi spun the rear wheels, as the dyno dropped a heavy load to record the engine's horsepower and torque baseline. |