Even though it’s still fresh out of the box, the 2019 Ram 1500 is slowly but steadily attracting the attention of the aftermarket. Enter Flowmaster, which is much obliged to upgrade the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with a cat-back exhaust system.
Exclusive to dual-tailpipe models, the American Thunder package is priced at $759.97. Described as “perfect for the person looking for an aggressive exterior sound level,” the bolt-on exhaust system includes a 50 series HD muffler and a 3.0-inch mandrel-bent front pipe. The 3.0-inch tailpipes, meanwhile, are complemented by 4.0-inch black ceramic-coated exhaust tips.
Made in the U.S. of A., the Flowmaster upgrade in made from 409S stainless steel. Sound level is described as moderate in the cabin and aggressive on the outside, which is the perfect blend considering that the Ram 1500 is a pickup truck first and foremost.
The dyno sheet reveals a minor improvement throughout the rev range compared to the bone-stock exhaust system. As for installation, it would be best to raise the vehicle up on a hoist before getting down to business. A one-inch tack weld is recommended to all slip-fit connections. High-temperature paint over the welded areas is another recommendation from the Flowmaster installation guide, preventing premature corrosion.
Now in its fifth generation, the half-ton Ram doesn’t come cheap. At $31,695 for the Tradesman 4x2 Quad Cab with the 6’4” box, the truck is priced higher than the F-150 ($27,705) and Silverado ($29,795). Once the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with the eTorque mild-hybrid system arrives at dealers, expect the price to drop below $30,000.
The cheapest F-150 with at least 395 horsepower on tap is the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 with the Regular Cab and two-wheel drive in XL flavor. Chevrolet, meanwhile, doesn’t have anything to offer between the 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower) and 6.2-liter V8 (420 horsepower).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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