If you’re like us, you prefer a subtle, even humble-appearing truck to one loaded down with chrome, wild paint, and other exterior accessories. You’d rather drive an average-looking truck with a 700hp surprise under the hood than own a show queen. If this state of mind suits you, you’re a sleeper fan. Because so many diesel owners prefer to have the element of surprise on their side, we decided to profile one of the best cases of truck deception we’ve come across. Smoke-free Sleeper Today, the mindset of your average diesel enthusiast is vastly different from what it used to be. The days of rolling coal through town whenever you feel like it are over. So even though the owner of this ’07 Dodge Ram 2500 wanted to make considerable horsepower, the driving force behind the build was to keep the truck as smoke-free as possible. The end result is not only a clean-running truck, but also one that spools instantly and makes more than 680 rwhp. If any vehicle represents an all-in-one package, this is it. It’s daily driven, sees 21 mpg on the highway, and tows regularly—yet would be game for hunting down a Viper or two if the opportunity presented itself. When running an all-out performance file on the dyno, the Ram made 682 hp at 3,000 and 1,357 lb-ft of torque at 2,300 rpm. Thanks to an EFILive AutoCal, the owner can switch from his hot tune to a 580hp to tune without the need for a laptop. At the truck’s 30,000-mile mark, the owner went ahead and did the inevitable: beefed up the 48RE automatic transmission. A host of Goerend Transmission parts were installed, including its triple-disc torque converter, flexplate, billet-steel input shaft, and a performance-tuned valvebody.At the truck’s 30,000-mile mark, the owner went ahead and did the inevitable: beefed up th Performing all the work on the engine was Fleece Performance. With 90-pound valvesprings, heavy-duty chromoly push tubes from Hamilton Cams, and a set of 625 ARP head studs installed, the 5.9L was ready for higher boost levels and elevated rpm. An injector upgrade called for 100hp units from Bosch Motorsport, and the ECM calibrating was handled by Fleece via EFILive software.Performing all the work on the engine was Fleece Performance. With 90-pound valvesprings, Replacing the factory turbo is what’s called a Holset Cheetah. Based on an HE351CW (found on all ’04 1/2 to ’07 common-rail 5.9L engines), it’s been outfitted with a seven-blade, billet-aluminum 63mm compressor wheel; a 12-blade, 64mm turbine wheel; and a 16cm turbine housing. It mounts via a T3 flange and comes with a modified wastegate. In many ways, this little turbo is a sleeper all by itself. Despite its small size, it has great flow, and (in conjunction with EFILive tuning and the Steed Speed exhaust manifold) is a big reason why the truck runs so clean on the street.Replacing the factory turbo is what’s called a Holset Cheetah. Based on an HE351CW (found One of the nicest additions to the engine bay was the one-piece, ceramic-coated exhaust manifold from Steed Speed, which changed the turbo’s mounting location to the second-generation (’94 to ’02) style. The smooth ports on the manifold contribute to decreased EGT, reduced drive pressure, and improved spool-up. One more bonus is the Steed Speed unit can be ordered with or without a wastegate port.One of the nicest additions to the engine bay was the one-piece, ceramic-coated exhaust ma Feeding the 100hp injectors is a Fleece Performance Stage 1 stroker CP3. It’s typical for stroker CP3s to provide 33 percent more flow than stock and support 700 rwhp or more, and they’re a good choice for engines running 120hp injectors or smaller. Keeping up with the 100hp nozzles and the stroker pump is an AirDog II fuel system.Feeding the 100hp injectors is a Fleece Performance Stage 1 stroker CP3. It’s typical for A Banks Techni-Cooler intercooler and Monster Ram intake manifold free up airflow restrictions and keep exhaust gas temperature at bay. Thanks to the intercooler, monitoring EGT is essentially a non-factor—even while towing.A Banks Techni-Cooler intercooler and Monster Ram intake manifold free up airflow restrict One of the truck’s best-kept secrets is its exhaust note. The exhaust system begins with an HX40 downpipe, routes through a 4-inch, high-flow industrial muffler, and then transitions back into the factory tailpipe section. Thanks to the commercial-style muffler, the truck is as quiet as it was the day it left the assembly line.One of the truck’s best-kept secrets is its exhaust note. The exhaust system begins with a A true sheep in wolf’s clothing, the sleepy Ram even sports the factory 17x7-inch wheels and stock-sized BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/As. As you can imagine, the small, 265/70R17 tires light up instantly. So, other than a set of traction bars (which can be tough to hide from potential victims), we’d say this is the final area the truck will need an upgrade.A true sheep in wolf’s clothing, the sleepy Ram even sports the factory 17x7-inch wheels a SOURCES ARP 1863 Eastman Avenue Ventura CA 93003 800-826-3045 www.arp-bolts.com Fleece Performance Engineering 2463N 625W North Salem IN 46165 765-676-5063 www.fleeceperformance.com Banks Power 546 Duggan Avenue Azusa CA 91702 800-339-2860 http://www.bankspower.com/iq4 Bosch Motorsport 248-876-2977 www.bosch-motorsport.com AirDog 1412 Creek Trail Dr Jefferson City MO 65109 573-635-0555 www.pureflowairdog.com Hamilton Cams 888-398-2988 www.hamiltoncams.com Goerend Transmission Inc. 119 North Main Street St. Lucas IA 52166 563-778-2719 www.goerend.com Steed Speed Performance 250-766-7136 www.steedspeed.com EFI Live Auckland, NZ AK www.efilive.com By Mike McGlothlin Enjoyed this Post? 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