If a pickup truck wants to keep up with modern high-performance monsters like the Ford F-150 Raptor R and Ram 1500 TRX, it must have at least 500 horsepower or more. However, when manufacturers first began putting big engines under the hoods of pickups focused on street performance, they had much less power than that, believe it or not. The first pickup to exceed the 500 horsepower barrier was an early 2000s single-cab hot rod pickup with a supercar engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The Average Price For A Dodge Ram SRT-10 Is Now Cheaper Than In 2005 Bring A Trailer The Dodge Ram SRT-10, which debuted in 2004, was the first truck with 500 horsepower and one of the craziest pickup trucks ever built. Under the hood was Chrysler's 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V10 from the Dodge Viper supercar, and in the Ram SRT-10, the massive V10 produced 525 lb-ft of torque, which was sent to the rear wheels. Like the Viper, the Ram SRT-10 was only available with a manual transmission; however, an automatic option was added in 2005, along with a quad-cab configuration. Both Ram SRT-10s, equipped with either the 6-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic, could reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, making them as quick—or quicker—than some muscle cars of the era and run through the quarter mile in 13.6 seconds at a trap speed of 105 mph. Dodge Ram SRT-10 Performance Specs Bring A TrailerWhen the Dodge Ram SRT-10 arrived in 2004, its manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $45,795. Considering it was equipped with a Viper-sourced 8.3-liter V10 engine producing 500 horsepower, it was a bargain for the performance it delivered. Today, the average used price for one is $41,219, according to Classic.com. While that’s a slight depreciation from its original MSRP, it’s impressive for a 20-year-old pickup to hold so much value. Pristine examples, particularly the more desirable regular cab models with the six-speed manual transmission, can command even higher prices. Used Dodge Ram SRT-10 Sales Bring A TrailerLimited production numbers, combined with the truck’s Viper engine and undeniable collector appeal, continue to drive demand for the Ram SRT-10. As modern trucks become more expensive and complex, the raw, analog thrills of the Ram SRT-10 should make it even more attractive to enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Dodge Ram SRT-10 Was A Dodge Viper In A Pickup Truck Body Bring A Trailer The Dodge Viper and the Dodge Ram SRT-10 share one of the most iconic engines of the early 2000s: a massive 8.3-liter V10 co-developed between Chrysler and Lamborghini. Initially developed for the second-generation Viper, the naturally aspirated engine produced 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. In the Viper, it could launch the car from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds. A few years later, Dodge took that same powertrain and placed it in the much heavier Ram SRT-10, creating the world’s first pickup with over 500 horsepower from the factory. Dodge Ram SRT-10 vs Viper Specs and Performance Compared Bring A TrailerWhile the engine remained largely the same between the two vehicles, the tuning of the Ram SRT-10 emphasized low-end torque to better accommodate the truck’s weight and focus on street performance. Both vehicles were equipped with a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission, but the Viper accelerates to 60 mph a full second quicker than the Ram SRT-10, primarily because it weighs nearly 2,000 pounds less. The Viper also has a much shorter wheelbase and is more aerodynamic for a higher top speed. Used Ram SRT-10 Highlights Vs Dodge Viper Bring A Trailer Share the same 8.3-liter V10 engine, producing 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque. Both are equipped with a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission (in Ram SRT-10 single-cab models) More affordable than a used Viper, with average prices around $41,000 Offers practicality with a full-size truck bed and a comfortable interior. Produced in limited numbers, giving it collector's appeal Other Pickups With V10 Engines Exist Dodge was also the first automaker to use a V10 engine in its heavy-duty pickup trucks. The 2500 and 3500 V10 Magnum engines arrived in 1994, and they were not the same engine as the Viper, like the SRT-10; instead, their V10 engines had iron blocks rather than the aluminum engine block of the Viper. Ford's V10 truck engine debuted in 1997 and was used in heavy-duty pickups, as well as school buses and motorhomes. Dodge Ram 2500 Bring A Trailer Dodge used a V10 engine in the Ram 2500 for serious towing and hauling before diesel engines gained popularity. This truck featured an 8.0-liter Magnum V10 engine that produced 300 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque and was one of the largest engines ever installed in a pickup truck at that time. The V10 was similar to Chrysler's 5.9-liter V8, but with two extra cylinders and reinforced internals. You could also get it with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and it is known for being pretty reliable. Ford F-250 Cars & Bids The Ford Triton V10 engine was used in Ford’s Super Duty lineup from 1999 to 2010, providing a torque-rich, gas-powered alternative to the popular Power Stroke diesel engines. The 6.8-liter Triton V10 produced up to 362 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque during its later years, with many configurations rated to tow over 15,000 pounds. The F-250's Triton V10 is praised for its durability, often reaching 200,000 miles or more with basic maintenance.
