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DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Original price was: 2,500 $.Current price is: 2,400 $.

Engine Overview: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Displacement: 3.6 liters
Configuration: V6, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)
Fuel Type: Gasoline (some models support Flex-Fuel)
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Block Material: Aluminum
Valvetrain: 24-valve with variable valve timing (VVT)
Technology: Electronic throttle control, VVT, optional eTorque (mild-hybrid system)

Category: Engine

Description

Engine Overview: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Displacement: 3.6 liters
Configuration: V6, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)
Fuel Type: Gasoline (some models support Flex-Fuel)
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Block Material: Aluminum
Valvetrain: 24-valve with variable valve timing (VVT)
Technology: Electronic throttle control, VVT, optional eTorque (mild-hybrid system)

Performance (varies by model/year)

Horsepower: ~305 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: ~269 lb-ft @ 4,175 rpm
Towing Capacity (Ram 1500): Up to around 7,730 lbs (when properly equipped)
Fuel Economy (Ram 1500 2WD):
- Without eTorque: ~20 city / 26 hwy mpg
- With eTorque: Slightly better efficiency (up to ~20 city / 25-26 hwy mpg)

Common Ram Models Using the DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Ram 1500 (DS and DT generations) – Base engine option
Ram ProMaster (commercial van)
Ram 1500 Classic

Pros

Good balance of power and fuel efficiency
Lighter engine improves front-end weight balance
Reliable and widely used across many FCA/Stellantis vehicles
Lower cost than HEMI V8 variants
Available with eTorque, which adds electric assist and start-stop functionality

Cons

Lower towing and payload than the HEMI V8 options
Can feel underpowered when heavily loaded or towing near max capacity
Some early models had issues with:
- Oil cooler leaks
- Cam phasers
- Cylinder head problems (mostly pre-2014)

Would you like specific info on:

A particular model year?
A comparison with HEMI V8 options?
Known reliability or maintenance concerns?
Upgrade or performance options for the 3.6L?

Let me know, and I can tailor it further.

TECHNICAL SPECS (In Detail)

Spec	Details
Engine Code	Pentastar 3.6L V6
Displacement	3,604 cc (220 in³)
Bore x Stroke	96.0 mm × 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio	11.3:1
Fuel System	Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Oil Capacity	~6 quarts (5.7 L) with filter
Timing System	Chain-driven dual overhead cams
Cooling System	Water-cooled with electric fans
Redline	~6,800 rpm

eTORQUE SYSTEM (Optional Mild Hybrid)

Many modern Ram 1500 trucks with the DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE feature eTorque, a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It does not drive the wheels directly like a full hybrid, but it improves:

Start-stop functionality
Low-end torque (extra 90 lb-ft at launch)
Fuel economy
Regenerative braking

It’s especially noticeable during low-speed acceleration and stop/start traffic driving.

MAINTENANCE & RELIABILITY DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

The DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE is one of FCA/Stellantis’ most widely used engines. It’s in millions of vehicles — Ram, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler.

Common Maintenance Items:

Service	Interval
Oil change	Every 5,000–7,500 miles
Spark plugs	Every 100,000 miles
Coolant flush	Every 10 years or 150,000 miles
Air filter	Every 15,000–30,000 miles
Transmission service	Every 60,000–100,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)

Known Issues (mostly pre-2016 versions):

Oil Cooler Leaks – Cracks in plastic oil cooler housing (upgraded to aluminum aftermarket).
Cylinder Head Failure – On early models (mostly 2011–2013).
Cam Phaser Noise – Rattling sounds from timing system (less common after 2015).
Carbon Buildup – Less than direct injection engines, but regular oil changes help.

PERFORMANCE & TOWING

The DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE is more than adequate for daily driving and light-duty towing.

Towing by Configuration (Ram 1500):

Cab/Bed	Max Towing (approx)
Regular Cab, 2WD	~7,730 lbs
Crew Cab, 4WD	~6,280 lbs
ProMaster (Van)	~6,900 lbs (GVWR dependent)

Payload Capacity: Up to ~2,300 lbs depending on trim

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

While it’s not a racing engine, you can improve performance with:

Bolt-Ons:

Cold Air Intake
Cat-Back Exhaust System
Performance Tuner (e.g. DiabloSport, Superchips)
Throttle Response Controller

More Involved Mods: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Custom ECU tuning (with or without eTorque)
Upgraded camshafts or intake manifold (not common due to cost vs. gains)
Forced induction (rare, not ideal due to compression ratio)

Should You Buy/Keep the DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE?

Best For:

Commuters & light-duty haulers
Fleet/commercial use (e.g., ProMaster)
Budget-conscious buyers
Reliability with lower maintenance costs than V8

Not Ideal For: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Heavy towing or RV use
Performance enthusiasts
Off-roaders needing low-end torque (unless paired with eTorque)

DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Engine Overview: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Engine Overview: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Performance (varies by model/year)

Common Ram Models Using the DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Pros

Cons

TECHNICAL SPECS (In Detail)

eTORQUE SYSTEM (Optional Mild Hybrid)

MAINTENANCE & RELIABILITY DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Common Maintenance Items:

Known Issues (mostly pre-2016 versions):

PERFORMANCE & TOWING

Towing by Configuration (Ram 1500):

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Bolt-Ons:

More Involved Mods: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

Should You Buy/Keep the DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE?

Best For:

Not Ideal For: DODGE RAM 3.6L ENGINE

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