The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.9-liter V8 Magnum delivers about 245 horsepower, with around 335–345 lb-ft of torque. Real-world numbers can vary slightly based on drivetrain, emissions equipment, and vehicle condition.
Engine context and power profile
The 5.9-liter Magnum is a 360 cubic inch V8 that Dodge used across its trucks in the 1990s. In the Ram 1500 lineup for the 1997 model year, this engine was tuned to produce a healthy blend of horsepower and torque aimed at towing and payload capability. The cited figures reflect the factory ratings commonly associated with that year and configuration.
Official horsepower and torque for the 1997 Ram 1500 5.9
Power output is typically reported as horsepower and torque. Below are the figures most often cited for the 5.9 Magnum in the 1997 Ram 1500:
- Horsepower: 245 hp at 4,800 rpm
- Torque: about 335–345 lb-ft at roughly 3,600–3,800 rpm
These numbers reflect standard factory ratings for that model year. Individual vehicles may show slight variations due to wear, minor mechanical changes, and regional specifications.
Variability and real-world factors
In practice, the observed power can be influenced by transmission choice (automatic versus manual), drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. 4x4), exhaust and air intake setup, altitude, and overall engine condition. While the official numbers provide a baseline, near-term performance can differ from day to day.
Summary
The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.9-liter Magnum V8 is generally rated at about 245 horsepower and around 345 lb-ft of torque, with small variations depending on setup and condition. These figures reflect the era’s typical specifications for this popular worktruck.