In 2014 Ram became the first truck manufacturer in the USA to introduce a diesel engine in a 1/2-ton pickup. The Ram 1500 received a 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel engine that was also known as the “EcoDiesel”. The 3.0L V6 was built by the Italian motor company VM Motori and was used in the European market since 2011. Some modifications were needed for this engine to meet the emission standards of the North American market. Offering a diesel engine to the Ram 1500 provided consumers with a powerful and fuel efficient light-duty truck option. When powered by the 3.0L EcoDiesel, these trucks received the best mileage in the Ram 1500 line up and had a maximum towing capacity of 9,200 lbs. The EcoDiesel shared many features with diesel engines in many 3/4-ton and 1-ton applications including block material, fuel system components, and emission control systems.

The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel was constructed with a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block for a lightweight and durable foundation. Paired with the CGI block were heat-treated aluminum cylinder heads for weight savings and dependability. Within the 3.0L engine were cast-aluminum pistons and forged steel connecting rods. The EcoDiesel utilized a common-rail fuel system that produced 29,000 PSI of rail pressure. Powering the high-pressure fuel system was a Bosch CP4.2 injection pump and solenoid-style injectors. These solenoid-style injectors were externally serviceable and allowed for 8 injection events per cycle that reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Fitted to this engine was a water-cooled Garrett 2056 variable-geometry turbocharger that also provided low-end torque while reducing emissions. To comply with EPA emission standards the 3.0L EcoDiesel featured all the same emission control systems as diesel engines in Ram 3/4-ton and 1-ton applications. An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system was used to send exhaust gases back through the engine to lower NOx emissions. A diesel particulate filter (DPF) caught and burned off excess soot. To further reduce particulate matter emission, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system injected diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust stream to convert nitrous oxide into water and nitrogen.

The addition of the diesel engine to Ram 1500 pickups would vastly improve fuel economy while towing when compared to gasoline engines. Diesel engines offer better fuel economy and drivability while towing due to the ability to maintain peak torque throughout the RPM range. Fuel mileage was considerably better with the 3.0L EcoDiesel providing up to 27 mpg on the highway while a gas engine’s mileage was in the lower 20’s. A stock Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel was rated at 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Paired with this engine was the TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive to maximize efficiency. As other truck manufacturers started introducing diesel engines in their 1/2-ton applications the EcoDiesel needed some improvements to stand above competition. In 2020 the 3.0L EcoDiesel was redesigned for increased performance and efficiency. XDP constantly works with the aftermarket to continue to provide high-quality parts and accessories for the 3.0L EcoDiesel. Whether you’re performing routine maintenance or boosting horsepower and torque XDP has what you need. Find Fuel Filters, Oil Filters and OEM Service Fluids to keep your 3.0L on the road. Make your Ram 1500 one-of-a-kind with custom parts and accessories available at XDP including Exhaust Systems, Lift & Leveling Kits, and Lighting Accessories. Shop XDP for everything your 2014-2019 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel needs.