The RIPP Supercharger is engineered specifically for the 5.7L HEMI V8 found in the Ram 1500, offering a substantial boost in horsepower and torque without sacrificing daily drivability. For truck owners who want to transform their Ram into a true high-performance machine, this forced-induction system can add over 100 horsepower to the rear wheels when paired with proper tuning. However, proper installation is critical — a mistake during setup can lead to poor performance or even engine damage. This guide walks you through every step of the installation process, from gathering tools to the final test drive.

Understanding the RIPP Supercharger Kit

The RIPP Supercharger is a roots-type positive displacement supercharger that sits directly on top of the intake manifold. Unlike centrifugal superchargers that build boost progressively, the roots design provides instant low-RPM boost, making it ideal for a heavy pickup like the Ram 1500. The complete kit typically includes the supercharger unit, a cast-aluminum intake manifold with integrated intercooler, a high-flow throttle body adapter, fuel injectors, a fuel pump voltage booster, a custom-tuned ECU flash, and all necessary hardware and gaskets.

Before starting, confirm that your kit matches your vehicle's year and engine configuration. Ram 1500s from 2013–2018 with the 5.7L HEMI may have minor differences in accessory drives or PCM programming. Visit the official RIPP website to verify compatibility for your specific model.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having the right tools on hand before you begin saves time and frustration. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you'll need beyond what's included in the kit:

  • RIPP Supercharger Kit (verify all components are present)
  • Socket set with metric and standard sizes (8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm most common)
  • Wrenches (combination wrenches in corresponding sizes)
  • Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
  • Torque wrench capable of 20–80 ft-lbs
  • Vacuum hose cutter or sharp razor blade
  • Coolant (OAT-compatible, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent)
  • Engine oil (5W-20 synthetic recommended)
  • Shop towels and brake cleaner
  • Safety glasses and mechanic gloves
  • Floor jack and jack stands (helpful for removing skid plates or accessing lower fasteners)
  • Pry bar or trim removal tool (for plastic clips)
  • Digital caliper (to measure gasket thickness if needed)
  • Sealant (RTV silicone – use only if specified in instructions)

Additionally, a scan tool or OBD-II reader is highly recommended to clear any fault codes after installation and to check live data on the test drive. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool helps remove debris from the intake ports before installing the supercharger.

Preparation and Safety Precautions

Park the Ram 1500 on a level, well-ventilated surface. Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench and isolate it to prevent accidental contact. Wait at least 5 minutes for the engine control module (ECM) capacitors to discharge before working near sensors or wiring.

Allow the engine to cool completely if it has been running — the intake manifold and radiator can stay hot for an hour or more. Working on a warm engine risks burns and can cause gaskets to deform. It's also wise to drain the coolant when the engine is cold to avoid steam burns.

Photograph or label all connectors and hoses as you remove them. Digital photos save confusion later, especially with vacuum lines and electrical connectors that look identical.

Step 1: Removing the Stock Air Intake System

Begin by removing the stock air cleaner assembly. Unclip the mass air flow (MAF) sensor connector by pressing the tab and sliding it off. Loosen the hose clamp on the intake tube at the throttle body and at the air box, then pull the entire assembly free. Set aside the MAF sensor — you'll reuse it on the new intake.

Next, remove the throttle body. Unbolt the four Torx or hex bolts (usually T40 or 8mm) securing it to the intake manifold. Carefully separate the throttle body from the manifold and disconnect the electrical connector. Use a clean shop towel to cover the intake manifold opening to prevent debris from falling inside during the rest of disassembly.

If your Ram has a PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) hose attached to the intake tube, detach it using a hose pick or by twisting gently. Inspect the rubber grommet for cracks — replace if necessary.

Step 2: Draining Engine Coolant

The supercharger installation requires removal of the factory intake manifold, which shares coolant passages with the engine's cooling system. You must drain the coolant to avoid spills. Locate the radiator drain valve on the lower passenger side of the radiator. Place a drain pan underneath, open the valve, and also remove the radiator cap to allow air in. Drain at least 2 gallons (8 quarts) of coolant. While draining, you can also disconnect the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing for easier manifold removal.

Note: Ram 1500s may use Mopar OAT (orange) or HOAT (purple) coolant. Check your owner's manual. Never mix different coolant types. You can reuse the drained coolant if it's less than 3 years old, but installing fresh coolant is recommended for the new system.

Step 3: Removing the Factory Intake Manifold

With the throttle body removed and coolant drained, start removing the intake manifold. First, disconnect all vacuum lines and electrical connectors attached to the manifold. This includes the brake booster vacuum line, the EVAP purge solenoid, and any sensor wires. Use a labeled storage bag for small clips and fasteners.

Unscrew the intake manifold bolts — there are typically 8–12 bolts in a specific sequence. Follow the factory reverse-torque sequence to prevent warping the manifold. A common order is to start from the outside bolts and work inward, but consult a service manual for the exact pattern. Once all bolts are removed, lift the manifold straight up. It may be stuck due to the intake gaskets; use a gentle rocking motion. Do not pry between the manifold and the cylinder head.

Clean the manifold mating surfaces with a plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Remove all old gasket residue. Be careful not to drop debris into the intake ports. If any falls in, use a shop vacuum with a small attachment to retrieve it.

Step 4: Preparing the Engine for Supercharger Installation

Before installing the RIPP supercharger, there are a few preparatory steps. First, replace the spark plugs — the added boost requires a colder heat range plug (typically NGK or Champion one step colder). Gap them to the specification provided in the RIPP instructions (usually 0.035–0.040 inches). This prevents misfire under boost.

Next, install the provided fuel injectors. The RIPP kit includes larger injectors to supply the necessary fuel volume at higher boost pressures. Remove the fuel rail bolts, carefully pull the rail with old injectors, and swap them out. Lubricate the new injector O-rings with a thin coat of engine oil before inserting them into the intake ports. Torque the fuel rail bolts to the manufacturer's specification (often 8–10 ft-lbs).

If your kit includes a fuel pump voltage booster, install it at this point. This device overrides the factory fuel pump controller voltage to increase fuel pressure under boost. Follow the wiring diagram provided — it typically splices into the fuel pump relay or the PCM harness. Use heat shrink connectors and secure all wiring away from moving parts and exhaust heat.

Step 5: Installing the RIPP Supercharger Manifold

Carefully lower the RIPP supercharger assembly onto the engine. Ensure the intake gaskets are correctly aligned and that the supercharger's drive pulley aligns with the belt path. The unit should sit flush on the cylinder heads without any interference from wiring or hoses.

Install the supplied bolts and torque them in a crisscross pattern to the specification in the instructions (typically 18–22 ft-lbs for the manifold bolts). Do not overtighten — the supercharger housing is aluminum and can crack if over-torqued.

Reconnect the throttle body to the supercharger intake. Use a new gasket (provided) and torque the bolts to 7–9 ft-lbs. Reattach the MAF sensor and the intake tube assembly. Secure all hose clamps.

Now install the supercharger drive belt. The RIPP system uses a dedicated belt that routes around the supercharger pulley, tensioner, and the main crankshaft pulley. Rotate the tensioner with a serpentine belt tool or a 15mm socket to slip the belt onto the pulleys. Confirm the belt is fully seated in all grooves.

Step 6: Reconnecting Cooling and Vacuum Systems

Reconnect the upper radiator hose and refill the coolant system. Use a coolant funnel to burp air from the system. Fill with the approved coolant (mix 50/50 with distilled water if using concentrate). Start the engine and run until the thermostat opens (allow to reach operating temperature). Top off coolant as needed. Check for any coolant leaks around the intake manifold gaskets.

Reconnect all vacuum lines to the supercharger manifold. Pay special attention to the bypass valve vacuum line — this controls boost pressure during part-throttle operation. If the line is reversed or disconnected, the supercharger may surge or fail to make full boost. Refer to the RIPP installation diagram for correct routing.

Reconnect the battery terminal. At this point, also connect the provided handheld tuner or ECU flash tool. The RIPP kit typically includes a pre-loaded tune that must be uploaded to the vehicle's PCM. Follow the tuner's instructions carefully — this calibrates the fuel maps, timing, and boost control for safe operation. Do not start the engine without uploading the tune first.

Step 7: Final Checks and Torque Verification

Before starting the engine, double-check all fasteners, hose clamps, and electrical connectors. Common oversight areas include the supercharger inlet bolts, the intercooler water pump (if applicable), and the belt tension. Verify belt deflection — it should have about 1/2 inch of free play at the longest span.

Check for any tools left in the engine bay. Wipe down the area and ensure nothing is contacting the supercharger pulley or belt. Cycle the key to ON (engine off) to prime the fuel system (listen for the fuel pump to run for a few seconds). This pressurizes the lines and helps the engine start quickly.

Start the engine and let it idle for 10–15 minutes. Watch for oil pressure and coolant temperature to stabilize. Listen for any unusual noises such as belt squeal, rattling, or air leaks. A slight whine from the supercharger is normal; a grinding sound is not. If you hear anything alarming, shut the engine off immediately and investigate.

During the idle period, use a scan tool to monitor short-term fuel trim values (should be near 0% at idle), intake air temperature, and boost pressure (should show vacuum at idle). If fuel trims are outside ±10%, there may be a vacuum leak or improper tune calibration.

Step 8: Test Drive and Performance Verification

Once the engine has idled properly and no leaks are present, take the Ram 1500 for a cautious test drive. Start with light throttle and low RPM to allow the supercharger's internal bearings and seals to break in. Gradually increase throttle openings over the first 50 miles.

Pay attention to throttle response — it should feel crisp and immediate due to the positive displacement design. At full throttle, the boost gauge (if you have one installed) should read between 6–8 psi depending on the kit variant. Do not exceed the recommended boost level without upgrading the fuel system and tuning further.

Monitor coolant temperature and oil pressure during the drive. Supercharged engines generate more heat; if temperatures climb above normal, consider a larger radiator or an oil cooler upgrade down the road. Also listen for any detonation (pinging) — this indicates the tune needs adjustment or the octane of the fuel is insufficient (use 91+ octane always).

After the test drive, check for fluid leaks under the truck. Re-torque the intake manifold bolts and throttle body bolts after the first heat cycle — aluminum expands and can loosen fasteners initially.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Your new RIPP supercharger requires a few extra maintenance steps. Change the supercharger oil every 30,000 miles (most roots units have a dedicated oil supply; check your kit). Inspect the drive belt for cracking or glazing every oil change. Clean the air filter more frequently — forced induction sucks in more dirt than a naturally aspirated engine. Always let the engine idle for 30 seconds after a hard drive to cool the supercharger before shutting off, preventing oil coking.

For tuning adjustments or upgrades, visit forums like RamForum.com to learn from other RIPP owners. You can also purchase a custom dyno tune from reputable shops listed on Hemifever for maximum power gains.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Engine Misfire at Start-Up

If the engine runs rough immediately after installation, check the spark plug gap first. Too wide a gap under boost causes misfire. Also verify that the fuel injector connectors are fully seated — a loose clip can cause a cylinder to drop out. Re-scan the PCM to ensure the tune file loaded completely.

Low Boost or No Boost

Check the bypass valve vacuum line routing. If the bypass is stuck open, boost bleeds off. Also inspect the drive belt for proper tension and routing — a slipping belt will not spin the supercharger fast enough. Use a boost leak tester (available at auto parts stores) to pressurize the intake system and look for leaks at clamps or the throttle body gasket.

High Intake Air Temperatures

The RIPP kit includes an integrated intercooler, but under sustained hard driving, heat soak can occur. Ensure the intercooler water pump (if equipped) is running — check the fuse and wiring. Consider upgrading to a larger front-mounted intercooler for track use or towing applications. Adding a bottle of water-methanol injection can further reduce IATs and add safety margin.

Conclusion

Installing the RIPP Supercharger on your 5.7L Ram 1500 is a rewarding project that dramatically transforms the truck's performance. By following this detailed step-by-step guide, you can confidently complete the installation yourself — saving labor costs and gaining intimate knowledge of your vehicle. Remember that proper torque specifications, careful gasket alignment, and a quality tune are non-negotiable for reliability. With the supercharger installed, your Ram 1500 will accelerate with authority, tow with ease, and turn heads on the road. For further technical details, consult the official RIPP installation manual at RIPPmods.com.