One of Dodge and Chrysler’s most popular engines for performance cars, trucks, and other larger vehicles is their 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, also known as the 345 HEMI. This large engine has immense power and is desirable for many people, especially those looking for a powerful truck or SUV with great towing capacity.
But is the 5.7 HEMI a good engine, and what makes this engine so unique? While the engine isn’t perfect, it’s still a popular choice for Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, and Jeep. Overall, it’s a great engine, and it’s made Ward’s list of top ten best engines.
We’ll look at everything you need to know about the 5.7L HEMI engine, its upgrades, issues, performance, specs, and more so you can learn everything there is to know about this engine.
5.7 HEMI V8 Engine Specifications
There are many things to know about the 5.7 HEMI V8 engine. Knowing the specs of this engine can allow you to compare it to others out there quickly. Here’s a quick glimpse at the specs of this engine:
| Manufacturer | The Chrysler, Saltillo Engine Plant |
| Application | Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler 300/300C, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger (R/T), Dodge Durango, Dodge Magnum (R/T), Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ram 1500/2500/3500 |
| Years in Production | 2003 to present |
| Engine Weight | 560 lbs |
| Configuration | V |
| Cylinder Block and Head Material | Cast iron and aluminum |
| Number of Cylinders | Eight |
| Number of Valves Per Cylinder | Two |
| Valvetrain Layout | Overhead Valve (OHV) |
| Fuel System | Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Torque lbs ft | 375 to 410 lbs ft |
| 5.7 HEMI Horsepower | 340 to 390 hp |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Internal Combustion Engine | Naturally aspirated four-stroke |
| Combustion Ratio |
Engines from 2003-2008: 9.6:1 Engines from 2009-present 10.5:1 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 6,000 miles or every six months |
| Oil Capacity in Liters | 6.7 liters |
| Engine Oil Weight | SAE 5W-20 |
| Stroke Inches | 3.58 inches |
| Bore Inches | 3.92 inches |
| Displacement Cubic Inches | 345 cubic inches |
5.7 HEMI Information and a Short History
The Chrysler HEMI 5.7 engine is the third generation engine from Chrysler. In 2003, the company announced this engine and stated that its first use would be for the 2003 Dodge Ram pickup trucks. This particular engine would be a 5.7L V8 engine that was replacing the 5.9L V8 Magnum engine.
Since launching this engine in 2003, Chrysler began using it in many of its other vehicles. This engine was the primary choice for several popular makes and models for nearly two decades. Some of the others you’ll commonly see this engine in now include:
2003-present Ram Trucks
2004-present Dodge Durangos
2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
2005-present Chrysler 300C and 300S
2005-present Jeep Grand Cherokees
2006-2010 Jeep Commanders
2006-present Dodge Chargers
2007-2009 Chrysler Aspens
2009-present Dodge Challengers
This engine is still in use for many of their flagship vehicles, as shown in the list above. You’ll often see trucks and other large SUVs with one of their newer engines, the Pentastar DOHC Mild Hybrid eTorque engine. But that doesn’t mean that the 5.7L HEMI engine is a bad engine to have in a vehicle.
5.7 HEMI V8 Revisions and Updates
The launch of the original 5.7 HEMI V8 engine happened in 2003, and since then, there have been necessary upgrades and revisions to the engine. Upgrades include fixing several issues with the engine that seemed to be causing problems for a large number of drivers.
There have been a few upgrades to the 5.7L HEMI engine, but arguably the most notable and most significant upgrade was in 2009. Once the engine received upgrades, Chrysler began calling this upgrade the 5.7 Eagle. The upgrades helped improve the overall performance and power of the engine.
2009+ 5.7 Eagle Version
While the 5.7L HEMI engine is overall excellent, when they decided to upgrade it in 2009, the 5.7 Eagle came with significant changes that made the already decent engine perform that much better. They did this by improving the stability and efficiency of the large engine.
The first thing worth noting about the Eagle version is that Chrysler included variable valve timing (VTT). When implementing this change, they needed to extend the front cam bearing and add three new oil passages.
The 5.7 Eagle version has a new and improved engine block with a sturdy crankshaft. They kept the material the same, cast iron, to ensure its durability. They use a 53021300BB casting on this portion.
Other changes to the engine include a dual-mass crankshaft with a damper, new pistons, and more durable connecting rods. You can find some 2009 5.7 Eagle models with an electric variable length intake runner, but not all of them have this feature.
This upgrade also includes adjusting the cylinder heads. They changed the rectangular intake ports to square because about 14% more air can flow through them than the older ones. They also adjusted the exhaust ports to have a raised roof, the intake valves are a little larger, and they implemented squish shelves into the new oval chambers.
You’ll notice that the compression ratio changed from 9.6:1 to 10.5:1. All the upgrades to this engine help improve the fuel efficiency, emissions, and overall performance of the engine.
5.7 HEMI V8 Overview
When Chrysler began thinking about the 5.7 HEMI V8 engine, they had to develop a design entirely from scratch. They didn’t have a strategy to go off of and wanted this engine to be unique and a great one to use in many Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, and Jeep flagship vehicles.
The 4.7L PowerTech V8 engine and the HEMI both have a cast iron cylinder with a deep design. There’s also a 90-degree angle between the different cylinder banks of both these engines. Four bolts support each main bearing of the crankshaft, and there is the metal that connects the rods.
Initially, the pistons were more broad than they are now. With the 2009 upgrade, the pistons became much more narrow. These engines have a long timing chain that helps reduce pushers’ length.
The 5.7L HEMI engine comes with aluminum cylinder heads with two valves. Each cylinder has two spark plugs, giving you a total of 16 spark plugs per engine. The chambers in this engine are spherical but compared to the original engines, they’re slightly more flat now, but still spherical.
Even if you’re unsure whether this engine is a good choice, it’s landed on Ward’s list of the top ten engines numerous times. To land on this list, the individuals at Ward’s AutoWorld Magazine evaluate different engines on various criteria.
The engine has to be regularly produced for vehicles currently for sale in the United States, the availability of the car below a specified price limit, which is not under $65,000, and undergo a two-month testing period to land on this top ten list.
Throughout the two-month testing period, the editors at the magazine evaluate engines based on subjective and objective standards in driving situations. The driving conditions they evaluate the engine are everyday circumstances, and the instruments aren’t tested. They’ll assess the engine based on torque, power, vibration, harshness, and noise.
On more than one occasion, the editors at this magazine have stated that the 5.7 HEMI engine is one of the best. It landed on the top ten list in 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.
5.7 HEMI V8 Advantages and Disadvantages
There are advantages and disadvantages to all engines out there. When considering getting a vehicle with a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, knowing the best and not the most excellent parts of the engine is essential.
Advantages
The advantages of having a car or truck with a 5.7L HEMI engine outweigh the disadvantages. While you might think that the benefits are great and cancel out the drawbacks, others might not feel the same way. There are three main advantages to having this engine in your vehicle.
It’s a Powerful Engine
These engines tend to be more powerful than other engines. They typically have a domed head cylinder instead of a flat head which helps contribute to their additional power. With a hemispherical combustion chamber, a higher compression ratio changes the combustion process to produce more power than conventional engines.
More powerful engines can reach higher speeds and also two heavier loads than weaker engines. This is a massive advantage for those working in careers that require heavy towing, or if you have a boat or other vehicle, you need to two from one place to another.
How many pounds the 5.7 HEMI engine can tow will depend on the SUV or truck that it’s in. For example, the RAM 1500 truck with this engine has a towing capacity of 12,750 pounds while the Chrysler Aspen with the same engine has a towing capacity of 8,950 pounds.
It’s Reliable and Durable
The 5.7 HEMI engine is considered a reliable and durable engine despite the issues that some users have with it. These engines can last for longer durations due to their design. As long as you take care of the engine and the vehicle it’s in, it should last you up to 300,000 miles.
It’s Fun to Drive
The 5.7 HEMI is an excellent engine for those who love driving, especially driving fast. The powerful engine allows you to accelerate faster and give you that V8 sound you’re looking for. Even if you’re driving a truck and not a sports car, you’ll experience a quick acceleration and roaring sound.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of the 5.7 HEMI engine are still worth noting. There are three primary disadvantages of this engine that you should consider before getting a vehicle with this engine.
The Engine is Heavy
Because the 5.7 HEMI V8 engine is designed with several cylinders and has a hemispherical design, it’s heavier than other engines. Not placing it in a heavier vehicle like a truck or SUV can weigh down the car and cause unnecessary issues.
Vehicle engines can weigh anywhere from 165 pounds to well over 800 pounds. The 5.7 HEMI V8 engine falls on the heavier side, but it’s far from the heaviest engine. Even still, this is a heavy engine that should only be in larger vehicles.
It’s an Expensive Engine
Since the HEMI V8 engine is heavier and more powerful than other engines on the market, it’s more expensive. You’ll notice vehicles with similar price points have a higher one if this is the type of engine it has.
The vehicle will be more expensive due to the engine in the first place, but maintenance and replacing the engine or parts will be more costly too.
The cost of this engine is critical to remember because regular maintenance will keep the engine in top shape for as long as possible, and if you cannot afford it, you will be wasting money on a new engine or car in the long run.
It’s Not Fuel Efficient
If you’re searching for a vehicle that’s fuel efficient, then any car with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine isn’t going to check that box. Since it’s an overall more powerful engine, it will use more fuel than other engines.
Generally, vehicles with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine will get 15 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and combined fuel efficiency of roughly 18 to 20 mpg.
If you’re okay with filling up your gas tank regularly, then this might not be a disadvantage that you’re concerned about. Either way, it’s important to note what kind of fuel efficiency you get with this engine.
The general rule of thumb that classifies a vehicle as fuel-efficient is that you get a combined mpg of at least 23.
5.7 HEMI V8 Engine Problems and Reliability
Even the best engines aren’t perfect. If there were a perfect engine, there wouldn’t be the need for dozens of others on the market. For the most part, the 5.7L HEMI engine is a great choice, hence why Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, and Jeep keep using it in their vehicles.
If it weren’t, they wouldn’t have used it on many of their flagship vehicles for more than 20 years. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is an excellent option for many cars, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without problems. While you can see these issues with the engine early on, they’re more common in engines with more than 200,000 miles on them.
A reliable engine will ensure your car or truck operates at its best for the duration of its lifespan. You should be aware of a few common issues associated with this engine. The four most common problems that people with a vehicle that has 5.7L HEMI engines are:
- Engine ticking
- Misfires
- The longevity of the spark plugs is poor
- It has weak exhaust manifold bolts
The Engine Ticks
By far, the biggest concern with these engines is the ticking sound or engine ticking issue. It’s more common in the earlier Chrysler HEMI engines, but newer models can still experience this problem, especially as they age.
Engine ticking happens when the high-pressure exhaust seeps through a crack in the gasket or manifold. It sounds like a clock ticking, and you’ll hear it more when your vehicle’s engine runs idle or at a lower RPM.
Chrysler addressed the engine ticking problem in 2007 by installing better springs to help prevent any exhaust from leaking. Even after the implementation of the upgraded springs, many newer models of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine still experience this concerning noise.
Many newer models, like those manufactured from 2009 and newer, will have a tick, but the manufacturers made further updates to the engine as of 2014. On the positive side, this isn’t dangerous for your truck or car. While it can be irritating, it’s not an immediate cause for concern like other noises coming from your vehicle.
Even though the ticking noise isn’t an immediate cause for concern, getting it into a mechanic or the dealership as soon as possible is essential to keep exhaust gasses where they belong. If the ticking sound persists and it starts to sound metallic, this is more of immediate concern.
When metallic notes accompany the engine ticking, it can indicate that you have faulty lifters, and the lifter rollers are seized. Usually, with this problem, you’ll see your vehicle’s check engine light illuminate, but even if you don’t, you need to bring it to a professional sooner rather than later.
Leaving the ticking noise with metallic notes along for too long can cause you to destroy the camshaft while leaving metal shavings in your vehicle’s oil.
Not Strong Enough Exhaust Manifold Bolts
Besides the engine ticking, the second most common issue with the 5.7 HEMI engine is that the manifold bolts break easily. Some people even say it’s more common than the engine ticking since they’ve made strides to prevent that from being an issue in the past.
Many people who have a vehicle with this type of engine report that the manifold bolts have broken on more than one occasion since owning the car. More often than not, people see the rear passenger exhaust manifold break first or the most often.
It’s hard to say why this particular manifold is the first to break, but many speculate that it’s because this engine area is the hottest. As the manifold bolts are warped and twisted due to the heat, they become more malleable and break easier.
You’ll be able to notice that one or several of the manifolds on your vehicle are broken or damaged because the car will naturally become louder. The louder noise comes from escaping pressure and the heat associated with the engine running.
This isn’t the most expensive repair you can get to your car or truck, but if they repeatedly break, the cost can add up quickly.
The Engine Misfires
Your engine can misfire when the combustion reaction isn’t working properly. When it’s not working well, the cylinder doesn’t fire, resulting in a misfire. This can happen when you’re first starting your engine or in the middle of idling.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is misfiring, it usually feels like the engine stumbles or you lose speed as you’re driving. If you notice that your 5.7L HEMI engine is misfiring, you should get it assessed as soon as possible.
When you leave an engine continuously misfiring untreated, you can severely damage the engine. Prolonged engine damage will cause your vehicle’s lifespan to shorten drastically.
The Spark Plugs Longevity Isn’t Great
Spark plugs ignite the air and fuel to cause your engine to power on and off. Another problem with the HEMI engines from Chrysler is that the longevity of the spark plugs they used is in question.
The company is known for using OEM spark plugs in their 5.7L HEMI engines, but they don’t last very long compared to others. Most spark plugs, regardless of engine type, need to be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.
When you have a vehicle with this engine type, you should only have to replace the spark plugs every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, which is comparable to others. The main issue with this, though, is they use OEM spark plugs, which only have a lifespan of 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
Combining the low lifespan of OEM spark plugs with engine misfiring makes a more significant issue. The lifespan is already low, but with continued misfires, you’ll have to replace the spark plugs more often than a vehicle without this issue.
This isn’t an inexpensive issue to fix. There are two spark plugs per cylinder, so you’ll need a pack of 16 spark plugs to replace them entirely. Replacing spark plugs isn’t a cheap purchase, and when considering the labor cost, this isn’t practical for everyone.
5.7 HEMI V8 FAQ
There’s a lot to know about the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. You’ll probably still have questions about its specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about this popular vehicle engine.
What is the life expectancy of the 5.7 HEMI engine?
Engines don’t last forever, but you can expect the 5.7L HEMI engine to last for around 250,000 miles. Some vehicle owners with this engine have seen their truck or car last for more than 300,000 miles, but under 250,000 is the average. Keep in mind that while they can last for a long time, they will start having more problems once they hit 100,000 miles.
What year of the 5.7 HEMI engine is the best?
Most of the 5.7L HEMI engines are solid, but one of the most reliable years is the one from 2014. The engines from this year underwent many upgrades to ensure that engine ticking isn’t a massive problem like in previous years.
Do you need to use premium gas with the 5.7 HEMI engine?
You don’t need to use premium gas with this engine, but you should. When you have a vehicle with a 5.7L HEMI engine, it will work better and last longer when you use premium or 89 octane gas in it.
What kind of oil do you need to put in a 5.7L HEMI engine?
To keep your vehicle running as smoothly as possible, manufacturers recommend that you only put API Certified SAE 5W-20 oil in your car with this type of engine. These oils meet the Chrysler material standard. Examples of this oil include Pennzoil, Shell Helix, and MOPAR.
How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle with a 5.7 HEMI engine?
The manufacturer will say every six months or every 6,000 miles. If that’s not feasible for you, you should never go more than 10,000 miles or 12 months without an oil change for this engine. Not getting your oil changed can cause wear and tear on the engine and cause its lifespan to shorten.
Final Thoughts
The 5.7L HEMI engine is one of the most famous engines by Chrysler and its associated brands. Overall, this engine is a pretty solid engine to have in your vehicle.
Even with its minimal issues, the company has worked to eradicate the frequent problems throughout the years, and it’s still a prominent engine used in their newer models today. The engine is durable and incredibly fun to drive, and as long as you keep up with all necessary maintenance, you can have this engine for up to 300,000 miles.
If you’re getting a vehicle with the 5.7 HEMI engine, be sure to get oil changes frequently, use premium gas, and take it to a mechanic or dealership as soon as you start seeing issues. Doing these things will ensure that this durable and great engine lasts for as long as possible.
