About This Engine

The Chrysler 5.7L Hemi (also called the 345 Hemi after its 345 cubic inch displacement) is the third generation Hemi V8 produced by Chrysler/Stellantis from 2003 through the 2026 model year (when production is being phased out). It was developed as a modern interpretation of the legendary 1951 to 1971 Hemi V8s, returning the hemispherical combustion chamber design with two spark plugs per cylinder for improved combustion efficiency. The 5.7L Hemi has been the standard V8 in countless Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles, ranging from the Ram 1500/2500/3500 pickup trucks to the Charger R/T and Challenger R/T muscle cars to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer SUVs.

The 5.7L Hemi architecture is a 90 degree V8 with a deep skirt cast iron block, cross-bolted 4 main bearing caps for added rigidity, aluminum cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers, OHV pushrod valvetrain with hydraulic roller lifters, 2 valves per cylinder, 2 spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) with coil-on-plug ignition, and sequential multi port fuel injection. Bore and stroke is 3.917 x 3.578 inches (99.49 x 90.88 mm) for a total displacement of 5,654 cc. The bell housing pattern matches the classic Chrysler small block (6 bolts, top center bolt eliminated), making it relatively swap-friendly into older Mopar applications.

The 5.7L Hemi was significantly revised in 2009 with the Eagle update, which is the single most important distinction in 5.7 Hemi sourcing. Pre-Eagle (2003 to 2008) produces 335 to 345 horsepower with 9.6:1 compression and 85cc open combustion chambers. Eagle (2009 onward) produces 357 to 395 horsepower with 10.5:1 compression, 65cc closed oval combustion chambers, larger intake ports flowing 14 percent more air, Variable Cam Timing (VCT), an updated Multi-Displacement System (MDS) that runs in 4 cylinder mode about 40 percent of cruising time, reinforced connecting rods, and a narrower piston ring pack. Eagle heads will physically bolt to a Pre-Eagle block but the intake manifold bolt pattern differs.

A documented used OEM 5.7L Hemi with verified generation, MDS status, VVT status, lifter condition, and donor history is the right replacement for any Ram 1500/2500/3500, Charger R/T, Challenger R/T, Durango, Grand Cherokee, 300C, Magnum R/T, Aspen, Commander, or Wagoneer owner. We document the generation (Pre-Eagle vs Eagle), MDS configuration, VVT status, donor vehicle, and inspect lifter condition (critical for the Eagle MDS lifter failure pattern) before shipping every order.

Signs You Need a Replacement Engine

• Hemi tick: Persistent ticking noise from the valvetrain, often traced to failed hydraulic lifters and/or worn camshaft lobes (most common 5.7 Hemi failure, particularly Eagle MDS units)
• Broken exhaust manifold bolts causing exhaust leak (often sounds like a tick when cold) - very common on all generations
• Cracked valve springs (resolved by Chrysler in 2007 with updated springs - applies primarily to 2003-2006 units)
• Valve seat wear or dropped valve seats on early Pre-Eagle heads with high mileage (100,000 plus miles)
• MDS lifter failure on 2009+ Eagle units - design flaw in oiling path starves lifters at idle
• Excessive oil consumption beyond 1 quart per 1,000 miles
• Loss of compression on one or more cylinders
• Crankcase pressure or PCV system issues causing oil leaks
• Bent or damaged pushrods after lifter failure

Known Things to Know Before You Buy

• Pre-Eagle (2003-2008) vs Eagle (2009+) is the single most important distinction. Pre-Eagle is 335-345 hp with 9.6:1 compression. Eagle is 357-395 hp with 10.5:1 compression, VVT, and updated MDS. We confirm generation on every order.
• MDS lifter failure on Eagle units (2009+): The Eagle 5.7 has a documented "hot tick" failure pattern where MDS hydraulic lifters fail due to a design flaw in the oiling path that starves them at idle. The internet incorrectly blames MDS switching itself; the true cause is idle-time oil starvation. Plan for lifter inspection on any Eagle donor.
• Exhaust manifold bolts breaking is the #2 common issue across all 5.7 Hemis. The bolts securing the manifold to the block can break, causing exhaust leaks. ARP studs are a popular preventive upgrade.
• Pre-2007 valve spring issue: 2003-2006 Pre-Eagle units had a documented valve spring breaking issue. Chrysler resolved this in 2007 with updated springs. If sourcing a Pre-Eagle, verify spring update or plan for replacement.
• Dropped valve seats on high-mileage Pre-Eagle heads: Early 5.7 Hemi cylinder heads with 100,000 plus miles can suffer from dropped valve seats. Inspect heads carefully before purchase.
• MDS vs non-MDS variants: Manual transmission applications (Challenger, 3/4 and 1 ton Ram pickups) do NOT have MDS. Most automatic transmission applications DO have MDS. The block has different oil passages and the cam profile differs.
• Bellhouse bolt pattern: Same as the classic Chrysler small block with 6 bolts (top center bolt eliminated). Compatible with the 545RFE 5 speed automatic, 65RFE 6 speed automatic, 8HP70 8 speed automatic, NV3500 5 speed manual, and TR-6060 6 speed manual.
• Forged crank upgrade: The 6.1L Hemi crankshaft is forged steel and has the same stroke as the 5.7L. It makes a popular forged upgrade for Pre-Eagle bottom ends targeting forced induction.

5.7L Hemi Generation and Application Reference

Verified configurations:

What Is Included, What Is Not Included

Vehicle Compatibility, Direct Fit

Direct factory applications:

Common Swap Targets

The 5.7 Hemi is one of the most popular V8 swap engines in the Mopar community. Common configurations:

Transmission compatibility (factory pairings): 545RFE 5 speed automatic (early Pre-Eagle), 545RFE / 65RFE 5 speed automatic (Eagle car/SUV), 66RFE 6 speed automatic (Ram HD Eagle), 68RFE 6 speed automatic (Ram HD diesel-rated, also used on some Hemi applications), 8HP70 ZF 8 speed automatic (Charger R/T, Challenger R/T, 300C, Durango from 2012-2013 onward), 8HP90 ZF 8 speed automatic (Wagoneer, late Charger), TR-6060 6 speed manual (Challenger R/T), NV3500 5 speed manual (older Ram). The 5.7 Hemi was offered with both manual and automatic transmissions across its life.

Not sure if this fits your project? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year, model, trim, and intended use (factory replacement or swap). We confirm generation, MDS status, and VVT status before every order ships.

Common Names and Search Terms

Used OEM vs Rebuilt vs Reman 5.7 Hemi

A documented used OEM 5.7 Hemi from a known donor with verified compression, generation confirmation, lifter inspection, and donor history is the most cost effective option for most replacement and swap projects. Pricing is roughly half of a Mopar reman or specialty rebuild. Our 5.7 Hemi engines are compression tested across all 8 cylinders, generation confirmed (Pre-Eagle vs Eagle), MDS and VVT status documented, lifter condition inspected (critical for Eagle MDS lifter failure pattern), and donor history disclosed where available.

A professionally rebuilt 5.7 Hemi from a Mopar specialty shop typically runs $4,500 to $7,500 plus core charge. Standard rebuild includes new bearings, rings, gaskets, head gasket, water pump, timing chain components, MDS lifters (Eagle), and oil pump. ARP head studs and exhaust manifold studs are common upgrades.

A Mopar Performance reman long block runs $5,500 to $8,500 plus core charge. Built 5.7 Hemi engines for forced induction (Whipple supercharger, ProCharger, turbo kit) run $9,000 to $18,000 plus depending on power target. Built makes sense for serious Charger R/T, Challenger R/T, Ram TRX-style builds where stock 395 hp is the limiting factor.

Condition and Inspection Process

• Compression test across all 8 cylinders, pressure per cylinder recorded
• Visual inspection of block for cracks
• Cylinder heads inspected for warping, cracks, or dropped valve seats
• Generation confirmed (Pre-Eagle 2003-2008 or Eagle 2009+)
• MDS configuration documented (with or without Multi-Displacement System)
• VVT (Eagle only) status confirmed
• Lifter condition inspected via valve cover removal where possible
• Exhaust manifold bolt condition disclosed
• Spark plug condition documented across all 16 plugs (2 per cylinder)
• Donor vehicle (Ram, Charger, Challenger, etc.) confirmed
• Year and ECU calibration code documented

Mileage on 5.7 Hemi engines is documented from the donor vehicle when available. Where mileage cannot be verified, we disclose this clearly before shipping.

Buyer Tips, What to Know Before You Order

• Confirm generation first: Pre-Eagle (2003-2008) is 335-345 hp / 9.6:1 compression. Eagle (2009+) is 357-395 hp / 10.5:1 compression with VVT. Match the generation to your vehicle year.
• For Eagle units: Plan for lifter inspection or replacement at install. The MDS lifter failure pattern is well documented. Many builders preventively replace MDS lifters with non-MDS lifters and a non-MDS camshaft (MDS delete) at install.
• For Pre-Eagle units (especially 2003-2006): Plan for valve spring inspection or preventive replacement. Chrysler updated springs in 2007.
• ARP head studs and ARP exhaust manifold studs are popular preventive upgrades on any 5.7 Hemi rebuild.
• For supercharger or turbo builds on Pre-Eagle: The 6.1L Hemi forged crank fits the 5.7L block (same stroke) and is a popular bottom end upgrade for boost applications.
• Eagle heads will physically bolt to a Pre-Eagle block but the intake manifold bolt pattern differs. Match the manifold to the heads.
• Manual transmission applications do NOT have MDS. Confirm donor was automatic if you specifically need MDS, or that donor was manual if you need a non-MDS unit.

Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions

• Generation confirmed before you pay (Pre-Eagle 2003-2008 or Eagle 2009+)
• MDS status documented (with or without Multi-Displacement System)
• VVT status documented (Eagle units only)
• All 8 cylinders compression tested, results shared before order is confirmed
• Lifter condition inspected (critical for Eagle MDS lifter failure pattern)
• Exhaust manifold bolt status disclosed (common 5.7 Hemi failure)
• Donor vehicle disclosed (Ram, Charger, Challenger, 300C, Durango, Grand Cherokee)
• Fitment verified for your specific Mopar application or swap project
• No core charge, keep your old engine
• Free crated freight delivery to all 50 states
• 15 day replacement warranty on internal engine defects
• Call (240) 301-0095, talk to someone who actually understands the Pre-Eagle vs Eagle differences and the MDS lifter failure pattern