5.7 Hemi Engine: Specs, Common Problems, and Replacement Options
The 5.7 Hemi engine is Chrysler’s modern workhorse V8 and one of the most widely installed truck and SUV engines on the road. Officially designated the Eagle 345 and carrying the engine code “T” in the VIN’s eighth position, the 5.7L Hemi has been in continuous production since 2003 and powers everything from the Ram 1500 and Durango to the Challenger and Grand Cherokee.
This article covers what makes the 5.7 Hemi tick, the failure modes that send owners looking for a replacement, and what to expect when shopping for a remanufactured 5.7 Hemi long block.
5.7 Hemi Engine Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 345 cu in (5,654 cc) |
| Configuration | 90° V8, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder (16 total) |
| Bore × stroke | 3.917 in × 3.578 in (99.5 mm × 90.9 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 (early) / 10.5:1 (Eagle, 2009+) |
| Horsepower | 345–395 hp depending on application and model year |
| Torque | 375–410 lb-ft |
| Block material | Cast iron |
| Head material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Pushrod, hydraulic roller lifters, MDS (cylinder deactivation) on most applications |
| Fuel system | Sequential multiport fuel injection |
| Oil capacity | 7 quarts (with filter) |
MDS (Multi-Displacement System)
Starting in 2005, most 5.7 Hemi applications use MDS, which deactivates four of the eight cylinders under light load to save fuel. The system works through solenoid-actuated lifters that collapse to prevent valve opening. MDS is the source of the 5.7’s most infamous failure mode—more on that below.
VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
The 2009 “Eagle” update added variable valve timing on the intake camshaft, boosting the compression ratio from 9.6:1 to 10.5:1 and raising output to 390 hp in truck applications. VVT and non-VVT blocks are not interchangeable without swapping the front cover, cam phaser, and oil pump. Always match the year range and VIN code on the listing.
Common 5.7 Hemi Problems
Hemi Tick (Lifter Failure)
The most common reason for a 5.7 Hemi replacement is lifter failure, known in forums as the “Hemi tick.” The MDS solenoid lifters can collapse or wear prematurely, producing a ticking noise at idle that progresses to a misfire and, if ignored, camshaft damage. Replacing lifters alone on a 5.7 Hemi is a 15-to-20-hour job because the intake manifold, valve covers, pushrods, rocker arms, and lifter yokes all have to come out. Many owners find that the labor cost of a lifter-only repair approaches the cost of dropping in a remanufactured long block that already has new lifters, cam, and timing installed.
Exhaust Manifold Bolts
The factory exhaust manifold bolts on 2003–2008 5.7 Hemis are prone to breaking. The broken bolt creates an exhaust leak that sounds like a ticking at cold start and goes away as the manifold expands with heat. This is an annoyance, not an engine-killer, but it frequently gets confused with lifter tick. A visual inspection from underneath will show the broken bolt.
Dropped Valve Seat
Less common but more destructive: the aluminum cylinder heads can drop a valve seat, sending metal through the combustion chamber and scoring the cylinder wall. This is a catastrophic failure that totals the heads and usually the short block. A remanufactured long block is the only realistic repair path.
Oil Consumption (2009–2013)
Some early Eagle 5.7s with VVT consume a quart of oil every 1,500 to 2,000 miles. The root cause is usually worn valve seals and ring wear accelerated by the higher compression ratio. Chrysler issued TSB 09-002-14 REV. 7 covering excessive oil consumption on 2009–2013 models.
Vehicles That Use the 5.7 Hemi
- Dodge/Ram: Ram 1500 (2003–present), Ram 2500 (2003–2012), Durango (2004–present), Challenger (2009–present), Charger (2005–present), Magnum (2005–2008)
- Jeep: Grand Cherokee (2005–present), Commander (2006–2010), Wagoneer (2022–present)
- Chrysler: 300C (2005–present), Aspen (2007–2009)
- Toyota: Tundra (2007–2021) and Sequoia (2008–2022) used a different 5.7L (the 3UR-FE)—it is not a Hemi and is not interchangeable.
5.7 Hemi Replacement Options and Cost
When the 5.7 needs replacing, you have three choices:
Used 5.7 Hemi Engine
A salvage-yard 5.7 Hemi runs $1,500 to $3,500 depending on mileage and whether MDS lifters are still intact. The risk is that the same lifter or oil-consumption issues are already developing in the used block. There is no way to know the lifter condition without pulling them.
Remanufactured 5.7 Hemi Long Block
A remanufactured 5.7 Hemi runs $3,000 to $5,500. Every MDS lifter, the camshaft, timing chain, bearings, rings, and seals are replaced as part of the remanufacturing process. The block is bored if needed, decked, and honed; the heads are pressure-tested, resurfaced, and fitted with new valve seals. This eliminates the known failure modes.
Variety Engines stocks remanufactured 5.7L Hemi long blocks for 2003 through 2024 applications, both MDS and non-MDS, VVT and non-VVT. Every listing notes the VIN code, casting numbers, and year range so you can match exactly.
New Mopar Crate 5.7 Hemi
Mopar sells the 5.7 as a crate engine for $6,000 to $8,000. This is the factory assembly with full OEM warranty. It makes sense for a late-model vehicle still under powertrain warranty where using a non-OEM engine would void coverage.
How to Identify Your 5.7 Hemi
Chrysler stamps the block casting number on the driver-side rear of the block, near the bellhousing flange. Common casting numbers include:
- 53021616 – 2003–2008 non-VVT
- 53021726 – 2009–2013 VVT (Eagle)
- 68444059AA – 2019+ eTorque-ready
The eighth digit of the VIN is the quickest way to confirm displacement: “T” for the 5.7 Hemi in all Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram applications. Check the “Additional information” tab on any Variety Engines listing to match your casting number and VIN code.
Find a 5.7 Hemi Replacement Engine
Variety Engines ships remanufactured 5.7 Hemi long blocks with flat-rate $150 shipping, a core-return label, and a warranty that covers parts and labor. Browse our 5.7L engine catalog or call 216-250-6666 (Mon–Fri, 9–5 ET) with your VIN and we will pull the exact part number.
