Chrysler 5.7L HEMI Engine
The 5.7L HEMI is a 345 cubic inch V8 introduced in 2003, used across Ram trucks, the Charger, Challenger, 300, Durango and Grand Cherokee. Used 5.7L HEMI engines run $1,800 to $4,200. Two things decide whether a given unit is a good buy: which cylinder head design it has, and whether the MDS lifters have started to fail.
Need one now? See our 5.7 HEMI engines in stock, or text your VIN to +1 (361) 470-5276 and we'll confirm your exact version.
The HEMI Tick — what it actually is
"HEMI tick" describes a ticking noise, but it has three separate causes and they are not equally serious. Knowing which one you have changes the repair bill from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.
1. Exhaust manifold bolt failure — the cheap one
The manifold bolts break, letting exhaust escape past the gasket. It sounds like a tick, loudest on a cold start, and often quiets down as the metal expands and seals.
This is the least expensive cause and it does not mean the engine is bad. The fix is drilling out the broken bolts and replacing them.
2. Roller lifter and camshaft wear — the expensive one
The roller on a lifter seizes or flat-spots, then chews into the camshaft lobe beneath it. This produces a persistent tick that does not quiet down when warm, usually alongside a misfire code. This is engine-out work.
3. MDS lifter failure — the common one
Covered in detail below. This is the most frequent cause on automatic-transmission vehicles.
How to tell them apart
| Symptom | Likely cause |
| Tick improves as engine warms up | Exhaust manifold bolts — inexpensive |
| Tick persists when warm, no codes | Lifter or cam wear — serious |
| Tick persists plus misfire code | MDS lifter failure — serious |
→ Browse tested 5.7 HEMI engines in stock
MDS Lifter Failure
MDS (Multi-Displacement System) deactivates four cylinders under light load to save fuel. Like GM's AFM, it uses collapsible lifters — and like AFM, those lifters fail and take camshaft lobes with them.
Symptoms
- Ticking that persists when the engine is warm
- Misfire codes
- Rough idle
- Loss of power
- Check engine light
Which vehicles have MDS
MDS appears on most automatic-transmission applications from roughly 2005 onward. Manual-transmission Challengers and Chargers generally do not have it — if you can find one of those donors, it removes the concern entirely.
Your options
MDS delete — non-MDS camshaft, standard lifters, delete plate and a tune. Permanent fix, best done while the engine is out.
Lifter replacement — cheaper, but leaves the same system in place.
Source a non-MDS unit — manual-transmission donors and certain early applications came without it. Tell us your vehicle and we'll check what's available.
5.7L HEMI Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
| Displacement | 5.7L / 345 cu in |
| Configuration | V8, pushrod OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Block | Cast iron |
| Heads | Aluminum, hemispherical-style chambers |
| Ignition | Two spark plugs per cylinder — 16 total |
| Power | Roughly 340 – 395 hp by variant |
| Production | 2003 – present |
Two Versions: Original vs Eagle
Original (2003–2008)
The launch version. Around 345 hp in truck applications. MDS cylinder deactivation appeared on some applications from roughly 2005 to 2006 onward.
Eagle (2009–present)
Revised cylinder heads, variable valve timing added, improved intake. Power rose to roughly 390 hp in car applications. Better breathing and more efficient — but MDS remained.
These are not a straight swap for each other. Head design, VVT hardware and engine management all differ. Always verify by VIN before ordering.
How to Identify Your 5.7L HEMI
Read the 8th digit of your VIN. Common codes:
| 8th VIN digit | Version |
| D | 5.7L HEMI, original (2003–2008) |
| T | 5.7L HEMI Eagle (2009+) |
| 2 | 5.7L HEMI, certain applications |
Important: Chrysler VIN codes vary by platform and year more than most manufacturers. Do not order on the 8th digit alone — send us your full 17-character VIN and we'll confirm the exact version, or browse all Dodge used engines to see what's available for your year.
Which Vehicles Use the 5.7L HEMI
| Vehicle | Years |
| Ram 1500 | 2003–present |
| Ram 2500 / 3500 | 2003–2018 |
| Dodge Durango | 2004–present |
| Dodge Charger | 2006–present |
| Dodge Challenger | 2009–2023 |
| Dodge Magnum | 2005–2008 |
| Chrysler 300C | 2005–present |
| Chrysler Aspen | 2007–2009 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2005–present |
| Jeep Commander | 2006–2010 |
We stock engines for all of these: Ram · Dodge · Chrysler · Jeep
Which Years to Buy
- 2009+ Eagle — more power, better breathing, and the most refined version. The best buy if your vehicle takes one.
- 2003–2004 — pre-MDS on most applications, which removes the lifter concern entirely.
- Manual-transmission Charger and Challenger donors — generally no MDS at all. Lowest-risk option where available.
- 2005–2010 with MDS — the most lifter complaints. Buy with a run test result, or budget for a delete.
Used 5.7L HEMI Prices
| Version | Condition | Typical price |
| Original (2003–2008) | Used, tested | $1,800 – $2,700 |
| Eagle (2009–2014) | Used, tested | $2,300 – $3,400 |
| Eagle (2015+) | Used, tested | $2,900 – $4,200 |
| Any version | Remanufactured | $3,800 – $5,500 |
Free freight to any US address — residential included. Most suppliers charge $150 or more for residential delivery.
→ Shop 5.7 HEMI engines — live prices and mileage
What's Included
Complete engine assembly: block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing components, valve covers and oil pan. Intake manifold and accessories are included where present on the donor unit at no extra charge, but are not covered under warranty.
You will typically transfer from your old engine: alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, starter, flexplate, sensors, and vehicle-specific brackets.
Shipping and Warranty
| Warranty | 6 months standard, parts and return freight. Extended to 3 years available. |
| Shipping | Free, all 50 states, residential and commercial |
| Prep time | 3–5 business days |
| Transit | 2–4 business days |
| Before shipping | We photograph your exact unit and send it for approval |
| Returns | 30 days, free return shipping |
Full terms: used engine warranty policy · shipping policy · returns and refunds
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the HEMI tick?
Three different things. Broken exhaust manifold bolts cause an exhaust leak tick that usually quiets as the engine warms up, and it is inexpensive to fix. Roller lifter or camshaft wear causes a tick that persists when warm and usually brings a misfire code, which is serious. MDS lifter failure is the third and most common cause on automatic-transmission vehicles.
Is MDS the same as GM's AFM?
Functionally yes. Both deactivate four cylinders under light load using collapsible lifters, and both fail the same way — a lifter sticks and wipes the camshaft lobe. MDS appears on most automatic 5.7L HEMI applications from roughly 2005 onward. Manual-transmission Chargers and Challengers generally do not have it.
Will a 2008 HEMI fit a 2012 Ram?
No, not without significant work. The 2009 Eagle revision changed the cylinder heads, added variable valve timing, and altered the engine management. Original and Eagle versions are not interchangeable. Text us your VIN and we'll match the correct version.
Which 5.7 HEMI years should I avoid?
There is no year that is outright bad, but early MDS-equipped units from roughly 2005 to 2010 see the most lifter complaints. Manual-transmission Challengers and Chargers generally have no MDS at all and are a lower-risk choice where available.
How long does a 5.7 HEMI last?
Commonly 200,000 to 250,000 miles with regular oil changes. Oil change interval matters more on this engine than most, because the MDS lifters depend on clean oil pressure to operate correctly. Ask about the donor vehicle's service history before you buy.
Do you have non-MDS 5.7 HEMI engines?
Sometimes. Manual-transmission donors and certain early applications came without MDS. Tell us your vehicle and we'll check what's currently in stock across our supplier network.
How many miles is too many for a used 5.7 HEMI?
Under 120,000 miles is a strong buy. 120,000 to 180,000 is workable on a compression-tested unit with documented service records. On MDS-equipped years we would steer you toward the lower end of that range, since lifter wear is cumulative.
Do you have other Mopar engines and transmissions?
Yes. We stock used Ram engines, used Dodge engines, used Chrysler engines and used Jeep engines covering the 3.6L Pentastar, 4.7L and 6.4L, plus used Dodge and Ram transmissions including the 8HP70, 845RE and 62TE.
Need a 5.7L HEMI?
Browse 5.7 HEMI engines in stock with live prices and documented mileage, or call and text +1 (361) 470-5276 with your VIN. Free nationwide shipping, 6-month warranty, photos before we ship.
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