5.7 Hemi (2004) shortcomings

[brian.linn]

im starting to plan a 2004 5.7 Hemi build. The engine had 350K miles. The cylinder walls look great.

I’m building a car for cruising only. What’s the thoughts on the original crank and rods? I’m alright with buying after market stuff, looking for longevity and reliability. Not really wanting a stroker, just a solid bottom end.

I have a connection on doing a slight port and polish on the heads. Is it worth it, or should I look for 6.1 heads or the aftermarket edelbrock heads?

I’m looking for a retro look as far as intake and FI throttle body.

What original parts should I be looking to upgrade?

I appreciate all the feedback. Sorry if this is a redundant series of questions.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

From what I know.. Get a new cam and lifters. Lifters seem to be an issue with 5.7 Hemi's

 

[Dennis H]

No lower mileage motor available. 350k. That’s a lot.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Have the rods/crank checked. Use 5.7 Eagle heads, they flow phenomenal! Lifters and cam are a must at that mileage.

 

[snakeoil24]

The motor at 350K have crank checked and i would save my money and go with a 6.1 or 6.4 since they are forged bottom ends. I have a 5.7 I think they are a dog of a motor.

 

[brian.linn]

I appreciate the feedback guys. I will go follow the advice. Thanks again.

 

[MoparLeo]

The 5.7 upgrades consist of new dimension valve seats, oil pump, timing chain/gear set. At that mileage though you might just consider a new crate motor. Everything is new, warranted and upgraded.

 

[moparedtn]

Wait a sec - the engine has 350k miles on it, yet there are questions on whether the stock stuff/bottom end
is durable enough?
I reckon that question got answered already, eh?
That said, I agree with Dennis - why start with a 350k engine for a build when there are thousands of
them out there with a lot less miles?

 

[watermelon]

my 2004 ram with the 5.7 just hit 46k. looking forward to hitting 350k on it


watermelon

 

[MoparLeo]

My 2006 5.7 dropped the valve seats @80k . They give no warning. Has nothing to do with rpm, temperature/overheating . Happens on start-up after recent drive ( 15 + minutes ). That metal coffee can full of nuts and washers sound.... At least go with later 5.7 heads or aftermarket with valve seat upgrade. More common than you know.

 

[Kern Dog]

No lower mileage motor available. 350k. That’s a lot.

It usually is not a problem. These newer engines don't wear like an old carbureted engine.
I have 334,000 on my 2007 Ram and am casually gathering info for a future swap or rebuild. I have heard that the stock heads are more than adequate for a build....Even with a moderate increase in camshaft specs. The reason these engines were a leap over the LA and Magnum series engines is almost entirely in the cylinder heads.
Mine has pushed around my 4940 lb truck for almost 12 years with only a few fixable issues. It would be a nice engine in a car weighing over 1000 lbs LESS.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

 

[sam65]

im starting to plan a 2004 5.7 Hemi build. The engine had 350K miles. The cylinder walls look great.

I’m building a car for cruising only. What’s the thoughts on the original crank and rods? I’m alright with buying after market stuff, looking for longevity and reliability. Not really wanting a stroker, just a solid bottom end.

I have a connection on doing a slight port and polish on the heads. Is it worth it, or should I look for 6.1 heads or the aftermarket edelbrock heads?

I’m looking for a retro look as far as intake and FI throttle body.

What original parts should I be looking to upgrade?

I appreciate all the feedback. Sorry if this is a redundant series of questions.

I have a comp cams 273 that was special ordered for a carbed application.I pulled it out of my street car and put the 260 in.it's for 2003 to 2008 5.7 200.00.

 

[Bb70charger500]

I loved my 5.7 the valve springs are a weak link around 100k they need replacing the aftermarket ones fix this problem

 

[5.7 hemi]

Just toss on a set of Eagle heads and your golden. Ya get bit more compression by just doing that, almost 1 full point, at least on a 6.1 you do.

 

[rumblefish360]

im starting to plan a 2004 5.7 Hemi build. The engine had 350K miles. The cylinder walls look great.

I’m building a car for cruising only. What’s the thoughts on the original crank and rods? I’m alright with buying after market stuff, looking for longevity and reliability. Not really wanting a stroker, just a solid bottom end.

I have a connection on doing a slight port and polish on the heads. Is it worth it, or should I look for 6.1 heads or the aftermarket edelbrock heads?

I’m looking for a retro look as far as intake and FI throttle body.

What original parts should I be looking to upgrade?

I appreciate all the feedback. Sorry if this is a redundant series of questions.

Upgraded timing chain, cam and bigger wheeled lifters. Install and have a great time. Your done.

 

[Caterpillars]

The engine is the cheap part of doing a mod....

 

[kb67mopar]

There are a number of issues that get touted with these engines, but the vast majority are reliable. My Ram has 220k on it and runs like a top. Though 05-08 did have some valve seat failures due to an issue in tolerating with the pressed in seats. There are also some issues out there with lifter failures taking out the cams, I haven't seen one of these yet or heard of it in person...but apparently does happen.

What I would do depends severely on the hp level you plan to reach. If just looking for a good 400 hp pump gas engine, well hell, a stock engine with a mild cam upgrade will get you there. If wanting 450+, then go with Eagle heads and pick different pistons for a better compression ratio and safety factor over detonation. Stock crank is fine even at 500 hp level I hear. If you are concerned a 6.1 crank is forged and a drop in upgrade. Personally I'd do a 6.1 crank, updated rods and pistons, Eagle heads, a moderate/aggressive cam, Indy Mod man intake and aftermarket fuel system (FAST EFI). That combo should get you 450 hp + and be super reliable even if you later add some boost. (pick compression ratio intelligently if that is a future plan).

Either way, if you don't want that engine....I'll take it off your hands