5.7 hemi in an e body

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Offline Moparal

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5.7 hemi in an e body
« on: February 13, 2010 - 12:04:31 PM »
I have seen many posts of this combo been done on our site, but hadnt heard any feedback on how they are running. And if they think the power feels as good or better than the old style engine builds.

Has anyone taken their car to a track to get any numbers they'd share with us? 

Doesn anyone have any comments to make on their build after driving them?

Was the actual cost worth the conversion or was it a WOW factor?




Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2010 - 12:29:34 PM »
the 5.7 hemis I have driven have been far from impressive , they dyno @ around 220 rwhp & typically run like a 360

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Offline Moparal

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2010 - 12:43:37 PM »
the 5.7 hemis I have driven have been far from impressive , they dyno @ around 220 rwhp & typically run like a 360

this is what i was wondering about...comments like this

Offline 71_340Challenger

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2010 - 02:06:51 PM »
It will be a while, but I am going the conversion in my 71 Challenger, but to a 6.1 instead. I have done quite a bit of research, and the conversion stuff to make the new engine is going to cost between $4000-$5000. This does not include the engine. It also depends on if you get a newer OD trans, go with 727/904 or manual.

It would seem odd that the 5.7 low power. Probably partially depends on what year you get. I have a 5.7 in my 09 Challenger R/T with a 6 speed and factory rating is about 380-385hp and around 400-410 ft*lb of torque depending what/where you read it. I put a cold air kit and a Preditor tune, and it was very comparible to an SRT8. I had toyed with the idea of selling my R/T to get an SRT8 6-speed, but the difference was not that great after the changes I made.

I plan on getting my 09 on a dyno this spring sometime. I will let you know how it does. I would think it would be better in the older 70-74 Challengers since they are a good 200-300 pounds lighter. All I can say is my 09 is a blast to drive and I can't wait to get the 6.1 setup going in my 71.
1971 Dodge Challenger                
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, 6 speed manual
2009 Dodge Charger R/T w/ Road & Track Package
1995 Ford F-150

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2010 - 05:30:31 PM »
well I guess I am more used to big torque engines , I have been building 512 " strokers& driving a Cummins with 900+ ft lb TQ so I am used tro a lot of grunt , the new Hemis have pull but they need RPM to do it & the grunt at low end is minimal , mosy I have driven seem like a typical small block to me

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Offline JS27N0B

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2010 - 10:46:03 PM »
mosy I have driven seem like a typical small block to me

Makes sense seeing as that is what they are.
The 6.4 is an animal but that is 525hp. The new 374hp 5.7 09 and up Challengers pull very well for a 5000lb car.  :2cents:
1970 Challenger R/T Convertible 383/auto 1 of 516 *now sold after owning for 18yrs
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Offline matt63

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2010 - 12:05:54 AM »
I'm considering a 6.1.  You can buy them as a crate set-up for a retrofit c/w proper computer and cable type throttle.  The price is around $7k for the stock 425hp unit but I think they get more out of them with better tuning.  The price isn't bad when you realize you don't need a carb, distributor, ignition, wires, etc.  You will probably need good headers, new rad and mounts either way.  If you want a beefed up or stroked version they get expensive quick.  Just check out Arrington's or Bouchillon's site.  I'm just coming up to speed on these engines but I think if you get one out of a wreck its going to cost you $2k just for a new computer and harness plus an oilpan.  I haven't seen a conversion around here but i don't think a stock 5.7 will be to inspiring.  Perhaps the 6.4 will come out this year making a crate 6.4 available next year. Who knows.
Matt in Edmonton

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Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2010 - 08:09:05 AM »
 my 6.1 is great its no bigblock in the torque department but it is in the hp.
with the cam swap and stuff I am guessing 500 hp.  :dunno:


a 5.7 could be done for around 6 to 7 k if your a smart shopper less if you dont do efi but then why upgrade.

I will have track numbers if spring ever arrives  :hyper: dame snow  :swear:

i only have 300 miles on my challenger so its too early to give great feedback but I am happy I did it. a 426 hemi would have been just as cool with out the mileage.

for me it was to to make it a simple turn key go drive it type car that looks cool to most everyone turns heads little tunning (i was never a carb guy) I dont think they like to sit around much. in short like a new car turn the key and go.

there is some hidden extra charge stuff with the new stuff gauges pump in tank (if you want one) upgraded fuel line return line upgraded cooling stuff you dont have to do but hey  why not make it better type stuff.

I have seen some sloppy installs

are you just thinking Al or do you have a project in mind?

I would be happy to share what I have.



Go Fast & Have Fun...
70 6.1 HEMI 6-speed Drop Top...

Offline Moparal

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2010 - 08:14:51 AM »
(are you just thinking Al or do you have a project in mind?)




No , I was just thinking.  I hadn't heard any feedback at all about how they ran , fuel mileage, performance and things of the sort.   So the E bodies are lighter then say the new chargers, magnums and of such, so maybe so impressive performance times will be posted.

Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #9 on: February 14, 2010 - 08:25:46 AM »
ill post my first time slip as soon as I get one for ya.  :burnout:

if I dont miss a shift...  :scared:
 :smilielol:

Go Fast & Have Fun...
70 6.1 HEMI 6-speed Drop Top...

Offline rallye5.7

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Re: 5.7 hemi in an e body
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2010 - 10:45:52 AM »
Still working on mine. Winter has slowed me down but should be on the road early spring.