The short answer: yes. A 5.7-liter Hemi can be boosted with a purpose-built supercharger kit, but it requires careful planning, supporting upgrades, and professional tuning to run reliably.
On a 5.7 Hemi, adding forced induction is a common performance upgrade, but it isn’t a plug-and-play boost. The engine’s stock internals and fueling are designed for naturally aspirated operation, so correct intercooling, fuel delivery, engine management, and drivetrain considerations are essential. Proper octane fuel and a robust cooling system become even more important as boost increases, and higher boost levels typically demand internal upgrades.
Key considerations for boosting a 5.7 Hemi
To understand what it takes to safely run a supercharger on a 5.7 Hemi, consider the following factors and how they interact with your goals.
- Engine management and tuning: Install a boost-friendly calibration or an aftermarket ECU/engine tuner to control timing, fueling, and boost based on your octane and kit.
- Fuel system upgrades: Larger injectors, a higher-capacity fuel pump or dual-fuel-pump setup, and proper fuel pressure regulation are usually required to support added power.
- Intercooling: A capable intercooler or aftercooler is essential to keep charge temps in check and prevent detonation under boost.
- Blower kit compatibility: Use a kit designed specifically for the 5.7 Hemi (Roots, twin-screw, or centrifugal), with hardware tuned for this engine family.
- Internal components (for higher boost): Stock pistons and rods may handle mild boost, but higher boost levels often require forged pistons, stronger rods, and updated head studs/fasteners.
- Lubrication and cooling upgrades: Additional cooling capacity (oil cooler, better radiator) and quality synthetic oil are advisable to manage extra heat and strain.
- Drivetrain and transmission: The added torque can stress the transmission, driveshaft, and rear axle. Consider upgrading the cooling, torque converter (for automatics), and checking differential components.
- Fuel quality and octane: Most boost scenarios require premium fuel (often 93 octane or higher) to minimize detonation risk.
- Warranty and liability: Forced induction typically affects factory warranties; verify coverage with the dealer and kit manufacturer before proceeding.
Conclusion: A 5.7 Hemi can support a supercharger, but the level of boost and the longevity of the build depend on how well these factors are addressed.
Safe boost ranges and reliability expectations
Understanding typical boost targets helps set realistic expectations for daily-driver reliability versus race-oriented setups.
- Stock internals with conservative tuning: roughly 6–8 psi can be achievable with a well-designed kit and good intercooling, often delivering meaningful power without pushing the limits of the bottom end.
- Moderate boost with internal upgrades: 8–12 psi, paired with forged pistons/rods, upgraded head studs, and enhanced cooling, is a more robust path for higher power while maintaining reliability.
- High-boost builds: 12–15+ psi generally require extensive internal modifications, precise fuel control, top-tier cooling, and meticulous tuning; these are typically aimed at high-performance street or race applications rather than daily commuting.
Concluding: begin with a modest boost and ensure the supporting systems (fuel, cooling, and tuning) are prepared; escalation to higher boost demands more extensive internal work and quality control.
Blower types and what they offer for a 5.7 Hemi
Different blower designs influence response, efficiency, heat, and installation considerations. Here’s how the main options compare for a 5.7.
- Roots/screw (positive displacement): Provide strong low-end torque and immediate response, but can generate more heat and are often larger in size; suitable for street/torque-focused builds.
- Twin-screw: A refined version of positive displacement with better efficiency and smaller temperature rise; tends to be smoother and more compact, but usually at a higher price.
- Centrifugal: Spools up gradually and shines at higher RPMs with excellent efficiency and heat management; ideal for high-end power goals and tighter installations, often paired with large intercoolers.
Conclusion: the choice depends on your goal. If you want strong street torque and quick response, Roots or twin-screw kits are popular. If you’re chasing higher top-end power with better efficiency, a centrifugal kit is a strong option. Always match the kit to the 5.7 platform and your intended use, and rely on professional installation and tuning.
Warranty, reliability, and ownership considerations
Before committing, consider how a forced-induction setup affects warranty coverage, maintenance intervals, and daily usability.
- Warranty impact: Factory powertrain warranties are typically voided or restricted by aftermarket forced induction; check with your dealer and read kit documentation carefully.
- Reliability and maintenance: Regular monitoring of boost, fuel trims, and temperatures is essential; plan for more frequent inspections and service intervals.
- Professional installation: A qualified shop with experience in 5.7 Hemi builds reduces mis-tuning and mechanical risk; a poor installation can negate gains or cause reliability issues.
- Dyno tuning: A proper dyno tune ensures safe timing, fueling, and boost levels for your specific fuel and octane environment.
Bottom line: boosting a 5.7 is feasible and common, but success hinges on choosing the right kit, doing thorough supporting work, and obtaining expert tuning and installation.
Summary
A 5.7 Hemi can accommodate a supercharger, delivering noticeable power with careful planning. Start with a reputable kit designed for the 5.7, secure adequate fueling and cooling, and ensure professional tuning. Be prepared for increased wear on the drivetrain and the potential voiding of factory warranties. With prudent choices and a staged approach, you can achieve reliable, meaningful gains without compromising long-term durability.
Can a stock 5.7 handle a supercharger?
A: Yes. Stock Gen III HEMI engines, especially the 5.7L and 6.4L, are built strong and can handle moderate boost levels with no problem—especially when using a well-engineered, intercooled system like ProCharger's.
What supercharger can I put on my 5.7 Hemi?
The 5.7L HEMI Dodge Charger Supercharger Kit
Dyno testing showed that a stock 5.7 HEMI Dodge Charger produced only 320 rear-wheel WHP. After installing a RIPP Supercharger, we safely made 528 WHP! and 504 ft/lbs torque. This is the most powerful bolt-on supercharger kit on the market and the most cost-effective.
Can you put a supercharger on a 5.7 L V8?
Take your Challenger, Charger, or 300* to the next level with Magnuson's TVS2650 Magnum Supercharger System! Built off our premium Magnum Performance Line, this system will give your engine an incredible 40% boost in horsepower resulting in 524 hp and 529 ft-lbs at the crank on 5.7L applications!
How much HP will a supercharger add to a 5.7 Hemi?
Installing a ProCharger supercharger is an easy way to add up to 160 horsepower to a 5.7 HEMI without taking out a second mortgage on your house.