The Guide to the 5.7 HEMI Supercharger. We previously published a guide on the best 5.7 HEMI upgrades. The emphasis was primarily on basic NA bolt-on mods for the 5.7L V8 engine. Supercharging is a whole new ballgame, and it’s one of the most effective ways to take the HEMI to new heights. There is a supercharger for everyone, whether you want 500whp or 1,000whp. This guide covers the best 5.7 HEMI supercharger upgrades, as well as cost, mods, tuning, risks, and more.
*Please keep in mind that much of this article applies to all Dodge/Ram 5.7 HEMI engines. However, supercharger kit fitment varies by year and model. Furthermore, there are some significant differences between the 5.7L V8 that affect engine limits, power gains, and so on. This will also be covered in this article.
5.7 HEMI Engine Evolution
The 5.7 HEMI engine first appeared in 2003 Dodge Ram trucks. It is still in production today and can be found in many popular models such as the Charger, Challenger, Ram trucks, and others. The point is that this engine has been used in a variety of models for a long time. As a result, not all 345 HEMI engines are the same.
Some variants employ active intakes, whereas others employ passive intakes. There are also some 5.7L V8 engines with the MDS system, while other models do not. We have too much to cover in this article, so we’ll leave it there for the time being. However, there was one major update in 2009, when the engine was renamed the 5.7 Eagle. Let’s get started by discussing the major changes and how they affect 5.7 HEMI supercharger kits.
Related : The Guide to Mazda Miata NA Coilovers
Notable Changes in 345 HEMI
Among the significant updates to the 5.7L V8 HEMI engine for 2009 and later model years are:
- VCT/VVT stands for Variable Cam Timing.
- Enhanced cylinder head flow
- Updates to the intake manifold (model specific)
- MDS inclusion
Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) is essentially the same as Variable Valve Timing (VVT) (VVT). This system is capable of advancing or delaying cam timing. Finally, the 5.7 HEMI VCT improves powerband, efficiency, and fuel economy. Overall, it’s a fantastic update for the 345 Eagle.
To improve flow, the cylinder heads were also redesigned. Intake manifolds and MDS were two additional updates, but the exact specifications vary depending on the model. MDS is largely unrelated to the supercharging debate because it has little effect on performance. The other changes, however, give the 2009+ 5.7 HEMI engines the advantage.
The Effect of 5.7 HEMI Supercharger Upgrades
In this article, we’ll go over some horsepower estimates and other numbers. It’s primarily aimed at the newer 5.7 Eagle, so keep that in mind if you have an older 5.7L V8. That’s not to say the older 5.7 HEMI can’t achieve similar results; it just might take a few more modifications.
There’s no getting around the VVT advantage of newer engines. However, there are numerous upgrades that you can perform. On older engines, you can also improve flow by doing some head work. Of course, unless you’re planning on building the engine anyway, this adds a significant cost.
Basics of Dodge 5.7L V8 Supercharging
There are numerous factors to consider before purchasing a 5.7 HEMI supercharger kit. How much will it set you back? What kind of power can the 5.7 HEMI handle? What other upgrades/modifications are required or suggested?
These are undoubtedly just a few of the many questions you should ask before purchasing a 5.7 HEMI supercharger. These questions, as well as other details about supercharging the Dodge 5.7L V8 engine, will be addressed in the following sections.
5.7 HEMI Engine Capacity
Because engine limits are not a perfect science, they are never an easy topic to discuss. One engine may last for a long time at 750+whp, while others fail before 600whp. There are also numerous external factors to consider, such as how the engine is driven and used, what other modifications are on the HEMI, and so on. Nonetheless, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
Many agree that with the proper setup, the 5.7 HEMI is capable of producing 600-700whp. The key word here is proper setup. This entails installing all necessary support mods as well as a high-quality tune. It also entails using better fuels, such as race gas or E85. With all of this, you should be fine pushing the 345 HEMI engine’s limits.
Whatever the case, there is always more risk associated with pushing more horsepower. It’s not a perfect science, and even excellent setups with all the necessary mods could result in engine failure below 700whp. The safest option is to build the engine from the start, but this can add a significant cost to the build.
Modifications and tuning are supported by the 5.7 HEMI supercharger.
When discussing the best 5.7 HEMI supercharger kits, we recommend going with complete kits. These should include all necessary software/tuning and mods to get up and running. You can also buy a basic supercharger and assemble your own kit. Tuners kits are a good option for those looking to achieve higher power levels.
The important thing is to make sure you have a proper setup. This is especially true if you intend to push the 5.7 HEMI’s limits without upgrading the internals. Here’s something else. Many complete kits are designed for modest goals in the 450-550whp range. If you want more power, you’ll probably need more supporting mods. Upgrades to existing supporting mods such as injectors, fuel pumps, intercoolers, and so on.
The point is, the more power and boost you want to push, the more supporting upgrades you’ll require. The majority of supercharger kits cost between $6,000 and $8,000. That is typically good for 450-550whp.
If you want to go for 700whp, 800whp, or higher, you could easily end up spending another $10,000 or more. This is where you should think about things like wheels, tires, suspension, axles, and so on.
Supporting Mods List
To provide a more detailed breakdown, consider the following list of common supporting mods organized by power level. These are not necessarily exhaustive lists. Depending on how the 5.7 HEMI supercharger will be used, there may be more or fewer modifications to consider. Those who intend to drag their car or truck, for example, may require axles and other driveline upgrades.
Modifications for 450-550whp engines
- Supercharger kit costs between $6,000 and $8,000+.
- Bolt-ons (headers, intake, exhaust, and so on): $1,000 – 2,000+
- Wheels and tires range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
Again, most complete supercharger kits can produce between 450 and 600whp. To get the most out of your 5.7 HEMI supercharger, you’ll probably want the basic bolt-ons. If you haven’t already done so, this is something to think about. Finally, putting the power down on an OE wheel setup may be difficult.
Upgrades from 600whp to 750whp
- Above-mentioned changes
- Custom tuning costs between $200 and $500.
- $100-150 for a smaller pulley.
- E85 or race fuel?
- Fueling mods for assistance ($300-500+)
- Axles ($800+)
- Engine construction (optional – $2,000 – 5,000+)
If you’re aiming for these kinds of numbers, it’s probably time to start running more boost with a smaller pulley size. It is also strongly advised to begin using high-quality fuels. E85 is an excellent fuel for a 5.7 HEMI supercharger, but it places a significant strain on the fuel system. Find a complete kit that includes the necessary fueling upgrades. Otherwise, you may have to upgrade everything again.
Axles should also be considered by those who intend to drag or launch the car hard. You may also want to consider other upgrades because launching from a dig puts a lot of strain on the drivetrain. Finally, this is the point at which you might consider a custom engine. The fundamentals, such as studs, bearings, rods, and pistons, should serve as a good starting point.
5.7 HEMI Mods with 750+whp
To save space, we’ll skip listing everything again. The list of mods is similar to the one above, but a built motor becomes almost mandatory. When the engine reaches 750+whp, it becomes a matter of when rather than if. Depending on how far you want to go, a 750whp build could easily cost $20,000 or more.
Upgrades for the 5.7 HEMI Supercharger
Alright. With that out of the way, let’s look at some of the best Dodge/Ram 5.7 HEMI supercharger kits. There are numerous excellent options, and we cannot possibly cover them all. In other words, this is not an exhaustive list of the best supercharger kits on the market. However, we will list several 5.7 HEMI supercharger kits that we believe provide the best value for money, quality, and performance.
1) 2.9L Dodge/Ram Whipple SC Kits
N/A for HP Rating
Compressor type: twin screw
Price: $7,750 – 8,550
Whipple’s 2.9L twin screw supercharger is available for the 5.7 HEMI engine. If you’re familiar with superchargers, you’ve probably heard of Whipple. They’re a household name in the industry, and they’ve been producing high-quality kits for a long time. Petty’s Garage has their stage 1, 2, and 3 kits available.
The same 2.9L Whipple supercharger is used in all kits. Higher stages, on the other hand, are likely to use smaller pulleys, though the kits do not explicitly state this. Whipple also doesn’t appear to provide any power ratings or data. It’s one of our main gripes with Whipple’s 5.7 HEMI supercharger kits.
A few dynos show 500-525whp on the stage 2 kit with only headers. Whipple stage 2 kits for the 5.7 HEMI produce around 10psi peak pressure. These figures were obtained using 93 pump gas, so there is definitely some room for improvement with additional modifications and better fueling. In any case, it is neither the cheapest nor the most capable kit on this list. Whipple, on the other hand, is a high-quality brand with a track record of success.
2) 5.7 HEMI Supercharger Kits from Kenne Bell
HP Classification: 560-1,000+ HP
Compressor type: twin screw
Price: $6,999 – 8,349
Kenne Bell is probably best known for his insane superchargers for cars with 1,000+ horsepower. If that’s your goal, the Kenne Bell 5.7 HEMI supercharger kits are the way to go. They do, however, offer modest superchargers for those looking for a great DD kit. Their 2.8L, 3.6L, 3.8L, and 4.7L superchargers are available. You can also choose between air-to-air and liquid cooling for the 2.8L.
With so many options, Kenne Bell has the perfect setup for almost anyone. Most people are probably interested in the 2.8L supercharger kit. The complete kit costs $6,999, or $7299 with liquid cooling. The supercharger is rated at 560 horsepower (approximately 475whp) on an 8psi pulley.
On the 5.7 HEMI supercharger kit with the 2.8L Kenne Bell, you can choose smaller pulleys and more boost. Those looking to go faster should look into larger superchargers. Anyway, these kits are reasonably priced and come from a company known for building wild supercharged cars. Kenne Bell offers something for everyone.
3) HEMI ProCharger 345 Supercharger Kits
HP rating: 530 or higher
Centrifugal compressor
Price: $6,349 – 7,449
Many people consider a ProCharger to be a type of supercharger. They are, however, a manufacturer of centrifugal superchargers. Much like those who call tissues Kleenex. A centrifugal supercharger is essentially a belt-driven turbocharger.
ProCharger, like the previous two companies, produces a large number of high horsepower, world record-holding superchargers. The P-1SC-1 is the most popular ProCharger 5.7 HEMI supercharger kit. On 7psi, a complete kit is rated for 520-530hp with the ProCharger 345 HEMI system alone. More power is possible with better fuels and other modifications.
It’s a capable 5.7 HEMI supercharger kit, and those looking to go even further can get the tuner kit. You will supply your own fuel injectors as well as custom tuning. The video below is a little long, but this ProCharged 5.7 HEMI produced 608whp and 512wtq on 93 octane. The car produced 644whp and 525wtq on E85.
4) Supercharger Kits from Hamburger’s
575HP @ 8psi HP Rating
Centrifugal compressor
Price: $5,595 (tuner’s kit)
This is a centrifugal supercharger kit for the 5.7 HEMI V8, just like the ProCharger kit. Unlike the previous options, Hamburger’s is not a large, well-known industry player. That doesn’t mean they don’t make some amazing kits. They are also the most affordable kits on this list. Because it is a 5.7 HEMI supercharger tuner’s kit, you will need to supply your own injectors and tuning.
Hamburger’s kit produces 575hp and 570 lb-ft of torque at 8psi and pump gas. Because they are a newer and smaller company, there isn’t a lot of data or information. Hamburger’s does manufacture LS engine kits, which some dealers offer on new vehicles. It just goes to show that Hamburger’s has some support and reliable products.
Summary of the 5.7 HEMI Supercharger Guide
Given its large displacement, the 5.7 HEMI isn’t the most powerful engine from the factory. A few simple bolt-on mods, on the other hand, can really wake up the 5.7L V8. Those seeking even more power should consider installing a 5.7 HEMI supercharger kit. Everyone can find a supercharger to meet their 450-1,000whp goals.
Most complete supercharger kits cost between $7,000 and $8,000 dollars. Many will support 450-550whp and are an excellent choice for those seeking moderate power. Tuner kits are designed for those who want to go above and beyond with additional mods, custom tuning, and better fueling.
Whipple, Kenne Bell, ProCharger, and Hamburger’s all make high-quality supercharger kits for the 345 HEMI. There are also other excellent options available, and there isn’t always a clear answer as to which is the best. Determine your objectives and select the 5.7 HEMI supercharger kit that best meets your requirements and budget. Most importantly, enjoy yourself!
