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Can a 5.7 Hemi handle a whipple supercharger?

Yes, a 5.7 Hemi engine can handle a Whipple supercharger, but it requires careful planning and modifications to ensure reliable and safe performance. The 5.7 Hemi is a powerful V8 engine found in many Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, while a Whipple supercharger is a type of forced induction system that can significantly boost an engine's power output.

Understanding the 5.7 Hemi Engine

The 5.7 Hemi is a 5.7-liter V8 engine that was first introduced in 2003. It features a hemispherical combustion chamber design, which allows for more efficient airflow and higher compression ratios. The engine is known for its impressive power and torque output, making it a popular choice for performance-oriented vehicles.

Whipple Supercharger Compatibility

The 5.7 Hemi engine is capable of handling the additional power and stress of a Whipple supercharger, but several modifications are typically required to ensure reliable and safe operation. These modifications may include:

Upgrading the fuel system to support the increased fuel demand

Reinforcing the engine internals, such as the crankshaft and connecting rods, to handle the higher pressures and forces

Upgrading the cooling system to dissipate the additional heat generated by the supercharger

Tuning the engine management system to optimize ignition timing, fuel delivery, and other parameters

With the proper modifications and tuning, a 5.7 Hemi engine can safely and reliably handle the power output of a Whipple supercharger, resulting in a significant increase in horsepower and torque.

Considerations and Risks

While a 5.7 Hemi with a Whipple supercharger can be a potent and exciting combination, there are some important considerations and risks to keep in mind:

Increased stress on the engine components, which can lead to premature wear or failure if not properly addressed

The need for regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the engine and supercharger system are functioning correctly

Potential for increased fuel consumption and emissions, which may impact the vehicle's overall efficiency and environmental impact

The importance of proper tuning and calibration to ensure the engine and supercharger system work together seamlessly and safely

It's crucial to work with experienced and reputable professionals when installing a Whipple supercharger on a 5.7 Hemi engine to ensure the modifications are done correctly and the vehicle is safe to operate.

Can a stock 5.7 Hemi handle a supercharger?

Yes, a stock 5.7L HEMI can handle a supercharger, especially with moderate boost levels. These engines are built with strong internals that can handle the added power, and kits are available that include the necessary upgrades and tuning to ensure reliability.
This video shows a stock 5.7L Hemi supercharger kit in action: 1mModern Red HemiYouTube · Jan 25, 2021
What to know before you supercharge

Power gains: A supercharger can add significant horsepower, with stock 5.7L engines commonly seeing gains of 120 to 160+ horsepower with a proper kit.
Cost: Expect to pay for the supercharger kit itself, which can range from approximately $5,500 to over $8,300, depending on the kit and features. Installation and tuning costs are typically extra.
Supporting modifications: While the stock engine can handle moderate boost, supercharger kits often come with or recommend other upgrades like fuel system improvements and an ECU tune to optimize performance and ensure safety.
Reliability and lifespan: While stock engines are strong, adding a supercharger will increase the stress on the powertrain. The engine's lifespan may be affected, especially if you drive aggressively. It's crucial to ensure the engine is properly tuned for the new power level.
Transmission and drivetrain: The added power puts extra strain on the transmission and other drivetrain components. A supercharger kit will add more stress and torque to the system, so consider how this will affect your vehicle's longevity.

This video discusses the pros and cons of supercharging a 5.7L Hemi: 58sR/T LifeYouTube · Mar 21, 2020
What you'll need

Supercharger kit: Purchase a kit designed for your specific vehicle to ensure compatibility.
ECU tuning: A proper tune is essential for optimizing performance and preventing engine damage.
Fuel system upgrades: Depending on the kit and boost level, you may need to upgrade your fuel system. Many kits include these components.
Cooling enhancements: Supercharging can increase engine temperatures, so consider upgrades like an intercooler or other cooling improvements to help manage heat.

You can watch this video to see the performance difference between a supercharged and stock 5.7L Hemi: 39sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Mar 3, 2020

How much boost can a 5.7 Hemi handle?

A stock 5.7 Hemi can generally handle 6–8 psi of boost before running into issues, though some sources suggest around 8 psi is the upper limit for reliability. Going beyond this level significantly increases the risk of engine failure, especially to the stock pistons and connecting rods. For safely running higher boost pressures, especially over 10 psi, forged internal components are essential, and it's also important to upgrade the drivetrain to handle the increased power.
This video discusses the boost limits of the 5.7L Hemi and the potential issues that can arise from exceeding them: 58sTorqueSavvyYouTube · Nov 7, 2025
For a stock 5.7 Hemi

Recommended boost: 6–8 psi is generally considered safe for a stock bottom end.
Risks of exceeding this: Pushing more boost puts significant stress on the stock components and can lead to engine damage, potentially causing catastrophic failure.
Supporting modifications: For 6–8 psi, consider a custom tune and a wideband air-fuel ratio gauge for better performance and safety.

For a built 5.7 Hemi

Forged internals: To safely handle more boost, especially 10 psi or higher, you must upgrade to a forged bottom end with stronger pistons and connecting rods.
Higher boost levels: With forged internals, 5.7 Hemis have been pushed to 12 psi or more, as discussed in this Facebook post and shown in this YouTube video.
Drivetrain upgrades: The stock transmission and other drivetrain components will also need to be reinforced to handle the increased horsepower and torque.

This video demonstrates a 5.7L Hemi engine with a turbocharger running at 10.4 psi: 30sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Aug 22, 2020

How much horsepower would 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.

Can you put a Whipple on a 5.7 hemi?

Yes, you can put a Whipple supercharger on a 5.7L Hemi, with complete kits available for various models like the Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, and Ram trucks. These kits are designed to be a bolt-on system, but require specific model years, and a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) unlock is necessary for most modern engines.

Before you begin
This video discusses the installation of a Whipple supercharger on a Dodge Challenger 5.7L: 56sBrenspeedYouTube · Sep 26, 2019

Confirm vehicle compatibility: Whipple offers specific kits for different vehicle models and years (e.g., 2015-2023, 2011-2014, 2019-2024). Kits are not universal and must be matched to your specific vehicle.
PCM unlock: For 2015-2023 and up, you will need to have the PCM unlocked, which Whipple can facilitate with an HP Tuners unlock code included with the kit. For 2018+ models, the kits also include a security gateway module.
E-Torque engines: Whipple has specific kits designed for E-Torque equipped Ram trucks (2019-2024). However, some older kits may not be compatible with the E-Torque system.
Emissions compliance: Some kits are 50-state legal and CARB compliant, while others may only be intended for racing vehicles and not legal for street use in California. Be sure to check the specific kit's compliance.

Kit contents and installation

All-inclusive kits: Whipple systems are comprehensive, typically including the Gen 6 3.0L supercharger, intercooler, air-to-water heat exchanger, high-flow fuel injectors and rails, a flash tool, and necessary hoses and wiring.
Performance gain: Expect significant power increases, often over 100 rear-wheel horsepower, depending on the kit and vehicle.
Professional installation: While sold as a bolt-on kit, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper fitment and calibration.

You can watch this video to see how a Whipple supercharger was installed on a 2019 Ram 1500: 45sComplete Street PerformanceYouTube · Oct 22, 2020

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.