Can you add a turbo to a HEMI?

Yes—it's technically possible, but not a simple bolt-on. You can add a turbo to a HEMI through aftermarket kits and substantial supporting upgrades, with careful attention to tuning, cooling, and drivetrain limits. Factory HEMI applications typically rely on supercharging for boosted power, so turbocharging a standard HEMI involves a complex, high‑cost project and may affect warranties and reliability.

Understanding the basics of turbocharging a HEMI

A turbocharger forces more air into the engine, allowing more fuel to be burnt and increasing horsepower. For a HEMI, which already benefits from a hemispherical combustion chamber design, adding boost means managing higher air volume, heat, and fuel delivery. Unlike some modern factory setups that use forced induction from the factory, a traditional HEMI V8 generally requires aftermarket components and careful tuning to handle added compression and exhaust energy without causing detonation or overheating.

Paths to turbocharging a HEMI

Aftermarket turbo kits for HEMI engines

To turbocharge a HEMI, most enthusiasts pursue an aftermarket kit designed specifically for the engine displacement (such as 5.7L or 6.4L). These kits typically bundle the major components you’ll need, but installation remains extensive and requires professional calibration.

• Turbocharger and exhaust manifolds designed for the HEMI displacement


• Intercooler and intercool piping to cool the compressed air


• Wastegate and blow-off valve for boost control


• Upgraded fuel system: higher-flow fuel pump, larger injectors, and appropriate fuel rail configuration


• Engine management: ECU/PCM reflash or standalone tuning solution


• Air intake upgrades and associated plumbing


• Oil feed/return lines and an adequate oil cooling setup


• Exhaust components compatible with boosted flow and heat


• Hardware, gaskets, and potential driveline considerations (clutch, transmission, driveshaft) as boost levels demand

Choosing the right kit for your HEMI and ensuring all supporting systems are in place is essential. Without proper tuning and cooling, boost can cause detonation, overheating, and accelerated wear, potentially shortening engine life.

OEM and factory alternatives

There is no off-the-shelf OEM turbo option for a conventional HEMI V8 in mass-market applications. Some HEMI models use forced induction from the factory, but these are typically supercharged setups (eg, Hellcat/Demon family) rather than turbocharged. If your goal is higher power with more predictable factory-style support, you might consider a factory-supercharged route or an aftermarket supercharger, which often offers more turnkey boost and heat management than a turbo on a non‑specialty engine.

Installation considerations and risks

Before committing to a turbo project, weigh these factors carefully:

• Warranty and insurance: adding boost can void warranties and affect coverage; verify with your dealer or insurer.


• Reliability and longevity: boosted engines run hotter and experience higher stresses; emissions and fuel-management systems must be correctly calibrated.


• Heat management: additional intercooling and radiator/cooling capacity are often essential to prevent heat soak and detonation.


• Fuel and octane requirements: boost increases octane sensitivity; ensure the fuel strategy (and octane availability) matches your goals.


• Drivetrain readiness: transmissions, torque converters, clutches, and driveshafts may need reinforcement to handle increased power.


• Legal and regulatory considerations: local laws and emissions requirements can influence what’s permissible on public roads.


• Cost and labor: kits vary widely, and professional tuning plus installation can push total investment into a sizable range.

In short, turbocharging a HEMI is feasible but demanding; it requires careful kit selection, robust supporting upgrades, and professional expertise to achieve reliable, meaningful performance gains.

Summary

Turbocharging a HEMI is not a plug-and-play modification. It’s typically pursued through aftermarket turbo kits designed for the engine, paired with fuel, cooling, and electronic management upgrades. There are no mainstream OEM turbo options for standard HEMI V8s, though factory supercharged variants exist in high‑performance models. Prospective builders should plan for substantial cost, meticulous tuning, and potential warranty and reliability trade-offs, and should consult a qualified shop to tailor the approach to their specific HEMI and goals.

How much horsepower does a turbocharger add to a 5.7 Hemi?

A turbo can add anywhere from 30% to over 100% horsepower to a 5.7L Hemi, depending on the boost level and supporting modifications. A low-boost setup (around 8 psi) can add over 150 hp, while a more aggressive setup can result in over 800 hp, but will require strengthening the engine's internal components. 
This video shows a twin-turbo 5.7L Hemi reaching over 600 horsepower: 36sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Dec 22, 2019

• Low boost: At 8 psi, one 5.7L Hemi with minimal modifications produced an increase of nearly 200 hp, going from approximately 383 hp to 571 hp. 
• Moderate boost: Increasing boost to 10.4 psi resulted in a gain of over 240 hp, reaching 627 hp. 
• High boost: With a larger turbo and internal engine work, one build reached over 1100 hp at 19.8 psi of boost. 
• Percentage-based gains: A general estimate for a small turbo system (5-8 psi) is a 40-80% increase, while a medium system (8-15 psi) can add 60-120% horsepower. 
• Engine limitations: The stock engine is limited by its "bottom end" strength. While it can handle moderate boost, significant power increases require reinforcing or replacing internal components like pistons and connecting rods. 

Can the 5.7 Hemi handle boost?

Q: Can my stock HEMI engine handle boost? 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.

Can you turbo a 5.7 Hemi?

Yes, you can turbo a 5.7L HEMI, and it is a popular modification that can significantly increase horsepower. The stock engine can handle moderate boost levels (around 10−1210 minus 1210−12 psi) with proper tuning, but higher boost levels will require upgrading internal components like the pistons and connecting rods to a forged assembly. A well-engineered kit, proper fueling, and a strong tune are crucial for a reliable and powerful result.
 
Benefits of turbocharging a 5.7L HEMI

• Increased horsepower and torque: Turbocharging forces more air into the engine, dramatically increasing both horsepower and torque. 
• Stock engine potential: The stock engine's block and heads are robust enough to handle moderate boost levels (10-12 psi) with supporting modifications like a good tune and an intercooler. 
• Wide range of options: Kits are available for various applications, from street-friendly setups to high-horsepower, custom builds. 

What you'll need

• Turbo kit: This includes the turbocharger, manifolds, wastegate, blow-off valve, and necessary piping. 
• Upgraded fuel system: You will need to upgrade the fuel injectors and fuel pump to supply the increased amount of air with enough fuel. 
• Engine management: A proper tune is essential for safety and performance, as it will adjust the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing. Some setups may require a new engine control unit (ECU). 
• Intercooler: An intercooler is highly recommended, especially for higher boost levels, as it cools the air entering the engine, increasing density and power while also reducing detonation risk. 
• Internal engine upgrades: For higher boost levels (over 10-12 psi), upgrading to forged pistons and connecting rods is necessary to handle the increased stress. 

This video demonstrates how to add a turbocharger to a 5.7L HEMI engine: 58sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Aug 22, 2020
Important considerations

• Tuning is critical: The engine's computer must be tuned correctly to manage the extra air and fuel. A bad tune can lead to engine failure. 
• Understand your goals: A moderate setup on a stock engine can provide significant power gains for street use. However, for extreme horsepower, you will need to budget for internal engine components and a more robust turbo system. 
• Plan for supporting mods: Don't forget other components like the transmission and rearend, which will also need to be able to handle the increased power output. 

What can I add to my 5.7 Hemi to make it faster?

To boost rear wheel horsepower on a 5.7 HEMI, upgrade the camshaft for improved valve timing and airflow. Install a high-flow air intake and larger throttle body spacers to increase air volume. Performance exhaust headers reduce backpressure, enhancing exhaust flow.