How much horsepower does a 5.7 shaker have?
The 5.7 shaker refers to Dodge Challenger and Charger models equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and a functional shaker-style hood. In practice, these cars deliver about 370–375 horsepower, with the exact figure depending on model year, exhaust setup, and emissions calibration. The shaker itself is an induction feature and does not by itself add horsepower.
What is the 5.7 Shaker?
The 5.7 Shaker combines the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a hood that literally shakes the engine’s intake air path, delivering a distinctive look and a direct air scoop. While the emblematic hood is part of the package, horsepower comes from the engine’s calibration and equipment rather than the hood design.
Shaker hood and air induction
The shaker’s purpose is to draw cooler air from outside the engine bay into the intake, which can contribute to efficiency and throttle response. It is not a guaranteed horsepower booster on its own; the engine’s internal tuning, exhaust, and other components determine peak output.
Horsepower by model year and rating
Note: The figures below reflect SAE net horsepower as Dodge has published them for those production years. Real-world results can vary with exhaust, intake, drivetrain, and wear.
- 2009–2010: 372 hp (SAE net) with roughly 400 lb-ft of torque.
- 2011–2014: 372 hp (SAE net); torque around 400 lb-ft; refinements without a major power jump.
- 2015–2020: 375 hp (SAE net) with torque around 410 lb-ft depending on exhaust and configuration.
- 2021–present: 375 hp (SAE net) with torque around 410 lb-ft in most Challenger/Charger configurations.
In summary, the 5.7 shaker sits in the mid-to-high 300s horsepower range across its modern run. The exact number shifts slightly with year, exhaust choices, and calibration, but the shaker version of the 5.7Hemi is not a dramatically different powerplant from other 5.7L Challengers and Chargers.
What can affect the power numbers?
Beyond the year-to-year calibration, several practical factors can influence the measured horsepower of a 5.7 shaker:
- Exhaust system: The type of exhaust (single vs dual, muffler design) can affect backpressure and peak power.
- Induction and intake routing: Variations in the intake path and air filters can alter airflow and torque curves.
- Transmission: Manual vs automatic transmissions and their tuning can shift horsepower output slightly on a dyno.
- MDS and emissions tuning: cylinder deactivation and other emissions-related programming can impact peak numbers under certain conditions.
Practically, a well-kept 5.7 shaker Challenger or Charger typically registers around 375 horsepower on a dyno or in manufacturer-stated figures, with small deviations possible based on equipment and measurement methods.
Summary
The 5.7 shaker’s power figure centers around 372–375 horsepower, depending on the year and configuration. The shaker hood is a stylistic and induction feature rather than a guaranteed horsepower boost. For enthusiasts, this means solid V8 performance with a classic Mopar look, maintained by careful model-year calibrations and available exhaust options.
What's better, 5.7 or 6.4 hemi?
The 6.4L Hemi is better for raw power, while the 5.7L Hemi is a better choice for those prioritizing lower cost and better modification potential. The 6.4L provides significantly more horsepower and torque out of the factory, leading to better performance, whereas the 5.7L is cheaper to buy and is a more robust platform for modifications like forced induction.
6.4L Hemi
- Performance: Offers substantially more horsepower (485 hp vs. 375 hp) and torque (475 lb-ft vs. 410 lb-ft) from the factory, providing a more powerful driving experience with quicker acceleration.
- Factory Features: Vehicles with the 6.4L engine, like the Scat Pack, often come standard with performance-tuned suspension and steering.
- Cost: Significantly higher initial purchase price, leading to higher monthly payments and insurance costs.
- Modifications: Is more sensitive to forced induction modifications due to its higher compression ratio and piston design. It is generally considered less ideal for building extreme power levels without internal upgrades.
This video compares the performance of the 6.4L and 5.7L Hemi engines: 52sInnoV8YouTube · Oct 22, 2018
5.7L Hemi
- Cost: Lower initial purchase price, making it more affordable upfront.
- Modifications: Better suited for modifications, particularly forced induction setups, as its stock internal components are more resilient to higher boost levels (like superchargers). The lower initial cost can be reinvested into performance upgrades over time.
- Reliability: The 5.7L is a well-established and reliable platform.
- Performance: While still a powerful V8, it is significantly less powerful than the 6.4L in stock form and requires considerable investment to match the 6.4L's performance level.
This video discusses why people choose the 5.7L Hemi over the 6.4L Hemi: 59sR/T LifeYouTube · May 1, 2017
Which is right for you?
- Choose the 6.4L Hemi if you want the most power and a premium performance experience right out of the box and are willing to pay more for it.
- Choose the 5.7L Hemi if you are on a tighter budget, enjoy modifying engines, or want to build a custom, high-performance vehicle over time.
Does a shaker add horsepower?
The performance gains are slight from a shaker hood, but they are notable enough to be worth mentioning. Your vehicle will see a slight horsepower increase while traveling at high speeds with a shaker hood, though the benefits are slighter at low speeds.
How much HP does a 5.7 Hemi really have?
The 5.7L Hemi engine typically produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This output is common for modern Ram 1500 models and can vary slightly depending on the specific vehicle and model year. For example, older models produced less horsepower, with some 2006 models rated around 345 hp.
You can watch this video to see a heavy mechanic review of the Ram 1500's 5.7L Hemi V8 engine and its towing capabilities: 54sGetty's GarageYouTube · Oct 15, 2023
- Standard horsepower: 395 hp
- Standard torque: 410 lb-ft
- Vehicle applications: Commonly found in Ram 1500 trucks, Dodge Durango, Challenger, and Charger
- Older models: Early versions of the 5.7 Hemi, such as those in 2006 models, produced less power (around 345 hp).
How much HP does an RT shaker have?
"RT Shaker HP" most likely refers to the horsepower of a Dodge Challenger R/T with the Shaker package. The horsepower depends on the model year: it was 375 hp for most models with the 5.7L V8 engine, but on some R/T Scat Pack models, it could be 485 hp using the larger 6.4L V8 engine.
You can watch this video to learn more about the horsepower of the Dodge Challenger R/T with the Shaker package: 1mGold PonyYouTube · Oct 28, 2017
Horsepower by engine:
- 5.7L V8 HEMI: 375 hp
- 6.4L V8 HEMI: 485 hp
Key features of the Shaker package:
- The "Shaker" refers to a functional hood scoop that is directly connected to the engine, allowing you to see it move with the engine.
- This package also includes special badging, unique wheels, and performance-oriented interior touches.
- It is based on the R/T model but can be combined with other trims, like the R/T Scat Pack, which features the more powerful 6.4L engine.
