How much to install cam on Challenger?
Expect the installed cost to be roughly $1,500–$4,000 for a camshaft upgrade on a Dodge Challenger, with most jobs landing in the $2,000–$3,500 range depending on engine type, parts chosen, and local labor rates.
Installing a new cam on a Challenger is a substantial mechanical upgrade that varies in difficulty and cost by engine variant. The Dodge Challenger has several powertrains, including the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 5.7L Hemi V8, and the 6.4L Hemi (392) V8. Each setup has its own requirements for parts, tuning, and labor. Because these engines use variable valve timing (VVT) and compact engine bays, the job can be more involved than a simple bolt-on modification. The final price depends on whether you upgrade ancillary parts (springs, lifters, pushrods, timing components) and whether you opt for a professional tune to optimize performance and drivability. Prices can vary by region and shop, and adding a diagnostic/tuning step can push the total higher.
Cost factors
Several factors drive the overall price, including engine type, the scope of the upgrade, and the need for tuning. The following sections break down typical costs.
Key parts you might need
Below is a guide to common components involved in a cam installation and typical price ranges. Some kits include most required parts, while others require you to purchase items separately.
- Camshaft kit (includes cam and sometimes lifters/pushrods) – $200–$700
- Valve springs (if higher lift is used or needed for reliability) – $100–$250
- Lifters, rockers, and pushrods (if not included in the kit) – $50–$300
- Timing chain/guide kit or timing set – $40–$160
- Gaskets, seals, fluids (oil, coolant) – $40–$150
- Oil pump (if required by the kit or engine) – $20–$100
- Tuner/ECU reflash or calibration (recommended) – $100–$600
Costs vary based on whether the kit is a complete “drop-in” kit or a more involved option that requires additional hardware and machining. A typical install uses a cam kit that suits your engine and goals, with additional parts added as needed.
Concluding: The parts bill ranges broadly, but most Challenger cam installs fall into the mid-to-upper end of the range when combined with labor and tuning.
Labor time and rates
Labor is the largest driver of total cost. Jobs hinge on engine layout, whether heads must be removed, and the need for timing calibration or sensor work.
- Typical labor hours: 8–14 hours, depending on engine (5.7 Hemi vs. 6.4 Hemi vs. 3.6 Pentastar) and whether additional work is required
- Shop labor rate: roughly $100–$180 per hour, varying by region and shop reputation
- Estimated labor cost: about $800–$2,500
In practice, a straightforward cam swap on a commonly supported engine may cluster around the mid-range of these numbers, while more complex installs or labor-intensive engines push toward the higher end.
Concluding: Labor dominates the price, and the final figure is highly sensitive to the engine type and the exact scope of work.
Tuning, warranty, and other considerations
In many cases, a cam upgrade requires tuning to optimize performance and avoid drivability issues. Expect to consider the following:
- ECU programming or dyno tuning – $100–$900
- Warranty impact: Modifications can affect the vehicle warranty; check with the dealer and read the policy
- Additional checks: throttle response, idle quality, and emissions readiness may require extra calibration
Concluding: A proper tune is often essential for a cam upgrade, and it adds a meaningful portion to the total cost.
Engine variant considerations
Costs and procedures vary by engine type within the Challenger lineup. Here’s a quick guide to what to expect for each common engine:
5.7L Hemi V8
The 5.7L Hemi is a popular choice for cam upgrades. Expect a parts bill in the lower to mid range and labor on the higher side due to the engine’s size and VVT. A typical install might total roughly $1,800–$3,500, with tuning adding another $100–$600 if you opt for a professional calibration.
6.4L Hemi (392) V8
The 6.4L typically requires similar components but may necessitate higher-cost springs or additional valve-train work, given its performance orientation. Total costs commonly fall in the $2,000–$3,800 range, with tuning and potential head-work pushing toward the top end.
3.6L Pentastar V6
Cam installs on the 3.6L Pentastar are generally more involved due to more complex valvetrain control and packaging. Expect higher labor hours and potentially a higher overall price, often in the $2,000–$4,500 range or more, depending on whether the kit is a straightforward drop-in or requires additional modification.
Do you need a tune?
Yes. Most cam upgrades benefit from a calibration to optimize timing, fuel trims, and idle characteristics. Without a tune, you may experience rough idle, reduced drivability, or check-engine concerns.
- Dyno-tuned reflashes – commonly $400–$900
- Non-dyno calibration options (software updates or remote tunes) – $100–$500
Concluding: A tune is a standard part of most cam install projects and should be planned for in your budget.
How to budget wisely
To avoid surprise bids, consider the following approaches when budgeting for a Challenger cam install:
- Choose a complete, reputable kit that fits your engine and goals to minimize additional parts purchases
- Ask about included hardware, lifters, and springs to confirm what’s covered
- Request a written estimate that separates parts, labor, and tuning costs
- Check shop warranties on both parts and labor
- Confirm whether the work will impact your vehicle’s warranty and plan accordingly
Concluding: A well-planned budget accounts for parts, skilled labor, and a tuning step, with room for unexpected discoveries during disassembly.
Summary
Installing a camshaft on a Dodge Challenger is a substantial upgrade with costs driven mainly by engine type, scope, and tuning needs. Expect a broad range: roughly $1,500–$4,000 for many 5.7L or 6.4L builds, with 3.6L installs often landing higher due to complexity. Part costs typically run a few hundred to around a thousand dollars, labor generally accounts for a large share of the bill (often $800–$2,500 or more), and a professional tune is commonly recommended. Always obtain a detailed, written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, and tuning, and verify warranty implications before proceeding.
