Is it hard to cam a Hemi?
When it comes to modifying a Hemi engine, one of the most popular upgrades is installing a performance camshaft. This modification can significantly enhance the engine's power and performance, but many car enthusiasts wonder: is it hard to cam a Hemi? In this article, we’ll break down the process, challenges, and tips to help you decide if this is a job you can tackle or if it’s best left to the professionals.
What Does "Camming" a Hemi Mean?
Camming a Hemi refers to replacing the stock camshaft with a performance camshaft. The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the engine's intake and exhaust valves, which directly impacts airflow and combustion efficiency. A performance camshaft is designed to optimize these processes, resulting in increased horsepower, torque, and overall engine performance.
How Difficult Is It to Cam a Hemi?
The difficulty of camming a Hemi depends on your mechanical experience, tools, and workspace. Here are some factors to consider:
- Experience Level: If you’re familiar with engine disassembly and reassembly, you may find the process manageable. However, for beginners, it can be quite challenging.
- Tools Required: You’ll need specialized tools such as a camshaft degree kit, torque wrench, and possibly a harmonic balancer puller.
- Time Commitment: Camming a Hemi is a time-intensive process that can take several hours or even a full day, depending on your skill level.
- Precision: Proper installation requires precise alignment and torque specifications. Mistakes can lead to engine damage.
Steps to Cam a Hemi
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, here’s a general overview of the steps involved in camming a Hemi:
- Disconnect the battery and drain the engine coolant.
- Remove components such as the intake manifold, valve covers, timing cover, and harmonic balancer to access the camshaft.
- Carefully remove the stock camshaft and install the new performance camshaft, ensuring proper alignment.
- Reassemble all components, following torque specifications and ensuring proper timing.
- Refill the coolant, reconnect the battery, and test the engine for proper operation.
Challenges You Might Face
While camming a Hemi can be rewarding, it’s not without its challenges:
- Complexity: The process involves many steps and requires attention to detail.
- Specialized Knowledge: Understanding valve timing and camshaft specifications is crucial.
- Potential for Mistakes: Errors during installation can lead to engine damage or poor performance.
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
If you have the tools, experience, and confidence, camming a Hemi can be a satisfying DIY project. However, if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic. At Kevin’s Autos, we have years of experience in engine modifications and can help you achieve the performance gains you’re looking for without the stress of doing it yourself.
Conclusion
Camming a Hemi is a challenging but rewarding modification that can significantly boost your engine’s performance. While it’s not an easy task, with the right tools, knowledge, and patience, it’s achievable for experienced DIYers. For those who prefer to leave it to the experts, Kevin’s Autos is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your performance upgrade needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is replacing a camshaft a big job?
Replacing a camshaft is indeed a significant job that requires extensive knowledge, skill, and precision.
Does a cam add HP?
Yes. Adjusting the camshafts so the cams are slightly ahead or behind will alter the engine's performance. Advancing the timing will cause the fuel intakes to open and close earlier, which improves low-end torque. Conversely, retarding the cam will improve high-end horsepower at the expense of low-end torque.
Will a cam increase horsepower?
Yes. Adjusting the camshafts so the cams are slightly ahead or behind will alter the engine's performance. Advancing the timing will cause the fuel intakes to open and close earlier, which improves low-end torque. Conversely, retarding the cam will improve high-end horsepower at the expense of low-end torque.
Can a 5.7 Hemi handle a cam?
Hemi owners, even of the early version like our 2006, have one heck of a starting point. Much like LS engines, the Hemi responds very well to aggressive cam timing, because the engine is blessed with basically everything else needed to make big power.
Is it hard to install a camshaft?
It's not terribly hard, just make sure to torque everything to spec (get a Haynes or Chilton for your car), and make sure you get the timing right when you put the timing belt/chain back on. If you get the cams installed one tooth off, it could be bad.
Does a cam give you more HP?
A roller cam does not add any horsepower at all it just makes the engine more reliable and allows you to use a stronger valve spring to keep the valve train in track of its movements better. The stronger spring means that the push rod and the lifter will follow the profile of a cam at high RPM.
How common is lifter failure on 5.7 Hemi?
Hemi engine lifter failure is a common issue that can occur in the 5.7L and 6.4L engines. One of the primary causes of this problem is a lack of oil flow and pressure, which can lead to wear and tear on engine components, including the lifters.
How much HP will a cam add to a 5.7 Hemi?
Run with the stock cam, the 5.7L Hemi produced 367 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque. After installation of the new HRT cam from Comp Cams, the power output jumped to 434 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The cam swap netted an impressive gain of 67 hp!
How to get 700 hp out of a 5.7 Hemi?
you can get 700 horsepower out of a 5.7 Hemi by supercharging or turbocharging the engine. You can also try these modifications: High performance injectorsReplace the stock fuel injectors with high performance injectors designed for 700 horsepower or more.
How much HP is a 5.7 Hemi capable of?
395 horsepower
The 5.7 Hemi is a popular V8 engine that is used in many vehicles manufactured by Dodge and Chrysler. The 5.7 Hemi is known for its impressive power and torque output, and for the 2021 model year, it has an output of up to 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
