What is the difference between a hemi and a Magnum engine?
The main difference between a hemi and a Magnum engine lies in their design and performance characteristics. A hemi engine, short for "hemispherical combustion chamber," is a type of internal combustion engine that features a hemispherical-shaped combustion chamber, while a Magnum engine is a high-performance variant of a traditional engine design.
Hemi Engines
Hemi engines, also known as "hemispherical head" engines, are characterized by their unique combustion chamber design. The hemispherical shape of the combustion chamber allows for a more efficient and powerful combustion process, resulting in increased horsepower and torque output. This design also enables the use of larger valves, which can improve airflow and enhance the engine's overall performance. Hemi engines are commonly found in high-performance vehicles, such as muscle cars and sports cars, where power and acceleration are highly valued.
Magnum Engines
Magnum engines, on the other hand, are not a specific engine design but rather a high-performance variant of a traditional engine. Magnum engines are typically larger in displacement, have higher compression ratios, and feature upgraded components, such as stronger pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts, to handle the increased power output. These engines are often found in trucks, SUVs, and high-performance versions of traditional vehicles, where the emphasis is on towing capacity, hauling power, and overall performance.
Key Differences
- Design: Hemi engines have a hemispherical combustion chamber, while Magnum engines are a high-performance variant of a traditional engine design.
- Performance: Hemi engines are known for their increased horsepower and torque output due to their efficient combustion process, while Magnum engines focus on overall performance, including towing and hauling capabilities.
- Applications: Hemi engines are commonly found in high-performance vehicles, such as muscle cars and sports cars, while Magnum engines are often used in trucks, SUVs, and high-performance versions of traditional vehicles.
In summary, the key difference between a hemi and a Magnum engine is their design and the specific performance characteristics they offer. Hemi engines are defined by their hemispherical combustion chamber, while Magnum engines are high-performance variants of traditional engine designs, often focused on power, towing, and hauling capabilities.
Is there a difference between a 5.7 hemi and a 5.7 hemi Magnum?
The key difference is that the 5.7 Hemi is a modern engine with significantly better performance due to improved cylinder heads and camshaft, while the 5.7 Magnum refers to a less powerful, older-generation engine series that was eventually replaced by the Hemi. While both are V8s, the "5.7" designation was not used for the Magnum engine series, which had other displacements like the 5.9L, but it's common to compare the current 5.7 Hemi to the previous Magnum engines.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the 5.7 Hemi and the previous Magnum engines: 48sBald Tire Garage YouTube · Oct 22, 2021
Performance and technology
- 5.7L Hemi: This engine features modern technology like multi-displacement system (MDS) for better fuel economy, more efficient cylinder heads with better flow, and a more aggressive camshaft.
- Magnum: This older engine series used a less efficient design. While the 5.9L Magnum was a good engine, it did not have the advanced features of the Hemi.
Engine comparison
| Feature | 5.7L Hemi | Magnum (e.g., 5.9L) |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Heads | More efficient, better-flowing design with a twin-plug setup | Older, less efficient design |
| Camshaft | More aggressive with more lift and duration | Less aggressive cam |
| Multi-Displacement System (MDS) | Included on most models to improve fuel economy | Not available |
| Power | Higher horsepower and torque output | Lower power output |
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Which one should you choose?
- For maximum performance: The 5.7L Hemi is the clear choice due to its modern design and superior power output.
- For a classic build: If you're restoring a classic vehicle, the Magnum engine may be more appropriate for authenticity, but you may want to consider a modern crate Hemi engine if you want more power and modern technology.
Is the Magnum better than the Hemi?
The main difference is that "Magnum" often refers to a specific engine family with conventional "wedge" heads, while "Hemi" refers to engines with unique hemispherical combustion chambers, which are designed for higher performance. However, a key point of confusion is that Chrysler combined the two names, as in the "5.7L HEMI Magnum," which was the name for early Gen III Hemi engines in vehicles like the Dodge Magnum RT, before the "Magnum" was dropped from the official name.
Magnum engine
- Design: A series of conventional V8 engines, like the 5.9L 360, that used "wedge" style cylinder heads.
- Performance: Good for low-end torque and reliable, but generally less powerful than a Hemi engine of a comparable displacement.
- Legacy: A popular and durable engine, but it was eventually replaced by the more modern Hemi in many applications.
Hemi engine
- Design: The name "Hemi" comes from its hemispherical combustion chambers, which allow for better cylinder head flow and more power.
- Performance: Designed for higher performance, with better cylinder head flow, more aggressive cam timing, and higher compression compared to Magnum engines.
- Legacy: The "Hemi" name has a long history in performance Mopar engines, especially the 426 cubic inch version from the muscle car era. The name was also used for modern engines, such as the 5.7L Gen III Hemi, which was introduced in 2003 to replace the Magnum engines.
The "5.7L HEMI Magnum"
- A marketing combination: Chrysler initially marketed the new Gen III 5.7L Hemi as the "HEMI Magnum," which was confusing but indicated it was a replacement for the previous Magnum engines.
- Modern Hemi: This is a modern, overhead-cam, V8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers, designed for improved performance and fuel economy.
Is a 5.9 L Magnum a hemi?
No, the 5.9 Magnum is not a Hemi; it is a different engine series from Chrysler, and it was replaced by the Hemi engine. The 5.9 Magnum V8 was part of the Magnum engine line, while the Hemi V8, like the 5.7L version, is a distinct and more modern engine with its own unique design.
- 5.9 Magnum: This engine was part of the Magnum engine family, which was released in the 1990s and was used in Dodge and Jeep vehicles like the Ram and Dakota.
- 5.7 Hemi: This is a different engine that replaced the 5.9 Magnum in the early 2000s, offering more horsepower and a different design with its signature "Hemi" (hemispherical) cylinder heads.
- Engine Series: The two engines belong to different developmental lines. The Magnum series was an evolution of the older LA engine line, while the Hemi is a more recent and advanced design from Chrysler.
Is the 5.7 Hemi Magnum a good engine?
The 5.7-liter Hemi is considered a reliable engine since it's reintroduction in the early 2000s. However, no engine on the market comes without its flaws. Ryan Wolfe: Another problem is prolonged idling periods.
