Ram resurrects Hemi engine - Can I get a swap?

[Rebel_2025_GA]

MSN

Ram resurrects Hemi engine for popular pickup trucks in 'Symbol of Protest'​

Story by Michael Wayland
• 7h•
3 min read

 

[dobbiemiko]

I was quite surprised when they dropped the 5.7L Hemi from the half ton market as they built a pretty good reputation with the Hemi over several years. However, my dealer convinced me to trade my 2023 Hemi for a 2025 SST and other than the idiot who decided to take away the physical dipstick, I have been pleased with the new 6 popper. What I miss on the new truck is the sound but I guess I can live with that considering I get similar gas mileage despite a steeper rear gear (3.21 to 3.55), more hp and torque despite losing 159 cubic inches. I had hoped that in the reintroduction of the 5.7 that they would have fixed the dreaded Hemi-tick but it looks like they have not, or at least they are not talking about it. The big question remains for me: is the 3 liter a long lived engine? Only time will tell.

 

[Dewey]

Sucks to be the buyers that paid up for a “Last Call” Hemi in the last few years.

 

[70sgeek]

I can live without a dipstick considering I'd anticipate the next Ram version Hemi also will also still have the problematic MDS, that eats up lifters and camshafts.

 

[silver billet]

I can live without a dipstick considering I'd anticipate the next Ram version Hemi also will also still have the problematic MDS, that eats up lifters and camshafts.

Oh dear. This "MDS" myth just won't die will it.

It's not an MDS issue. It's a parts/manufacturing issue which also seems to be affecting the pentastar to some extent. There are no guarantees with FCA's history that your hurricane doesn't also start eating cams.

 

[70sgeek]

I guess I should have prefaced better - I get it's not an MDS-specific issue, but at some level it does make sense that it would be part of the problem possibly to the extent of accelerating the timeline to failure in an affected vehicle. I haven't exactly convinced myself it couldn't happen in the SO but I'm at least more hopeful in that respect.

 

[silver billet]

I guess I should have prefaced better - I get it's not an MDS-specific issue, but at some level it does make sense that it would be part of the problem possibly to the extent of accelerating the timeline to failure in an affected vehicle. I haven't exactly convinced myself it couldn't happen in the SO but I'm at least more hopeful in that respect.

The issue is poor hardening/materials, they were orginally designed to have billet cams but cheaped out in production. Billet cams are machined from a solid block, they are much harder. Hemi's just have surface hardening, and once that outside layer is degraded its came over.

The one scientific analysis we have of a faled cam is saying there was plenty of oil, but the oil used was inadequate for the job.

Some hemi's come without MDS straight from the factory, and they still fail in relatively equal numbers when accounting for differences in sales/volume sold.

 

[jmr]

Maybe we'll get our own badge of protest. lol

 

[HSKR R/T]

Sucks to be the buyers that paid up for a “Last Call” Hemi in the last few years.

There has already been lawsuits from the Hellcat Durango guys because they bought the 2024 models because they were advertised as being the last model then they continued to build them for 2025.

 

[msnyder1112]

Anything “last call” or “farewell” is always a marketing scheme because people feed off that crap. Anything to push sales.

But I am glad the hemi isn’t over!

 

[yrralguthrie]

Generally, according to accepted and long-established manufacturing methods, surface hardening makes the surface area hard and the core tough and ductile.
Surface hardening is used when parts require long-term durability. Uniform hardening throughout can quite easily make the part brittle.
If you want to argue, be aware you are not arguing with me, but with established science and actual results.

 

[LOWRMPG]

Sucks to be the buyers that paid up for a “Last Call” Hemi in the last few years.

Ask all the Wrangler buyers that were told for two years in a row that it was the last edition of the 392 Wrangler.

 

[silver billet]

Generally, according to accepted and long-established manufacturing methods, surface hardening makes the surface area hard and the core tough and ductile.
Surface hardening is used when parts require long-term durability. Uniform hardening throughout can quite easily make the part brittle.
If you want to argue, be aware you are not arguing with me, but with established science and actual results.

The hemi cams are weak. This is not up for debate, there are thousands of reports of ground cam lobs and busted lifters. If you look at the aftermarket, they pretty much all offer billet cams. You can google this stuff in like 10 seconds so how you got this wrong is beyond me.

And no I'm not going to argue, this won't turn out any different than the last 2 discussions you were in.

 

[yrralguthrie]

av
"The hemi cams are weak. This is not up for debate, there are thousands of reports of ground cam lobs and busted lifters. If you look at the aftermarket, they pretty much all offer billet cams. You can google this stuff in like 10 seconds so how you got this wrong is beyond me."

I guess it will turn out like the last conversation, because you either can't read or just want to argue. I DID NOT SAY ANYTHING about the hemi cams being strong or weak or whatever. I never even used the word. So before you denigrate me next time learn to read or reason or just plain understand what you've read. The information I posted was and is the exact truth and yes there is a problem with the hemi cams, similar to the problem you have.

 

[silver billet]

av
"The hemi cams are weak. This is not up for debate, there are thousands of reports of ground cam lobs and busted lifters. If you look at the aftermarket, they pretty much all offer billet cams. You can google this stuff in like 10 seconds so how you got this wrong is beyond me."

I guess it will turn out like the last conversation, because you either can't read or just want to argue. I DID NOT SAY ANYTHING about the hemi cams being strong or weak or whatever. I never even used the word. So before you denigrate me next time learn to read or reason or just plain understand what you've read. The information I posted was and is the exact truth and yes there is a problem with the hemi cams, similar to the problem you have.

Yeah, thought so.

 

[yrralguthrie]

Well, that's an improvement. You thought.

 

[mikeru82]

@silver billet is correct here. The 3rd gen Hemi was designed to use a billet cam but was overruled by the bean counters. People who have switched to aftermarket cams have not seen failures after switching.

 

[yrralguthrie]

I never said he was wrong. My post was correct also.

 

[Bwarren2]

I’m surprised so many think the Hemi is so great. Both mine have been very problematic just after 100K. Both die to the oiling problem. Let’s not even mention the manifold stud issues and horrid mpg.

 

[yrralguthrie]

I don't have a 20,000 MI on my hemi but I've had no trouble. The gas mileage depends on how I drive and whether it's winter or summer. In the winter with Winter blend gasoline and driving 5 miles over the speed limit I get about 17 miles per gallon. In the summer with summer blend I get 18 to 19 driving 5 Mile over the speed limit. In the summer if I drive the speed limit or slightly under I'll get 20 to 21. All my combination...I live in small town and have a lot of interstate driving also. This with the 3.21 axle. However I can see where aggressive drivers could easily get 14-15 miles per gallon. If a driver can see a stoplight from a quarter of a mile away but only start slowing down much closer to the light then they are aggressive.