You want the best performance out of your 5.7 HEMI engine but don’t know where to start.

There are many options for performance cams, and it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you.

We’ve compiled a list of the best cams on the market to help you get the most out of your engine. From mild to wild, there’s an option for every driver. So whether you’re looking for a little more power or a full-on race build, we’ve got you covered. But first,

Why you should have a performance Cam?

There are many different types of cams, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. A performance camshaft is designed to improve an engine’s performance in various ways. Some cams create more power, while others make the engine run smoother or quieter. Still, others may improve fuel economy or increase torque at specific points in the rev range.

Here are our top 5 picks for the best performance cam for 5.7 HEMI:

The best performance cam for 5.7 HEMI engines is the Comp Cams 201-300-17 NSR HRT. This camshaft is designed specifically for Dodge 5.7L HEMI engines made in and after 2009 with variable valve timing (VVT). It is available in three stages, each offering more power and performance than the last. Stage 1 is perfect for heavier vehicles and offers tremendous mid-range torque with excellent power. Stages 2 and 3 are designed for even more power and offer a throttle response that is second to none. All variants feature Micro Surface Enhanced (MSE) technology, which improves the traditional camshaft lobe and load-bearing faces through a 65% reduction in surface peak roughness. This provides a 250% improvement in the effective load-bearing area. Whether you are looking for more power, better throttle response, or both, the Comp Cams 201-300-17 NSR HRT is the best performance cam for 5.7 HEMI engines.

The Comp Cams 112-300-11 NSR HRT is a camshaft designed for the 2003-2008 5.7L HEMI engine made without Variable Valve Timing (VVT). This camshaft offers three stages, each with a different horsepower gain with 54+, 79+ & 86+ HP, to be exact. The Cam operates in the 1500-7000 RPM range and is ideal for heavier vehicles. It delivers impressive throttle response and superior mid-range torque.

The 112 series Cam offers 113-115 degrees of LSA across different stage models which means better idle quality and a wider powerband range. Topping it off, the aftermarket mod cam is developed on Dyno & spintron machine and guarantees performance upliftment.

Additionally, the Comp Cams 112-300-11 NSR HRT has a 250% improvement in the effective load-bearing area, which allows for higher loads and reduces waviness for increased durability.

This GELUOXI camshaft kit is one of the most popular aftermarket options on Amazon for 5.7L HEMI engines. It includes MDS lifters, a VVT camshaft, head gaskets and seals, and a bolts kit. GELUOXI cam is a perfect fit for 5.7L HEMI’s 2009-2018 makes. It’s ideal for Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 models. The performance cam is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add immense horsepower gain and throttle response to their 5.7L HEMI engine. It comes with a 12-month warranty and is backed by excellent customer service.

The Comp Cams 112-501-11 XFI is a great performance cam for older or more classic 5.7 HEMI made in and after 2003. It’s made from Billet steel which makes it quite durable. The cam style is a Hydraulic Roller type. It provides a 113-degree lobe separation angle which means better idle performance and a wide powerband range. It operates in 1,500-5,800 RPM range. It’s great for street and performance use cases. You will need some moderate tuning modifications and use a programmer to get the most out of it. It also requires valve springs. Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to get more power out of their 5.7 HEMI.

If you are looking for an affordable and value-for-money Cam for 5.7 HEMI RAM 1500, then the GELUOXI 53022263AF is the ideal option. It is equipped with functions like VVT, MDS, and SRV, which provide optimum performance upliftment. 

Additionally, it comes with a warranty for 12 months, making it a risk-free purchase. However, remember that it is a made-in-China product and might not run as long and as smoothly as the premium Cam. Nonetheless, it is still a great option if you are on a budget.

Over to you!

All the performance cams we’ve looked at are great options for anyone looking to increase power and throttle response in their 5.7L HEMI engine. They all come with different pros and cons, so it’s essential to carefully read each one before deciding. We recommend the Comp Cams 112-501-11 XFI as our top choice because it delivers the best bang for your buck, offering a noticeable horsepower gain and a wider powerband range. It also comes with a 12-month warranty for extra peace of mind. Next up, try our handpicked headers for your 5.7 HEMI to add even more fuel to the fire.

Performance Cam buying guide for 5.7 HEMI: What to look for

What is a performance cam, and what does it do?

There are many different types of cams, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. A performance camshaft is designed to improve an engine’s performance in various ways. Some cams create more power, while others make the engine run smoother or quieter. Still, others may improve fuel economy or increase torque at specific points in the rev range.

A performance camshaft alters the timing of the valves in an engine. It does this by changing the duration and lift of the intake and exhaust valves. The timing is adjusted so more air and fuel can enter the cylinders, and more exhaust gases can exit. This allows the engine to produce more power.

How do I choose the right performance cam for my 5.7 HEMI?

When choosing a performance camshaft, you must consider what you want the Cam to do and the engine size and type. If you are simply looking for more power, you will want a cam with more lift and duration. If you are looking for a cam that will improve fuel economy, you will want one with less lift and duration.

A cam designed for a big V8 engine won’t work in a small four-cylinder, just as a cam designed for a high-revving race engine won’t work well in an everyday street car.

It is also essential to consider the other components in your engine. If you have big valves, then you will need a bigger cam. You will need a smaller cam if you have a small displacement engine. And if you have a high compression ratio, you will need a different cam than if you have a low one.

Other factors include the amount of torque and horsepower you want your engine to produce and its intended use (street/strip, drag racing, etc.). There’s no one “right” cam for every application.

In the above review, the first Cam, i.e., Comp Cams 201-300-17 NSR HRT, is the best option to get max HP from your 5.7 HEMI engine.

The different lobe separation angles and what they mean

The different lobe separation angles on a camshaft can drastically impact an engine’s performance.

Lobe separation angle, also known as LSA, is the angle between the intake and exhaust lobes on a camshaft. This angle is critical to an engine’s performance because it directly affects the amount of valve overlap. Valve overlap is when both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time.

How much overlap there is directly affects an engine’s idle quality, torque, and powerband. A smaller LSA typically results in a smoother idle, while a larger LSA will give the engine a more “Lopey” sound. It is important to note that too much valve overlap can negatively affect low-end torque.

A smaller LSA will also usually produce a narrower powerband, while a larger LSA will result in a wider powerband. The ideal LSA will depend on the application of the engine. For example, an engine built for high-rpm use will benefit from a larger LSA, while a machine built for low-end torque will benefit from a smaller LSA.

The most common LSA used on 5.7 HEMI engines is 112 degrees, but some aftermarket cams can come in 110, 108, or even 106-degree LSAs.

The benefits of a performance cam

Installing a performance cam in your engine can improve its performance in several ways. A performance cam will typically provide better idle quality and increase the peak torque that can be achieved from the engine. It can also help to narrow or broaden the power band, allowing you to get more power from the engine at higher or lower rev ranges. Overall, a performance cam can significantly improve your engine’s performance.

Tips for getting the most out of your new performance cam

If you just installed a new performance cam in your car, here are five tips to help you get the most out of it.

1. Make sure you have the right engine oil. Fresh, high-quality engine oil is key to keeping your new Cam in good shape and ensuring optimal performance.

2. Don’t forget to break in your new Cam. Like any other new engine part, it’s crucial to properly break in your new camshaft.

3. Get a custom tune. A custom tune will help your car’s engine run more efficiently with the new Cam and can also improve performance.

4. Check your valve lash. Once you’ve installed the new Cam, check and adjust your valve lash as needed.

5. Keep an eye on your engine’s vitals. It’s always a good idea to monitor your engine’s vital signs (temperature, oil pressure, etc.) after installing any new performance part. Doing so can help you catch any potential issues early on.

Following these tips can help ensure that your new performance cam will deliver optimal results. Happy wrenching!

Frequently Asked Question: Performance Cam for 5.7 HEMI

Let us try to answer some of the FAQs that people have related to Cam modding the 5.7 HEMI. Hopefully, this will clear up any cloud of confusion. 

How much HP does a cam add to a 5.7 Hemi?

A cam can add a lot of horsepower to a 5.7 Hemi. In fact, depending on the specs of the Cam, it can add anywhere from 50 to 86+ horsepower or more. For instance, Comp Cams 201-300-17 NSR HRT stage 3 cam can add up to 86+horsepower to your 5.7 HEMI.

How much horsepower does a Stage 2 cam add to a 5.7 Hemi?

I think this will vary from maker to maker and the type of Cam you get. If we strictly talk about Comp Cams 201-300-17 NSR HRT, it’s a performance cam that will give you an 82+ HP boost.

Can you cam a RAM 1500?

Yes, you can cam a RAM 1500. Camshafts are used to control the valves in an engine. A good performance cam can increase power and torque while providing good driveability.