The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 has powered everything from Dodge Chargers and Challengers to Ram pickups and Jeep Grand Cherokees, earning a loyal following thanks to its robust bottom end and surprising aftermarket support. While the stock engine delivers respectable power, most enthusiasts quickly discover that intake, exhaust, and induction modifications can unlock significantly more horsepower and torque. This guide focuses on three standout brands for 5.7 HEMI mods: Edelbrock for induction and top-end power, K&N for air intake and filtration, and American Racing Headers (ARH) for exhaust flow and sound. Each brand targets a different part of the powertrain, and when combined with proper tuning, they can transform the driving character of any HEMI-equipped vehicle.

Understanding the 5.7 HEMI Platform

Before diving into specific parts, it pays to understand the engine’s architecture. The third-generation 5.7 HEMI (introduced in 2003 and refined through the Eagle/Gen III+ versions) features cast-iron or aluminum blocks depending on the application, aluminum cylinder heads, and a deep-skirt design that handles moderate boost well. Factory compression ratios hover around 9.6:1 to 10.5:1, making it compatible with both naturally aspirated and forced-induction builds.

Key limitations in stock form include restrictive intake manifolds, conservative ECU tuning, and exhaust manifolds that choke flow above 5,000 RPM. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on later models also complicates cam and valvetrain upgrades but can be tuned out if desired. For most street-driven HEMIs, the biggest gains come from addressing airflow: getting clean cold air in, moving the fuel-air charge efficiently, and evacuating exhaust gasses with minimal backpressure.

This is precisely where Edelbrock, K&N, and ARH excel. Each brand has decades of experience on V8 platforms and offers bolt-on parts that maintain daily drivability while delivering measurable power improvements.

Edelbrock: Induction, Supercharging, and Top-End Power

Edelbrock’s reputation in the muscle-car world is built on decades of intake manifold and carburetor development. For modern EFI HEMIs, the company offers a focused lineup of products that significantly improve volumetric efficiency. Their parts are engineered for direct fitment on 2009–2024 5.7 HEMI applications (including Dodge Charger, Challenger, Ram 1500, and Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2).

Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold

The Performer series intake manifold replaces the factory plastic unit with a cast-aluminum design optimized for mid-range and top-end airflow. The runners are larger and smoother, reducing restriction and allowing the engine to breathe more freely above 4,500 RPM. Dyno tests from Edelbrock show gains of 15–25 horsepower on an otherwise stock 5.7 HEMI when paired with a free-flowing exhaust and cold air intake. The manifold also accepts stock fuel rails and injectors, making it a simple weekend swap.

Why choose it: If you plan to build a naturally aspirated HEMI with headers and a cam, the Performer manifold is an essential upgrade that scales well with other mods.

Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger

For those chasing big power numbers, the E-Force supercharger system is a standout. It uses a twin-screw positive-displacement supercharger mounted in an integrated intake manifold, preserving the factory hood line (no cowl-induction hood required). The system includes high-flow injectors, a massive air-to-water intercooler, and a CARB-EO-compliant calibration for 50-state legality. On 5.7 HEMI engines, the E-Force delivers approximately 525–575 horsepower at the crank (depending on pulley configuration and supporting mods), a gain of roughly 150–200 hp over stock.

Installation notes: The kit requires upgrading the fuel pump (a common 5.7 limitation) and adding a boost-referenced fuel pressure regulator. Edelbrock includes a handheld tuner with base maps, but a professional dyno tune is recommended for maximum power and safety.

Edelbrock Headers

Edelbrock offers both shorty and long-tube headers for 5.7 HEMI applications. Shorty headers replace the restrictive factory manifolds without requiring major exhaust system changes, yielding 10–20 hp and better sound. Long-tube headers provide more substantial gains (up to 30 hp) but require a full aftermarket exhaust and often a high-flow catalytic converter or off-road pipe. All headers are made from 304 stainless steel with CNC-machined flanges for a leak-free seal.

For a comprehensive Edelbrock build, we recommend pairing the Performer intake manifold with shorty headers and a K&N cold air intake for a reliable 370–390 wheel horsepower—a significant improvement over the stock 320–340 whp typical of a 5.7 HEMI.

Browse Edelbrock’s full 5.7 HEMI product line here.

K&N: Air Intake Systems and High-Flow Filtration

K&N is synonymous with performance air filtration. Their oiled cotton-gauze filters have been proven in desert racing and street use for decades. For 5.7 HEMIs, K&N offers several intake system options that improve airflow while maintaining effective engine protection.

K&N 63 Series Aircharger Cold Air Intake

The 63 Series Aircharger is a complete cold air intake system designed to replace the restrictive factory airbox with a larger, smoother intake tube and a high-flow conical filter. The system pulls air from outside the engine bay (usually from a fender cavity or through a heat shield), reducing intake air temperatures by 10–25°F compared to an open-element short-ram design. On a stock 5.7 HEMI, K&N claims horsepower gains of 10–17 hp at the wheels, with noticeable throttle response improvements.

Key features: Washable and reusable filter (good for 100,000+ miles before cleaning), powder-coated heat shield, and all necessary hardware for a direct bolt-on installation. Models are available for Ram 1500 (2009–2023), Challenger/Charger (2009–2023), and Grand Cherokee (2011–2021).

K&N Replacement Air Filters

If you want to keep the factory airbox, installing a K&N high-flow replacement filter (part number 33-xxxx depending on vehicle) is the easiest way to improve airflow. These drop-in filters use the same oiled cotton media and are proven to flow better than paper filters while trapping smaller particles. They are washable and reusable, reducing waste and saving money over the vehicle’s life.

Cold Air vs. Short Ram Intakes

K&N offers both cold air and short ram systems for the 5.7 HEMI. Short ram intakes (like the K&N 71 Series) are easier to install and produce a louder induction sound, but they draw hot engine bay air, often resulting in lower power gains on hot days. For maximum performance, the 63 Series cold air intake is the better choice, especially if you drive in warm climates or plan to add a supercharger later.

We strongly recommend pairing any K&N intake with a tune-up that includes new spark plugs (the 5.7 HEMI is sensitive to spark plug condition) and a clean throttle body. A K&N intake alone won’t push the engine past its factory knock limits, but it will free up enough airflow for a tune to add another 5–10 hp safely.

Find the correct K&N intake for your 5.7 HEMI.

ARH Exhaust Systems: Unlocking Exhaust Scavenging

American Racing Headers (ARH) is widely regarded as one of the best exhaust system manufacturers for modern HEMI vehicles. Their products are handcrafted in the USA from 304 stainless steel and are known for precise fitment, high-quality welds, and a signature deep exhaust note. For the 5.7 HEMI, ARH offers long-tube headers, cat-back systems, and complete exhaust solutions.

ARH Long Tube Headers

Long-tube headers are the single biggest bolt-on power adder for a naturally aspirated 5.7 HEMI. ARH’s headers feature 1-7/8-inch primaries (with 2-inch options for high-rpm builds) and 3-inch collectors. The longer primary tubes create strong exhaust scavenging, pulling spent gasses out of the cylinder more effectively than shorty headers or factory manifolds. This increased volumetric efficiency can yield 25–40 horsepower at the wheels on a stock 5.7 HEMI, with peak gains typically occurring between 5,000 and 6,000 RPM.

Material and coating options: ARH offers headers in polished stainless steel (lighter, good for show cars) and titanium ceramic-coated versions (heat reduction, longer life). The ceramic coating also lowers underhood temperatures, which is beneficial when combined with a cold air intake.

ARH Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

A cat-back system replaces the exhaust from the catalytic converters back to the tips. ARH’s systems are mandrel-bent to maintain a consistent 3-inch diameter (some models offer dual 2.5-inch outlets). They include high-flow resonators an optional X-pipe for a balanced tone. The result is a deep, aggressive note without the raspy drone typical of cheaper systems. Power gains from a cat-back alone are modest (5–10 hp), but the system is essential for maximizing the benefits of long-tube headers.

System Integration and Sound

For the ultimate ARH setup, combine their long-tube headers with a full 3-inch exhaust, high-flow catalytic converters, and a cat-back. This configuration can push a 5.7 HEMI to 380–400 wheel horsepower with a proper tune, while delivering an exhaust note that turns heads without being obnoxious on the highway. ARH also offers exhaust tips in various finishes (polished, black, carbon fiber) to personalize the look.

One common concern with headers is installation difficulty. ARH’s headers require removing the engine mount bolts on some applications (Ram 1500, Challenger) to slide the header into place. The job takes 6–10 hours for a DIYer, but many shops specialize in HEMI header installs.

Shop ARH exhaust systems for 5.7 HEMI here.

Supporting Mods: Tuning and Fuel System Upgrades

To fully realize the gains from Edelbrock intakes, K&N air intakes, and ARH exhausts, a professional tune is mandatory. The factory ECU will not automatically adapt to large increases in airflow; without tuning, the engine may run lean (risking detonation) or fail to advance timing to the knock limit.

Popular tuning platforms for 5.7 HEMIs include DiabloSport i3/i4 (for pre-2018 models) and HP Tuners (for later PCMs). Many tuners offer remote tuning via street logs or dyno sessions. A well-calibrated tune can add 20–40 wheel horsepower on top of bolt-on parts.

If you install the Edelbrock E-Force supercharger or add fuel mods like larger injectors and a high-flow fuel pump, tuning becomes even more critical. The 5.7 HEMI’s stock fuel system is sufficient for up to about 550 crank horsepower, but beyond that requires a boost-referenced regulator and a return-style fuel system.

Choosing the Right Mods for Your Build

The best combination depends on your vehicle, budget, and goals:

  • Daily driver (reliability + mild power): K&N 63 Series cold air intake + ARH cat-back exhaust + Edelbrock shorty headers. Add a canned DiabloSport tune for an easy 30–40 wheel horsepower.
  • Street/strip (400+ whp): Edelbrock Performer intake manifold + ARH long-tube headers + 3-inch exhaust + K&N intake + professional dyno tune. Expect 390–410 whp on a stock cam.
  • Forced induction (500+ whp): Edelbrock E-Force supercharger system + upgraded fuel pump + ARH LT headers + cat-back + custom tune. The supercharger alone gets you to 500+ whp with safe timing.

Always check local emissions laws before choosing catted or catless exhaust components. ARH offers optional high-flow cats that are legal in most states, while Edelbrock’s supercharger kit is CARB-approved for select vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Edelbrock, K&N, and ARH represent three corners of a well-balanced HEMI performance build. The intake manifold and supercharger from Edelbrock attack the air-fuel mixture head-on, K&N ensures a steady flow of cool, clean air, and ARH evacuates spent gasses efficiently. When combined with a proper tune, these parts deliver the kind of power that makes the 5.7 HEMI truly shine. As with any performance project, start with a plan, set a realistic budget, and don’t skip the supporting modifications. Your 5.7 HEMI will thank you with a broader powerband, a more responsive throttle, and an exhaust note that announces your arrival long before you’re seen.