Enough about theory, we needed to look inside the new Hemi engine to see what really makes it work. It turns out, our friends over at Crane Cams in Daytona, Florida, had just what we needed-a 5.7 Hemi they were using for some research and development. They were nice enough to let us come over and dissect the Hemi for a first-hand look inside. We think you'll be pleased at what we found.
One of the more impressive aspects of the new Hemi engine is its oiling system. Engine builders have long known that horsepower is available by keeping crankcase windage to a minimum. Oil from the top end of the new Hemi is directed through seven passages in the block (shown here), sending the return oil directly to the pan and keeping it away from the crankshaft. | 
The cast-aluminum oil pan is a trick piece, reminding us of full-blown race oil pans. It utilizes baffles to keep oil in the sump during hard acceleration, deceleration, and cornering, and has special galleys to keep the oil returning from the cylinder heads away from the engines rotating assembly. Less oil being carried around by the crankshaft means more power to the rear wheels. |
The oil pump itself is driven, not by an intermediate shaft like Chrysler V-8s of the past, but by the crankshaft timing gear. Notice the grooves in the center of the pump; these grooves mesh with the crankshaft timing gear. | |
Whether you like the styling of Chrysler's new product line or not, the Hemi engine is a powerplant to contend with. The combination of the hemispherical cylinder head design with an advanced oiling system, and modern ignition and fuel-injection technology makes this engine a real winner. It's no wonder so many people are transplanting this motor into their show and race cars. Mopar Performance is already committed to the 5.7 Hemi as its latest crate motor, available in both injected and carbureted versions. We look for the aftermarket to support this engine as well, and look forward to seeing how much power can be extracted from this potent little motor. Plus, dude, it's a Hemi. Sweeeet!
Chrysler has long known that windage trays help keep the oil away from the crankshaft for more power; the new Hemi also utilizes this technology. The oil return holes from the block direct the oil through the windage tray and into the oil return galleys in the pan, keeping as much of the oil off the crankshaft as possible. | 
The engine's valve covers are cast-aluminum pieces, as are the cylinder heads, timing cover, and oil pan. the coil pack above each cylinder sends spark not only to that cylinder, but also to a different cylinder on the opposite side of the engine. This means if a coil pack goes bad, you lose one of the two plugs in two different cylinders, but all cylinders keep firing. |
The spark plug tubes are sealed with these o-ring-style seals inside the valve cover. This seems to be a better design than the first- and second-generation Hemis and should provide years of leak-free service. | |