For almost 20 years, automobile enthusiasts regard the Hemi as one of the most reliable engines in the market. But despite having impressive specs, it is not free of problems. To avoid issues, proper maintenance is a must and, one of the most important things to remember is to use the best oil for 5.7 Hemi.
The right oil minimizes friction to prevent premature wear. At the same time, it has lubricating benefits to optimize performance sans the noise. Not all oils, however, can deliver the same effects. Read on as we list down some of the top products that should be on your list.
Our Top Choice:
The Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic Motor Oil wins this review round-up. This engine oil for 5.7 Hemi offers instant protection as soon as you start the engine. Over time, it creates an invisible layer that protects the engine from friction and corrosion as well as other elements that can affect its performance.
Our Top Picks for the Best Oil for 5.7 Hemi
The options for engine oils abound, but not all of them will work for 5.7 Hemi. To help you decide, here is a round-up of the best oils worth considering.
1. Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Best Overall
The brand name alone is already a compelling reason to choose this 5.7 Hemi engine oil. It uses top-notch ingredients to deliver up to six times better wear protection and 1.4 times better sludge protection compared to what you can expect from most of its competitors. Not to mention, it makes the critical parts function up to four times smoother.
More so, this full synthetic motor oil contains intelligent molecules that will adhere to the crucial components of your engine. In turn, it will provide invisible protection even in extreme environments.
It meets different performance standards, which shows how it has met or exceeded the requirements of different organizations. It has certifications from the American Petroleum Institute and International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee.
According to US industry standards, this oil can improve fuel economy. This is a great way to make your car more efficient without compromising power.
For your peace of mind, using this oil makes you eligible for the Castrol engine warranty, which covers up to 500,000 miles. Register online and you can rely on support from the manufacturer if there is any problem within the warranty period.
Key Features and Specs:
- Six times better wear protection
- 1.4 times better sludge protection
- Castrol engine warranty
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5 quarts
Pros:
- Has premium ingredients for superior protection
- Provides a noticeable mileage improvement
- Great performance even in extreme temperatures
Cons:
- Breaks down quickly
Verdict
Our favorite 5.7 Hemi engine oil on this list, this motor oil has intelligent molecules that offer superior protection and lubrication to guarantee optimal performance.
Overall Rating: 4.9 out of 5
2. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Runner-Up
Designed for 5.7 Hemi gas engines, this motor oil has extra detergents, superior antioxidants, and anti-wear additives that work together for 40% better protection from wear. Meanwhile, it has 25% protection from harmful deposits, making it effective in prolonging the functional life of an engine.
Speaking of its performance, this engine oil has also been proven to resist breakdown up to 10 times better compared to the industry standards. Even in harsh environments, the oil retains its beneficial properties to deliver what it promises.
Even the packaging is notable. With the precision pour spout, it is easy to transfer oil to an engine. Plus, it comes with an anti-glug tube, which will minimize mess during its use.
Lastly, the oil meets the standards of the API SI for preventing low-speed pre-ignition in a gasoline direct injection engine.
Key Features and Specs:
- 25 times better defense from deposits
- 10 times better ability to resist breakdown
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5 quarts
Pros:
- Excellent protection in both low and high temperatures
- Allows oil to flow quicker for faster start-ups
- Effectively prevents corrosion
Cons:
- Not for diesel engines
Verdict
From preventing low-speed pre-ignition to maximizing the defense of the engine against wear, this oil is another excellent option that deserves your attention.
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5
3. Amazon Basics Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Best for People on a Budget
Engine oils do not have to be expensive to be effective. This product from AmazonBasics proves that even if you are on a budget, you can enjoy an incredible performance.
Among others, one thing that makes it stand out is the presence of friction-reducing ingredients. They allow smooth movements of the engine components, which will minimize wear over time.
Additionally, the engine oil is made for longer drain intervals. By being long-lasting, you can save money compared to other oils that will require refilling frequently. The shelf life is also long, so you do not need to rush to use the entire container.
If there is one thing that the company can improve, however, it would be the packaging. There are no measurement marks, so it is difficult to estimate how much oil is remaining.
Key Features and Specs:
- Friction-reducing formula
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5 quarts
Pros:
- Resists viscosity in cold weather
- Made for longer drain intervals
- Good shelf life
Cons:
- No way to determine how much oil remains in the container
Verdict
While affordable, this 5,7 Hemi engine oil has great performance, such as in terms of friction reduction to promote smoother movements and prevent premature wear.
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5
4. Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil
An economical option for a 5.7 Hemi engine oil, this product promises to keep your engine running like new even after a long time of running. It guarantees protection up to 10,000 miles.
The exclusive cleaning agents in the proprietary formula of this engine oil are responsible for many of its benefits. A single oil change will prevent deposits and sludge, minimizing strain and wear on the engine.
It is also impressive because of its great oxidation and thermal stability. This means that it remains effective regardless of the external conditions. Even in winter, it makes cold-weather starting a breeze. It does not easily freeze, making it reliable.
More so, we love how it meets and exceeds different requirements, including API SJ, API SL, API SN, API SM, and ILSAAC GF-6A. The latter shows that the engine oil has been through a series of tests and proven to deliver what it claims.
Key Features and Specs:
- Guaranteed 10,000-mile protection
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5 quarts
Pros:
- Has active cleaning agents to minimize sludge
- Resists freezing
- Fast-flowing for immediate action
Cons:
- The container is prone to leaking
Verdict
From meeting various engine oil standards to having guaranteed effectiveness at up to 10,000 miles, this product will help you maximize the benefits of a 5.7 Hemi.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
5. Castrol Edge Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Among others, this engine oil stands out because of Fluid Titanium Technology. Exclusively developed by the manufacturer, it is responsible for providing superior oil strength. The latter allows the oil to retain its beneficial components even in the harshest environments.
The exclusive formula of this oil effectively reduces metal-to-metal contact. This means that there is minimal strain on the moving components of the engine to prevent primary wear.
Additionally, it minimizes the deposits and sludge in the engine. By keeping the engine clean, it can maximize response, which will improve the overall performance of your vehicle.
This engine oil has been tested and proven to exceed industry standards. Based on these tests, it has three times better strength compared to leading competitors for full synthetic oils. It prevents viscosity breakdown, even in high or low temperatures.
Key Features and Specs:
- Fluid Titanium Technology
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5 quarts
Pros:
- Makes the engine smooth like butter
- Effectively reduces sludge formation
- Minimizes carbon build-up
Cons:
- The oil can get dirty quickly
Verdict
From the reduction of metal-to-metal contact to minimizing carbon deposits, this 5.7 Hemi oil helps unleash the best performance of your engine.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
6. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil
If you are looking for a 5.7 Hemi oil even for powerful engines, this product should be on your radar. It is designed to deliver incredible performance even in luxury and performance vehicles.
Looking at its features, one of the most notable is PurePlus technology. The latter is a patented innovation that converts natural gas into a full synthetic base oil. This is unlike others that are made from crude.
Since the oil is made from natural gas, the impurities are fewer. To add, it also combines special additives, which help improve fuel economy and power of the 5.7 Hemi engine. Therefore, you can expect that there will be no loss of power, which is especially important in demanding vehicles like sports cars.
It is also worth noting that this oil has a faster flow rate compared to what you can expect from most of its competitors. Even in extremely hot or cold environments, it is impressive.
Key Features and Specs:
- PurePlus Technology
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5 quarts
Pros:
- Made from natural gas and not crude
- Flows fast even in extreme conditions
- Ideal even for sports cars
Cons:
- Can have silt at the bottom
Verdict
This premium 5.7 Hemi engine oil is made from natural gas, which makes it more effective in ensuring superior performance even in difficult conditions.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
7. Liqui Moly Special Tec Motor Oil
As the packaging indicates, this engine oil was specifically formulated for Asia and America. A German-made oil for 5.7 Hemi engine, this product has the latest additives and unconventional base oils that guarantee maximum protection against wear.
One of the benefits of this product is that it promotes quick oil delivery. This means that the effects are quickly evident. With proper use, this engine oil can reduce friction and noise. At the same time, it also improves fuel consumption.
Before buying this engine oil, however, take note that it has a high melting point. This means that it is not for environments that are too hot, which can degrade the oil and make it ineffective.
Key Features and Specs:
- Formulated for Asia and America
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5.28 quarts
Pros:
- Retains the efficiency of fuel
- Makes engine quieter and smoother
- Works even for catalytic converters and turbochargers
Cons:
- Not ideal for hot environments
Verdict
From fuel efficiency to the reduction of friction, this is another engine oil that delivers plenty of benefits for Hemi engines.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
8. Quaker State Motor Oil
The synthetic blend formula of this engine oil makes it a great option for vehicles that you often use in stop-and-go driving. It can maintain the right viscosity from start to finish, which makes it a great option in different environments.
For your peace of mind, it is also worth noting that this engine oil has a warranty of ten years or 300,000 miles, whichever comes first. Within the warranty period, you can rely on support from the manufacturer if you have concerns about the product.
More so, this engine oil is also effective in combating deposits and sludge. It prevents harmful acids from causing rust and corrosion, among other damages.
Nonetheless, take note that it is a synthetic blend, which is not as powerful as its full synthetic counterparts. For instance, it is not for high mileage environments. To add, it also cannot provide extreme temperature protection.
Key Features and Specs:
- 300,000-mile or 10-year warranty
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 5 quarts
Pros:
- Excellent resistance against oxidation
- Superior lubrication in different environments
- Maintains the right viscosity
Cons:
- No additives for high mileage applications
Verdict
From maintaining the right velocity to protecting against harmful deposits, this is another 5.7 Hemi engine oil that can optimize performance in different environments.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
9. Red Line Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Among others, one of the best reasons to choose this engine oil is its high viscosity index. The latter is a measurement of the ability to resist breakdown in high temperatures. Meaning, even in an extremely cold environment, the oil will not freeze. It can deliver the promised benefits regardless of the external conditions.
Another good reason to choose this product is the use of molybdenum as one of its main ingredients. This is an oil-soluble compound that improves the ability of the oil to prevent engine protection, especially from rust and corrosion.
Speaking of ingredients, it also contains polyol ester base stocks. They have multi-grade properties, which eliminates the need to use additives. As a result, it maintains the natural properties of the base materials instead of adding other chemicals that can hurt the lubricity of the oil.
More so, it has high-temperature stability and less evaporation. Whether it is hot or cold, you can be confident that this 5.7 Hemi engine oil does not disappoint.
Key Features and Specs:
- High-natural viscosity index
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 1 gallon
Pros:
- Compatible with other oil types
- Contains molybdenum
- High stability in different conditions
Cons:
- Can be messy to pour
Verdict
With innovative ingredients like molybdenum and polyol ester base socks, this 5.7 Hemi engine oil has exceptional wear protection and promotes fuel economy.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
10. Formula Shell Conventional Motor Oil
Wrapping up our list is an economical product that does not compromise performance. This conventional engine oil meets and exceeds the warranty requirements of vehicles from the United States, Europe, and Japan.
This product is effective in protecting the engine from extreme temperatures. Whether it is extremely hot or cold, the engine will not be easily prone to wear while also ensuring quick starts.
To add, this engine oil is also impressive because it protects against harmful acids, sludge, and deposits that can accumulate in the engine over time. By keeping the engine clean, it also prevents premature wear.
You can use this engine oil at any point in the 5.7 Hemi engine’s lifecycle. At the same time, you can also combine it with either conventional or synthetic oil without worrying that it will become ineffective.
Key Features and Specs:
- Meets ILSAC GF-5 and API Service Category SN
- Oil Type: SAE 5W-20
- Volume: 1 quart
Pros:
- Economical
- Exceeds most vehicle requirements
- Compatible with other synthetic and conventional engine oils
Cons:
- Prone to leaking
Verdict
This affordable 5.7 Hemi engine oil protects against deposits and sludge while ensuring optimal performance in different environments.
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5
How to Choose the Best Oil for 5.7 Hemi
As you decide what oil to choose for a Hemi engine, below are some of the most important considerations.
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Type of Oil
One of the first things to look at is the type of oil to use. The options abound, but as you can see from most of the products above, the best is full synthetic engine oil.
Full synthetic motor oil uses a uniquely designed synthetic-based stock. It has a special molecule by molecule formula and does not have petroleum. Even better, it does not contain additives that can do more harm than good to your Hemi engine.
You can also use synthetic blends and conventional motor oil. Nonetheless, if you have the option to grab a full synthetic, that would be better.
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Viscosity Rating
The manufacturer of the 5.7 Hemi engine recommends an SAE 5W-20 engine oil. All products mentioned in this review belong to such a category.
For those who do not know, the number before W indicates the viscosity of the engine oil at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that in 5W-20, the viscosity is 5. The lower this number is, the better is the ability of the oil to protect against extremely low temperatures.
Meanwhile, the number after W, which is 20 in this case, is the viscosity of the oil at a high temperature. The thicker the oil is, the higher is the number. This also means that it will have exceptional adherence to the engine even when it is hot.
SW-20 is a thin oil. It is best for winter or in places with low temperatures. If you live in a hot place, however, you might want to switch to another engine oil with a higher viscosity rating.
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Oil Standards
Take a closer look at the label of the engine oil and you will find the standards that it meets. You will find various acronyms, such as ILSAC and API. With these acronyms, it means that the oil has been tested and proven to meet or exceed the standards set by these organizations. Hence, you can be more confident of the engine oil’s effectiveness.
FAQs
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What is a 5.7 Hemi engine?
The 5.7 Hemi engine is made by Chrysler and was released in 2003 to power a Dodge Ram truck. It is a third-generation engine from the Hemi family, which was a replacement for the 5.9-liter LA/Magnum engine.
As for its construction, a 5.7 Hemi engine comes with aluminum cross-flow cylinder heads. Each cylinder has two spark plugs and two valves. Newer designs of this engine are flatter, which reduces emissions and promotes better fuel efficiency.
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How do I change the oil in a 5.7 Hemi engine?
Changing the oil in a 5.7 Hemi engine is an easy DIY task. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how you can do so:
- Park your car in an open space and even area. Gather all the materials you will need before you start to make the process more seamless.
- Drain the remaining oil. Look for the drain pan and remove the drain plug, which you will find at the bottom.
- Put a pan underneath, which will catch the oil that you will drain. Once it is empty, make sure that you mind the proper disposal of the old oil.
- Once the oil is drained, take the oil filter out and replace it with a new one.
- Fill the engine with new oil, following the recommendations from the manufacturer.
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How much oil does a 5.7 Hemi engine need?
A 5.7 Hemi engine will require seven quarts of oil. Most of the engine oils in this list, however, are only five quarts. Hence, if you will need to fill the entire tank, you will need to buy at least two of those oils or a bigger container.
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How often should I change oil in a 5.7 Hemi engine?
The frequency of changing the oil in a 5.7 Hemi engine depends on the specific recommendations of the car’s manufacturer. In most instances, however, you will need to change the oil after running 8,000 to 10,000 miles.
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How long does a 5.7 Hemi engine last?
On average, a 5.7 Hemi engine has a lifespan of 250,000 to 300,000 miles. Nonetheless, the specific lifespan depends on several factors, such as the conditions of the external environment, including the weather and terrain. More importantly, the extent of care and maintenance also affects the lifespan.
Conclusion
If we have to pick only one winner for this round-up of the best oil for 5.7 hemi, it would be Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic Motor Oil. The latter offers wear and sludge protection, making sure that the 5.7 Hemi engine functions at its peak even after years of use.