5.7L Engine Complete Assembly for 2016-2017 Dodge Charger

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Verify the 8th digit of your VIN is 'T'.
• Verify your drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive (AWD) by checking for front CV axles extending from the front wheel hubs into a front differential.
• Verify your starter is mounted on the driver's side (left side) of the engine block.
• Verify your oil pan is cast aluminum with a pass-through tunnel for the front axle shaft.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Engine hoist and load leveler
• Chrysler-specific harmonic balancer puller (Mopar #9026A or equivalent)
• Fuel line disconnect tool
• High-quality torque wrench / Torque-Angle Gauge
• Bi-directional diagnostic scan tool (wiTECH, Autel, Appcar DiagFCA, or HP Tuners)

Budget for these consumables at install:

• 7 quarts of full synthetic 5W-20 engine oil meeting FCA Material Standard MS-6395
• High-quality spin-on oil filter (Mopar MO-339, MO-899, or Wix XP)
• Mopar-approved OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant meeting MS-12106 / MS.90032 (purple color)
• 16 new OE-spec high-performance Iridium spark plugs (gapped to 0.039–0.043 inches)
• Intake manifold gasket set
• Exhaust manifold gaskets and new exhaust manifold bolts/studs
• Oil pan gasket / windage tray (if swapping or replacing)
• Thermostat and water pump gaskets
• RTV silicone sealant (for timing cover corners)
• Thread locker
• Fresh transmission fluid (if any was lost during the swap)

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Relearn & PCM/VIN Marriage (if swapping PCM)

A Crankshaft Position Sensor Relearn is mandatory to prevent false misfire codes (P0300). If using a donor PCM, it must be programmed to your vehicle's VIN and security key (SKIM) to prevent a no-start condition. High-end aftermarket tools can perform these routines, though dealer tools are guaranteed.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• AWD vs. RWD Starter and Block Casting Differences: AWD starter is on the driver's side (left) to clear the front differential, while RWD is on the passenger's side (right). The AWD block has specific mounting bosses; a RWD block cannot be used in an AWD vehicle.
• AWD Oil Pan and Front Axle Pass-Through: The AWD oil pan features a built-in pass-through tunnel for the front axle shaft. Installation requires dropping the front subframe, removing both front CV axles, and disconnecting the front differential.
• MDS Solenoid and Lifter Pre-Lube: MDS solenoids under the intake manifold have fragile plastic connectors prone to cracking. Do not soak pre-oiled lifters in oil as they can over-pump and hold valves open; use assembly lube and prime the oiling system instead.
• Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: Cylinder head bolts, harmonic balancer bolts, and connecting rod bolts are one-time-use fasteners and must be replaced.
• Exhaust Manifold Studs: Exhaust manifold bolts are notorious for snapping off in the cylinder heads. Inspect and replace with upgraded grade-8 stainless steel studs while the engine is out.
• Engine/Trans Separation: On high-mileage units, the engine and transmission can be difficult to separate. Ensure all bellhousing and torque converter bolts are removed.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Ordering a RWD or Truck Engine for an AWD Vehicle: RWD and truck blocks have different starter locations, oil pans, and accessory configurations that make them incompatible with AWD passenger cars.
• Using the Wrong Engine Oil Viscosity: Using 5W-30 or other weights instead of 5W-20 will restrict oil flow to the MDS solenoids, causing lifter failure and camshaft destruction.
• Neglecting to Perform the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Relearn: Failing to perform the relearn leads to rough idling, random misfires (P0300), or a flashing Check Engine Light.
• Mixing Coolant Types (OAT vs. HOAT): Mixing purple OAT coolant with older orange/pink HOAT or green coolant causes a chemical reaction that turns the coolant into a thick, clogging gel.
• Failing to Inspect/Replace the Water Pump and Thermostat: Reusing an unverified water pump is a major gamble; replace it during the swap to prevent overheating.
• Reusing Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: Reusing head or rod bolts leads to head gasket or catastrophic internal engine failure.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: