Upgrading cylinder heads is among the most effective ways to unlock significant horsepower and torque from a 5.7 Hemi engine. In this guide, we researched and compared seven of the best performance heads available on Amazon. Our evaluation is based on manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback. We focused on flow characteristics, durability, compatibility, and overall value. Whether you are building a street truck, a muscle car, or a track machine, this guide will help you choose the right heads for your build and budget.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Mopar Performance P5153831AE Cylinder Heads Top Pick OEM replacement with improved airflow, 64cc chambers, cast iron |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Edelbrock 61779 Performer RPM Aluminum Cylinder Heads Best Aluminum Aluminum, 65cc chambers, 200cc intake runner, assembled |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Trick Flow Specialties TFS-3151T01-B1 PowerPort 240 Cylinder Heads Best for High HP Aluminum, 240cc intake runner, 68cc chambers, CNC-ported |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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ProMaxx Performance 5.7 Hemi Aluminum Cylinder Heads Budget Pick Aluminum, 64cc chambers, 205cc intake runner, assembled |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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BluePrint Engines BPH550 Cylinder Heads for 5.7 Hemi Best Value Aluminum, 65cc chambers, 210cc intake runner, assembled |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Speedmaster PCE261.1030 Aluminum Cylinder Heads Entry Level Aluminum, 64cc chambers, 200cc intake runner, bare |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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JEGS 512001 Cylinder Heads for 5.7 Hemi Good for Stock Replacement Cast iron, 65cc chambers, stock replacement, bare |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Mopar Performance P5153831AE Cylinder Heads: Top Pick
In our evaluation, the Mopar Performance P5153831AE heads stand out as the best overall choice for most 5.7 Hemi owners. These are factory-engineered cast iron heads with CNC porting that improves airflow without sacrificing durability. Based on owner feedback and the spec sheets, they deliver a reliable 25-30 horsepower increase when paired with a mild cam and tune. The 64cc combustion chambers maintain compression ratio suitable for pump gas, and hardened seats allow for aggressive cam profiles or alternative fuels. These heads are a direct bolt-on, meaning you can use stock rockers, pushrods, and intake manifold.
However, these heads are not the ultimate choice for extreme high-rpm builds. The cast iron construction adds weight over the front axle, which can affect handling in lightweight vehicles. If you are building a dedicated race engine with a large solid roller cam and need maximum airflow above 7,000 rpm, you would be better served by a premium aluminum head. For street performance, towing, or mild strip use, these are an outstanding value and a safe bet for longevity.
- Direct factory replacement for 5.7 Hemi, no modifications needed
- CNC-ported intake and exhaust runners for 25-30 hp gain
- Hardened valve seats compatible with E85 and high-lift cams
Pros: Bolt-on installation with stock components; Excellent build quality and reliability
Cons: Heavier than aluminum aftermarket heads; Limited maximum flow compared to top-end aluminum heads
2. Edelbrock 61779 Performer RPM Aluminum Cylinder Heads: Best Aluminum
For those seeking weight reduction and improved thermal efficiency, the Edelbrock 61779 Performer RPM heads are a popular choice. In our research, these aluminum heads offer a 30-40 pound weight savings over stock iron heads, which can improve handling and acceleration. The 200cc intake runners are optimized for low- to mid-range torque, making them ideal for street-driven vehicles. Owner feedback indicates that with a proper tune, these heads can add 35-45 horsepower on a 5.7 Hemi with a mild cam and headers. The 65cc chambers keep compression around 9.5:1 on most pistons, allowing safe use of 87 octane fuel.
However, these heads are not the best choice for high-rpm power seekers. The as-cast ports are not fully CNC-profiled, so they flow less than competition ported heads at high lift. Additionally, some long-term owners have reported accelerated valve guide wear after 40,000+ miles, though this is not universal. If you are building a daily driver or weekend cruiser and want to shed weight while gaining torque, these are a solid option. Skip them if you plan to rev past 6,500 rpm regularly or want maximum airflow for a supercharger.
- Lightweight aluminum construction reduces front end weight
- As-cast runner design flows 280 cfm out of the box
- Fits stock intake and exhaust manifolds with minor adjustments
Pros: Significant weight savings over cast iron; Good out-of-box flow for mild street builds
Cons: Not fully CNC-ported, limited max flow potential; Some owners report valve guide wear with high-mileage use
3. Trick Flow Specialties TFS-3151T01-B1 PowerPort 240 Cylinder Heads: Best for High HP
When maximum power is the goal, the Trick Flow PowerPort 240 heads are among the best we have researched. These fully CNC-ported aluminum heads flow over 320 cfm on the intake side, supporting over 600 horsepower on a 5.7 Hemi. In our evaluation, the construction quality is top-tier, with thick decks, reinforced spring pockets, and premium valve train components that can handle aggressive cam profiles and high boost levels. Owner feedback confirms that these heads deliver consistent power gains of 50-70 horsepower when paired with a matching cam and intake. They are also compatible with factory rocker arms if desired, though most builders upgrade to a shaft-mount system.
The main drawback is cost and compatibility. These heads are not a simple bolt-on for stock engines; they require an aftermarket intake manifold, headers, and likely a higher stall converter or cam to realize their full potential. Additionally, the 68cc chambers lower compression slightly, which may not be ideal for naturally aspirated builds wanting high dynamic compression. If you are building a 600+ horsepower supercharged or nitrous-fed Hemi, these heads are an excellent investment. However, for a mild street build, the expense and complexity are hard to justify.
- CNC-ported intake and exhaust for over 320 cfm flow
- Thick deck and reinforced valve spring seats for high boost
- Includes premium valves, springs, and retainers ready for aggressive cams
Pros: Exceptional flow numbers support 600+ horsepower; Built to handle forced induction and high rpm
Cons: Requires aftermarket intake and exhaust manifolds; Higher price point may not suit budget builds
4. ProMaxx Performance 5.7 Hemi Aluminum Cylinder Heads: Budget Pick
For budget-conscious builders, the ProMaxx Performance heads offer an aluminum option at a price significantly lower than Edelbrock or Trick Flow. In our research, these heads feature a CNC bowl blend and a multi-angle valve job that improve flow over stock iron heads by about 15-20%. Owner feedback suggests gains of 20-30 horsepower on otherwise stock engines. They come fully assembled with valves, springs, and seals, and they bolt directly to factory intakes and exhaust manifolds. The 64cc chambers maintain near-stock compression, making them a straightforward upgrade.
However, we found that quality control can be inconsistent. Some owners reported issues with valve guide clearance or spring pressures being out of spec, requiring additional machine work. The flow numbers are not class-leading, so they are not ideal for high-performance builds. If you are on a tight budget and want to upgrade from stock iron heads for a mild street or truck application, these are worth considering. But if you plan to push the engine hard or want guaranteed reliability, we recommend spending more on a proven brand.
- Affordable aluminum alternative to OEM iron heads
- CNC bowl blend and multi-angle valve job for improved flow
- Compatible with factory intake and exhaust manifolds
Pros: Very competitive price for aluminum heads; Simple installation with stock parts
Cons: Inconsistent quality control reported by some users; Flow numbers lower than premium brands
5. BluePrint Engines BPH550 Cylinder Heads for 5.7 Hemi: Best Value
BluePrint Engines has built a reputation for offering well-engineered components at reasonable prices. The BPH550 heads are no exception. In our evaluation, these aluminum heads come fully assembled with Manley valves, dual valve springs rated for .650 lift, and bronze guides. The CNC porting yields around 290 cfm intake flow, which is sufficient for 450-500 horsepower builds. Owner feedback is generally positive, with many noting easy installation and immediate power gains of 30-40 horsepower. The 65cc chambers are a good match for most pistons, keeping compression around 10:1 with flat-tops.
On the downside, some users have reported minor fitment issues with certain aftermarket intake manifolds, requiring slight grinding or shimming. Additionally, while the flow is good, it is not as optimized as Trick Flow or other premium heads for high-lift cams. For a street/strip build aiming for 450-500 horsepower, these heads offer excellent value. However, if you are chasing every last horsepower for a competitive race engine, you may want a more ported design.
- Fully assembled with Manley valves and dual springs
- CNC ported intake and exhaust for 290 cfm flow
- Includes bronze valve guides and hardened seats
Pros: Great balance of price and performance; Quality components from reputable suppliers
Cons: Some fitment issues with aftermarket intakes reported; Not as extensively ported as high-end heads
6. Speedmaster PCE261.1030 Aluminum Cylinder Heads: Entry Level
Speedmaster heads are often chosen by builders on a strict budget who are comfortable with some hands-on work. These bare aluminum castings come with a CNC bowl blend but require you to transfer valves, springs, and retainers from your old heads or purchase a separate valve kit. In our research, the flow numbers are modest, around 260 cfm, which limits power potential to about 400 horsepower. Owner feedback is mixed: some appreciate the low price and weight savings, while others note that the castings may have flashing or misaligned guide holes that need correction.
These heads are not recommended for beginners or those seeking a direct bolt-on solution. The time and cost to assemble and possibly machine them can offset the initial savings. If you have the skills and tools to finish the heads yourself, they can be a viable budget option. However, for most builders, the extra effort and quality risks make a fully assembled head a better choice. Skip these if reliability and convenience are priorities.
- Lowest cost option for aluminum heads
- Bare castings require transfer of your existing valvetrain
- As-cast ports with minor CNC bowl work
Pros: Very affordable for aluminum construction; Lightweight and can be upgraded later
Cons: Bare heads require assembly and machine work; Inconsistent casting quality; may need cleanup
7. JEGS 512001 Cylinder Heads for 5.7 Hemi: Good for Stock Replacement
JEGS 512001 heads are essentially OEM-spec replacement heads for 5.7 Hemi engines. In our evaluation, they are identical in flow and construction to the factory heads, meaning they offer no performance gain. They come as bare castings, so you must transfer all valvetrain components. Owner feedback is limited, but those who have used them for replacement report satisfactory fit and durability. They are a cost-effective option if your factory heads are cracked or warped and you want to keep the engine stock.
However, these heads are not performance parts. If you are looking for more power, you will be disappointed. The cast iron construction adds weight and does not improve heat dissipation. For a true performance upgrade, skip these and invest in aluminum heads. They are best suited for budget-restored stock vehicles or as a temporary fix.
- Direct replacement for factory 5.7 Hemi heads
- Bare castings, no valvetrain included
- Same flow characteristics as OEM
Pros: Lowest price option for replacement; Exact OEM fit and finish
Cons: No performance improvement over stock; Heavy cast iron; no weight savings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cylinder head for a 5.7 Hemi for street use?
For most street applications, the Mopar Performance P5153831AE heads offer the best combination of bolt-on ease, reliability, and performance. They provide a noticeable power increase without requiring extensive modifications. If you prefer aluminum for weight savings, the Edelbrock 61779 Performer RPM heads are also an excellent choice for daily driving.
Can I use stock intake and exhaust manifolds with aftermarket heads?
Many aftermarket heads are designed to be compatible with stock manifolds, but it depends on the specific head. The Mopar Performance and ProMaxx heads are direct bolt-ons. However, high-flow heads like Trick Flow often require aftermarket intake and headers to match their port locations and flow potential. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing.
Do I need to upgrade my camshaft when installing performance heads?
While not strictly necessary, a performance camshaft will help you fully realize the gains from better-flowing heads. The heads alone can add 20-40 horsepower on a stock cam, but pairing them with a matched cam can double that. For the best results, consider a cam with duration and lift that complements the head’s flow curve.
Are aluminum heads better than cast iron for the 5.7 Hemi?
Aluminum heads are lighter, which improves handling and reduces front-end weight. They also dissipate heat better, reducing detonation risk. However, cast iron heads are more durable under extreme heat and boost, and they are often cheaper. For most street and mild performance builds, aluminum is preferred. For high-boost or heavy-duty applications, cast iron may be more reliable.
What valve springs should I use with performance heads?
The valve springs must match your camshaft’s lift and duration. Most assembled aftermarket heads come with springs suitable for up to .600-.650 lift. If you use a cam with higher lift, you will need to upgrade springs. Always check the spring’s maximum lift rating and seat pressure to avoid coil bind or valve float.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the available options, the Mopar Performance P5153831AE cylinder heads are our top pick for most 5.7 Hemi owners. They offer a proven power gain, easy installation, and excellent reliability. For those seeking maximum horsepower, the Trick Flow TFS-3151T01-B1 PowerPort 240 heads are the runner-up, delivering exceptional flow for high-performance builds. Choose based on your power goals and budget.
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