When I first picked up my 5.7L Hemi, I quickly learned that these powerful V8 engines demand the right ignition components to run smoothly—especially when dealing with the two-plugs-per-cylinder design. Finding the best spark plugs for hemi engine isn’t just about horsepower; it’s about maintaining fuel efficiency, stopping misfires, and ensuring longevity. I’ve personally experimented with various materials, from copper to iridium, and put together this guide to show you the options that truly deliver reliable performance and value for your truck or sedan.
Contents
- 16 pc NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs compatible with Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2011-2024 HEMI V8 truck
- Autowxjq Iridium Spark Plug 16pcs Replace Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 4.7L 5.7L 6.4L V8
- 16 pc Champion Copper Plus Spark Plugs compatible with Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2011-2024 HEMI V8 truck
- 16 pc Champion Iridium Spark Plugs compatible with Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2011-2024 HEMI
- Ignition Coil Pack Spark Plugs fit for 5.7 Hemi Dodge Ram 1500, Chrysler 300, Challenger Charger Durango, Jeep Commander Grand Cherokee, 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
- 8x Ignition Coil Pack and 16x Iridium Spark Plugs Fit for 5.7 V8 HEMI 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 Charger Challenger Durango Jeep Cherokee Commander Chrysler 300 Aspen
- 16 pc NGK V-Power Spark Plugs compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2003-2008
- Comparison and Practical Buying Advice
- Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Spark Plug
- Best Spark Plugs For Hemi Engine FAQ
- Why does the 5.7L Hemi engine require 16 spark plugs?
- What is the recommended gap setting for Hemi spark plugs?
- How often should I replace the spark plugs in my Hemi?
- Are iridium spark plugs really worth the extra cost for a Hemi?
- If I’m replacing my best spark plugs for hemi engine, should I also replace the ignition coils?
- Can using the wrong type of spark plug damage my Hemi engine?
16 pc NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs compatible with Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2011-2024 HEMI V8 truck
NGK’s Iridium IX line is often considered the gold standard for modern Hemi engines, offering a fantastic balance of longevity and enhanced performance. These plugs are engineered to handle the intense heat and high pressures of the 5.7L V8, ensuring that your combustion cycle is always sharp and efficient. If you’re looking to minimize maintenance and maximize the time between changes, the fine-wire iridium center electrode delivers consistent ignition and minimizes wear over time, helping to reduce harmful emissions and misfires immediately after installation.
Key features that stand out:
– REDUCE EMISSIONS AND MISFIRES: Promotes sharper spark focus.
– IMPROVE IGNITION AND SPARK EFFICIENCY: Advanced center and ground electrodes deliver powerful combustion.
– TRUST IN NGK NTK: Built by a world leader in ignition component design.
Pros:
– Extremely long service life (often 100,000 miles).
– Enhanced ignitability for faster starts.
– Reliable protection against seizing.
Cons:
– Premium price point due to the iridium material.
Best for: Modern Hemi owners (2011+) prioritizing extended service intervals and top-tier reliability.
Expert Opinion: The Iridium IX is a proven upgrade over standard OE plugs. While iridium is slightly less conductive than fresh copper, the longevity and consistent spark over tens of thousands of miles make it the superior choice for modern electronic ignition systems that rely on a stable resistance.
Autowxjq Iridium Spark Plug 16pcs Replace Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 4.7L 5.7L 6.4L V8
If you’re seeking the benefits of iridium—high durability and resistance to wear—without the high cost associated with big brand names, the Autowxjq Iridium plugs are a compelling option. These plugs are pre-gapped, which is a major benefit for Hemi owners since you need 16 of them, speeding up installation considerably. Designed for today’s high-performance engines, these plugs boast an extremely high melting point, making them perfect for aggressive driving or towing applications where heat management is crucial.
Key features that stand out:
– Iridium Design: Extremely high melting point for high durability to heat and electrical wear.
– Pre-gap: Ready for immediate installation, saving prep time.
– Replace part number: Cross-references numerous OEM and aftermarket plugs (e.g., 4469, 5617).
Pros:
– Excellent value for a 16-piece iridium set.
– Simple, direct installation due to being pre-gapped.
– Broad compatibility across various Hemi displacements (4.7L, 5.7L, 6.4L).
Cons:
– A newer brand compared to NGK or Champion, potentially impacting perceived trust.
Best for: Hemi owners looking for cost-effective iridium performance and easy installation.
Expert Opinion: The provided specifications (5000 ohms resistance, 26.5mm reach) align well with Hemi requirements. The iridium core ensures you get the lifespan you expect from precious metal plugs, making them a great budget-friendly option when looking for the best spark plugs for hemi engine.
16 pc Champion Copper Plus Spark Plugs compatible with Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2011-2024 HEMI V8 truck
Champion Copper Plus plugs are the reliable workhorse of the ignition world. Copper offers the highest electrical conductivity of any common spark plug material, delivering a strong, sharp spark right out of the box. While copper plugs require much more frequent replacement (typically every 30,000 miles), they are often favored by enthusiasts who want the absolute strongest initial spark and by those who stick strictly to original equipment (OE) maintenance schedules. Trust in Champion comes from their long history in racing and manufacturing quality OE components.
Key features that stand out:
– Genuine Champion Parts: Rely on the established quality of a leading ignition brand.
– RELY ON QUALITY SPARK PLUGS: Designed to meet modern engine demands for powerful performance.
– Built with durable precious metals: (Note: Copper is not a precious metal, but Champion emphasizes durability overall.)
Pros:
– Provides the strongest spark conductivity available.
– Highly economical and easy to source.
– Ideal for maintaining OE performance specifications.
Cons:
– Requires significantly more frequent replacement than iridium or platinum plugs.
Best for: Budget-conscious Hemi owners or those who prefer following the 30k mile maintenance cycle for maximum electrical efficiency.
Expert Opinion: For performance enthusiasts who don’t mind changing plugs often, copper remains the top choice for electrical efficiency. If you are regularly tuning or frequently inspecting the engine, these Champion Copper Plus plugs offer a great baseline performance for the best spark plugs for hemi engine options.
16 pc Champion Iridium Spark Plugs compatible with Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2011-2024 HEMI
Champion’s Iridium offering combines their historical expertise with modern precious metal technology. These plugs are built to enhance engine performance by creating a sharply-focused flame kernel due to the fine-wire center electrode and V-trimmed ground electrode. This design minimizes quenching and misfires, leading to faster, more complete combustion. The durability of the iridium material ensures these plugs withstand high-pressure, high-temperature Hemi environments, making them a superb long-term investment.
Key features that stand out:
– ENHANCE PERFORMANCE: Fine-wire electrode and V-trimmed ground minimizes quenching.
– Withstand high-pressure environments: Iridium design is highly durable.
– TRUST IN CHAMPION: Success translated from racing to reliable consumer components.
Pros:
– Excellent longevity comparable to NGK iridium.
– Focused spark design significantly reduces misfires.
– Proven OE quality manufacturing standards.
Cons:
– High upfront cost, common for iridium plugs.
Best for: Hemi owners seeking improved combustion efficiency and long-life durability from an established American brand.
Expert Opinion: Champion has truly leveraged iridium here to create a reliable long-life plug. The specific focus on the flame kernel design helps optimize combustion timing, which can translate to minor improvements in throttle response compared to standard copper or platinum plugs.
Ignition Coil Pack Spark Plugs fit for 5.7 Hemi Dodge Ram 1500, Chrysler 300, Challenger Charger Durango, Jeep Commander Grand Cherokee, 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Sometimes, replacing the best spark plugs for hemi engine is not enough; the ignition coils are often the source of misfires, especially on higher-mileage Hemi engines. This package provides a convenient 8 Ignition Coil Pack and Spark Plugs combo (note: this is a partial spark plug kit for the Hemi, which uses 16 plugs, but provides the necessary coils). NPAUTO ensures their components meet or exceed OEM specifications. This comprehensive approach is ideal if you are troubleshooting rough idling, poor fuel economy, or hesitation, as both worn plugs and weak coils are addressed simultaneously.
Key features that stand out:
– Set of 8 Ignition Coil Pack and Spark Plugs combo: Addresses the full ignition system for eight cylinders.
– Solve issues caused by failed coils and spark plugs: Tackles misfire, hard starting, and rough idle.
– Premium materials: Designed and produced under high standards to meet OEM specs.
Pros:
– Full system solution for coil-related misfires.
– Direct OEM fit and easy installation.
– Excellent value proposition for coils and plugs combined.
Cons:
– Does not include all 16 spark plugs required for a full Hemi plug replacement.
Best for: Hemi owners experiencing coil failure symptoms alongside worn plugs (often found in 2009-2020 models).
Expert Opinion: If your vehicle is throwing a code related to specific coil packs (P030X codes), this combination kit provides the essential replacement parts needed for an effective repair. Replacing the coils when replacing the spark plugs is always sound preventative maintenance on high-mileage engines.
8x Ignition Coil Pack and 16x Iridium Spark Plugs Fit for 5.7 V8 HEMI 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 Charger Challenger Durango Jeep Cherokee Commander Chrysler 300 Aspen
Unlike the previous kit, this offering from LCWRGS provides a complete ignition system overhaul, including 8 ignition coils and the full 16 iridium spark plugs required for the 5.7L Hemi. This comprehensive set uses highly conductive copper wire in the coils and durable iridium in the plugs, ensuring maximum performance and reliability. They specifically market an upgrade of 15% more energy than OE coils, translating to stronger spark delivery and improved engine responsiveness.
Key features that stand out:
– Complete System Overhaul: Includes 8 coils and 16 Iridium spark plugs.
– Enhanced Coil and Spark Plug: Upgrades performance with 15% more energy than OE coils.
– Highly conductive copper wire and high dielectric performance epoxy: Ensures excellent connectivity and long service life.
Pros:
– Addresses all ignition components in one purchase.
– The use of iridium plugs guarantees extended maintenance intervals.
– Specifically designed to upgrade, not just replace, factory performance.
Cons:
– The quality control of generic aftermarket coils can sometimes be inconsistent.
Best for: Hemi owners seeking a comprehensive performance upgrade who want to replace all 16 plugs and all 8 coils simultaneously for a total refresh.
Expert Opinion: For higher mileage Hemi vehicles (100k+ miles), the coils are nearing the end of their useful life anyway. Investing in a kit that provides a full set of best spark plugs for hemi engine and upgraded coils is the smartest preventative maintenance move you can make for reliable long-term performance.
16 pc NGK V-Power Spark Plugs compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2003-2008
The NGK V-Power plugs are the perfect economical solution, especially for first-generation Hemi trucks (2003-2008). These are high-quality nickel plugs utilizing an advanced V-groove design in the ground electrode to enhance spark development without requiring high voltage. They provide reliable, consistent performance similar to OE plugs but with NGK’s proprietary anti-corrosion Trivalent Metal Plating, which is a huge benefit if you live in environments prone to rust or salt.
Key features that stand out:
– Economical performance plug: Great value for older vehicles.
– Advanced V-groove design: Enhances spark development.
– Trivalent Metal Plating: Superior anti-corrosion and anti-seizing properties.
Pros:
– Highly resistant to corrosion and seizing in the cylinder head.
– Consistent, reliable performance for older ignition systems.
– Very affordable price point for a 16-plug set.
Cons:
– Shorter lifespan compared to modern iridium options.
Best for: Owners of earlier Hemi models (pre-2009) or those on a strict budget who prefer NGK quality.
Expert Opinion: While not an iridium plug, the V-Power excels in reliability and compatibility with older systems. The V-groove is a clever design feature that helps keep the flame kernel centralized, providing better ignitability than some standard nickel plugs while offering the practical conductivity of fresh copper.
Comparison and Practical Buying Advice
When selecting the best spark plugs for hemi engine, your choice usually comes down to three factors: vehicle age, budget, and desired maintenance interval.
If your Hemi is a 2009 or newer model, you generally want to stick with Iridium (like the NGK Iridium IX or Champion Iridium) because modern ignition systems are designed for the high resistance and stability of these precious metal plugs. Iridium plugs offer extended longevity up to 100k miles, meaning you only change them once every few years.
Conversely, Copper plugs (like the Champion Copper Plus or NGK V-Power) offer superior initial spark conductivity but must be replaced every 30k miles. They are ideal for older Hemi models (pre-2009) or for high-performance builds where owners often perform frequent maintenance.
For maintenance that goes beyond just the plugs, consider the Coil Pack Combo Kits. These kits, such as the LCWRGS 16-plug/8-coil set, are essential if your Hemi has over 100,000 miles and you are experiencing sporadic misfires, as replacing the ignition system together ensures maximum efficiency and eliminates multiple failure points. Pay close attention to whether the kit includes the full 16 plugs required for your Hemi.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Spark Plug
If budget isn’t a concern and you want the absolute longest service life from a trusted brand, the 16 pc NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs are the clear winner for modern Hemi engines (2011+). They provide unmatched stability and durability.
For the driver experiencing misfires and rough idling on a higher-mileage vehicle, we strongly recommend the 8x Ignition Coil Pack and 16x Iridium Spark Plugs from LCWRGS. This kit tackles the entire ignition system, offering both high-quality iridium plugs and upgraded coils for a full refresh.
If you own an older 5.7L Hemi (2003-2008) or want the lowest-cost, high-conductivity option and don’t mind changing plugs frequently, go with the 16 pc Champion Copper Plus Spark Plugs.
Best Spark Plugs For Hemi Engine FAQ
Why does the 5.7L Hemi engine require 16 spark plugs?
The 5.7L Hemi uses a dual-ignition system, meaning it employs two spark plugs per cylinder. This design enhances combustion efficiency by creating two flame fronts, leading to a more complete and faster burn of the fuel mixture. This system improves fuel economy, reduces emissions, and helps provide the high-end power Hemi engines are known for.
What is the recommended gap setting for Hemi spark plugs?
The factory-recommended spark plug gap for most 5.7L Hemi engines (especially 2005 onwards) is typically 0.043 inches (1.1 mm). However, it is always crucial to verify this specification in your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the OEM component listing, especially when installing aftermarket options. Even if plugs are marked “pre-gapped,” checking and adjusting the gap with a feeler gauge is highly recommended before installation.
How often should I replace the spark plugs in my Hemi?
The replacement interval depends heavily on the spark plug material:
* Copper/Nickel Plugs (V-Power, Copper Plus): Typically 30,000 miles.
* Iridium/Platinum Plugs (Iridium IX, Champion Iridium): Typically 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Sticking to the prescribed maintenance schedule is essential to prevent misfires and maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
Are iridium spark plugs really worth the extra cost for a Hemi?
For most daily drivers and tow vehicles, yes. Iridium plugs offer superior wear resistance to heat and electrical erosion due to the precious metal tip. While copper is more conductive initially, iridium maintains a consistent gap and stable performance over a significantly longer lifespan (up to three times longer), saving money on parts and labor over the life of the vehicle.
If I’m replacing my best spark plugs for hemi engine, should I also replace the ignition coils?
It is often recommended to replace the coils alongside the spark plugs, especially if your Hemi has over 100,000 miles. Worn coils can lead to weak spark and misfires, even with brand new plugs. Combining the job, often done using comprehensive combo kits, simplifies maintenance and ensures the entire ignition system is performing optimally.
Can using the wrong type of spark plug damage my Hemi engine?
Using the wrong heat range or incorrect reach plug can potentially cause serious engine issues. If the plug is too cold, it can foul; if it’s too hot, it can cause pre-ignition and engine damage. Always ensure the replacement spark plug matches the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications for thread reach and heat rating.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.







