7 Best spark plugs for 5.7 hemi (Dodge Ram) & Buyers Guide (2023)

by · Automotive Expert
Published
Updated

We live in the world where you can buy whatever you might think of in one click only. \ But, in the late ‘80s, when I set up my own mini-garage specializing in simply changing tires, a guy had only one way to modify his car without ruining it - ride around the whole city looking for a decent part. What’s more, there was no guarantee that you would find any at all. Thus, everyone had to have some experience and ability to establish relations with someone who could help in case you desperately needed something.

So, this is how I’ve become an expert. Living through hard times and gaining personal experience in searching for proper automotive stuff.

I must say, if you don't want to spend your time looking for the spark plugs, just go through this article. Enjoy!

Why you can trust me?I accept nothing from product manufacturers. Never. Here — only unbiased reviews and my opinion. I only earn commission from Amazon

I recommend:

our pick

NGK 5464 BKR5EIX-11

Our Pick. The best spark plug

All of the benefits of our top pick are included in this spark plug. Constructor in a special way. We recommend this product because it is made of iridium. Iridium alloy has extremely high melting point. Also it’s perfect for today's engines.

runner up

NGK ZFR5F-11 V-Power

For people who don’t like to drive for long distances

Widely used in the world of spark plugs. This spark plug characterized by high spark power. Moreover it is very cheap.

best value

Autolite APP104 Double Platinum

If you do not want to change often your spark plug

It is a good spark plug, because it has double platinum and you may change it once in every 5 years.

When I was writing an article about a must have mod for you truck, I was thinking if spark plugs is a mod or not. No, it's not, it's a necessity, but some models could improve truck performance. Before you choose a spark plug, you have to know which main characteristics should be taken into account and if they are worth being paid for.

The main challenge when choosing a spark plug is to weigh up all the pros and to see if they have a really reasonable price for them. A lot of spark plugs have very similar characteristics, however, really significant price difference. So, if you don't want to spend your time searching for the spark plugs, just go through this article.

Which type of spark plugs do you need?

In the engines, to ignite the fuel mixture the spark is fed through a spark plug. At first glance it seems that no special requirements for such details are presented, however, when a motorist visiting a specialized store, sees a wide range of spark plugs, he doesn't know which of plugs he needs.

Spark plugs differ in terms parameters:

The manufacturer: NGK, Denso, Autolite, Brisk, ACDelco, Champion.

The design is one-piece or multi-electrode; gray number; spark gap

The metals from which the electrodes are made are:

  1. iridium => longevity: 75-80 thousand miles;
  2. platinum => longevity: 55-75 thousand miles;
  3. copper alloy => longevity: 15-20 thousand miles;

All these features affect the choice of your spark plugs. So if you want to choose some best plug for your car, you must pay attention to these parameters.\ \


NEW ARTICLE! How to disinfect your truck and stay protected in 2023

Table of Best spark plugs for 5.7 hemi

NameOur rating Important characteristicsMade from LongevitySetPriceGapShops
NGK 5464 BKR5EIX-11
extreme ignitability and anti-foulingIridium70-80k miles4$$0.044”
NGK ZFR5F-11 V-Power
special V-Cut in the Center ElectrodeCooper20-25k miles1$0.028"
Autolite APP104 Double Platinum
four platinum tips and a layer of platinum alloyPlatinum65-75k miles1$0.044"
Denso Iridium TT IW16TT
made from durable and long-lasting iridiumIridium65-80k miles1$$$ 0.040"
NGK CR9EK
built with dual ground electrodesCooper20-25k miles1$$0.044"
ACDelco 41-993
Increased durability Iridium 65-80k miles8$$0.045"
Champion 3013 RS14PYC6
edges are good and the coverage is rightPlatinum25-30k miles4$0.044"

swipe left to see more

How I decided

26
models considered
31
hours spend
2
experts interviewed

Best spark plugs for 5.7 hemi

NGK 5464 BKR5EIX 11 Iridium

our-pick
Our rating:
5.0

Iridium IX was constructed in a special way to keep extreme ignitability, improved throttle response and superior anti-fouling.

skippy11from Chargerforums.com says:

he was rolling down the streets on Iridium IX since Y2K and seems he will buy another set of them in the future

Read more comments on Chargerforums.com

Moreover, the new 0.6 laser assures high sturdiness and a systematically stable spark and the tapered ground electrode leads to the minimisation of electrical quenching effect.

Shawn Torguefrom YourMechanic wrote to me:

It is going to be a much happier and healthier HEMI, one that's going to heat up a little bit faster. In some instances, you might even see an improved idle and one that's geared towards a stock or a mild bolt-on HEMI.

Longer insulator nose prevents contamination, corrugated ribs on the insulator prevent the ignition, and a triple seal eliminates combustion gas leakage. Iridium alloy has extremely high melting point.

Key features:

  • Iridium construction
  • Designed for High Performance
  • 0.6 mm electrode

Specification:

  • Brand: NGK
  • Model: 5464 BKR5EIX 11
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Complete set: 4 spark plugs

Product score:

  • Longevity(10/10)
  • Durability (10/10)
  • Performance (10/10)
  • Count of electrodes (9/10)

MY RATAING: 9.75

Pros
  • Ground Electrode Core Material - Nickel Core
  • Guarantees durability
  • Improved throttle response and extreme ignitability
  • Perfect for today's engines
  • Made from iridium
  • Minimization of electrical quenching effect
Cons
  • Pricey

NGK (2262) ZFR5F-11 V-Power

runner-up
Our rating:
5.0

NGK V-Power Plugs has a special V-Cut in the center electrode.

That appoints the spark to the end of the electrode, help the spark evolve more quickly, enhance combustion and lessen quenching. Cooling occurs when the heat generated by the spark layer is absorbed by the central or ground electrode instead of igniting the air/fuel mixture.

Shawn Torguefrom YourMechanic, wrote to me:

Special firing and design of the V-Power guide the spark to occur between the sharper outside edges of the center electrode and the ground electrode, improving the ignite ability and performance of the spark plug.

NGK automotive spark plugs are characterized by high spark power, which makes it possible to ignite substantially lean fuel mixtures. This ensures stable and smooth operation of the engine in different operating modes. Spark plugs with a nickel electrode provide effective ignition of the combustible mixture throughout the entire life cycle.

William Nordefrom Belcourt, ND, who rides Dodge RAM 1500 2015, says:

I got NGK spark plugs after a very harsh winter in Belcourt, ND. Two days of driving, and it responds with no overdue, better to the gas pedal. It is very pleasant, when my HEMI responds immediately.

Key features:

  • Cooper construction
  • Nickel electrode
  • Alumina Silicate Ceramic Insulator

Specifications:

  • Brand: NGK
  • Model: ZFR5F-11
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Number: 2262
  • Complete set: 1 spark plug

Product score:

  • Longevity(7/10)
  • Durability (8/10)
  • Performance (10/10)
  • Count of electrodes (9/10)

MY RATAING: 8.5

Pros
  • Metal is equipped with the best anti-corrosion and anti-inflammatory quality
  • Characterized by high spark power
  • Cheap
  • Three-time sealing prevent leakage
  • Cooling occurs quickly and evenly
Cons
  • Cooper material

Autolite APP104 Double Platinum

best-value
Our rating:
5.0

This special automatic light spark plug model is equipped with platinum material in the preferred technology for feeding engines with the addition of an electrode with a side electrode with high nickel content.

snake2083from Dodge Forum, says:

One day he was chatting with the dealer about doing the scheduled maint. While he installed the Autolite Platinum, he was told that he needs to use regular copper plugs in the Hemi instead of platinum, because of having a hard time firing correctly.

Read more comments on Dodge Forum.

Destruction and misfire are drastically reduced in performance to increase durability and increase the life of the plug.

There's a nickel-plated steel shell that protects the spark plug from corrosion. Four platinum tips with center and side platinum electrodes and a layer of platinum alloy on the ground electrode.

With this warranty, you can enjoy its use without any disruption throughout the longevity.

Key features:

  • Platinum material
  • Designed for High Performance
  • exclude gap erosion

Specification:

  • Brand: Autolite
  • Model: APP104
  • Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Complete set: 1 spark plug

Product score:

  • Longevity(9/10)
  • Durability (8/10)
  • Performance (7/10)
  • Count of electrodes (8/10)

MY RATAING: 8

Pros
  • Equipped with a nickel-plated steel shell
  • Guaranteed for five years
  • They are easily available
  • Strong material
  • Cheap
Cons
  • California Proposition 65

Denso Iridium TT(4708) IW16TT

Our rating:
4.0

Denso iridium tt spark plug.

This spark plug can live for about 60-75 thousand miles.

It has a high power and is designed to save fuel. For full combustion the Iridium TT's duplicated points allow the spark plug to create the largest spark concentration and explosion.

This spark combines two materials, it is iridium with rhodium, all this led to the creation of a solid alloy. This alloy performs in the hottest engine temperatures.

Resisting oxidation and voltage wear for over 100,000 miles. With the optimized iridium alloy Denso is able to produce the smallest diameter center electrode of point four millimeters. A smaller electrode has antifouling characteristics and reduce heat quenching delivering less interference and maximizing volley potential.

Plug delivers the right scheme of fuel efficiency, quicker starts smoother idling and faster acceleration and the low emissions.

Key features:

  • Iridium material
  • diameter center electrode - 4 mm.
  • also in the alloy present rhodium

Specification:

  • Brand: Denso
  • Model: IW16TT
  • Number: 4708
  • Complete set: 1 spark plug

Product score:

  • Longevity(10/10)
  • Durability (7/10)
  • Performance (7/10)
  • Count of electrodes (8/10)

MY RATAING: 8

Pros
  • To ensure the correct use of fuel
  • More power and faster starts
  • Easy to install (5 minutes)
  • Long service life
Cons
  • none

NGK CR9EK

Our rating:
4.0

NGK CR9EK spark plug is one of the preferable plugs on the world market. This spark plug works well with most four-wheelers. While NGK is famous for its durability the materials used usually increase the introduction of its products. These spark plugs are built to resist fouling, this is due to the longer nose provided on the insulator. You can rest assured that by using these spark plugs you can avoid flashovers, as well. This is because of the grooved rib construction of the insulators.

This spark plug has one disadvantage: it is a copper core.

Though being copper-plated it gives you a faster startup as well and ensure a good conductance, further this growth the heat dispersal. You will feel a smooth speed-up during the ride even at the expense of the endurance the general operation of your vehicle is getting better.

We immediately observed a stable spark. While using these plugs, this works because the spark plugs are built with dual ground electrodes. Ones a zinc dipped frame prevents extreme oxidizing.

One of the ordinary worries about a gas outflow completely disappears, as well by the triple gasket stuff, even with having a shorter life span it is compared to platinum cord.

Key Feature:

  • built to resist fouling
  • expensive
  • one of the preferably plugs on the world market

Specification:

  • Brand: NGK
  • Model: CR9EK
  • Weight: 1.9 pounds
  • Complete set: 16 spark plugs

Product score:

  • Longevity(7/10)
  • Durability (8/10)
  • Performance (9/10)
  • Count of electrodes (8/10)

MY RATAING: 8

Pros
  • Avoid flashovers
  • Zinc-dipped frame prevents extreme oxidizing
  • Gas outflow is completely disappear
Cons
  • California
  • Proposition 65 Price
  • Copper core

ACDelco 41-993 Professional Iridium

Our rating:
4.0

Increased durability by improving resistance to low-speed carbon fouling the ribbed insulator seal extends resistance and prevents spark flashover and misfire while this black oxide coating prevents corrosion on exposed metal the nickel.

Great feature: Iridium has the highest melting point and strength of all metals used in spark plugs today which allows for smaller more efficient electrode designs for improved cold starting and quicker acceleration.Easily start in cold weather.

Key feature:

  • The cheapest
  • The latest in spark plug technology

Specification:

  • Brand: ACDelco
  • Model: 41-993
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Complete set: 8 spark plugs

Product score:

  • Longevity(8/10)
  • Durability (9/10)
  • Performance (7/10)
  • Count of electrodes (8/10)

MY RATAING: 8

Pros
  • Easily starts in cold weather
  • Suppressor seal stops radio disruption
  • Protects the electronics in your car
  • Iridium
Cons
  • Made for places with a very cold climate

Champion 3013 RS14PYC6 Platinum Power

Our rating:
3.0

Life expectancy over 35,000 miles. Also the voltage requirements easily push 45 kV. In addition precious metals have now become the norm as opposed to just solid nickel electrodes. The firing end is perfect, the edges are good and clean there's nothing excessive, no burrs and the coverage is just right.

Plugs are really well constructed, they have a very strong shell seal, they have very strong ceramic.

The life expectancy is still fairly short.

But that expectation is still quite high that if that the plug holds together for the entire run.

Key features:

  • Copper core center electrode allows for accurate control of heat range for longer life
  • TinTac® and ULTRASEAL shell for best corrosion protection of any spark plug in the industry

Specification:

  • Warranty: 3 Years
  • Brand: Champion
  • Model: RS14PYC6
  • Longevity: 40K Miles
  • Number: 3013
  • Complete set: 4 spark plugs

Product score:

  • Longevity(7/10)
  • Durability (7/10)
  • Performance (5/10)
  • Count of electrodes (6/10)

MY RATAING: 6.25

Pros
  • Reduced Gap Growth
  • Platinum Pad on Center Electrode
  • Heat-Active Alloy
Cons
  • Short life

Best spark plugs for 5.7 hemi Buying Guide & FAQ

Nowadays automobile market is developing rapidly and it’s really hard to catch up with it even for an expertized driver, let alone those ones, who have just started their driving experience. However, any of them needs to be aware of the products that the market has on offer.

About pricing

All products have a nice price, but some of them have a little difference. The difference lies in the fact that some product has more spark plugs in the complete set comparable to others. For example, the set of NGK CR9EK, has 16 spark plugs. The cheapest price is a spark plug made of copper. Also, the price depends on longevity quality.

About brand

NGK manufacturer is one of the most popular brands on world market. Japanese production. Most people use this brand. What about Champion brand, it is one of the unpopular brands, because many people say that spark plugs of this brand quickly wear out.

The main features

The main feature you must to consider when buying a product is the material and the price. Do not forget that plugs can be from iridium, platinum and copper alloy. So if you live in town and don’t ride very often you will be comfortable to use a cooper one, but if you ride often and for long distances, we recommend you to choose iridium or even double platinum spark plug. If you want your spark plug always to be in order, you must change it every 10-20 thousand miles. Installing a spark plug is not a difficult task, it can take you from 5 to 15 minutes.

Best spark plugs for 5.7 hemi FAQ

Q: How often to change spark plugs?

Producers give a recommendation, that spark plugs always need to be changed during a maintenance plan, this is after 10-15 thousand kilometers.

Experts say that the time of change is every 15-20 thousand miles, but compact cars need to change the spark plugs more often about every 5-10 thousand miles of the run.

There are also such situations as the parching of plugs due to the bad-quality fuel, in such a situation, the driver feels the deterioration of plugs as the engine starts to run unevenly and the falls traction.

There are also drivers who forget to change their spark plugs and ride on them 25-50 thousand miles, at the same time, without thinking that it is more difficult to ride with worn-out plugs.

Automobile loses its power, gasoline is spent more, and in cold weather, the engine is much harder to start. Therefore, it is better to change your spark plugs on time.

In cold weather due to bad candles you can not start the car.

Q: How long do spark plugs last?

There are three types of spark plugs and each of them has own longevity.

That iridium spark plug is the strongest plug. Also iridium spark plugs are suitable for older car models, improving their performance, but many people think the opposite

It is high-performance, spark plugs with a central iridium electrode, which consist of durable alloy. Longevity: 75-80 thousand miles.

What about platinum spark plugs, I can say that it is also a good spark, especially when a spark plug has double platinum. Longevity: 55-75 thousand miles.

And the worst spark plug is a plug which consists of copper alloy. Longevity: 15-20 thousand miles.

These numbers are approximate, due to the style and area of driving. To be honest, as a mechanic with 30 years of experience, I don't even try to reach these numbers. Though you can still hear your pistons turning on those scales, one time your engine could die and even God himself won`t be able to help you. So if you don't want to go risky, change your spark plugs as it is required.

Q: Signs of Spark Plug worn?

Before professional diagnostics you can check your spark plug independently. First of all, you need to pay attention to the size of the gap between electrodes and carbon. All plugs have a marking on which there is information on the gap between the electrodes on them, this is the last digit in the marking, which is indicated in millimeters.

If the gap is more than 0.31 inches, or the last digit in the marking, then it means that the plug should be changed urgently.

The plug should not be soiled, as with the correct combustion, the plug electrodes are self-cleaning.

If the plug has a black or white soot, you need to go to the diagnostician, and if the plugs are different in appearance, and one of them may be with soot, and second may be wet, then you need to change all spark plugs.

Q: Should I change the gap of the spark plug?

There are two types of spark plugs - those ones that are pre-gapped and those that are not.

The perfect gap for the 5.7 HEMI is 0.43”, means that on every spark plug recommended in my article you should gap them on your own.

Here is a link how to easily do that.

If it’s bigger or less nominal, what’s the impact? The bigger gap is good for fuel ignition, because there is a lot of fuel-air mixture between the contacts, but it increases the probability of the misfires. The smaller gap means the spark will be powerful, but short. Because of the lack of access to the fuel-air mixture, the spark plugs will be the first to suffer.

Conclusion

To sum up all the information mentioned above and give a little piece of advice at the end, we’d like to add that you don’t have to follow someone’s example or fashion trends. Stay cool when choosing the plug for your particular car. Regard all the characteristics it has and if they match with your demands and your automobile requirements.

The main feature that should be considered when buying a spark plug is the metals they are made of. Experienced drivers highly recommend to choose iridium ones. Nevertheless, the price is much higher but you shouldn’t be scared of overpaying, since they will really do a good service for you. This metal has really high ignitability feature and melting point as well.

Another important characteristic is spark plug longevity. You are definitely not ready to pay extra, unless you are sure that you’ll be able to use the plugs for a long period of time.

Iridium plugs can guarantee long service life. However, it doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be changed ever since. No matter which spark plug you choose for your car, you need to take into consideration that there is a particular amount of miles that they can be used for. And this number varies depending on your car model initially.

Whatever spark plugs you choose for you Dodge Ram 1500 as a result, they all have their particular strong sides. It can be protection of your car electronics, a smooth start, long service life, good performance in extreme weather conditions, the price and many others. There is no universal choice. What you need is be aware of what a plug offers you and how you can use it in your particular experience. If it is too pricy for you, you can always find a cheaper option with really competitive features!

Resources:

  1. NGK spark plugs, NKG sparkplugs official
  2. Spark plug construction, wikipedia