Concerned about Springs and Blowing it up

[DaddyGoFast]

Hey everyone,

I have read several threads out here and see people battling with broken springs, piston ring landings breaking, Valves bending and it was really made me think about the longevity of my engine.

I like the spirited driving every now and then, I don't race, have not done any engine or exhaust or tranny mods. Do I have to baby this thing?

I am just hoping I did not make a big mistake buying a high horsepower car that can't be run hard every now and then.

I mean, Nascar motors are rebuilt every so many races. Dragsters are rebuilt after every race day but, these are extreme cases. Is the hemi a motor that will needs constant attention?

I appreciate some guidance...

[GasGunR]

Relax... no one to my knowledge has had any problems with the stock motor. The spring problems you have been reading about are all on modified engines, with aftermarket cams, none of these combinations has been through the extreme testing that the stock engines have gone through in order to satisfy emissions etc.

If you mod the hemi, it is no different that any other motor that gets modded... in order to reap more H.P. out of it, you are going to push parts and if you push hard enough, you are eventually going to break something.

Don

[DaddyGoFast]

Thanks GasGunR!!

So what you are saying is, I can go to the strip every now and then and do some races and I can "enjoy" my stock 6.1 and feel safe I won't blow her up?

Do you see any potential dangers in 3-4 strip days a year?

I mean, after all, she was made for it right? Why else put 425 horsepower in the thing.

[GasGunR]

You shouldn't have any problems going a few times a year IMO.

Heck, most of us pull runs like that every time we take the car out and we're not in traffic, just to hear them sing

[CoolVanilla]

Relax... no one to my knowledge has had any problems with the stock motor. The spring problems you have been reading about are all on modified engines, with aftermarket cams...

The SRT8 springs are very good springs. The SRT8 is nicely overbuilt and I agree with GGR, you're not going to have any problems given the driving you outline.

But maybe what you've been reading about are some of the issues us 5.7 guys have when we try to run with you big boys. Its easy to confuse the two! But, there are confirmed cases of stock 5.7 springs breaking under 'normal' use. There are confirmed cases of other issues... but again on the 5.7.

Only reason I mention it is to hopefully clear up some confusion you might have when readings these troubling posts. Always verify what engine is being discussed!

[DaddyGoFast]

The SRT8 springs are very good springs. The SRT8 is nicely overbuilt and I agree with GGR, you're not going to have any problems given the driving you outline.

But maybe what you've been reading about are some of the issues us 5.7 guys have when we try to run with you big boys. Its easy to confuse the two! But, there are confirmed cases of stock 5.7 springs breaking under 'normal' use. There are confirmed cases of other issues... but again on the 5.7.

Only reason I mention it is to hopefully clear up some confusion you might have when readings these troubling posts. Always verify what engine is being discussed!

Thank you CV! What you are going through right now is one of the things that got me going. I know you are an extreme case though.

Thank you so much guys!

BEANS FOR YOU!

[GasGunR]

Sorry CV, I noted he owned an SRT. Guess this thread really belongs in the 6.1 foruim.

Don

[formerice]

I've got 93,000 miles on my 5.7. Many trips to the strip, lots of dyno runs, but hardest of all a lot of towing heavy trailers in Maine which if you've ever been here, has lots of hills. My Ram already has 63,000 very hard miles, a lot of that heavy towing, some loads close to 15,000 lbs, ok I shoulda bought a Cummins, but neither uses a drop of oil and the Ram has a 100 shot of juice. Personally, I'd say the hemis are tougher than a bag of hammers.