Quick answer: Replacing failed lifters and the camshaft on a Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI typically costs $2,500–$5,000 at an independent shop, including lifters, camshaft, gaskets and often a new oil pump and timing chain. Some dealers quote $6,000–$10,000+ for the same job. A used engine can cost about the same as a full cam-and-lifter job.
Ram 1500 HEMI lifter and cam replacement cost
Estimates updated October 2026. Labor at $100–$200 per hour.
| Repair | What’s included | Typical cost (independent) |
|---|---|---|
| Lifters only (cam undamaged, rare) | Lifters, gaskets | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Lifters + camshaft | 16 lifters, cam, gaskets, timing set | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Lifters, cam, oil pump, timing chain | Most complete repair | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| MDS delete with non-MDS lifters and tune | Above plus tuning | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Used engine installed | Unknown history | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Dealer | OEM parts | $6,000 – $10,000+ |
| DIY parts kit | Lifters, cam, gaskets | $450 – $1,200 |
Labor is usually 14–20 hours, because the cylinder heads must come off to replace HEMI lifters.
What is the “HEMI tick”?
The 5.7L HEMI uses roller lifters. Over time, a lifter’s roller can stop spinning and wear a flat spot on the camshaft lobe, causing a ticking noise, then misfires. It’s especially common on engines with MDS (cylinder deactivation), roughly 2009 and newer, though causes include oil quality, oil change intervals and long idle times.
Note: some normal HEMI noise comes from exhaust manifold bolts that break and leak (a ticking that fades as the engine warms). That’s a much cheaper repair ($300–$900).
Symptoms
- Ticking that doesn’t go away when the engine warms up.
- Misfire codes P0300–P0308 and a rough idle; see P0300 Code: Random Misfire.
- Metal particles in the oil.
- Loss of power or a “lope” at idle.
Why replace the camshaft too?
Once a lifter fails, the matching cam lobe is usually damaged. Replacing lifters without the cam often leads to repeat failure. Most shops also replace the oil pump, because metal debris can pass through it.
Warranty and coverage
The HEMI is covered by the Ram powertrain warranty (typically 5 years / 60,000 miles on recent models). Check your VIN with a Ram dealer for any recalls or special programs, and check any Mopar extended warranty you bought.
Is it worth fixing?
For most Ram 1500s, yes: a properly repaired HEMI can run many more miles. On an older, high-mileage truck, compare the full repair with a used engine and the truck’s value using the Repair or Replace Calculator.
How to reduce the risk
- Use oil meeting the FCA/Stellantis spec and change it on time, especially with lots of idling or towing.
- Avoid very long idling periods.
- Investigate ticking early.
Other repairs for pickups
Sources
- Owner-reported quotes and invoices from Ram owner forums, published parts prices and labor-time estimates, 2024–2026.
- NHTSA: Recalls lookup