Hemi 5.7 Firing Order: Things You should Know (2024)

When you start your car’s engine, all the cylinders don’t get ignited together. It happens one by one, but doesn’t start from the first cylinder and end in the last one either. Firing order is the sequence in which the cylinders get ignited or spark plugs are operated.

Knowing the correct firing order can aid you in several ways. It helps you to pick the right engine if you want to replace the old one. Also, knowing the firing order lets you understand your vehicle’s ideal use, as performance depends on it.

The reason can be anything, but you’re here to know your Hemi 5.7 firing order.

For you, I’ve discussed it in detail in this article. My aim is to help you understand the firing order and know the order of your Hemi 5.7 engine. Hopefully, it will be enough to meet your thirst for understanding firing order.

Explaining Hemi 5.7 Firing order

The firing order for the 5.7 Hemi v8 engine is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Confused? Don’t worry. I’m explaining it.

It is a very popular engine used in several vehicles. So, if you don’t understand it still, get help from someone around you who owns a Jeep, Dodge, or Chrysler.

But you probably won’t need that as I can explain the order easily.

Numbering the Cylinders

First, let’s understand how the cylinders are numbered.

In this engine, cylinders are divided into two banks. Each bank has 4 cylinders. If you access the engine and stand facing the car, bank 1 is on your right side, and bank 2 is on your left.

In bank 2, the cylinders are numbered 1, 3, 5, and 7, respectively. Your nearest one is the 1^st cylinder, and the furthest one is the 7^th cylinder.

In bank 1, the closest one is numbered by 2. Then you’ll find 4, 6, and 8 respectively. It is not necessary to cite that the farthest one is the 8^th cylinder.

Thus, the cylinders are numbered.

Explanation of Firing Order

I guess you’ve already got what I’m going to say now.

When you start the engine, the 1st cylinder gets the spark first. Then, cylinder 8 gets the spark. After that, cylinder 4 gets activated. Then comes cylinder 3, then 6, and then 5. Finally, cylinder 2 gets the spark, and the engine gets activated completely.

I guess now you’ve understood the firing order, hemi cylinder numbers, and how it works. Now let’s know why it is important.

Why is Firing Order Important?

The correct firing order is important for several reasons.

Peak Performance

If you want the best performance out of your engine, you must ensure the spark plugs are attached following the correct firing order. A wrong order alters the synchronization of the cylinder pistons. As a result, the engine can’t perform its best.

Avoid Damage

In case the firing order is wrong, the pistons can’t maintain the correct working sequence. As a result, they may come in touch with one another. Again, the wrong piston sequence may affect the mechanism.

As a result, the engine, or any part of it, may get damaged at times.

To protect them from wear and tear, you must know and implement the right firing order.

Long Engine Life

The wrong firing order puts pressure on the engine by making it run incorrectly. Also, it may damage any part of the engine, as I’ve explained just now.

On the other hand, if the firing order is correct, the engine can work smoothly. Besides, the possibility of damages is decreased a lot. As a result, you can expect the engine to last for a long time.

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How the Correct Firing Order Improves Performance

In an 8-cylinder engine, numerous firing orders can be implemented. However, not all of them have the same impact on the engine performance. Only the right firing order can bring out optimal performance from the engine.

Here, I’m going to share how the right firing order improves engine performance. This will help you understand the necessity of correct firing orders better.

• Balance

The perfect firing order reduces engine vibration and increases smoothness to ensure a smooth engine balance.

It reduces operating sound and creates a comfortable riding experience.

• Fuel Efficiency

The right order allows the combustion process to be more efficient. An efficient process offers the best output utilizing the least fuel. Thus, the right firing order increases fuel efficiency to reduce your expenses.

• Power Generation and Delivery

If the power delivery fluctuates continuously, the entire system becomes problematic. As a result, you can’t drive smoothly. Also, continuous fluctuation can damage any part of the system.

Smooth combustion means smooth power delivery to the complete process. And it is offered by the right firing order.

• Emission Control

Firing order even reduces emissions too. The right firing order gets the best out of fuel by utilizing most of it. Thus, harmful emissions are reduced, and our environment remains safe.

The right firing order is economically beneficial and environment-friendly. Besides, it allows you to drive smoothly, avoiding discomfort or damage. So, if you want to change the engine or get anything done under the hood, carefully check the spark plug connections and related.

Firing Order of Hemi 5.7 with MDS On

MDS (Multiple Displacement System) is a system for third-generation Hemi that allows you to save some fuel. The basic idea of this system is to shut 4 cylinders and run the engine using the remaining 4 cylinders.

This is a clever way to save some bucks from fuel expenses, but it doesn’t allow you to utilize the engine’s full power. MDS can be a good way to use less fuel to travel more on long drives. However, most drivers don’t like it much.

You may have MDS turned on in your Hemi 5.7 engine and want to know the firing order. For this, you need to know the cylinders that remain off in the MDS system. I’ve already discussed how the cylinders are numbered. Do you remember that?

If not, you can go back and check.

When MDS is on, cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 are completely shut. They don’t work anymore.

To know the firing order of the 5.7 Hemi engine with MDS on, you just need to remove them from the actual firing order.

Thus, the firing order should be 8-3-5-2.

I hope you’ve got this.

Also Read: Can You Add Brake Fluid While Car is Running?

FAQs About Firing Order

What is the most common firing order for V8 engines?

The best firing order depends on several factors. So, it varies in V8 engines. For example- the one discussed here doesn’t match most other engines.

The most common firing order is either clockwise starting from 1 or counter-clockwise starting from 1. Maximum engine manufacturers utilize one of these two.

Why don’t firing orders maintain serial?

The firing order is chosen based on the best output they offer. Depending on balance and various other factors, a straight firing order (for instance- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8) can’t offer the optimum performance. In some cases, they cause damage.

That’s why firing orders don’t always maintain the mathematical serial.

What is the reason behind a disrupted firing order?

There might be several reasons behind such a problem. A fault in the spark system is one of the main reasons behind this. Also, issues in fuel delivery may create a mess in firing orders.

Other reasons behind this problem are mechanical failure in the engine, vacuum leak, or malfunction in exhaust gas circulation.

What are the symptoms of a wrong firing order?

If you find your engine running rough, this may be caused by a wrong firing order. Also, multiple misfires and engine stalling are two common signs of this problem. Reduced engine power and poor fuel efficiency also indicate problems in firing order. So, whenever you see these issues, check the firing order.

Final Verdict

I guess you’ve got the answer to your question about the Hemi 5.7 firing order and Hemi Cylinder numbers. I’ve tried to include additional information about it so that you get a complete idea. Also, I’ve answered some commonly asked questions you may have in mind.

Firing order is important for the smooth running of a vehicle. That’s why you should understand it.

Keep your eyes open for the signs of a wrong firing order and fix it quickly if it happens. To keep the engine running for long and get the most out of it, you must ensure that it is running in the correct firing order.