For a stock 5.7 Hemi Ram repair, the best camshaft is the one that matches the original engine configuration. Three useful Elgin candidates are E-1828-S for the cataloged early engines without MDS, E-1907-S for the listed MDS-equipped 1500 applications, and E-1902-S for the specified non-MDS 2500/3500 applications with VVT. Choose by the exact catalog row and OE reference, then have the supplier confirm the truck’s VIN.
This shortlist covers replacement camshafts for three distinct application groups. It does not establish a horsepower increase, a cure for every engine noise, or compatibility with an engine that has been swapped or modified. Keep the truck’s required systems intact and have a qualified engine specialist confirm the complete repair specification.
Best replacement cams for a 5.7 Hemi Ram: quick comparison
| Camshaft | Cataloged application to verify | OE reference | Main buying limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin E-1828-S | 2003–2008 5.7 Hemi, without MDS; hydraulic roller | 53021730AC / 53021730BA | Not the MDS-equipped early-engine choice |
| Elgin E-1907-S | 2009–2010 Ram 1500 and 2011–2021 1500, with MDS | 53022263AF | Part page does not publish lift/duration or an explicit VVT field |
| Elgin E-1902-S | 2009–2010 Ram 2500/3500 and 2011–2017 2500/3500, without MDS, with VVT | 53022314AD | These HD-truck rows do not establish fit for a regular 1500 |
1. Elgin E-1828-S: for the listed early non-MDS engines
The E-1828-S manufacturer record identifies a stock hydraulic-roller camshaft for the 2003–2008 group without MDS. It lists 187° intake and 194° exhaust duration at 0.050 inch lift, with 0.462-inch intake and 0.451-inch exhaust valve lift at the factory rocker ratio. Those are identification and comparison specifications, not promised power gains.
Pros: published roller-lifter specifications and two explicit OE references help an engine shop identify the part. Cons: the non-MDS restriction is decisive. Do not buy it for an early MDS engine simply because both are 5.7-liter Hemis.
2. Elgin E-1907-S: for the specified MDS-equipped 1500 trucks
Elgin’s E-1907-S listing specifically names 2009–2010 Ram 1500 and 2011–2021 1500 applications with MDS, using OE reference 53022263AF. That truck-specific entry makes it the relevant later-1500 candidate in this comparison. Treat the year range as a starting filter; confirm the exact engine, original part reference and any supersession before ordering.
Pros: the catalog explicitly identifies MDS and the 1500 application. Cons: its part page omits lift, duration, lifter-type and VVT specifications. Ask the supplier to confirm the complete valvetrain and timing-system match rather than borrowing numbers from another Hemi cam. The listing’s broad engine-family year range is not this part’s fitment range.
3. Elgin E-1902-S: for the listed non-MDS HD trucks with VVT
The E-1902-S manufacturer listing separates 2009–2010 Ram 2500/3500 and 2011–2017 2500/3500 applications from the MDS-equipped 1500 group. These rows specify no MDS and retained VVT, with OE reference 53022314AD. It is a replacement candidate for that existing configuration.
Pros: explicit HD-truck, MDS and VVT qualifiers reduce ambiguity. Cons: lift, duration and lifter-type fields are absent. The same record also contains a “2009 Ram 1500, Mega Cab” entry; that unusual application needs direct manufacturer confirmation and is excluded from this recommendation.
What to confirm before buying
Give the supplier the VIN, engine identification, model year, truck series, existing OE part number and repair history. Confirm whether the engine has MDS and VVT. A catalog’s broad engine-family heading can contain several incompatible parts, so use the specific part description as well as the vehicle lookup.
Have the shop diagnose the cause of wear before building a parts order. Melling advises replacing camshafts and lifters as a set. Ask for an itemized repair plan covering the correct lifters, timing components and other required parts; a camshaft-only listing does not establish the contents of a complete repair kit.
Road-use and emissions checks
In the United States, EPA’s Clean Air Act guidance prohibits removing or making vehicle emission-control devices inoperative. Keep required emissions equipment and controls working. A catalog fitment entry, “computer compatible” label or stock-replacement description alone is not a legal approval for a changed engine configuration.
For California, the BAR Smog Check Manual distinguishes replacement parts that remain functionally identical in emissions-related respects from modified parts, and names performance camshafts as an example of the latter. Have the installer verify the applicable replacement-part or exemption requirements for the exact vehicle. No blanket emissions certification is claimed for this shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
Will any 5.7 Hemi cam fit my Ram?
No. The three catalog entries differ by year, truck series, MDS status and, where specified, VVT. Confirm the exact engine and OE reference before buying.
Is the E-1902-S an MDS-delete recommendation?
No. It is listed here only for engines that already match the documented non-MDS HD-truck application with VVT. This comparison does not recommend disabling MDS or other required systems.
Can I reuse the old lifters?
Plan that decision with the engine shop. Melling recommends replacing the camshaft and lifters as a set; the lifters must match the engine’s actual valvetrain and MDS configuration.
Which cam adds the most horsepower?
This replacement comparison establishes no power ranking. A stock application listing does not quantify a gain, and none of these recommendations is based on a controlled engine test.
What if my truck is newer or its engine has been replaced?
Do not extend these rows beyond their stated applications. Have the current engine identified and obtain an exact manufacturer or OE catalog match before ordering. The vehicle badge alone is insufficient.
