Hey all,

I recently put a down payment on an 04 1500 5.7 Hemi. I'm picking it up tomm. This is my first post. I'm interested in some advice from experienced owners...

What type of gas (octane/brand) do you use/recommend for the Hemi (if any)?
As well, what type of oil and what type of plugs? (althought i won't need to make any changes on those 2 for some miles to come.)

in advance; I appreciate the help.

 

Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome! Your truck will run on 87, but it'll be happier on 89. You can use 91 if it's available in your area, but it isn't necessary. As for plugs, you may be in for a surprise: the Hemi wants new plugs every 30K. When you pick yours up, you might want to pull a couple of the plugs to see what their condition is. A popular plug is NGK 5306. Remember, it takes sixteen of 'em.

As for oil, it'll depend on what type driving you do. If it's all highway, every 6K is OK. Short trips, stop-and-go will need it every 3K. Type of oil is your call... Synthetic runs cooler, but gets contaminated at the same rate, so the interval is about the same. I use dead lizards, since I change it every 3K anyway. If you live in an area that doesn't get roastin' hot, 5w-30 will do. If it gets really hot in the summer, switch to 10w-30. Keep posting and once you are able, post some pictures.

 

I agree on the gas, 89 octane on a stock Hemi, even though it will run on 87. As far as the plugs go, many have reported poor results from the more expensive platinum plugs. Champions & NGK's are fine and will be cheaper anyway as it takes 16 of 'em every 30k miles.
I have always used synthetics in my vehicles every 3k, but I'm sure it's overkill. Unless you use it hard or a lot of stop/go driving, you could probably get 6k out of a good name brand synthetic. I always get a Mobil 1 or Wix filter, but I'm thinking of trying a K&N next change as I've heard good things about them.

 

I replaced my plugs with NGK 5306, however, I don't thing they really needed changing at 47,000 miles. They still looked good and probably would have gone another 20,000 miles without a problem. I went with the Taylor shorty's and love em. No increase in power, but easy to install and look good. I run Amsoil with the dual filtration filters and change every 20,000 miles.