The "Hemi Tick" Survival Guide: Why Your RAM Manifolds Failed and How to Fix Them
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You walk out to your 2009–2018 RAM 1500 on a cold morning.
You turn the key.
Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.
It sounds like a sewing machine for about 60 seconds, and then... silence. The truck runs fine.
Congratulations, you have the infamous "Hemi Tick."
This isn't a lifter failure (usually). It’s an exhaust leak.
The factory exhaust manifolds on the 5.7L HEMI are notorious for overheating and warping. As they twist, they snap the rear bolts (usually on the passenger side) right off the cylinder head.
When the engine is cold, the gap leaks gas (TICK). When the engine warms up, the metal expands, seals the gap, and the noise stops.
Ignoring it isn't an option—eventually, the leak will get worse and could damage the head.
In this guide, we explain why simply replacing the bolts is a waste of money and why upgrading to Heavy-Duty Iron Manifolds is the only permanent cure.
Compare Performance Upgrades
Better Response, More Air, or Cleaner Oil?
|
Upgrade Type |
Main Benefit |
Difficulty |
Best For |
|
Cold Air Intake (S&B) |
Airflow. (+10-15 HP). |
Easy. (30 Mins). |
The "First Mod." Induction noise & throttle snap. |
|
Pedal Commander |
Response. (Removes lag). |
Easy. (Plug & Play). |
Daily Driving. Makes the truck feel lighter. |
|
Oil Catch Can |
Longevity. (Traps blow-by). |
Easy. (Bolt-on). |
Engine Health. preventing carbon buildup. |
|
Tuner (DiabloSport) |
Power. (+20-30 HP). |
Medium. (Software). |
Towing. optimizing shift points & torque. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Engine)
What is the "Hemi Tick" and how do I fix it?
The "Hemi Tick" is usually caused by the factory exhaust manifolds warping due to heat cycles, which snaps the rear bolts. This creates an exhaust leak that ticks until the metal expands and seals the gap. Replacing the bolts alone won't fix it—the manifold is still warped. We recommend installing Thicker Aftermarket Manifolds (like Dorman or BD Diesel) that resist warping to solve the problem for good.
Does a Cold Air Intake actually add horsepower?
Yes, but modest amounts. On a naturally aspirated 5.7L, a high-quality sealed intake (like S&B) can add 10-15 HP at high RPMs. The bigger benefit is the Throttle Response and the Induction Sound—you will hear a deep growl when you step on the gas that the factory silencer muffled.
Will a tuner void my warranty?
Technically, yes. If you overwrite the factory ECU (computer) with a performance tune, the dealer can see this. If you blow your engine, they may deny the claim. However, Throttle Controllers (like Pedal Commander) do not overwrite the ECU and generally do not leave a "trace" once removed, making them a safer option for trucks under warranty.
Fix the tick. Unlock the power.
Upgrade your engine with proven bolt-on performance. Shop our verified collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Engine & Power Parts.