Stop the Hemi Exhaust Tick: BD 5.7L Manifold Kit (2009–2024)
Solve leaks, broken studs, and warpage—without chasing the tick twice.
If your Ram 5.7L Hemi sounds like it’s sewing under the hood—especially on cold starts—you’re likely hearing exhaust leaks from warped manifolds and broken studs. Owners talk about this “tick” endlessly on RamForum and DodgeForum, and the fix isn’t to keep re-installing thin castings with short hardware. The right move is to address the cause with BD’s 5.7L exhaust manifold solutions—engineered to stay sealed after heat-soak, tow, and time. Prefer to buy local? You can also order through trusted BD distributors see our dealer map here - Dealers
Why the Hemi “Ticks” (and Keeps Coming Back)
Thermal cycling & manifold warp: Thin, uneven castings expand and contract, pulling on short fasteners. Gaps open and the leak starts—tick, tick, tick. (You’ll see dozens of before/after threads on RamForum.)
Short fasteners & stress concentration: Stock bolt length and load path concentrate stress at the outer ports—where studs often snap.
Heat shield load into the joint: Factory heat shield mounts can add stress into the same fasteners that are trying to keep the manifold sealed.
Need just one side? Left/Driver PN 1041465 • Right/Passenger PN 1041464 (DS) or Right/Passenger PN 1041469 (DT).
Torque Specs & Sequence (Do This Once, Right)
Always begin on a cold engine. Clean both mating surfaces, place the BD gasket dry, and hand-start all bolts with spacers before torquing. For OE references and model-year nuances, consult official Mopar service information.
Manifold bolts (M8): Torque to 25 N·m (18 ft-lb) using a center-out, criss-cross sequence (see BD install manual).
Heat shield fasteners (M6): Torque to 10 N·m (89 in-lb).
Bolt count: Early engines may have 8–9 bolts/side; later engines up to 10. Use every available hole in the pattern.
Pro tip: After the first drive and full cool-down, re-check fasteners. A short heat-cycle retorque helps the gasket “set” and keeps the tick gone. You’ll find similar advice from veteran techs across DodgeForum.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Reliability
Soak before you wrench: Penetrant on every stud/nut overnight. If a stud is half-seized, tighten slightly before backing out.
Chase the threads: Clean the head’s bolt holes with a thread chaser; blow out debris so torque equals clamp load.
Flat check: Straight-edge the head face while you’re in there. Correct any irregularities before reassembly.
Mount the heat shield to the shield bosses—not the manifold joint—so the shield can’t tug on your clamp load (BD adds independent bosses).
Install Time, Warranty & Legal
Install time: ~5 hours 12 minutes (typical).
Warranty: Parts 36 months / 75,000 miles.
Legal:50-State Legal • CARB EO D-553-30 • SEMA Certification SC-BDD01-0138.