Used Engines for Chrysler 300: Pentastar, Hemi & Hellcat Specs, Pricing, and Buying Guide

A Chrysler 300 with a dead engine is a strange kind of loss — this is a car people genuinely like driving, not just a commuter appliance, and losing the engine feels bigger than it would in something forgettable. Good news: whether you’re running the base Pentastar V6, a 5.7L Hemi, a 6.4L, or you’re one of the lucky few with a supercharged Hellcat under the hood, there’s a real used market to pull a replacement from. We stock used engines for Chrysler 300 across these platforms, tested before they ship, priced so getting your car back doesn’t mean giving up on it entirely.

The 300 has had a wide engine lineup since it relaunched in 2005, spanning three generations and everything from an economical V6 to one of the most powerful production sedan engines ever built. Matching the right replacement to your specific car matters a lot here, since the difference between trims isn’t subtle — a Pentastar and a Hellcat share almost nothing mechanically.

Signs Your 300 Needs a Replacement Engine

Most 300 owners don’t plan on buying an engine — it creeps up. A knock that gets louder with RPM, a check engine light a shop can’t clear, or a tow after the temperature gauge pegged on the highway. A few patterns show up consistently across the lineup.

On the Hemi V8s, lifter and camshaft failures are a well-known issue, especially on higher-mileage engines that went a while between oil changes — when a lifter collapses, it can take the cam lobe with it, and that’s an expensive repair that often makes more sense as a full engine swap. Rod knock under load points to bearing damage that isn’t coming back from anything short of a rebuild or replacement. White or sweet-smelling smoke usually means coolant getting into the combustion chamber — a blown head gasket at best. And on the supercharged Hellcat engines specifically, any unusual noise from the supercharger itself, or a sudden loss of boost, needs immediate attention before it turns into engine-ending damage.

Which Engine Is In Your 300?

The base engine across most of the 300’s history has been the Pentastar 3.6L V6, a DOHC design producing around 292-300 horsepower depending on year, and it’s been paired with various transmissions across trims. It’s a solid, if unremarkable, engine — reliable when maintained, though early years had some reported issues with camshaft position sensors and rocker arms that were mostly resolved in later production.

We hear from a wide range of 300 owners — people who bought the car specifically for the Hemi rumble and want to keep that character alive rather than switching to something forgettable, daily drivers who just need reliable transportation back on the road, and a smaller group chasing a specific Hellcat unit because nothing else will do. Whatever brings you here, sourcing genuine used engines for Chrysler 300 applications that match your exact trim is the starting point.

Stepping up, the 5.7L Hemi V8 has been a 300 mainstay, producing around 363-370 horsepower depending on year and equipment, with Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System (cylinder deactivation) for better fuel economy on the highway. The Hemi engine family has a long history at Chrysler stretching back decades, and the modern third-generation Hemi in the 300 shares its basic architecture with the same engines used across the Dodge and Ram lineup.

The 300 SRT8 (2012-2014 for the third generation, plus earlier SRT8 trims) used the 6.4L Hemi, producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque — a genuinely serious performance engine. And at the top of the range, later 300 SRT and 300S variants offered the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8, producing north of 700 horsepower in some applications — one of the most powerful engines ever offered in a full-size sedan.

5.7L Hemi Specifications

• Configuration: 90-degree V8, OHV, 16-valve
• Displacement: 5,654cc (5.7L)
• Horsepower: approximately 363-370 hp depending on year
• Torque: approximately 390-395 lb-ft depending on year
• Features: Multi-Displacement System (cylinder deactivation), variable valve timing (later years)
• Used in: 300, Charger, Challenger, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500

We stock Chrysler Hemi engines in 5.7L, 6.1L, and 6.2L configurations — check the listing for current availability and included components.

6.4L Hemi Specifications

• Configuration: 90-degree V8, OHV, 16-valve
• Displacement: 6,417cc (6.4L)
• Horsepower: approximately 470 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: approximately 470 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm
• Used in: 300 SRT8, Charger SRT8, Challenger SRT8, Grand Cherokee SRT

Our 6.4 HEMI engine listing has current pricing and stock details for this high-output V8.

6.2L Supercharged Hellcat Specifications

• Configuration: 90-degree V8, OHV, 16-valve, supercharged
• Displacement: 6,166cc (6.2L)
• Horsepower: 707+ hp depending on application
• Torque: 650+ lb-ft depending on application
• Used in: 300 (limited), Charger SRT Hellcat, Challenger SRT Hellcat

We carry a tested Hellcat engine when available — these are high-demand units and inventory moves quickly given how few cars originally came equipped with this engine.

300 Engines by Trim and Generation

Trim	Engine	Approximate Output
300, 300 Touring, Limited	3.6L Pentastar V6	292-300 hp
300C, 300S	5.7L Hemi V8	363-370 hp
300 SRT8	6.4L Hemi V8	470 hp
300 SRT (limited)	6.2L Supercharged Hellcat V8	707+ hp

Since the Hemi engine family spans so many Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram vehicles, sourcing used engines for Chrysler 300 applications often turns up donor engines from a Charger, Challenger, or even a Ram truck with the matching displacement — the core architecture is shared even when accessory brackets or oil pan configurations differ slightly by application. Always confirm the exact engine code against your 300’s VIN before ordering.

Why 300 Owners End Up Replacing an Engine

On the Hemi V8s, lifter and cam failure is far and away the most common reason we see 300 owners shopping for a replacement. It’s a known weak point on these engines, particularly on cars that went long stretches between oil changes or ran lower-quality oil. Once a lifter collapses and damages a cam lobe, metal debris can circulate through the whole engine, and a full replacement usually makes more financial sense than trying to salvage the original block.

On the Pentastar V6, we see fewer catastrophic failures and more gradual wear-related issues — worn rings, oil consumption, and the occasional overheating incident from a failed water pump or thermostat. On the supercharged Hellcat engines, given how few of these cars exist and how hard many of them are driven, we most often see them come through as low-mileage units pulled from cars that were totaled in accidents rather than engine failures — genuinely strong buys for anyone chasing that specific engine.

What We Check Before Listing a Used 300 Engine

Every V8 gets a compression test across all eight cylinders, and every V6 across all six, before it’s cleared for sale. We inspect for oil sludge and metal contamination — a critical check on Hemi engines given the known lifter and cam issue — and look for signs of coolant intrusion or physical damage to the block and heads. On Hellcat units specifically, we verify the supercharger’s condition and confirm it spins freely without unusual noise or excessive play.

We document mileage from the donor vehicle whenever it’s verifiable, and we’re upfront when it isn’t. If an engine doesn’t pass inspection, it doesn’t get listed as a running unit.

Why Buy Your Used 300 Engine From Us

Plenty of sellers list used engines for Chrysler 300 owners, and it’s genuinely hard to tell a good one from a risky one off a listing photo alone. Here’s what actually matters to us: every engine gets tested before it’s listed, not after a complaint comes in. We photograph the specific unit you’ll receive, not a stock image. On Hemi engines, we specifically check for the metal contamination and lifter symptoms that plague this platform, rather than just assuming a low mileage number means a clean engine. And when you call with a fitment question — especially around the differences between a 5.7, 6.4, and Hellcat — you’re talking to someone who’s actually handled these engines, not reading a script.

Our inventory, particularly for the rarer high-output engines, turns over fast. If you find a Hellcat or 6.4L unit that matches your budget, it’s worth acting rather than waiting.

New, Remanufactured, or Used

A new crate Hemi from Mopar Performance is a serious purchase, often well into five figures for the larger displacement options, and Hellcat crate engines specifically carry a significant premium given demand. Remanufactured long blocks cost less but still add up, particularly for the 6.4L and Hellcat variants where rebuild parts themselves aren’t cheap. A tested used engine, pulled from a comparable donor car, is typically the most economical path back to a running 300 — especially valuable for the Hellcat, where sourcing a comparable used unit can save an enormous amount compared to a new crate engine.

What It Actually Costs

Numbers vary widely by engine family here more than on most vehicles, since a Pentastar V6 and a Hellcat V8 aren’t remotely comparable in price. Generally speaking, though, the pattern holds: new costs the most and often has the longest wait, remanufactured splits the difference, and used engines for Chrysler 300 applications land well below both once you add up total cost with labor included. On the Hellcat specifically, the savings from buying used versus new are especially significant given how expensive new crate units and their limited availability have become.

Get a labor quote from your shop separately from the engine cost — installation complexity varies a lot between a straightforward Pentastar swap and a Hellcat install with its supercharger plumbing and cooling requirements.

Performance Considerations for SRT and Hellcat Owners

If you’re shopping for a replacement on a 6.4L or Hellcat 300, it’s worth thinking beyond just the engine itself. These cars often see track days, aggressive street driving, or at minimum owners who bought them specifically for the performance they offer — which means a used replacement engine’s history matters even more than usual. Ask about how the donor vehicle was used if that information is available, and budget for a full fluid service, fresh spark plugs, and a careful inspection of supporting systems like the cooling system and, on the Hellcat, the supercharger’s belt and pulley before putting real miles on a freshly installed high-output engine.

It’s also worth having a frank conversation with your insurance provider before completing a swap on these performance trims, particularly if you’re upgrading from a lower-output engine to something like a 6.4L or Hellcat unit, since that can affect your policy.

What to Confirm Before You Order

Match your exact engine code to your VIN, not just the trim badge — 300C badging alone doesn’t confirm displacement across every model year, and SRT8 vs. Hellcat distinctions matter enormously for both fitment and price. Ask whether the listing includes the wiring harness and ECU or just the long block, and on Hemi engines specifically, ask about lifter and cam condition if that information is available from the donor vehicle’s history.

We list engine code, verified mileage where available, included components, and photos of the actual unit on every product page.

Shipping and Installation

We ship 300 engines worldwide, crated for freight transport with mating surfaces protected. Delivery timelines vary by destination and customs processing — ask for a specific estimate if you’re working against a deadline.

Installation on the Pentastar V6 or standard Hemi V8 is routine work for most experienced shops. Hellcat and SRT8 installs require more specialized knowledge given the supercharger system, cooling requirements, and tuning considerations — make sure your shop has specific experience with high-output Hemi platforms before committing to the swap.

A Note on Buying a Hellcat Engine Specifically

If you’re chasing a used Hellcat engine, a few things are worth knowing beyond standard used-engine shopping advice. These engines are almost always sourced from accident-damaged donor cars rather than mechanical failures, given how few exist and how carefully most owners maintain them. That’s genuinely good news for buyers — it usually means a mechanically sound engine rather than one that failed on its own. Still, insist on documentation of the donor vehicle’s mileage and condition, and ask specifically about the supercharger’s service history if it’s available. Given the price difference between new and used on this particular engine, a bit of extra diligence up front is worth the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Charger or Challenger Hemi be used in a 300?

Often, yes, since the Hemi platform is shared across Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram vehicles, but exact accessory configuration and wiring can differ. Confirm engine code compatibility against your 300’s VIN before ordering.

Is the Hemi lifter issue a dealbreaker on a used engine?

Not necessarily, but it’s worth knowing about. We check for metal contamination and lifter-related symptoms during our inspection process specifically because of how common this issue is on the platform.

How rare are used Hellcat engines?

Genuinely rare, since relatively few 300s were built with this engine and even fewer donor cars become available. When we have one in stock, it tends to move quickly.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship used engines worldwide on freight pallets. Customs duties and import documentation are the buyer’s responsibility, but we provide paperwork as needed on our end.

What’s included with the engine listing?

This varies by listing — some are complete long blocks with accessories, others are bare. Check the specific product page or ask before ordering.

Does a used engine come with a warranty?

Yes, our used engines include a warranty period. Terms can vary by engine family and mileage, so check the specific product page or ask our team for current details.

Can I upgrade from a Pentastar V6 to a Hemi V8?

It’s possible in theory but a significant undertaking — different wiring harness, ECU, transmission, cooling, and often suspension considerations for the added weight and power. Most owners find it more practical to source a comparable used Hemi from a car that already had one rather than converting a V6 car.

What years of the 300 are most affected by the Hemi lifter issue?

It’s been reported across a range of model years rather than being isolated to a specific generation, which is exactly why we test for it on every Hemi engine regardless of the donor vehicle’s year.

Get Your 300 Back on the Road

From the everyday Pentastar V6 to the rare and powerful Hellcat, a tested used engine is almost always the fastest, most affordable way back to driving your Chrysler 300. Check out our current Hemi engine, 6.4 HEMI, and Hellcat engine listings, browse our full used engine inventory, or reach out if you don’t see the exact configuration you need.

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