Modern Dodge Challenger Build

[junbug79]

Hey guys this build is on my 11' Challenger RT I bought back in 2011. I went to the dealer looking for a black or gray Challenger RT, and left with a rare Toxic Orange. Ive never been into bright color, but on that day seeing the sun shining on the paint sold me right away. I wanted a base RT since I knew I would be modding the car. So since this car is a big car from the start, saving on unnecessary weight was important. So I got one without the sunroof and premium sound system which saved over 175lbs. Since I knew I wouldn't be drag racing the car I went with 6speed manual Tremc TR-6060 transmission with ZF-Sach 250mm twin disc clutch for strength. The automatics are quicker off the line but have a weaker transmission when building engines that will double in power. Also the manual transmission is just plain more fun to drive. So really the only options I picked up from a base model is leather seats, 20"m wheels and the 3.92 rear end with slip diff. My goal with this car was have a great performing car that I can take to the course sometime but still could drive to work a few times a week. Also still have all the modern things in the car ( great SQ audio system with latest technology). Then interior and exterior that can withstand the test of time without having a outdated look in the future. One of the reason when looking for a modern car, I picked the challenger over the Mustang and Camaro. They had better performance, just the style and look didn't grow on me like the challenger did. I see them everywhere, no so much with the challenger. The toxic Orange color, I haven't even seen one in my area, its been 4 years. 4 years later ive only done a few upgrades, many more to go. I wont be going in any particular order in the build, time and money will be the defining factors what gets done. Big engine mods will be last as those will carry the heavy cost of time down and money. I will list the mods and pictures below of present mods and future mods.

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[junbug79]

So my first upgrade was a Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-back system to open up the exhaust.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unO6e028rms

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20120606_143039_zpskawb3c7z-1.jpg

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Testing out the exhaust year later after being broken in.

http://vid562.photobucket.com/albums/ss63/customaudioman/2011%20dodge%20challenger/20121003_104759_zpsvyqltsed.mp4

[junbug79]

Next on the list was wheels and tires. I previously bought brand new custom 3 pc forged wheel for my 300c. Since I used the 300 as a daily driver I decided to remove the wheels and use them on the Challenger. Also at that time I didn't like any other wheels that were out at the time to use on the challenger to give me the look I was after. So it worked out and saved me from spending another $7k for wheels and tires. I knew I had to get the wheels powder coated and add TPS. The chrome and the brush look I wanted to change. So I dismantle all the rims and cleaned them up to get them ready for powder coating.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/W6a_zpsikbnvccg-1.jpg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/2011091620164104_zps0f0cnqyb-1.jpg

[junbug79]

Next I picked up the powder coated wheel pieces, 12 in all from the shop. Now the task of assembling the wheels back together. which all all through bolts and blind bolts have to be torque back to manufacture spec. For these wheels its 18lbs for blind and 22lbs through bolts. Clear silicone is used to prevent leaks and allow the tire to hold air. The wheels have to sit for 24-48hrs to fully cure before mounting tires.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20120306_120123_zpsxrfmpsaf-1.jpg

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[junbug79]

So with the new wheels being finished, I knew I needed to focus on suspension next. The car handled okay, but I wanted to handle better and using larger wheels I would get fender gap. I decided on this car I wanted adjust ability on the fly without jacking the car up every time I want to make an adjustment. I decided to go with air suspension. UAS kits makes the best kits for the modern Mopar cars. Ive used their kit on a few of my cars, putting over 100k miles on the suspension driven in all weather conditions( rain storms, snow blizzards) and held up very well without issues.

Car with stock suspension and new wheels 22x9.5 265/30zr22 front 4.5" lip and 22x11 295/25zr22 rear 6" lip. In the process looking for some 20" wheels to use when at the course or track.

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20130923_010715_zps4a44854f-1.jpg

The kit. The cool thing about the front areo sport bags they fit over existing struts or coilover dampers. When the shock wears out, just slid the bag onto the new strut. No sending the unit back to the manufacture to be fixed, ( month down time to get them back)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20131002_145836_zps5b19273a-1.jpg

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wiring all the valves up
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the breakdown diagram of the UAS Areosport front air bags

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/Cut20Aerosport_zpsuj14lb9n-1.jpg

[junbug79]

Next I removed the spare tire. I wanted everything hidden in the spare tire area so I don't lose any trunk space and reduce weight. Air ride system in lighter then the oem springs and spare tire. I don't lose any space.

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Next two holes was drilled for screw rivets to mount the tank to the floor using screws

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Screw rivets were used for the compressor and valves mounting board, fuse holder, 80-amp relay and ground wires.

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I also wired the controller to two auxiliary outputs of the remote start/alarm system. ran the front and rear air lines. wired all valves up.
the wiring from the alarm system aux to the switch box to make the car rise and fall from the 2 way remote.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20131015_160208_zps42b3b899-1.jpg

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Air lines ran out to each corner of the car

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all my trunk space, stealth install complete
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20140327_125226_zpse619579a-1.jpg

9 switch controller on the seat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20131017_211943_zpsgn9xioy5-1.jpg

[junbug79]

The kit is all installed and no more wheel gap. Here are shots of the car with the oem 20" wheels and the forged 3 pc 22" wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/20140901_182809_zpseba10dd4-1.jpg

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Over the winter, I will be getting all new R/T Mopar Performance Bilstein Pursuit Package Shock Struts to replace the old oem ones. All the bushings front and rear and Hotchkis sway bars. Accuair e-level system with new controller.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aRdACuAzKI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgPIIKFHft4

[icemanrd19]

Looks good with the stock wheels. Rear tire is to low of a profile for me plus it looks like you have nexen 3000 or 5000 and they don't grip at all. I would go with a 30 series on the rear.