The Best Upgrades For The Dodge Challenger

When it comes to iconic American muscle, the Dodge Challenger is perhaps one of the most well-loved and recognizable examples. With its bold styling and brute strength, it is truly a one-of-a-kind car that has earned its legions of fans. While the Challenger is powerful, even at the base level, there are always ways that you can take its performance to the next level. Whether you’re looking to squeeze more power out of the engine or you want to improve your vehicle’s responsiveness in the corners, Dodge Challenger upgrades can make a big difference. Knowing some of the best upgrades for the Dodge Challenger and how they can improve your experience behind the wheel will help you make the right choice for yourself and your performance goals.

Cold Air Intake and Performance Tune

When you want to improve efficiency and get more power out of your engine, a cold air intake is one of your best options. The cooler the air is, the higher its concentration of oxygen. This is especially important for the combustion process in your engine and, unfortunately, the air inside the engine compartment is incredibly hot. A cold air intake moves the intake away from the engine and gives cooler air a chance to collect in the powertrain. When you install a cold air intake, you will also have to retune the engine to get the optimal air-fuel ratio, which gives you the opportunity to make any performance changes that can get you closer to your goals.

Cat-Back Exhaust System

One of the worst things that can happen to your Challenger’s engine is exhaust backpressure. As the engine produces its power, it also produces excess gases that need to be expelled through the emissions system. If your powertrain is making more emissions than it can get rid of, it will develop backpressure. This can reduce the power output and cause serious issues. Replacing the portion of the emissions system from the catalytic converter to the back of the vehicle can create better airflow and reduce that backpressure. If you’re going to be doing mods that help the engine make more power, a cat-back exhaust system is essential.

Turbo Kit

A turbo kit is one of the best ways to get real-world horsepower out of your Challenger’s engine. While factory Hellcat and Redeye models already come supercharged, base models like the SXT and R/T can get a lot of benefits from a turbo kit. Kits can add anywhere from 100 to 300+ horsepower, making them a great choice if you want to keep your vehicle and its stock engine but also want to push it to its limit. When you install a turbo kit, you may need to make some other changes like a stronger fuel system, upgraded intercooler, and blow-off valve, but the performance gains are well worth the extra work.

Performance Shocks

Power isn’t the only aspect of performance that you can improve on your Challenger. Handling and cornering are just as important and performance shocks can be a big help. Aftermarket shocks provide improved damping and response by reducing body roll and keeping the tires planted, especially at higher speeds. If you pair performance shocks with other suspension upgrades like lowering springs or coilovers, you can vastly improve your Challenger’s handling and get the ride quality you’re looking for.

Lightweight Wheels

While a more powerful engine can work wonders for your Challenger’s performance, it’s also important to think about curb weight. The Challenger is a large car and its weight can impede its overall speed and performance. The Challenger wheels are a great place to do some weight reduction while also giving your car a custom look. Forged wheels made from aluminum or alloy are going to be much lighter than the stock cast wheels and will give you a little more athleticism, especially because they are not sprung on the suspension system.

Ultra-High-Performance Tires

Your tires are an essential part of your car’s handling and acceleration, and a set of ultra-high-performance rubber can take your Challenger to the next level. UHP tires are designed to give you maximum grip in both wet and dry conditions, which helps with cornering as well as your time off the line. When paired with performance suspension and lightweight wheels, they can give you the complete performance package. When you want the very best for your Challenger, AmericanMuscle has you covered. With a range of performance products and fast delivery, you can give your car the overhaul it needs and enjoy your time behind the wheel.