Can you widebody a Challenger?
You can widebody a Dodge Challenger, using either an official Mopar widebody package on compatible models or a variety of aftermarket widebody kits installed by a professional shop. The path you choose affects fitment, cost, warranty considerations, and how the car will drive and look on the street or track.
What does it mean to widebody a Challenger?
Widening a Challenger involves adding wider fenders or full quarter-panel extensions to increase the track width. This allows you to fit wider tires for more grip, especially on a track or aggressive street setup. It also creates a more aggressive stance, but it adds fabrication work, potential alignment challenges, and higher costs compared with a stock appearance.
Factory vs aftermarket: two main routes
Factory Mopar widebody option
The manufacturer offers an official widebody package for select Challenger models. These kits are designed for cleaner fitment and a showroom-like finish, and installation is typically handled by a dealer or certified shop. Availability depends on model year and trim, and the package often comes with or alongside other performance/handling components. Although easier to install than some aftermarket routes, it remains a significant investment and may affect warranty coverage depending on the terms of the package.
- The kit is designed to integrate with the car’s structure and paint, minimizing misalignment and gaps.
- Fitment is generally precise, with parts specifically designed for Challenger chassis compatibility.
- Cost can be substantial due to parts, paint, and labor, but the result tends to look closer to factory intent.
In summary, the Mopar option offers a dealer-supported path with predictable results, but it comes at a higher price and limited trim/year applicability.
Aftermarket widebody kits
There is a wide ecosystem of aftermarket widebody kits for the Challenger, ranging from cosmetic fender flares to full quarter-panel replacements. Kits vary in material (fiberglass, polyurethane, carbon fiber), craftsmanship, and price. Installation is typically handled by specialty shops and can require cutting, sealing, and careful alignment with suspension and braking components. Warranty impact and resale value depend on the kit and installation quality.
- Lots of style options, from subtle to extreme, with many brands and finishes to choose from.
- Fitment quality can vary; some kits require professional fabrication and bodywork for a seamless look.
- Potential impact on factory warranty, insurance premiums, and resale value must be considered.
In short, aftermarket widebody kits offer broad styling choices and potentially lower upfront costs, but can demand more labor, risk inconsistent fit, and affect warranty coverage.
Cost and timing: what to budget
Costs for widening a Challenger vary widely based on kit type, labor rates, paint work, and wheel/tire decisions. Here are the typical considerations you’ll encounter.
- Kit price: Factory Mopar kits are priced as a complete package and can be more expensive upfront than some aftermarket options. Aftermarket kits range widely by material and brand.
- Labor: Installation involves bodywork, fender modifications, possible suspension and brake clearance work, paint preparation, and alignment. Labor costs can be a large portion of the total.
- Paint and finishing: Matching paint or special finishes adds to the timeline and cost, especially if the entire body or panels are repainted to blend the new pieces.
- Wheels and tires: To take full advantage of the wider stance, you’ll likely need new wheels with proper offset and wider tires, which adds to material costs.
- Additional components: Depending on the kit, you may also need upgraded brakes, suspension tweaks, or re-tuning for optimum handling.
The overall project can range from a mid-five-figure to well above that, depending on the kit, labor rate, and the level of customization. Always plan for contingencies and verify what’s included in any quoted price.
What to expect during installation
Here is a general sense of the steps involved when widening a Challenger. The exact workflow varies by kit and shop.
- Initial assessment and fitment checks to determine clearances with suspension, brakes, and wheels.
- Removal or modification of stock fenders and quarter panels as required by the kit.
- Fender flares or new panels are mounted, aligned, and secured with appropriate fasteners and sealants.
- Bodywork, paint prep, and color matching to ensure a seamless appearance with the rest of the car.
- Wheel and tire sizing chosen to match the new track width, followed by alignment and suspension tweaks.
- Final inspection, test drive, and warranty or service documentation if applicable.
Turnaround can vary from a few days for a simple, bolt-on kit to several weeks for more complex, full-quarter-panel replacements and paint work.
Warranty, legality, and everyday considerations
Widebody modifications can affect factory warranty coverage and may have local regulatory implications regarding vehicle width and lighting. Always consult the dealer or the shop performing the work about warranty implications, insurance considerations, and any required inspections or approvals in your region. Also consider how the wider stance might alter driving dynamics, ride comfort, and tire wear in daily use.
Summary
Widening a Challenger is a feasible project, available through both factory Mopar options on supported models and a broad array of aftermarket kits. The choice between factory and aftermarket routes hinges on budget, desired level of integration, warranty considerations, and your goals for performance and aesthetics. Expect a significant investment in parts, labor, and finishing work, plus careful planning around wheels, tires, suspension, and alignment. If you pursue a widebody build, work with a reputable shop that specializes in modern muscle cars to ensure proper fitment and a result that meets your expectations on both the street and the track.
What year challengers to stay away from?
Years to generally avoid for the Dodge Challenger are 2009, 2011–2013, and 2015, due to issues like airbag defects, alternator failure, and transmission problems. The 2012 model is particularly noted for having the most complaints on sites like CarComplaints.com, with frequent alternator and transmission issues.
Model years to avoid
- 2009: Known for problems like engine shutdown and check engine lights, often related to the crankshaft position sensor.
- 2011–2013: These years had widespread issues including alternator failure, problems with the new eight-speed transmission, and some electrical issues with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The 2012 model year is frequently cited as the worst due to the combination of these issues.
- 2015: Prone to electrical issues, including problems with the cruise control system and harsh transmission shifting.
Common problems in these years
- Airbag defects: Many models from 2008-2013 had faulty airbag inflators that could rupture.
- Engine and electrical problems: Common issues include alternator failure, especially in 2011-2014 models, and problems with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), which controls many of the car's electrical systems.
- Transmission issues: Early versions of the eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2012 and 2015 models were known for harsh shifting and other problems.
How to mitigate risks
- Verify recalls: Before purchasing any used Challenger, especially from one of these years, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Check for service alerts: Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) can provide insight into common problems and potential repair procedures.
- Consider newer models: Newer models, particularly from 2019-2023, generally have a better reliability record.
Which challengers are widebody?
Recently announced by Dodge are the new Widebody packages available on the 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker and Challenger T/A 392. The Widebody packages offer a combination of unique legacy appointments on both cars and improved performance with wider wheels and tires.
Can you add a wide body kit to a Challenger?
Our full body kit for the 2018-2023 Challenger Widebody is a custom design that fits all models. The Front splitter is offered in two unique designs that offer a 2.5" and 3.5" lip. Crafted from HDPE and is 3/8" thick and the side skirts and rear extensions are made of 1/4 black ABS.
What are the drawbacks of a widebody?
I have a widebody car. Cons: wheels are super expensive and heavier, it costs lots of money, I had to build my own fender liners, it can't feasibly be un-done. To install it PROPERLY is a lot of work and if you don't install it properly you will have a variety of issues.
