What is the biggest engine you can put in a Dodge Challenger?
The Dodge Challenger is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling. Over the years, Dodge has offered a variety of engine options for the Challenger, but enthusiasts often wonder: what is the biggest engine you can fit into this beast? Let’s dive into the details and explore the possibilities for maximum power.
Factory-Installed Engines: The Largest Option
From the factory, the largest engine available in a Dodge Challenger is the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8, famously known as the Hellcat engine. This engine powers models like the Challenger SRT Hellcat and the Challenger SRT Demon, delivering up to 840 horsepower in the Demon configuration. However, Dodge recently introduced the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and the Challenger SRT Super Stock, which also feature high-output versions of the Hellcat engine, pushing the limits of factory performance.
Aftermarket Engine Swaps: Going Beyond Factory Limits
For those looking to go beyond factory specifications, the aftermarket world offers endless possibilities. The biggest engine you can fit into a Dodge Challenger depends on your budget, mechanical expertise, and willingness to modify the car. Here are some popular options:
- 7.0-Liter HEMI V8 (426 HEMI): Known as the "Elephant Engine," this legendary powerplant from Mopar's past can be retrofitted into a Challenger with the right modifications.
- 7.2-Liter Hellephant Crate Engine: Mopar offers the Hellephant, a 1,000-horsepower 426-cubic-inch supercharged HEMI V8 crate engine. This is the largest and most powerful engine officially supported by Mopar for Challenger swaps.
- Custom Big Block Engines: Some enthusiasts opt for custom-built big block engines exceeding 8.0 liters in displacement. These require significant modifications to the engine bay, suspension, and drivetrain to handle the size and power.
Considerations for Engine Swaps
While upgrading to a larger engine sounds exciting, there are several factors to consider:
- Space Constraints: The Challenger's engine bay is spacious, but larger engines may require custom mounts, headers, and other modifications.
- Drivetrain Upgrades: A more powerful engine will likely require a stronger transmission, driveshaft, and differential to handle the increased torque.
- Cooling System: Bigger engines generate more heat, so upgrading the radiator and cooling system is essential.
- Legal and Emissions Compliance: Depending on your location, engine swaps may need to meet specific emissions standards or pass inspections.
Conclusion
The biggest engine you can put in a Dodge Challenger depends on whether you stick with factory options or venture into the aftermarket world. For factory enthusiasts, the 6.2-liter Hellcat engine is the pinnacle of performance. For those seeking ultimate power, the 7.2-liter Hellephant crate engine or custom big block builds offer unparalleled performance potential. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility—ensure your Challenger is properly equipped to handle the upgrade!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Hellcat or Demon?
The Challenger Demon is slightly faster and more powerful, with a top speed of 211 mph, compared to 202 for the Hellcat. Both the Hellcat and Demon have an iconic design and deliver a thrilling experience behind the wheel. Contact our team to learn more or schedule a test drive.
What is the biggest engine you can get in a Dodge Challenger?
HEMI® V8 engine
As the most menacing engine available in the Dodge lineup, the Supercharged 6.2L High-Output HEMI® V8 engine needs no introduction. This HEMI is available with 797 horsepower on the Hellcat Redeye models and 807 horsepower on the Challenger SRT® Super Stock and SRT Jailbreak—all standard with 707 pound-feet of torque.
Is a 392 HEMI faster than a scat pack?
Both the Scat Pack and the SRT 392 are powerful and capable of delivering impressive performances. In fact, both the SRT 392 and the Scat Pack can achieve 0-60 mph times in the low 4-second range. One thing to note is that the SRT 392 comes with additional performance features compared to the Scat Pack.
How much hp can you get out of a V6 Challenger?
305 horsepower
The base models of the Dodge Challenger has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that gives you 305 horsepower with 268 lb-ft torque.
What is the biggest engine you can get?
The Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C turbocharged two-stroke diesel engine is the world's largest and most powerful production internal combustion engine. It has a maximum output of 84.42 MW (113,000 hp) of power and a displacement of 1,820 litres (110,195 cubic inches).
Is a 392 the same as a 5.7 Hemi?
Though both provide internal dimensions larger than the 5.7-liter Hemi (the 392 has a 4.090-inch bore and 3.720-inch stroke, versus the 5.7's 3.917-inch bore and 3.578-inch stroke), the BGE version of the 392 has a lower compression ratio of 9.5:1 versus the passenger car's 10.9:1.
What Challenger has over 1000 HP?
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT ® Demon 170
The limited-production 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT ® Demon 170, featuring the first-ever 1,000-plus-horsepower production HEMI ® engine, is absolutely here to kick ass and cross names off the competitor lane list.
Can you get 1000hp out of a 5.7 HEMI?
1,000-HP Bolt-on System for 5.7-Liter and 6.4-Liter Hemi. COMP and Edelbrock pair the newest camshaft tech with supercharger upgrades to break the Hellcat code!
What is the difference between the 5.7 and 6.1 HEMI?
When it comes to the rotating assembly, the SRT engineers beefed up the crankshaft on the 6.1L HEMI engine and went with forged steel versus cast iron on the 5.7L engines. The pistons are a hypereutectic style (like the 5.7L HEMI engine) but with a floating pin versus a pressed-pin design.
Can a Challenger have a V8?
In addition to the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine, the 2023 Dodge Challenger offers other available engines such as the 392 HEMI V8 engine, 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, and the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine.
