"Newer" Challengers on a Budget - What to look for?

PurpleBeeper · Jul 21, 2019

I'm starting to think about buying a "new to me" daily driver, but I'm on a really tight budget (maybe $8k-$10k). I'm considering looking for an older (maybe 2010'ish) Challenger R/T with an automatic transmission. I would like to buy a Challenger that I can upgrade the engine without too much difficulty in a year or two.

I know this is a "broad" question, but what should I look for? Are there particular years that have better transmissions? Better rear ends? Are easier to upgrade to a newer 6.1 or 6.4 (preferably a 6.4). My overall plans for the car are to make it a "quick street car" that still has A/C, can take long trips & can be driven daily.

What do you all suggest?

davek · Jul 21, 2019

5.7 hemi · Jul 21, 2019

Get an RT. You can always go “blower” if ya need more power down the road. The Nag1 in those cars is really good, only a 5 speed, but nonetheless, still good. Be aware of the “Hemi Tick”, it could mean the lifters have worn into the cam lobes. If so, that’s head removal to change the lifters. Plus swapping out the cam. Not hard to do, just takes time.

PurpleBeeper · Jul 27, 2019

5.7 hemi said:
Get an RT. You can always go “blower” if ya need more power down the road. The Nag1 in those cars is really good, only a 5 speed, but nonetheless, still good. Be aware of the “Hemi Tick”, it could mean the lifters have worn into the cam lobes. If so, that’s head removal to change the lifters. Plus swapping out the cam. Not hard to do, just takes time.

Thanks hemi. Can I ask some follow up questions?
1. Are the rear ends all the same 6cyl, R/T, SRT?
2. Transmissions the same too? (I will get an automatic for sure)
3. Are there certain years of R/T's that are better than others for some reason?

5.7 hemi · Jul 27, 2019

1. No, they are different. The SRT is strongest and will have a 3.06:1 gear ratio.
2. Trans behind an auto (RT or SRT) will be the NAG1, it’s a very stout trans in stock form, but if you start making gobs of power, it’ll need to addressed.
3. I’m sure if any year is better than another, but I’m sure a later year will have all the updated stuff.

6PKRTSE · Aug 1, 2019

I have a 2012 Challenger R/T Classic. It is a 6 speed manual with a 3.92 gear. Part of the package. I love it for my nice weather daily driver. Still gets 21.8 MPG in the city last time I checked. Of course, I am never easy on it either.

Dennis H · Aug 1, 2019

09 R/T TRACPAC. Liking the Blower, but that eats about 8k right here. Kennel Bell 2.8 L liquid cooled twin-screw. Added about 100 hp. Just right.

ZR9B · Aug 1, 2019

I have an 10 srt 8 6.1....I think it is the largest pushrod motor witch means less to go wrong...it really doesnt seem like its 425 hp but still alot if fun.

"Newer" Challengers on a Budget - What to look for?

PurpleBeeper

Well-Known Member

davek

FBBO Gold Member

5.7 hemi

FBBO Gold Member

PurpleBeeper

Well-Known Member

5.7 hemi

FBBO Gold Member

6PKRTSE

Well-Known Member

Dennis H

FBBO Gold Member

ZR9B

Well-Known Member

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