2008 challenger????

:wack:
I am not trying to start anything with anyone on this forum, however I do not believe it can be done.

It would cost just as much (probably more) to get a nice solid (original panels / rust free) vintage Challenger (or any other Mopar).
Completely overhaul the engine to make it as powerful (with MPI) and retain true daily drivability/reliability.
Then you would still have to restore the entire car (body & interior) to better then new condition.
Order all the trick front and rear aftermarket suspension products, chassis bracing, and spot weld the body everywhere for stiffness/flex control, and lightweight wheels and sticky tires (which still probably can not match the new Challengers handling/chassis stiffness and most importantly ride quality).
Electronics (engine management system, sensors, transmission electronics, all the electronics needed to run the power windows, seats, door locks, mirrors, power 4-wheel disk brakes with ABS, power rack and pinion steering, large stereo... This includes higher rating alternator and larger harness wires. You also have nice bright mordern lighting systems throughout the car. Not just the headlights, tail lights, running lights, and blinkers, but also the interior lights, and gauge cluster lighting.
Overdrive transmission. Have you priced one of these kits lately?
Overhaul the A/C & heating system to perform better than they did new back then.
Still no warranty on your newly built engine or most any other installed part.
Way too many other things to list..

Sure you can throw $20k at any classic Mopar and upgrade the engine, transmission, chassis, suspension, electronics, sound deadening, and such. That leaves $20k for a solid original Mopar, full body restoration with paint, full interior restoration, finish up all the little details (trim, exhaust...) and get it running properly (dyno tuning)...
I doubt even the someone doing all the work themselves could build a vinatge Mopar that will directly compete/beat in all areas with the new Challenger for the $40k sticker price...

The problem is when your done it probably wont be a quite easy to drive, quite as reliable, handle quite as well, be quite as confortable (especially on rough roads or under hard cornering loads).

When problems arise later the new Challenger can be hooked up to professional scan tools... The vintage stuff with all the mix matched electronics will be a lot more of a pain.

Just my opinion.


A quality restored Mopar with a salvaged 5.7L HEMI with O.D. transmission and MPI, (MagnumForce, RMS, XV...) front and rear suspension kits, and the likes should bring close the Challengers $40k sticker price...