Topic: This Is What I Have Mainly Been Working On For A while

[bill440cars]

     

       Yeah, it has 4 wheels, I know. Anyway, I started with a basic Charger R/T and here is what I've done so far:

       Replaced the stock (slat looking grille insert with a Daytona (honeycomb insert)
       Replaced the Chrome Grille with a metallic black one
       installed an R/T emblem in the grille (painted the recessed part black)
       Installed 3 honeycomb inserts in the lower grille openings (can't see in this pic)
       Installed the "Daytona Type" front spoiler on the lower front of the car
       the dealer had tinted the windows as part of the deal on the car
       the dealer had also installed a black Daytona type rear spoiler (in the deal too)
       Installed tinted vent shades on all doors
       Removed the dealer badge on the rear AND the door molding as well
       Installed a strut kit on the hood (replacing the "Hood Prop"
       Replaced the stock dual exhaust system w/ a System from an '09 SRT8
       (better system, less restrictive, freer flowing and has an awesome sound)
       Replace front side marker lights with tinted ones


        Working on doing:

        Removing the large plastic piece that covers most of the engine, to make the
        engine more visable.
       
        Adding a  Cold Air Intake, a lower temp thermostat and getting a Diablo
        Predator (to change the computer settings for more performance)

        Wanting a "Shaker Hood" (old 70's Challenger and Cuda Style set up) set up,
        but will be awhile before I can even think of that.

        Looking at tinted tail lights
        proceeding with that.
       
        NOTE: So far, all of this that I HAVE done, hasn't been too costly either. Some of the cars in the clubs I belong to ( The Great Plainz Modern Mopars and the ChargerZ) have had some quite a bit f work done on them, in appearance, performance and handling. I was REALLY amazed at what I have seen so far)

       AND, the more local one (the GPMM, the Great Plainz Modern Mopars covers Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas) has Meet & Greets (some w/ car shows)  that aren't too far away, which means that I can get out and meet the folks, which I have managed to start doing with a start at a show in Hot Springs Arkansas which was only a couple of hours away. I want to get back to doing the bikes, but right now, I'm enjoying what I have going over there and it keeps my mind occupied.

     Just thought I'd share and hope you all enjoyed seeing this.  

[bill440cars]

  Here's a shot showing the doors w/o the molding

 

  This shot shows the front spoiler and a better  look at the grille w/ the R/T emblem

 

  Here, you can se the rear spoiler, the fact that there is no dealer badge on the trunk lid below the charger name AND the tips of the SRT8 exhaust

 

  Had to get some new tires and THESE fit the bill quiet nicely

 

  Here is the tinted front side marker light

   

  This shows the front Sticker of the GPMM, I belong to

 

   Here's the rear sticker

   

   

[KeithTurk]

Nice...

I like the retro stuff...

K

[Stev-o]

Stickers? I would not have done that.

[bill440cars]

Nice...

I like the retro stuff...

K

   Thanks, I'm trying to give it it's own look, ya know?

   It's a blast to drive as well! Lots of power, Gets there QUICK, Handles GREAT through the curves AND get's you where you want to go, Comfortably! Doesn't get bad gas mileage either (bout the same as my V6 Grand caravan and THIS one has the 5.7 HEMI V8)

[bill440cars]

Stickers? I would not have done that.

 Well, to each his own. They are on the windows (front & rear) and it show the Club I represent.   And the stickers are Vinyl, easily removed with no problems, IF I decide to remove them.

[tramp]

bill, i don't remember
did you get a r/t with the r/t package?

[bill440cars]

bill, i don't remember
did you get a r/t with the r/t package?

   No, mine doesn't have the Road & Track handling package. I wish I could drive one that did though, as MINE handles really well through the curves (or "Twisties").
I've put the car through the paces with some really twiisty roads and it hangs in there really well. The steering is really quick too AND with the power of the 5.7, along with the gear change capability of the 5sp Automatic trans w/ auto stick, THIS car will REALLY move out quite impressively! Before I go trying to improve on the suspension, I want to be able to actually DRIVE one WITH that package, to see how much difference there is and IF it would be worth the effort and the money.
I've read of one that had been modded enough to bring the engine to 426 cubic inches (7.0L) and 585 horse power! I don't NEED all of THAT myself, but I DO want to pep it up somewhat, in the way of a Cold Air Intake, A 180 degree thermostat and a Predator Tuner, to give it a bit more punch (not that it really needs it, mind you).    
 

[tramp]

the reason i brought it up is that the r/t package gives you a larger diameter air intake so the cai is not really necessary
good luck

[bill440cars]

the reason i brought it up is that the r/t package gives you a larger diameter air intake so the cai is not really necessary
good luck

       I knew there were SOME difference between the 2 versions of the R/T, but wasn't sure exactly what they were. The suspension was the main thing I knew and the fact that the R/T emblems had orange (or maybe red) in the letters, while the base R/T had a chrome emblem and  only on the rear.

       Thanks, it's still a pretty cool car and with GUTS!

[Stev-o]

the reason i brought it up is that the r/t package gives you a larger diameter air intake so the cai is not really necessary
good luck

       I knew there were SOME difference between the 2 versions of the R/T, but wasn't sure exactly what they were. The suspension was the main thing I knew and the fact that the R/T emblems had orange (or maybe red) in the letters, while the base R/T had a chrome emblem and  only on the rear.

       Thanks, it's still a pretty cool car and with GUTS!

Should've got the R/T!! [not a "wanna be"]

[bikerbart]

looks like a cop car.I would slow down if I see you.

[bill440cars]

the reason i brought it up is that the r/t package gives you a larger diameter air intake so the cai is not really necessary
good luck

       I knew there were SOME difference between the 2 versions of the R/T, but wasn't sure exactly what they were. The suspension was the main thing I knew and the fact that the R/T emblems had orange (or maybe red) in the letters, while the base R/T had a chrome emblem and  only on the rear.

       Thanks, it's still a pretty cool car and with GUTS!

Should've got the R/T!! [not a "wanna be"]

      Would have except for 2 things, Money AND availability!

       Have You ever driven an R/T, the R/T w/ the Road & Track package or a R/T Daytona? I have only driven a base R/T so far and I have to say it is PRETTY impressive, in it's own rite! It will "get up & haul", when you punch it and go through the "Twisties" with NO problem. I'm not saying that there aren't faster or more capable cars. I AM saying that THIS model will hold it's own, with more than SOME cars will. The 5'7 is supposed to be capable of 0 - 60 in about 6 seconds. Now, I don't know IF mt car will do that or not, BUT, It WILL leave out quick enough to surprise some others! If I ever got the chance, I would to upgrade to an SRT8, but when you go replacing parts like brake pads for example, you are gonna drop some serious dollars (they have the Brembo brake systems on them). One of the Chapter of the car club I belong to, is planning a "Dyno Day" within a month or so and I want to go, just to see what kind of numbers the R/T puts out. The only modification, performance wise, that I have right now is the SRT8 exhaust system (and THIS alone, has pepped the performance up some).

[bill440cars]

looks like a cop car.I would slow down if I see you.

      Ha! Ha! I've had that effect on some already, I think. But, I haven't seen any of them with black grilles and a front spoiler yet. I HAVE noticed that there are some who will pull over and let me by. BUT, I also get the same reaction from SOME, when I'm in the GTX as well.  Who knows?

[tramp]

regular r/t throws about 286hp to the rear wheels

[bill440cars]

regular r/t throws about 286hp to the rear wheels

     Thanks Tramp, I didn't know that. Kinda curious how much it will be with the SRT8 exhaust that I have now and the other things that I have planned (Cold Air Induction, lower temp thermostat and the Diablo Predator tune as well. I'm told that these things will REALLY wake the Hemi up! Thing is, it ALREADY seems to be AWAKE, so maybe the other things will make it MAD enough to raise HELL! Cool part is, even with those changes, I can still put it on the road, cruise and get pretty decent gas mileage!

[Stev-o]

I wonder how many guys drive a Hemi that don't know what it actually is?

Bill??

[tramp]

also look into the software change for the tranny
heard from alot of people that it firms up the shifts

[bill440cars]

I wonder how many guys drive a Hemi that don't know what it actually is?

Bill??

  Would you be talking the "Hemisperical Head" (shaped like a dome) which has a perfect shape with the intake valve on one side, the exhaust valve on the other AND the spark plug right smack dab in the middle, to provide the perfect COMPLETE combustion of the air fuel mixture?  Naw, I don't know what that is.

[bill440cars]

also look into the software change for the tranny
heard from alot of people that it firms up the shifts

   Tramp, I appreciate that, but there are some folks on that site, who have been talking all kinds of things that the Predator will do. Not to discourage YOU or anyone else from offering input here, I'll take ALL I can get. After all, I am from the days of the OLD style engines and you had to mod things or buy after market, for the most part. No Computers, but when you raised the hood, you SAW the ENGINE! I'm working on correcting THAT too!

[bill440cars]

  Got something in the mail today, that is pretty cool, I think. Originally, the outer bulb, in the tail light, functioned for the turn signal (there are 2 bulbs back there) Now though, when I turn on MY turn signals, THIS is what happens:


         

    Won't impress some, but I have always liked "sequence turn signals".

[seaweb11]

Do they sell those real cool neon lights for the under carriage for that car?   

[JAG]

It looks sexy..

I'd definitely want to do something with the shocks/struts, and maybe some sway bars to balance yourself through those twisties with all that horsepower. Plus it would give it a little different stance..

Just my 2 cents.

Still excellent job. I'm a firm believer in Less is MORE!!

[bill440cars]

It looks sexy..

I'd definitely want to do something with the shocks/struts, and maybe some sway bars to balance yourself through those twisties with all that horsepower. Plus it would give it a little different stance..

Just my 2 cents.

Still excellent job. I'm a firm believer in Less is MORE!!

         Well, it ALREADY does pretty well trough the "twisties". It Does have full independent suspension, with front and rear sway bars. You CAN get heavier springs and such, but, I've taken it through some pretty heavy twists in the hwy and it just hangs right in there, like it was made for it. I'm not saying that it couldn't be improved on, I am only saying that it will pretty much take care of anything I could throw it into.  

[78 k550]

looking sharp Bill.

Paul

[bill440cars]

Do they sell those real cool neon lights for the under carriage for that car?   

   I'm sure they do, but I don't know so much about that.

[bill440cars]

looking sharp Bill.

Paul

   Thanks Paul, I appreciate that.

[bill440cars]

I wonder how many guys drive a Hemi that don't know what it actually is?

Bill??

    So, meriggi,you never have responded to my answer about what a HEMI is or what I had previously answered at to why I bought "as you put it" an R/T wanna be". How come? You posted the questions and I responded with what I feel are decent answers and questions of my own.  You may have been to busy to get back to this or are making ME think that you aren't really sure of the answers to come back with. I REALLY think that IF you were to give an R/T "
Wanna Be" a decent road test, YOU'LL find that THESE Base R/Ts are pretty decent in their own rite.

    Tell you what, I'll also add that  just about a month ago, I followed a Charger R/T Daytona down hwy71S and onto hwy270 to Hot Springs Arkansas and anyone who has been on the 2 highways, KNOWS there are some pretty good curves to go through (especially on 270). The woman driving the Daytona, can well hold her own with about anyone and I stayed right in behind her with no problem. I'm not saying my R/T will out perform hers BUT It sure ain't bad! I've already tangled with some who thought it was just a 4dr car with a name on it and surprised THEM as well. It ain't the best OR the fastest, BUT it WILL get your blood pumping.  

     Think about it:

           345c.i, 340hp engine capable of 0 - 6- in about 6 seconds
           fully independent suspension
           front and rear sway bars

   Note: I hope you and the others will keep in mind that I am ONLY trying to bring out some info and not trying to be a know it all about this. Having grown up in the OLD DAYS of the Performance cars, I was Really impressed by the way that these 4dr HEAVY cars perform and their features.

[tramp]

and they are built to take a beating
some of the wrecks i've seen and the people walk away
had mine for 4yrs and still love it

[bill440cars]

and they are built to take a beating
some of the wrecks i've seen and the people walk away
had mine for 4yrs and still love it

   Have to agree Tramp. Haven't had mine near as long, but I am steadily liking it more all of the time. Fact is, it is VERY easy to let the GTX sit, during the Hot days as the R/T will keep me comfortable AND get out there, when you are ready to do some TRUCKIN'! AND, the way it handles, makes me forget that it's a 4dr! It'll do just about anything I want OR need it to do.  

[Stev-o]

I wonder how many guys drive a Hemi that don't know what it actually is?

Bill??

  Would you be talking the "Hemisperical Head" (shaped like a dome) which has a perfect shape with the intake valve on one side, the exhaust valve on the other AND the spark plug right smack dab in the middle, to provide the perfect COMPLETE combustion of the air fuel mixture?  Naw, I don't know what that is.

Yes, exactly!
Relax, I didn't necessarily mean that you didn't know what a Hemi is, but I bet that most guys don't!!

[bill440cars]

I wonder how many guys drive a Hemi that don't know what it actually is?

Bill??

  Would you be talking the "Hemisperical Head" (shaped like a dome) which has a perfect shape with the intake valve on one side, the exhaust valve on the other AND the spark plug right smack dab in the middle, to provide the perfect COMPLETE combustion of the air fuel mixture?  Naw, I don't know what that is.

Yes, exactly!
Relax, I didn't necessarily mean that you didn't know what a Hemi is, but I bet that most guys don't!!

           Yeah, I can imagine that a number of folks don't have a clue about the meaning of a Hemi OR a Polysperical head as well. The last 2 generations of Hemis, In MY opinion, were much more impressive when you raised the hod and saw those massive valve covers with the spark plugs right in the middle of them. Myself, I AM in the process of redoing things under the hood, so that you CAN see that engine and not the parge piece of plastic that originally covered the engine. One guy I know, with a Challenger, has installed polished aluminum valve covers on his 6'1L Hemi. Really sharp, but those valve covers are way too expensive for me. I didn't know that these new Hemis run 2 spark plugs per cylinder and has a coil pack over each set of spark plugs.

[tramp]

wait till you get to change them plugs
lots of fun

[bill440cars]

wait till you get to change them plugs
lots of fun

   Yeah, I can well imagine, all 16 of them!  

  What kind of mileage did YOU get on yours? I've got around 43,000 now.

[bill440cars]

   Got myself a Cold Air Intake for the R/T. It IS a cheaper model ad doesn't have the piece that helps isolate the filter from the heat in the engine compartment, but works pretty well AND doesn't look bad. I can make the part I need though. I've seen the nicer ones go for as much as around $350or more and I've got less than $50 in this one.



   

[fastbroshi]

   Relating to folks that don't know what a Hemi is...a little background.  I used to sell cars, Toyotas namely.  I had this twat for a manager trying to give me a "class" on the cars and their motors.  I coulda fallen asleep for what he taught me.  He stood there with a straight face and tried to tell me that the Toyota 2.4L four cylinder that's in the Camrys was a Hemi.    I was a #$%* salesman, but I knew my specs cold.  He told me that and I almost quit.

[bill440cars]

   Relating to folks that don't know what a Hemi is...a little background.  I used to sell cars, Toyotas namely.  I had this twat for a manager trying to give me a "class" on the cars and their motors.  I coulda fallen asleep for what he taught me.  He stood there with a straight face and tried to tell me that the Toyota 2.4L four cylinder that's in the Camrys was a Hemi.    I was a #$%* salesman, but I knew my specs cold.  He told me that and I almost quit.

  HA! Ha! Seems the "Student" was a bit SMARTER than the "Teacher", eh?

  My Dad decided to check ME out years ago, when I was in my early teens and asked me how an engine worked. I sure messed up at first. I started off by saying the the gas went from the carburetor into the head. WRONG! By the time we finished that day, I was KNOWING exactly what happened in EVERY aspect of the operation of a 4 stroke engine and not much later, the 2 stroke as well. His thoughts were that IF you were going to be working on the stuff, you oughta know how the heck it WORKED!