New Challenger section
Discussion
Hi guys,
As there is no 'Challenger Section' yet, I hope you don't mind me posting here, but wanted to ask a couple of questions about your cars.
I currently have a modified '71 Mach 1 Mustang which replaced an LS2 Monaro a few years ago. Having lived with a 'classic' for some time, I miss the modern perks the Monaro gave and was thinking a Challenger would be an ideal solution for me. I think they look awesome and you just don't see them around. I've only clapped eyes on a blue one on the roads near me and a V6 on a forecourt which I managed to look around the other day to get an idea of the car (V8 for me though).
What TAX bracket does the Challenger SRT/8 fall in to. I managed to sneak into the lower bracket on the Monaro (55 reg) and the Mustang is TAX free. I would begrudge paying £500 a year to the TAX man for a weekend toy. I've done it before and that car didn't last long!!! Am I right that it could be cheaper as it's an import?
Is there anything obvious I need to be aware of when looking at these cars (known faults/problem areas)? Ideally I want a manual.
Does the 6.1 offer much more omff over the 5.7?
What do people think of the flappy paddle gearbox?
Any other info gratefully received.
Thanks very much.
GruFFy
As there is no 'Challenger Section' yet, I hope you don't mind me posting here, but wanted to ask a couple of questions about your cars.
I currently have a modified '71 Mach 1 Mustang which replaced an LS2 Monaro a few years ago. Having lived with a 'classic' for some time, I miss the modern perks the Monaro gave and was thinking a Challenger would be an ideal solution for me. I think they look awesome and you just don't see them around. I've only clapped eyes on a blue one on the roads near me and a V6 on a forecourt which I managed to look around the other day to get an idea of the car (V8 for me though).
What TAX bracket does the Challenger SRT/8 fall in to. I managed to sneak into the lower bracket on the Monaro (55 reg) and the Mustang is TAX free. I would begrudge paying £500 a year to the TAX man for a weekend toy. I've done it before and that car didn't last long!!! Am I right that it could be cheaper as it's an import?
Is there anything obvious I need to be aware of when looking at these cars (known faults/problem areas)? Ideally I want a manual.
Does the 6.1 offer much more omff over the 5.7?
What do people think of the flappy paddle gearbox?
Any other info gratefully received.
Thanks very much.
GruFFy
SRT8 Challenger UK road tax is currently £230 p.a. - default for imported vehicles with no official emissions numbers.
Manual transmission versions use the ubiquitous Tremec TR-6060 6-speed also found in Corvettes, Camaros and Vipers - lovely box, and great fun particularly when used in conjunction with the two-off-level traction control.
Things to be aware of? Make sure any recall work has been done - different for R/Ts and SRT8s - honoured by good Fiat Chrysler dealers in the UK
R/Ts are 370 hp in auto and 375 hp in manual. 6.1 litre SRT8s have 425 hp, later 6.4s have 475. Then there are all sorts of factory and aftermarket upgrades up to the magnificent 707 hp 6.2 supercharged SRT Hellcat.
Manual transmission versions use the ubiquitous Tremec TR-6060 6-speed also found in Corvettes, Camaros and Vipers - lovely box, and great fun particularly when used in conjunction with the two-off-level traction control.
Things to be aware of? Make sure any recall work has been done - different for R/Ts and SRT8s - honoured by good Fiat Chrysler dealers in the UK
R/Ts are 370 hp in auto and 375 hp in manual. 6.1 litre SRT8s have 425 hp, later 6.4s have 475. Then there are all sorts of factory and aftermarket upgrades up to the magnificent 707 hp 6.2 supercharged SRT Hellcat.
Edited by MikeSRT8 on Saturday 28th November 23:18
I would suggest that the 5.7 Challenger without some modification is a little underpowered. That might sound odd, but remember it's a 4200lb car with less grunt than either of it's more powerful and less hefty competitors (Mustang GT and Camaro 2SS).
The auto transmission until 2015 m/y was Mercedes derived 5G-Tronic manually shifted with "AutoStick" not paddles. It's a very stout transmission that can handle a lot of torque and has a locking converter - but it's a little slow reacting to the control module. It can be made a LOT more responsive with a Diablo Predator flash tune.
The 5.7 (Eagle) engine also has MDS which helps with fuel economy when trickling around in traffic.
The Tremec manual transmission is OK, but not great - if your Monaro was a manual - it's the same unit.
The 6.1 motor is (was) a whole different proposition - lots more hp and torque - but no cylinder deactivation, so thirsty (and it absolutely requires premium fuel too).
Similarly Diablo Predator/Trinity flash tune really wakes this engine up. I had one in a 2007 Chrysler 300c SRT-8 and it was bad fast for such a lump of a car.
SRT-8 also gets you vastly superior brakes and shocks.
Today's king of the hill n/a Mopar hemi is 392 Apache with even better numbers and MDS in automatics, with a lightning fast, paddle shifted 8 speed ZF transmission.
To summarize, the Challenger is a great looking car - but the 5.7 is best avoided unless you are going to do a bit of (not cheap) modding, to avoid being humiliated by Mustangs, Camaros and even high-end ricers.
The auto transmission until 2015 m/y was Mercedes derived 5G-Tronic manually shifted with "AutoStick" not paddles. It's a very stout transmission that can handle a lot of torque and has a locking converter - but it's a little slow reacting to the control module. It can be made a LOT more responsive with a Diablo Predator flash tune.
The 5.7 (Eagle) engine also has MDS which helps with fuel economy when trickling around in traffic.
The Tremec manual transmission is OK, but not great - if your Monaro was a manual - it's the same unit.
The 6.1 motor is (was) a whole different proposition - lots more hp and torque - but no cylinder deactivation, so thirsty (and it absolutely requires premium fuel too).
Similarly Diablo Predator/Trinity flash tune really wakes this engine up. I had one in a 2007 Chrysler 300c SRT-8 and it was bad fast for such a lump of a car.
SRT-8 also gets you vastly superior brakes and shocks.
Today's king of the hill n/a Mopar hemi is 392 Apache with even better numbers and MDS in automatics, with a lightning fast, paddle shifted 8 speed ZF transmission.
To summarize, the Challenger is a great looking car - but the 5.7 is best avoided unless you are going to do a bit of (not cheap) modding, to avoid being humiliated by Mustangs, Camaros and even high-end ricers.
hi two us here in Nottingham area both SRT8's 2008 & 2009 if you want a bit more advice a good site to look at is Challengertalk i did a lot of research into getting the right car for me ,I'm usually about most of the time so if you want to Pm me or better to give me a call
Glad i got challenger & glad i found the SRT8 very good to have a local main dealer who have been great, both the recalls done with no problems
before you buy a car there is a web site for all american cars just put vin numbers in it even tells you if your cars been done {takes a little while to update}.the best of luck finding a good car as there are so few here in the UK once you get into looking you'll be surprised how many changes there are
year to year
Glad i got challenger & glad i found the SRT8 very good to have a local main dealer who have been great, both the recalls done with no problems
before you buy a car there is a web site for all american cars just put vin numbers in it even tells you if your cars been done {takes a little while to update}.the best of luck finding a good car as there are so few here in the UK once you get into looking you'll be surprised how many changes there are
year to year
Ah nice one. Very kind, cheers...
I'm beginning to notice some little differences between the cars on the classifieds.
I just need to see/hear one in V8 form! So far, I'm the only guy that turns up in American Muscle at my local meets. I keep hoping to see a Challenger turn up
There is one for sale at Targa Florio Cars Ltd which isn't too far... It's a 5.7.
I'm beginning to notice some little differences between the cars on the classifieds.
I just need to see/hear one in V8 form! So far, I'm the only guy that turns up in American Muscle at my local meets. I keep hoping to see a Challenger turn up
There is one for sale at Targa Florio Cars Ltd which isn't too far... It's a 5.7.
I have a 2014 R/T manual after having three s197 mustangs- one supercharged-dont ask.
It was time for a change.
Love the looks and its a much more refined drive than the stang, but its not as much of a drivers car.
Main problem is the gearing on the six speed , you are always in a higher gear than the mustang. eg the stang does 115 in 3rd whereas in the chally you are redlining at 85! Maybe other 6 speeds are like this? dont know as this is my first one.
Much less tail happy the the stang as well
Manuals dont have cylinder deactivation. but I average 24 UK so thats not a problem.
If you want to go fast -best go for the SRT- but if you just want to look good and sound good the R/t will do you just fine and you will get a almost new one for the same money as a three year old SRT.
Good luck
It was time for a change.
Love the looks and its a much more refined drive than the stang, but its not as much of a drivers car.
Main problem is the gearing on the six speed , you are always in a higher gear than the mustang. eg the stang does 115 in 3rd whereas in the chally you are redlining at 85! Maybe other 6 speeds are like this? dont know as this is my first one.
Much less tail happy the the stang as well
Manuals dont have cylinder deactivation. but I average 24 UK so thats not a problem.
If you want to go fast -best go for the SRT- but if you just want to look good and sound good the R/t will do you just fine and you will get a almost new one for the same money as a three year old SRT.
Good luck
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