The Car Thread ... !

[44267547]

According to the shop, no additional upgrades are needed. They know the car is bone stock, and they have done quite a few 5.7s.

The three or four other shops I contacted before selecting National Speed in Richmond said the same thing, so I’m going to hope they’re correct.

That said, a supercharged 5.7 AWD is actually quite rare. So while I’m not exactly a guinea pig, I’m closer to the tail of the distribution curve than I would be with a RWD.

If I was to go to higher boost, then other mods would come into play, including engine internals.

The baseline dyno is done, and it’s apparently at the upper end of stock HP/TQ; 350/390 at the wheels.

I’ll post it along with the post-mod dyno graph, and a few pics once they finish the job.

On a side note:

I don’t know about you, but gas is extremely cheap currently in my area, I’m at ~$.94 a gallon. So I’m sure you’ll be doing a lot of driving with the RT with fuel economy not really being an issue given your MPG will drop with the boost. Actually, I put on more miles on my Scat in recent weeks than I did all of last summer of 2019 [Nice weather/No traffic/and using vacation time].

I was going to next ask you about car shows that you probably will venture to after-the-fact, but Any/all car shows/C&C in my area have been canceled for the summer. We have a few Mopar clubs in my city, but they are on a hiatus given we can’t have gatherings over 15 people.

 

[Matz]

On a side note:

I don’t know about you, but gas is extremely cheap currently in my area, I’m at ~$.94 a gallon. So I’m sure you’ll be doing a lot of driving with the RT with fuel economy not really being an issue given your MPG will drop with the boost. Actually, I put on more miles on my Scat in recent weeks than I did all of last summer of 2019 [Nice weather/No traffic/and using vacation time].

I was going to next ask you about car shows that you probably will venture to after-the-fact, but Any/all car shows/C&C in my area have been canceled for the summer. We have a few Mopar clubs in my city, but they are on a hiatus given we can’t have gatherings over 15 people.

I wish premium was that cheap! Regular, even. The best price I’ve seen around here in southern Virginia is $2.13 for premium, which a screaming bargain compared with prices a month or so ago. So I’ll happily pay it.

As for gas mileage, it will be interesting to see how large of a hit it takes. I’m guessing it will be significant at first, then creep back to normal after some time, as I get over the initial, ah, enthusiasm that I fully expect to have.

I have only been to a few car shows. They can be a lot of fun, and it’s sad that they’re not happening for the foreseeable future.

One thing my car needs after the SC install is a thorough cleaning. Not having a garage plus living in the country at the end of a half-mile long driveway means that my car is usually far less than pristine.

Based on the pre-install photo the shop sent me, the engine compartment definitely needs some attention.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I wish premium was that cheap! Regular, even. The best price I’ve seen around here in southern Virginia is $2.13 for premium, which a screaming bargain compared with prices a month or so ago. So I’ll happily pay it.

As for gas mileage, it will be interesting to see how large of a hit it takes. I’m guessing it will be significant at first, then creep back to normal after some time, as I get over the initial, ah, enthusiasm that I fully expect to have.

I have only been to a few car shows. They can be a lot of fun, and it’s sad that they’re not happening for the foreseeable future.

One thing my car needs after the SC install is a thorough cleaning. Not having a garage plus living in the country at the end of a half-mile long driveway means that my car is usually far less than pristine.

Based on the pre-install photo the shop sent me, the engine compartment definitely needs some attention.

View attachment 913248

Coming along nicely Michael Matzko! When do you take delivery?

 

[Matz]

Coming along nicely Michael Matzko! When do you take delivery?

I've never heard of that guy!

Hopefully Monday, maybe Tuesday.

 

[D.T.]

@Matz

Nice! There's some slick rides in their garage too, I see what looks like an R34 GT-R in the background (the gray car to the left, you can only see the rear 1/3 or so).

Now you've got to get you some more serious rubber (and appropriate wheels) on that ride

 

[Matz]

@Matz

Nice! There's some slick rides in their garage too, I see what looks like an R34 GT-R in the background (the gray car to the left, you can only see the rear 1/3 or so).

Now you've got to get you some more serious rubber (and appropriate wheels) on that ride

There are some serious rides in that place. Way more serious than my humble ride.

And yes, speaking of rubber, I'm thinking I might have to do that... except for the sleeper factor. We'll see how the stock tires perform, as they're fairly new. I may go up a size in the next set.

I actually like the stock wheels, though. Plus, the selection of decent aftermarket wheels for an AWD Charger is surprisingly small, due to the required offset.
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Here's what's getting bolted on, probably at this very moment:

 

[44267547]

There are some serious rides in that place. Way more serious than my humble ride.

And yes, speaking of rubber, I'm thinking I might have to do that... except for the sleeper factor. We'll see how the stock tires perform, as they're fairly new. I may go up a size in the next set.

I actually like the stock wheels, though. Plus, the selection of decent aftermarket wheels for an AWD Charger is surprisingly small, due to the required offset.
[automerge]1588961686[/automerge]
Here's what's getting bolted on, probably at this very moment:
View attachment 913293

First off, good choice with Whipple. But more than that, that’s a great company that stands behind their products 100%. You spend a little bit more, but you’re getting build quality/longevity with performance and a customer service rep team that is very responsive With any concerns. They actually work directly with the performance shops if there’s any ‘encountered issues’ with part failures, troubleshooting, ect. I don’t know too many Performance part distributors that actually go to that length. I’ve always said, you’re not buying Just the product, you’re buying the customer service behind the product.

Oh, It’s refreshing to see a ‘build In progress’ on this thread!

 

[Matz]

Here is a dyno graph, showing before and after power and torque curves.

Apparently the supercharger makes nearly 140 ft/lbs of additional torque and more than 180 additional horsepower, at the wheels.

I can live with that.

 

[D.T.]

Hahaha, you can call it your Dodge Devil, well, because it's supercharged, but @ 20% driveline loss, that calculates out to ~666 HP at the wheels*


(* In before the wrong math hits ... )

 

[CooperBox]

Would love to see pictures of your C!

I'd still like to have a C one of these days. They're certainly a very different car than a B-my impression of the one I've driven(which admittedly was an automatic) was that it was a nice lazy cruiser that made for a pleasant drive, but didn't feel anywhere as nimble as a B. There is something of the "sleeper" factor to it, although the lumpy bonnet does sort of give it away also.

When I shopped for the B, I started out looking for a 3000, but put that idea away pretty quickly when I saw prices. Of the 100/4, 100/6, and 3000, I actually like the look of the 100/4 the best but you have to love the big 6 cylinder in the 100/4 and 3000. They are hot, loud, and overall give the feeling of a "pile of parts moving in loose formation", though.

I still stick with the B as the best all around compromise when shopping for one of these. It's small and light enough to be fun and nimble, but just big enough to be practical and not have to fold into a pretzel to get in.

As requested, pictures of my MGC from the archives. Sorry about the quality of these photos, scanned from old polaroid shots.

Obviously the little lady took this one - very poorly framed......


Scribbled notation on rear indicates Benidorm, Spain, 1971. The car was purchased in UK whilst on vacation, and then primarily used in France. For the last 6 months of ownership I was in the north of Germany where the car detested the cold winter and was a b*##* to start from cold although it never let me down. Soon afterwards it was sold as I was reposted for a number of years to faraway, warmer climes.

Here's another, same date (nicely framed this time).......


I don't really regret selling the car, especially as the adjacent, standing 'model' was very much a keeper for which I have all the original documentation?, and still with me after all these years, bless her!

 

[44267547]

@Matz, don’t forget to add the ‘Whipple sticker‘ on the back of your windshield. That’s guaranteed at least an extra 15% HP. And if anybody asks you, tell them your butt-dyno said so.😁

 

[44267547]

Here is a dyno graph, showing before and after power and torque curves.

Apparently the supercharger makes nearly 140 ft/lbs of additional torque and more than 180 additional horsepower, at the wheels.

I can live with that.

View attachment 913511

Also, Hopefully I’m not treading too personal here, but would you mind sharing what your install/tuning Costs was for the Whipple? The Only reason I ask, I’m just curious in terms of what your performance shop would charge say compared to mine, as I have a pretty good idea of where they stand in terms of install for boosted projects.

 

[Matz]

Also, Hopefully I’m not treading too personal here, but would you mind sharing what your install/tuning Costs was for the Whipple? The Only reason I ask, I’m just curious in terms of what your performance shop would charge say compared to mine, as I have a pretty good idea of where they stand in terms of install for boosted projects.

Tuning and install came to just under $2.5k, which is at the upper end of the four shops I considered. Back in the day, I might have attempted going the DIY route, but without a proper shop and the time to devote to learning what I'd need to learn plus actually doing the work, that wasn't an option.

I'm confident that the folks at NS know what they're doing, and will stand behind their work.

 

[44267547]

Tuning and install came to just under $2.5k, which is at the upper end of the four shops I considered. Back in the day, I might have attempted going the DIY route, but without a proper shop and the time to devote to learning what I'd need to learn plus actually doing the work, that wasn't an option.

I'm confident that the folks at NS know what they're doing, and will stand behind their work.

That’s not a bad price at all they’re charging you. I don’t have the skill set to go to the lengths of boosting my vehicle to that degree, (nor do I have the appropriate tools.) But nonetheless, having someone professionally install and tune, it’s Just a ‘safer bet‘ to have a team of experienced technicians prep your vehicle for any performance Upgrades in the case of what you’re doing. Honestly, what I like to do when my vehicles are being tuned/upgraded, I usually swing by the shop, and I ask if I can just watch and maybe snap a few photos, and they’re usually totally cool with that. Plus, I always learn something along the way about boosting/tuning. Fun stuff.

 

[Matz]

That’s not a bad price at all they’re charging you. I don’t have the skill set to go to the lengths of boosting my vehicle to that degree, (nor do I have the appropriate tools.) But nonetheless, having someone professionally install and tune, it’s Just a ‘safer bet‘ to have a team of experienced technicians prep your vehicle for any performance Upgrades in the case of what you’re doing. Honestly, what I like to do when my vehicles are being tuned/upgraded, I usually swing by the shop, and I ask if I can just watch and maybe snap a few photos, and they’re usually totally cool with that. Plus, I always learn something along the way about boosting/tuning. Fun stuff.

Yes, it seems like a reasonable price to me. They currently aren’t letting any customers into the shop, or I would definitely go have a look. They are photographing the whole process, though, and I expect to have more photos to post once I receive them.

 

[D.T.]

Yes, it seems like a reasonable price to me. They currently aren’t letting any customers into the shop, or I would definitely go have a look. They are photographing the whole process, though, and I expect to have more photos to post once I receive them.

Yeah, it's just hours X rate (plus a few shop supplies), so you figure a 16-24 install, tune, etc., at probably $90-105/hour, that seems right on.

 

[44267547]

Yes, it seems like a reasonable price to me. They currently aren’t letting any customers into the shop, or I would definitely go have a look. They are photographing the whole process, though, and I expect to have more photos to post once I receive them.

Makes sense. I wouldn’t want anybody in my shop either due to the possibility of cross-contaminating. At least they’re documenting everything for you, and now that this car is more of a ‘family member‘ given everything you’re doing, this is one of those lifetime changes that you can reflect back on and appreciate how you took your Charger RT on another level.

 

[Matz]

A couple of installation pics:

I'm amazed that I'm going to be able to close the hood (bonnet)!
At least that's what I'm told...

 

[Matz]

Just drove it home.

That was an experience. I think this is going to take some getting used to.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Just drove it home.

That was an experience. I think this is going to take some getting used to.

Pictures? How was the performance? Notably improved?

 

[44267547]

Just drove it home.

That was an experience. I think this is going to take some getting used to.

What’s your initial thoughts? Curious what your fuel economy is once you have the chance to drive it more. Once you have a boosted car like that you have now, then you’re going to start realizing the little adjustments you want to make in terms of suspension, tires, etc. It all starts with one thing and then trickles into other segments where you want to change/alter.
[automerge]1589227690[/automerge]

Pictures?

Matz posted a few installs above.

 

[Apple fanboy]

What’s your initial thoughts? Curious what your fuel economy is once you have the chance to drive it more. Once you have a boosted car like that you have now, then you’re going to start realizing the little adjustments you want to make in terms of suspension, tires, etc. It all starts with one thing and then trickles into other segments where you want to change/alter.
[automerge]1589227690[/automerge]


Matz posted a few installs above.

But where’s the actual car shots?

 

[Apple fanboy]

As requested, pictures of my MGC from the archives. Sorry about the quality of these photos, scanned from old polaroid shots.

Obviously the little lady took this one - very poorly framed......
View attachment 913502

Scribbled notation on rear indicates Benidorm, Spain, 1971. The car was purchased in UK whilst on vacation, and then primarily used in France. For the last 6 months of ownership I was in the north of Germany where the car detested the cold winter and was a b*##* to start from cold although it never let me down. Soon afterwards it was sold as I was reposted for a number of years to faraway, warmer climes.

Here's another, same date (nicely framed this time).......
View attachment 913521

I don't really regret selling the car, especially as the adjacent, standing 'model' was very much a keeper for which I have all the original documentation?, and still with me after all these years, bless her!

My Mum tells me a story of driving to the South of France in an MG for a holiday. Had to drive all the way with the roof up despite it being incredibly warm as the boot was full of luggage for the trip. I took the liberty of correcting the photo a bit. Hope you don't mind.

 

[Matz]

But where’s the actual car shots?

Two actual car shots. It really needs a good washing and waxing!

[automerge]1589290837[/automerge]


Here it is when I first acquired it.

 

[44267547]

Two thoughts:

1.) I prefer the 2014 era ‘twin-bulbous’ look for the Charger headlamp design with the black-inlay v.s. The new Gen design. It just fits that car in a more aggressive style.

2.)Please don’t mention wash & waxing, you’ll get me posting long-winded rants on detailing that will take a one page-thread- post.😁 (I’m king of detailing and take it very seriously.)

My preference for detailing products, I can’t say enough good things about ‘Car guys’ products, pricey, but delivers. [Check Amazon.]

I’ve recommended this before for minor imperfections/scratches on a car, ‘Griots polishing compound’, it’s very mild, disposable pads with manual light hand work. [Griots is available Locally at any auto-store/~$5.99.]