The Car Thread ... !

[quagmire]

Whats the community's thoughts/opinions on the Challenger?
It has long been my dream car and I am in love with this combo here and negotiating on an order right now but I know prices are a bit escalated and may win out by waiting until 2022 are released and they clear the final 2020s out which are still out there.
Any fans/owners here?

Here is the spec I would want:
View attachment 1774625

Not a fan personally. Great V8 engine packaged in an old(platform dates back to the 90’s) and heavy platform. Sounds great and fast in the straights, but I want more personally out of a vehicle than straight line performance. Plus FCA quality concerns. Overall design is also growing stale on me since it dates back to 2009 with a few refreshes.

But that is just my taste in vehicles and bad personal family experience with Chrysler products that makes me stay away from their products.

 

[Matz]

Whats the community's thoughts/opinions on the Challenger?
It has long been my dream car and I am in love with this combo here and negotiating on an order right now but I know prices are a bit escalated and may win out by waiting until 2022 are released and they clear the final 2020s out which are still out there.
Any fans/owners here?

Here is the spec I would want:
View attachment 1774625

I appreciate the Challenger as the best modern production interpretation of an old-school muscle car, and much truer to its roots than the Camaro or the Mustang, imho. They have evolved into sports cars, which is fine. They are fine cars. But if muscle cars didn't float your boat, the Challenger wouldn't be for you.

As for me, they do float my boat. I even like that particular color. And the wide body gives it an even better stance. But a Challenger is not "refined," of course, unless you compare it with earlier models.

I've rented a few and found them to handle decently, considering their weight. It struggles on the track, according to various comparison tests in the car mags, but on the street, it's a fine all-around daily driver. Based on my limited experience of driving a half dozen Challengers, if I didn't prefer a sedan, I'd probably own a Challenger.

And perhaps I'm lucky; my experience with MOPAR has been quite positive. I've had two Intrepids and two Chargers, and found them to be as reliable as any car I've owned, and better than some.

Bottom line: Looks like serious fun; especially the SP. If it speaks to you - and it apparently does - then you probably ought to own one. I seriously doubt you'd regret it, other than not owning one sooner.

 

[44267547]

Whats the community's thoughts/opinions on the Challenger?
It has long been my dream car and I am in love with this combo here and negotiating on an order right now but I know prices are a bit escalated and may win out by waiting until 2022 are released and they clear the final 2020s out which are still out there.
Any fans/owners here?

Here is the spec I would want:
View attachment 1774625

The 392 Scat Pack? I own one and drove it recently (In the Charger variant.) What’s impressive about those cars isn’t just the 6.4 L V8, it’s the ZF 8 speed transmission that is razor sharp with the shifts. They’re heavy cars no matter which way you look at it, but ridiculously fast. The only thing I don’t like about the Challenger, is it’s a little too big for me personally, which is why I chose the Charger.

I have nothing negative to say about the 392 Scat Pack, and it’s everything you could want and more with the exhaust note, power, handling, you can tweak the transmission tuning, and it’s more than capable of taking it to the track with the right side of drag radials if you go that far. (Heck, even the insurance is cheaper compared to my Camaro and Cobra.)

If There was anything that they could improve in terms of making this vehicle better, it would be with some of the materials that they they used with the dash, and some of the trim work, but otherwise everything is right on par with my expectations.

If you find one, and you’re comfortable with the price, I don’t think you’re going to regret it at all, as Dodge truly put a lot of heart into these vehicles, and they made them fun in every which way possible.

Here is mine in Pitch black clear coat:

 

[bunnspecial]

I'm mixed on the Challenger.

A good friend of mine had one of the early re-intro model-forget the trim but it had the 5.7 Hemi. He sold it recently and bought a barely-drive 2017 SR/T in Plum Crazy Purple. It's NUTS to drive-we went out for a drive in it and even though I know the brakes are good I was afraid to get it to the speeds he was egging me on to do on the road where we were(which is a road I know like the back of my hand). When we drove it, he had it to ~130 or so. He told me to get it to 50 and punch it and I'd be at 100 before I realized it-sure enough he was right but I chickened out at 99 just so I could honestly tell my wife I hadn't seen 3 digits on the speedo (and I'm someone who can has either hit the speed limiter/power limit in every car I've owned or chickened out before I got there-130 was too much for me in my Lincoln LS, but it saw 120 plenty of times and 100 regularly...supposedly the trim I had wasn't limited but would give out around 150-155...my current MKZ runs out a little past where the speedometer pegs, or in other words just a bit over 120).

Aside from just driving crazy speeds, though, I agree that it's just a dated platform and is really an honest modern take on a muscle car. It's a car that will throw you back into the seat and go nutty speeds, but heaven help you if you actually need to turn. It just doesn't feel very nimble. The Mustang and Camaro have made some serious strides to blurring the muscle car/sports car line. The Mustang switching to IRS was a big deal at the time, but even the last live axle Mustangs had pulled off some amazing tricks to really improve the handling. The Mustang and Camaro are definitely sports cars now. IMO, the Challenger is not a sports car.

 

[Matz]

Speaking of the 5.7, at long last my 2014 Charger R/T AWD is going back together, after throwing a rod and destroying the block on Christmas Eve. It's now a 6.4 stroker, with long tube headers, a cam, an upgraded fuel pump, and the rebuilt Whipple SC. It's scheduled for completion and dyno tune next Friday, followed by a much-needed detailing, paint correction and sealing.

I kind of wish the engine builder had painted the engine, but I didn't think of asking. I might have painted it if I'd done my own wrenching. Maybe not.

Anyway, it's a daily driver, not a show car. I'm really looking forward to driving it again.

 

[bunnspecial]

I kind of wish the engine builder had painted the engine, but I didn't think of asking. I might have painted it if I'd done my own wrenching. Maybe not.

Looks great!

The guy who built my engine last year said he never lets an engine out of his hands without a coat of paint, claiming it's a bit more "sealing" on the gaskets and everything. Unfortunately he still left me with a leaky timing cover, but still, it sounded nice and I had a beautiful paint job.

 

[bunnspecial]

Well, two steps forward, one step back...

I drained the NASTY and probably 50 year old differential fluid out of my car. BTW, I'd put this off since owning the car because because I had trouble finding the right fluid. Current fluid is GL-5 spec, and even though they're "supposed" to be backward compatible, GL-5 will eat the bronze thrust washers. GL-4 is a must in these cars, and it's non-existent at parts stores. I finally found a quart of it from a specialty supplier on Amazon.

Since I've had a slow leak around the cover, I decided to pull it for a clean-up, paint, and then gasket replacement. I'm also replacing the oil seals on the axles.

In any case, the brake line is anchored to bolts on the differential cover, and I managed to kink a line trying to get it loose.

Looks like I'm going to have a crash course in brake line flaring tomorrow...

 

[44267547]

Speaking of the 5.7, at long last my 2014 Charger R/T AWD is going back together, after throwing a rod and destroying the block on Christmas Eve. It's now a 6.4 stroker, with long tube headers, a cam, an upgraded fuel pump, and the rebuilt Whipple SC. It's scheduled for completion and dyno tune next Friday, followed by a much-needed detailing, paint correction and sealing.

View attachment 1775439
I kind of wish the engine builder had painted the engine, but I didn't think of asking. I might have painted it if I'd done my own wrenching. Maybe not.

Anyway, it's a daily driver, not a show car. I'm really looking forward to driving it again.

Six months is like forever, so I can only imagine you must be extremely anxious. I’ve been in your situation, many years ago, I had my 5.3L Impala SS, which had a issue with the fly-wheel and also a minor knock, in which case instead of just rebuilding the engine, I made it into a boosted monster with suspension/brake/exhaust upgrades to boot. I knew the tab was going to be high regardless, so I figured why not just go the extra mile and put in some additional modifications. I remember when I finally got to pick it up the day it was ready after being tuned (It was three months worth of labor), it was like a totally different car, I didn’t even know how to handle it. So I can only imagine the excitement you will probably have and the sleep you’re gonna lose the night before when you go to pick it up.

I was going to ask you, what kind of long tube headers did you choose? I was guessing either those were either BBK or Corsa? [Maybe Texas Speed..]

Edit:

Also, I definitely would like to read your initial impressions how different it is from when you had it Whipple supercharged with the 5.7 compared to how it will be when you pick it up soon. Also, I’m not sure if it’s possible or not, but if you can ever post a video of the initial start up and/or even a drive-by, that would be awesome.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Well, two steps forward, one step back...

I drained the NASTY and probably 50 year old differential fluid out of my car. BTW, I'd put this off since owning the car because because I had trouble finding the right fluid. Current fluid is GL-5 spec, and even though they're "supposed" to be backward compatible, GL-5 will eat the bronze thrust washers. GL-4 is a must in these cars, and it's non-existent at parts stores. I finally found a quart of it from a specialty supplier on Amazon.

Since I've had a slow leak around the cover, I decided to pull it for a clean-up, paint, and then gasket replacement. I'm also replacing the oil seals on the axles.

In any case, the brake line is anchored to bolts on the differential cover, and I managed to kink a line trying to get it loose.

Looks like I'm going to have a crash course in brake line flaring tomorrow...

Other than replacing brake pads, always been nervous doing anything on the brakes. It’s the one part of the car you want to ALWAYS work!

 

[Matz]

Six months is like forever, so I can only imagine you must be extremely anxious. I’ve been in your situation, many years ago, I had my 5.3L Impala SS, which had a issue with the fly-wheel and also a minor knock, in which case instead of just rebuilding the engine, I made it into a boosted monster with suspension/brake/exhaust upgrades to boot. I knew the tab was going to be high regardless, so I figured why not just go the extra mile and put in some additional modifications. I remember when I finally got to pick it up the day it was ready after being tuned (It was three months worth of labor), it was like a totally different car, I didn’t even know how to handle it. So I can only imagine the excitement you will probably have and the sleep you’re gonna lose the night before when you go to pick it up.

I was going to ask you, what kind of long tube headers did you choose? I was guessing either those were either BBK or Corsa? [Maybe Texas Speed..]

Edit:

Also, I definitely would like to read your initial impressions how different it is from when you had it Whipple supercharged with the 5.7 compared to how it will be when you pick it up soon. Also, I’m not sure if it’s possible or not, but if you can ever post a video of the initial start up and/or even a drive-by, that would be awesome.

Thanks. I'm definitely going to allow for an adjustment period to get used to the added power, whatever that turns out to be. I thought it was crazy quick on the first build at 550 AWHP. This build will produce in the neighborhood of 600-650 AWHP, which is Hellcat territory.

My main concern will be the longevity of the drivetrain, specifically the trans and the transfer case. I've budgeted for future mods to both, but don't know when I'll do that. Hopefully before the stock systems break.

The longtubes are by American Racing Headers, one of the few companies that make headers specifically for the AWD Charger R/T. Finding performance parts for the AWD has been one of the challenges of owning this car.

 

[Cnasty]

Excellent feedback here.
I have had very good experiences with MOPAR and Ram in particular having an uncle that owned a dealer and fed me cars for over 10 years.
I have always wanted a Challenger and with the launch of the wide body it caught my eye even more in the F8 color variant pictured.

I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler that I plan to keep and have the Challenger as my weekend/fun car as I know it can be driven daily but I work from home and barely any miles put on any car honestly.
They are a bit overpriced I would say now with the chip shortage on a new model and I usually am a used/good deal type buyer but want to control the miles placed on a vehicle like this which hopefully would become a family heirloom of sorts for my kids.

I am still a bit torn as the spec I am looking at is $53k or so and being all frugal as I am, its a hard bullet to bite.

I love all the thoughts and opinions and the fence sitter still sits!

 

[44267547]

Excellent feedback here.
I have had very good experiences with MOPAR and Ram in particular having an uncle that owned a dealer and fed me cars for over 10 years.
I have always wanted a Challenger and with the launch of the wide body it caught my eye even more in the F8 color variant pictured.

I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler that I plan to keep and have the Challenger as my weekend/fun car as I know it can be driven daily but I work from home and barely any miles put on any car honestly.
They are a bit overpriced I would say now with the chip shortage on a new model and I usually am a used/good deal type buyer but want to control the miles placed on a vehicle like this which hopefully would become a family heirloom of sorts for my kids.

I am still a bit torn as the spec I am looking at is $53k or so and being all frugal as I am, its a hard bullet to bite.

I love all the thoughts and opinions and the fence sitter still sits!

I know you’re a Tesla fan, so I think you’ll definitely appreciate the internal combustion aspect if you cross that line back into a V-8. But like you hinted, there is some inflation involved with vehicles right now, both used and new, which obviously isn’t the most appealing thing, but if you find a Challenger maybe even slightly used, with the attached warranty, and for the right price, I’d definitely nab it. And I love ‘F8 green’. I don’t know if you’ve seen one in person in that color, but it is very reminiscent with a fighter jet gloss to it, it’s one of the most unique shades of green on the market. Definitely keep us updated and good luck.

 

[Cnasty]

I know you’re a Tesla fan, so I think you’ll definitely appreciate the internal combustion aspect if you cross that line back into a V-8. But like you hinted, there is some inflation involved with vehicles right now, both used and new, which obviously isn’t the most appealing thing, but if you find a Challenger maybe even slightly used, with the attached warranty, and for the right price, I’d definitely nab it. And I love ‘F8 green’. I don’t know if you’ve seen one in person in that color, but it is very reminiscent with a fighter jet gloss to it, it’s one of the most unique shades of green on the market. Definitely keep us updated and good luck.

You nailed it! Still a huge Tesla fan and still have my Cybertruck reservation though not sure where I am going with it at this point.
My favorite color by far is green and when I saw the F8 in person, WOW! It has this shine to it when it catches the light that just screams beauty.
I am wary of any used miles on these types of cars due to the nature of their breed but I am also toeing the line of waiting until the 2022s are released to see if the 2020s/2021s will see some incremental decreases. I feel building a spec right now is not an option I plan to explore as previously stated for maybe another 3-6 months. I don't expect big changes in the new model but it will have a financial impact/sales perspective on the previous models which I would love to maximize.
Thank you for the kind words and will definitely keep everyone updated!

 

[44267547]

2022 Ford Lightning ‘EV’ debut:

2024 Ford Lightning® | Electric Truck | Ford.com

Embark on an electrifying journey with the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning® Truck. View 4 available trims including the XLT, LARIAT®, Flash™ & Platinum®. Select a standard or extended-range battery & experience the convenience of Pro Power Onboard™.

www.ford.com

Here’s the stats:

Base model-~$39k, ranging to a loaded model for ~$55-60k

Towing capacity of 10,000lbs

Automatic [Frotrunk from above picture

Has the ability to power other tools at job/construction sites/camper, ect.

Optional 15.5 display, they can schedule charging flash range using a scale mechanisms.

563HP/700Tq

0-60 in 4.4 seconds

**************
I mean, it looks awesome. I’m curious to see how this fares against the Cyber truck.

 

[Apple fanboy]

2022 Ford Lightning ‘EV’ debut:

2024 Ford Lightning® | Electric Truck | Ford.com

Embark on an electrifying journey with the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning® Truck. View 4 available trims including the XLT, LARIAT®, Flash™ & Platinum®. Select a standard or extended-range battery & experience the convenience of Pro Power Onboard™.

www.ford.com

View attachment 1778152 View attachment 1778151 View attachment 1778153

Here’s the stats:

Base model-~$39k, ranging to a loaded model for ~$55-60k

Towing capacity of 10,000lbs

Automatic [Frotrunk from above picture

Has the ability to power other tools at job/construction sites/camper, ect.

Optional 15.5 display, they can schedule charging flash range using a scale mechanisms.

563HP/700Tq

0-60 in 4.4 seconds

**************
I mean, it looks awesome. I’m curious to see how this fares against the Cyber truck.

Do you have to open the bonnet to charge it? Can’t see that working.

 

[44267547]

Do you have to open the bonnet to charge it? Can’t see that working.

Good question. Actually, if you look at the third photo above of the red Ford Lightning, you’ll see the ‘F150 logo’ on the side panel, that pops open and that’s where you charge it. What you’re seeing with the hood being open, you can actually use external power for tools and other sorts, and with enough battery life in the vehicle, you can actually use the truck battery to power your home in the event if you have a power outage. It’s crazy to see where technology is leading, and how it can be externally used to benefit you in other areas other than just driving.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Good question. Actually, if you look at the third photo above of the red Ford Lightning, you’ll see the ‘F150 logo’ on the side panel, that pops open and that’s where you charge it. What you’re seeing with the hood being open, you can actually use external power for tools and other sorts, and with enough battery life in the vehicle, you can actually use the truck battery to power your home in the event if you have a power outage. It’s crazy to see where technology is leading, and how it can be externally used to benefit you in other areas other than just driving.

That makes more sense. Wouldn’t really want to leave it open all night unless you have a garage. Not that I get my car in my garage to often!

 

[JohnR]

2022 Ford Lightning ‘EV’ debut:

2024 Ford Lightning® | Electric Truck | Ford.com

Embark on an electrifying journey with the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning® Truck. View 4 available trims including the XLT, LARIAT®, Flash™ & Platinum®. Select a standard or extended-range battery & experience the convenience of Pro Power Onboard™.

www.ford.com

View attachment 1778152 View attachment 1778151 View attachment 1778153

Here’s the stats:

Base model-~$39k, ranging to a loaded model for ~$55-60k

Towing capacity of 10,000lbs

Automatic [Frotrunk from above picture

Has the ability to power other tools at job/construction sites/camper, ect.

Optional 15.5 display, they can schedule charging flash range using a scale mechanisms.

563HP/700Tq

0-60 in 4.4 seconds

**************
I mean, it looks awesome. I’m curious to see how this fares against the Cyber truck.

the base model is a stripped down commercial use truck, so majority of people won't be buying that. And it tops out at $90K

More-equipped mid-series (XLT) starts at $52,974 MSRP, offering additional comfort and technology. MSRP starting at $39,974 up to around $90,474.

2024 Ford Lightning® | Electric Truck | Ford.com

Embark on an electrifying journey with the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning® Truck. View 4 available trims including the XLT, LARIAT®, Flash™ & Platinum®. Select a standard or extended-range battery & experience the convenience of Pro Power Onboard™.

www.ford.com

Range is 230 & 300. Unfortunately we don't know if that's with the stock street tires or the larger tires on the upgrades. And what's the range loss when the bed is maxed out and/or you are towing something?
I do like how you can use it to power your house if you lose electricity.

I do like it, but there's just some things that need to change (range, charging network, and price). Cybertruck just offers more bang for the buck.

 

[quagmire]

the base model is a stripped down commercial use truck, so majority of people won't be buying that. And it tops out at $90K

2024 Ford Lightning® | Electric Truck | Ford.com

Embark on an electrifying journey with the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning® Truck. View 4 available trims including the XLT, LARIAT®, Flash™ & Platinum®. Select a standard or extended-range battery & experience the convenience of Pro Power Onboard™.

www.ford.com

Range is 230 & 300. Unfortunately we don't know if that's with the stock street tires or the larger tires on the upgrades. And what's the range loss when the bed is maxed out and/or you are towing something?
I do like how you can use it to power your house if you lose electricity.

I do like it, but there's just some things that need to change (range, charging network, and price). Cybertruck just offers more bang for the buck.

Range is competitive with Cybertruck outside of TriMotor model. Plus knowing how Ford is a bit more realistic with their stated range compared to Tesla at least with the Mach E, I am betting they are fairly close.

I will have to look again, but we do not know what's the range loss with a payload, towing, etc either with Cybertruck. We do not from people who have towed with the Model Y, they are lucky to get 100 miles when towing. But hey stainless steel and hopefully armored glass vs aluminum body panels. So I would still lean towards Cybertruck when it comes to durability.

 

[sunapple]

@applefanboy
The 2012 Fiat 500 Saga continues.
The Good News: The dealer pushed the warranty company who agreed to pay the $50 for the broken bolt.

The Bad News: After putting the car engine back together they discovered that although the seals no longer leak, when it gets up to operating temperature the oil pressure drops to <4psi. Note before I took it it I was not getting a low oil pressure light. Then they took off the oil filter and discovered metal shavings. I spoke with the Service department manager who said things like they think the crankshaft is wandering, hence the metal savings. The described verdict: Catastrophic Failure, his words, they don’t do engine rebuilds, just engine replacements, about another 2 weeks in the shop. Waiting to see if MOPAR has a problem with this as it is their lifetime warranty. According to the manager this repair would run $7-8k.

The Good News Part 2: The warranty covers this kind of failure. My out of pocket cost should be the deductible $100.

I told the Fiat Dealer Service manager that I was close to 70 years old, had owned many cars, and have never had a car engine self destruct at 50k miles. This business with a seized bolt leads me to speculate that this engine was not assembled properly at the factory, but fortunately, MOPAR, not me will end up eating it.

Sorry you had such a bad experience with the 500. Mine is 55 years old and still going strong 💪

 

[Huntn]

Sorry you had such a bad experience with the 500. Mine is 55 years old and still going strong 💪

Your Fiat? Of note, I’ve owned a 1975 and a 1982 Fiat 124 Spiders and had good experiences with them.

Update on my 2012 Fiat 500, still at the shop and the new/rebuilt engine is enroute from Detroit. This is the longest repair I have ever experience with any vehicle I have owned. The first (car I owned) was a 1968 Cougar.

 

[Natzoo]

Your Fiat? Of note, I’ve owned a 1975 and a 1982 Fiat 124 Spiders and had good experiences with them.

Update on my 2012 Fiat 500, still at the shop and the new/rebuilt engine is enroute from Detroit. This is the longest repair I have ever experience with any vehicle I have owned. The first (car I owned) was a 1968 Cougar.

I'm surprised that FCA agreed to cover the cost of the engine since I'm guessing the value of the car has diminished over the years. I know that they usually buy out the warranty if they don't want to cover it, wish I got the lifetime warranty on my grand Cherokee but I don't expect any major issues with the v6 and trans.

 

[quagmire]

Woohoo.....

Got the VIN for my Model 3. Taking delivery sometime next week or so.

 

[Matz]

After five long months, I finally have my Charger back from the shop!

It's in the break-in period for the new engine, so I'm taking it easy on it. Runs really well, sounds good with the ARH long tube headers, and with the forged internals and hp/tq kept to reasonable levels to protect the AWD drivetrain, it ought to last awhile. At least I hope so!

The dyno results:

 

[44267547]

After five long months, I finally have my Charger back from the shop!

It's in the break-in period for the new engine, so I'm taking it easy on it. Runs really well, sounds good with the ARH long tube headers, and with the forged internals and hp/tq kept to reasonable levels to protect the AWD drivetrain, it ought to last awhile. At least I hope so!

The dyno results:
View attachment 1783519

Awesome. Good point about the AWD system. My question is, with the PTU fluid, is yours lifetime or do you have to change that like every 10,000 miles or something?