In October 2006 Dodge unveiled their Challenger Drag Pak concept at SEMA. The program allowed customers to buy a turn-key race car directly from a manufacturer that would seriously compete at the drag racing. For the first two production years (2009 and 2010) the engines were varying displacement HEMI V8s but Dodge has something special in store for 2011.
In 2011 customers could order the Mopar Challenger Drag Pak with a 8.4 L (512 ci) V10 engine from a Viper. Behind the engine sits a two-speed automatic transmission, custom one-piece driveshaft and Dana 60 solid-axle rear end. The prototypes were originally fitted with six-speed manuals. You can read more about the decision to switch to an automatic transmission and overall development of this program from the lead engineer at Falzon Motorsports.
These didn’t come cheap and were priced at $85,512. All those dollars didn’t get you many creature comforts. They removed the windshield wiper assembly, HVAC system, rear seats, plastic windows and power-steering. Even the factory fuel filler location was fake since the fuel tank was replaced with a fuel cell in the trunk. Of course that trade-off resulted in a turn-key 9-second car that went 150 mph.
2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Stats
- Identification plate with unique serial number sequence
- Primed and painted body, color options available
- 512 cid V-10 engine
- Unique engine calibration
- 2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
- Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
- No windshield wiper assembly
- No HVAC system (includes block off plates)
- No rear seats
- No power-steering system
- No underbody heat shields
- Complete fuel cell assembly
- Race headers with collectors
- Modified tunnel for transmission clearance and one-piece drive shaft
- Raised floor above differential for solid-axle conversion clearance
- Polycarbonate door windows
- Smart-glass door window system
- Solid engine mounts
- Mopar solid rear axle
- Lightweight seats to accommodate 6-point harness
- Special modified K-member with drop-out crossmember
- Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
- Manual rack-and-pinion steering
- Front chin spoiler
- Lightweight cooling module with electric fan
- Lightweight instrument panel assembly
- Special cable-operated decklid release
- Special cable-operated throttle pedal and linkage
- Race-style wheels and tires
Source: FCA Media and Falzon Motorsports
What suspension modifications would I have to do if I wanted to swap a V10 into my RT? I know a few places not too far for me to drive to and pick up a V10 for what I would consider to be a decent price. What modifications would I have to do for the computer to link up to the stock instruments or should I just get a piggy back setup? Finally, my intentions for this build is to have a weekend and nights out car. I might take it to the track just to get some time slips but nothing crazy.