Looking at a Major Change

I’ve been doing a lot of research on the new Challangers and am close to pulling the trigger. I’ve test driven all the different models in depth to include the AWD/6 and the Hellcat. I am at the point where I’m a little tired of bending over fenders. I’d like to maybe get back into autoX, maybe some standing stard events and road course events, nothing real hardcore. I know the performance aspect of these cars in terms of engine/drivetrain but would like a little schooling on the handling and mods that can be made to strengthen the handling.

So, fire away

1. The biggest factor of getting from point a to point b and others and then returning to point a quickly, is the driver
2. Second biggest factor is the tires
3. I'd suggest focusing first on these two, based on your intended platform
4. I don't know what a /6-AWD is in this context.

They're really good and capable cars. I've been playing with the idea for a while myself. If it was me, I'd get the cheapest 6.4/8speed auto car you can afford (used preferably) strip about 1000lbs out of it, 18x10 wheels on all four corners with good 200tw 295-305width tires on all for corners. Pair that up with Hotchkis suspension and some good pads and you'd have a hell of a car.
Kevin is doing a really wicked job with the Redeye Challenger this year and showing how well our cars can do in a factory(ish) trim with very conservative modifications. My scatpack Charger has never failed to impress folks at the track and I'm usually about 1.5-3 seconds a lap faster than spec miatas or spec e30's

If they were 800 lbs lighter I would buy one. Sorry but performance cars shouldn't 4,400 lbs and still make it turn.

Now on not bending over the fenders I was at the same place. So I bought a used Porsche since the new Challengers are so heavy.
I know wrong forum, but dam it is so nice

Id like a Porsche but too hard getting in and out of.

https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/300-spartan-workout

I do HPDE/HSAX and my lap times are faster than a regular guy running his 392 Challenger.

As JCC said:

1. Driver
2. tires

Interestingly, the Charger model can be faster than the Challenger .. Charger being a little less weight and better aerodynamics.

For parking lot AX, both cars are big... takes a lot of good driving skills to manuever... you'd always hope for a wide open AX course to have most fun... but anything tight would be less fun.

I'm still bending over the fenders, crawling underneath, etc, but try to avoid as much as possible.

Thanks for the suggestion but it’s a worn out knee issue

Come on I'm about to turn 62 and this is the most comfortable car, seating wise for two that I ever had. It does have a fat ass but only weighs 3100 lbs. And again it's just so cool and this is my daily, sun rain or snow. It's also so funny watching folks when I pass them going up a hill in the snow. Oh and they are driving a 4x4. Just priceless.

I’m sure it works for you and your needs. However I not only have to think about me but my wife as well.

Yep that is always a given

How hard are you going to be pushing the car and does it need to double as your daily driver? If you are looking for a autocross toy you might just want to look for a used Viper or something along those lines. If you want a new car for a daily driver that you can also autocross then that is different.

I recall that Tim and I had multiple conversations on the subject while wrenching on his Valiant. In end we decided that it would've been easier and cheaper to just buy a used Vette or Viper to go racing in. Turning a Valiant into a Viper beater is a lot harder than just buying a Viper.

I agree. When I autocrossed back in the 80s and 90s I had a daily driver Chevy Monza Spyder. At first it doubled as a daily/weekend car. As the years progressed more and more went into the car to make it competitive. As all things go it snowballed to the point where it wasn’t pleasureable to drive but on weekends it gave the Vettes and Porsche’s a run for their money.

Been a long time since the /6 John.

Yeah, tried buying the Lancer back but no deal so it’s time to move on.

Perhaps reframe the original statement from dart4forte as AWD-6, or even drop the 6, since the AWD Challenger is only available with the 6 banger. I doubt he really meant a slant 6.

No, he’s being a little

Yes, AWD-6

You guys are dicks...John is a nice guy and he isn't a dummy!

It would be a one off /6 hemi six pack!

No, it’s just the pollock, I’m use to it

Lol! I bet I get my challenger before he does!

You would have to sell all that junk you have laying around..

The scrap man hauled all my a bodies off this week.

Guess it's time to go shopping!

i autox a 15 scat pack 6spd and do very well locally, not so well nationally in scca cam c. Car has 18x10 axis wheels with 285 hankooks. It also has mopar lowering springs and sway bars. the car is a riot to drive and surprises a lot of people on how nimble it is.