LX and Beyond Nationals

by Gordon McDonald on August 31, 2010

Photos: SpeedFactory Cars

If the current Dodge Challenger doesn’t quite ring true to your 70s-era muscle car memories, SpeedFactory Cars has taken a big step to cure your muscle car blues. Do you think that 427 cubes and 600 charging ponies will do the trick? I thought so.

That kind of big power has a special story, because this Mopar specialist has a history of shredding the envelope of conventional thinking. Last year, they built the first supercharged all-aluminum 440 HEMI Challenger which debuted at Mopar Alley at the 2009 SEMA show. Before that, the group’s R&D Charger set a world record for the fastest 1/4 mile time for an LX platform car.

So, when it comes to amping up a Challenger, their compass surely points in the right direction. Starting from a 6.1-liter HEMI engine block, displacement is increased to 7.0-liters (426ci) by boring out the cylinders and adding a forged stroker crankshaft. Coupled with ported heads and intake manifold, a revised cam and Predator tuning, the end result is certain to bring back cherished memories from the 70s. The 10.5:1 compression ratio will demand high octane gas for best performance, but coupled with the 85mm throttle body, Mopar cold air intake and low restriction Borla exhaust, this mill will reward every tap of your right foot.

Keeping it all between the ditches is another challenge, that SpeedFactory addresses with suspension revisions and meaty tires that run on 20″ x 9″ BBS Flow-Formed CHR wheels. A staggered fitment is optional, providing 10.5-inch wide rear wheels.

When your DNA finds the roar of an all-motor powerhouse superior to the whine of a supercharger, these speed freaks have a solution for you.