Dodge Challenger Exhaust System Tips

When the Dodge Challenger first hit the streets in 2008, it was a clear shot across the bow of the retro-styled Ford Mustang. Bigger and with a bolder look that more closely captured the spirit of the 1970 model upon which it was based, the Challenger became the ultimate modern muscle car in terms of style and presence. Of course, it didn’t hurt that under the hood were two available HEMI V8 engine options, which were joined over the course of the next few years by a range of different performance-enhancing equipment options.

The response from the aftermarket with regards to exhaust systems for the Dodge Challenger was swift. It certainly helped that the two-door coupe was based on the same LX platform underpinning the Dodge Charger sedan, and shared the same engine choices. This meant that most exhaust manufacturers only had to tweak their currently existing Charger systems in terms of size and placement in order to offer a way to open up the Challenger’s dB level.

The Dodge Challenger can be found with one of three different drivetrains:

• A 3.5L V6 generating 250 horsepower in the base model.
• A 5.7L HEMI V8 in the popular Challenger R/T, offering 372 horsepower.
• A 6.1L HEMI V8 in the SRT8 edition of the Challenger, which churns out a stunning 425 horses.

The Challenger has been tuned right from the factory to have an exhaust note befitting a muscle car. Thanks to the pair of high displacement V8s available under the hood, it’s hard to hide the fact that the coupe means business when it comes to performance. However, enhanced audio feedback, combined with the power gains that can come with a full, free-flowing system installed on the Challenger make this a modification worth pursuing.

The list of companies offering both exhaust systems, mufflers and more for the Dodge Challenger is fairly extensive:

• Bassani
• BBK
• Borla
• Corsa
• Doug Thorley
• Flowmaster
• Gibson
• Magnaflow
• MBRP

Due to the Challenger’s muscle car reputation, there are many different aftermarket exhaust components out there waiting to be installed. X-pipes, headers, mufflers, cat-back systems and even replacement high-flow catalytic converters are all on the menu when it comes to searching out performance exhaust options for your coupe. Don’t feel pressured into having to buy an entire system if all you are looking for is an intoxicating sound.

Dodge Challenger Exhaust Recommendations

1. Tune for aural pleasure. A muffler isn’t the only component that will change the tune of your exhaust system’s note. An x-pipe, h-pipe or even a set of headers can give you other-worldly sounds coming out of the tailpipe. Mix and match to see what works for you.

2. Mopar Performance. You can usually source a good cat-back exhaust system through the Mopar accessories program, typically backed by a factory warranty. At the very least, you can score some nice exhaust tips.

3. Remember that it’s an exhaust ‘system.’ If you are really looking to squeeze out every last ounce of power from your HEMI, you will need to take each exhaust component into consideration – from the headers to the cats to the mufflers. Don’t let one of these critical areas become a bottleneck for your dyno dreams.