The CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGINE—famous in modern Dodge muscle cars like the Challenger SRT Hellcat—is the benchmark for raw, street‑legal power. With factory outputs reaching 707 hp and 650 lb‑ft of torque, this supercharged beast redefined what a production car engine could deliver . If you want to transform your platform into a quarter‑mile monster or dominate the open road, installing this crate engine is the ultimate upgrade path. CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGIN
Engine Origins & Specs
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Introduced in 2015, the CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGIN Hellcat variant of Chrysler’s third‑generation HEMI V8 features a
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E with twin‑screw supercharger and integrated intercoolers .
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Official output on stock units: 707 hp at ~6,000 rpm, 650 lb‑ft torque at ~4,000 rpm
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Later Hellcat Redeye versions push up to 797 hp; limited-run Demon 170s exceed 1,000 hp, though these require more specialized platforms
Track Proven Performance CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGIN
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Stock Hellcats hit 0–60 mph in approximately 3.4–3.6 seconds, and can reach a ¼‑mile in ~11 seconds, topping out near 199 mph
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Engineering upgrades include upgraded cooling, reinforced internals, advanced engine cooling systems and robust transmissions like the ZF‑based 8HP90 to handle torque loads
Market Value & Availability CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGIN
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On marketplace platforms like eBay, used Hellcat engines with low miles (e.g. 4K–20K) are priced between $10,000–$15,000 USD, depending on mileage and condition
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Complete drop‑out packages—including compatible transmissions like the 8HP90—can command premium prices approaching $17,500 USD
Swap Considerations & Supporting Mods
Swapping a Hellcat engine into a Challenger (or similar Mopar platform) is feasible, but requires comprehensive supporting upgrades:
Electrical & Computer:
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Full wiring harness and ECU from donor Hellcat are required: V6 or 392 cars use different electronics circuits and will not work without rebuild
Drivetrain & Transmission:
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Hellcat engines deliver far more torque than stock V6 or 5.7/6.4 engines.
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The ZF 8HP90 transmission used in Hellcat models is wider‑ranged and stronger than the 8HP70 found in lesser variants; attempting to mate a Hellcat engine to weaker transmission risks failure quickly under stress
Chassis & Suspension:
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Brake upgrades (e.g. large Brembo), stiffer rear axle, appropriate driveshaft, and upgraded engine mounts may be needed. Suspensions should be tuned to cope with added weight and g‑forces at launch
Labor & Build Cost:
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Swap costs can exceed $20K easily when factoring in labor, fabrication, new hardware, dyno tuning, etc. Some enthusiasts estimate total project costs reaching $20K–$30K, often making buying a factory Hellcat cleaner and more cost-effective
Who Should Choose This Engine Swap? CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGIN
Great for:
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Builders wanting true Hellcat performance (707 hp+) in a custom or older Challenger.
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Projects aiming for high-level drag performance with proven reliability.
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Engine enthusiasts who want to keep the original Mustang body or similar while radically boosting performance.
Less ideal for:
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Those on tight budgets or inexperienced with wiring and driveline hacks.
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AWD or V6-model Challengers—swap complexity jumps substantially and often isn’t structurally compatible ning and transmission matching, risking drivetrain damage.
Why It’s Worth Every Penny CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGIN
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Heritage & Proven Performance: Hellcat engines have dominated as the most powerful production muscle car powerplants. Even crate versions push limits previously only seen in six-figure exotics
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Immediate Power Gains: Gains over V6 or 5.7L blocks are absolutely transformative—especially when paired with performance gear like launch control, brake line lock, staggered tires, etc.
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Aftermarket & Support Network: A thriving community of builders, parts suppliers, ECU/tuning firms, and salvage supply sources makes swap support robust.
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Resale Value: A well-executed Hellcat-powered Challenger project retains strong value; turnkey builds convert into six-figure classics many years later.
Summary Table CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGINE
Feature | Detail |
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Displacement | CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGIN |
Power / Torque | 707 hp, 650 lb‑ft |
Stock applications | Challenger / Charger Hellcat, Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Durango SRT Hellcat (2015–2023) |
Typical used price | $10K–$15K engine only, up to $17K for full dropout packages |
Installation cost | Estimated $20K–$30K including parts, labor, tuning |
Upgrade requirements | Electrical harness + ECU, transmission (8HP90), drivetrain, brakes, mounts, tuning |
Ideal use | Drag cars, restomods, high-performance custom builds |
Compatibility caveats | Not plug‑and‑play in V6 or AWD platforms without extensive modifications |
Final Thoughts: CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGINE
The CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 HEMI ENGINE is the gold standard when it comes to unleashing Monster‑class horsepower in a factory or custom chassis. But it demands respect: intelligent donor sourcing, matched drivetrain parts, skilled tuning, and detailed mechanical work. For serious builders with access to parts and technical expertise—or experienced shops—it delivers head-turning performance and resale appeal that few mods can match.