magnum RT gonna be enough?

[MagFeet]

In the process of getting an Magnum RT and was hoping for some advice. Over about 6-8 months i would intend to go with intake, cats, exhaust, headers and tune. Wheels are likely. Later down the road possible some internals.

Without getting into the motor i would like to be low 13s or even high 12s. I would just go with the SRT8, but i like the fuel economy and lower starting cost of a low mileage RT.

Anyone gone a similar route give some words of wisdom before i make the final decision. Coming from a pretty fast 2 seater, but want something more practical and i do not want to be dissapointed.

[JarZ]

Well you will have to spend a few grand or more to get to your goal if you get the R/T. Starting with the SRT is costlier up front but it's much closer to your goal right out of the box and you get the better seats, brakes, handling, wheels and the whole nine as part of the deal.

[Super T]

if you're looking used it's a small difference between the two models and you get a s***load extra w/ the SRT... including, of course, 85 extra horsepower... Gas mileage really isn't that bad, figure on average maybe 1mpg less than my RT was.

[MagFeet]

yeah, just kinda a turnoff that the RT gas mileage is around 4-7mpg more, ends up being around $40 more per month at the pump if gas goes up again, and it is my DD. But you maybe right...

[MagFeet]

if you're looking used it's a small difference between the two models and you get a s***load extra w/ the SRT... including, of course, 85 extra horsepower... Gas mileage really isn't that bad, figure on average maybe 1mpg less than my RT was.

Really? my understanding is the 5.7 shuts off 4 cylinders cruising and slow acceleration, and almost matches the v6 in fuel economy

[Super T]

Really? my understanding is the 5.7 shuts off 4 cylinders cruising and slow acceleration, and almost matches the v6 in fuel economy

If you do 100% highway driving then you would see a bigger difference. As soon as you stop-and-go at all they're almost dead even. Even w/ the work I have done to hit just under 460 rwhp, I can still get 22mpg on the highway...

[CDNChargerRT]

You can get low 13's with a RT with the mods you are looking at. Just check out Fargo59's car. His best 1/4 is 13.287@102.95mph in a 2007 Charger RT w/R&T using drag radials and these mods; JBA shorties, borla 125 cat back, predator, 180 thermostat, r1 rotors, GSM intake, kw V1 coilovers, and catch can.

[Fargo59]

heh, theyre actually not drag radials just BFGoodrich Gforce KDW street tires in a shorter size. 255/45/18. im sure with drag radials id be down another tenth. this is with stock cats too.

[CDNChargerRT]

Sorry Chris, thought they were drags! So, that means there is still more in that thing with some drags and hi-flo cats! I guess I need to go to the track more often.

[Fargo59]

yep, there is potential in these cars. 12's will be tough though. 13.0 is doable though.

[RDunn]

his is not a normal case.

most of these cars run 14.1-14.6 stock...and most of the listed mods wont get you close to the 12s

[CDNChargerRT]

his is not a normal case.

Only cause he weighs 100lbs clothed and soaking wet!!! JK Chris!!

[Fargo59]

hey its not my fault if IM the performance mod! lol.

[Hal'sMag]

If I had it to do over again, I'd have gone with a used SRT.
Probably would have put just as much mod money into it though!
There's quite a few modded R/T's running mid 13's and still getting > 25 hwy, but bout 16/17 city.
My wife liked the R/T - End of story...(wonder if she'd notice a 6.1 stuffed under the hood?)

[onecoolmofo]

I decided with the R/T, was originally looking at an SRT. I decided I can add all the performance stuff to be at the SRT performance level, or better, for less than than the cost of the SRT, still have MDS engaged for highway, and lower insurance. Eventually I will get Fri'd and it all will be good.

Oh yeah, I bought the car slightly under invoice at $26K (was into his holdback/incentive a little) and I figure with about $5K in goodies I will still only be in the $31-32K price range. Lot of the research was off this forum to help in my decision + that is a lot money in difference between the models and most still want to do intake, exhaust, etc...it is like an addiction which ever model you get.