[SkullChick]

Hey everyone!

We are looking at ordering a 23. (Hopefully soon!!) This will be our first Challenger! We did own a 2014 SXT Charger, so this will be more power than we've previously had. We are set on the Hellcat, but do we go Redeye? We do have a track near us but I'm not sure we'd be able to get there very often, so with the extra 90hp... is it really worth it?
Should we do the Widebody. From people that have owned non-wide and wide, what would you suggest? From other posts, I've seen LOTS of pro widebody. I am just curious why?

We also saw that there will be a convertible conversion available and I am sold. What does everyone think about the conversion? Totally worth it or waste of money?
This may be a dumb thought, but we also worry about the soft top not being able to withstand the speed pressure?

Again, I am new to the Challenger world so maybe I'm overthinking things!
Thanks for anyone's input!

 

[Ianwin22]

Welcome.. I previously had a 2016 Hellcat Challenger. I now have a 2021 REWB Challenger that I ordered in May of 2021. I took delivery in September 2021. Having the car over a year now I will say that the WBRE is worth the extra money. I personally don't like the look of the convertible but that's just me.

 

[Ianwin22]

 

[GOING TO HELL 19]

Well there you go. Easy decision!

 

[MoparFred]

…. so with the extra 90hp... is it really worth it?

Some is good,
More is better,
TOO MUCH is just Right!

Anything over 200 hp is not necessary… But oooohhhh so much fun! Widebody if you like it, Drop Top just because! Doubt you will spend much time cruising over 100 mph, check with dealer on speed limits for the convertible option.
Buy all you can afford, this is your last chance for a factory muscle car! (Sorry, electric motors just don’t do it for me….wanna follow me in an EV on a 400 mile non-stop cross country road trip? My Demon or HC can still rip it up after getting there or anywhere along the way)

 

[SkullChick]

…. so with the extra 90hp... is it really worth it?

Some is good,
More is better,
TOO MUCH is just Right!

Anything over 200 hp is not necessary… But oooohhhh so much fun! Widebody if you like it, Drop Top just because! Doubt you will spend much time cruising over 100 mph, check with dealer on speed limits for the convertible option.
Buy all you can afford, this is your last chance for a factory muscle car! (Sorry, electric motors just don’t do it for me….wanna follow me in an EV on a 400 mile non-stop cross country road trip? My Demon or HC can still rip it up after getting there or anywhere along the way)

"Going over 100mph" I thought about this as well.. we have a little sedan that we use for long distance trips and the only time i'm doing 100 or more is long distance trips. (I tend to have a lead foot). But you're right, i'll ask our salesman! I've seen the rumors that ordering opened up today, so i'm just patiently waiting for him to call me. hah
I agree on the EV. Not my cup of tea- which is why we opted to get the 23. I also kind of want to go all out because it is the last year.

 

[Bobo]

I went 2022 Super Stock which is only available in WB and I love it!!
My first Challenger and my last and I'm glad I jumped when I did!
I wish I had the wear with all to try for a 23 because...you know why, but I'm not playing that game.
I am perfectly happy with my choice, and by the way you can never have too much HP so I say go RE for sure.

While I enjoy convertibles (Our family has a 72 Chevelle convertible that mom bought in 73) and have been hoping they would offer the challenger in that form since the inception I would prefer it be a factory built version rather than a 3rd party conversion. The ones I have seen done by them are top notch but you could get it done by them at any time. They have been offering the conversion for years, it's just now you can do it as a factory picked option but it's still not a factory build.

 

[SkullChick]

I went 2022 Super Stock which is only available in WB and I love it!!
My first Challenger and my last and I'm glad I jumped when I did!
I wish I had the wear with all to try for a 23 because...you know why, but I'm not playing that game.
I am perfectly happy with my choice, and by the way you can never have too much HP so I say go RE for sure.

While I enjoy convertibles (Our family has a 72 Chevelle convertible that mom bought in 73) and have been hoping they would offer the challenger in that form since the inception I would prefer it be a factory built version rather than a 3rd party conversion. The ones I have seen done by them are top notch but you could get it done by them at any time. They have been offering the conversion for years, it's just now you can do it as a factory picked option but it's still not a factory build.

View attachment 605756

I LOVE that blue in the sun! That looks very sharp.
I do think I am leaning more toward Widebody. I could only imagine that it handles a bit better than non-wide.
At this point I feel like I know more about the convertible options than my salesman does. He keeps telling me that "He believes there is a factory convertible option"...... but I have not seen that anywhere. I know that Drop Top Customs is the company doing the conversions. They've been doing them since 07 or 08 for challengers and seem to be superb.
With this being our summer car (damn snow), I just can't pass up the convertible option. Seems too perfect haha

 

[Bobo]

I LOVE that blue in the sun! That looks very sharp.
I do think I am leaning more toward Widebody. I could only imagine that it handles a bit better than non-wide.
At this point I feel like I know more about the convertible options than my salesman does. He keeps telling me that "He believes there is a factory convertible option"...... but I have not seen that anywhere. I know that Drop Top Customs is the company doing the conversions. They've been doing them since 07 or 08 for challengers and seem to be superb.
With this being our summer car (damn snow), I just can't pass up the convertible option. Seems too perfect haha

Frostbite w/carbon stripes
I had actually never seen it in person so was a little concerned but yeah I made the right color choice.
I don't think there would be an issue with the convertible conversion because they've done so many and well I might add, I just think they would sell more if it where factory. I would have went that way if it was.

 

[DBII]

I LOVE that blue in the sun! That looks very sharp.
I do think I am leaning more toward Widebody. I could only imagine that it handles a bit better than non-wide.
At this point I feel like I know more about the convertible options than my salesman does. He keeps telling me that "He believes there is a factory convertible option"...... but I have not seen that anywhere. I know that Drop Top Customs is the company doing the conversions. They've been doing them since 07 or 08 for challengers and seem to be superb.
With this being our summer car (damn snow), I just can't pass up the convertible option. Seems too perfect haha

I think a convertible WB of your choice would be fantastic. I however (even though I love convertibles) would not get one fo the following reasons:
1) Cost $25.9k through a dealer or $23.9 after direct is too much (if I did get one I would be willing to pay more to a dealer to have it on the window sticker.
2) Car was not designed to be one from the start-think body flex and/or a lot of added weight.
I would be more inclined to get a Super Stock and say a Mustang GT Convertible-but that is just me.
On the other hand- a SS convertible has got to be one of the coolest cars available.

 

[HellcatHellYeah]

The convertible option is an aftermarket conversion by another company, Dodge doesn't do it. The thought of a rag top on a 200 mph car does not leave me with a warm and fuzzy, too many issues with convertible mechanics, car wasn't designed to be convertible. A convertible R/T or Scatt Pack could be fun, I wouldn't do it on a HC.

You will most likely not notice the difference between a HC and a RE, if you want to eek out every last bit of performance then RE, otherwise the RE has some mechanical upgrades over the HC's, the driveshaft has splines and thicker walls, dual fuel pumps, some other things I can't recall off hand. As a daily the HC will more than meet any expectations for top end speed, if you want to pull out a measuring stick then get the RE. If you want the baddest Challenger, get a SS, Demon probably isn't an option. If you want any options get a Jailbreak as it's really just a glorified RE with additional options available.

Forget the Special Editions they came out with, they are almost all aesthetic changes with no change to the mechanics. You'll also be spending several thousand immediately after purchase; tires get changed out immediately, you will want to WAX/PPF/Ceramic the entire exterior and probably ceramic the seats (for real). You may also find yourself washing the car 4x more than the SXT, it's stupid easy to get obsessive over these cars, find yourself buying crap for it you don't even need.

 

[HellcatHellYeah]

a SS convertible has got to be one of the coolest cars available.

Are you talking a Camaro SS??? No way am I EVER CHOPPING a SS Challenger, that's just straight up crazy to me. Like chopping a Demon, sacrilege!

 

[DBII]

The convertible option is an aftermarket conversion by another company, Dodge doesn't do it.

If you want the baddest Challenger, get a SS, Demon probably isn't an option. If you want any options get a Jailbreak as it's really just a glorified RE with additional options available.

Forget the Special Editions they came out with, they are almost all aesthetic changes with no change to the mechanics.

While it is an aftermarket conversion it is now available to be converted on a factory order before it hits the dealer lot and probably will show up on the window sticker.

SS rocks!

True on the first 6 limited editions-number 7 is supposed to be a high HP version-with a rumored CRAZY ADM of-wait for it-$150k.

 

[DBII]

Are you talking a Camaro SS??? No way am I EVER CHOPPING a SS Challenger, that's just straight up crazy to me. Like chopping a Demon, sacrilege!

What is a Camaro? LOL Yes talking about a SS Challenger. It is way cool. Would I do it-no (too cheap-not for practical reasons-if it could get past Dodge liability concerns, it is good enough for me. It is not sacrilege if it shows up on a window sticker-which I think it will as it is arranged through a regular dealer (not sure about that yet-news of it is only a day old))

I for my part have a bone stock no option 22 SS on order in D1 status-and I am not modding that at all.

 

[SkullChick]

Frostbite w/carbon stripes
I had actually never seen it in person so was a little concerned but yeah I made the right color choice.
I don't think there would be an issue with the convertible conversion because they've done so many and well I might add, I just think they would sell more if it where factory. I would have went that way if it was.

I agree. I do wish there were a factory option for it instead of going 3rd party. I'm sure Dodge just doesn't want to take that on and it was easy to outsource.

 

[SkullChick]

The convertible option is an aftermarket conversion by another company, Dodge doesn't do it. The thought of a rag top on a 200 mph car does not leave me with a warm and fuzzy, too many issues with convertible mechanics, car wasn't designed to be convertible. A convertible R/T or Scatt Pack could be fun, I wouldn't do it on a HC.

You will most likely not notice the difference between a HC and a RE, if you want to eek out every last bit of performance then RE, otherwise the RE has some mechanical upgrades over the HC's, the driveshaft has splines and thicker walls, dual fuel pumps, some other things I can't recall off hand. As a daily the HC will more than meet any expectations for top end speed, if you want to pull out a measuring stick then get the RE. If you want the baddest Challenger, get a SS, Demon probably isn't an option. If you want any options get a Jailbreak as it's really just a glorified RE with additional options available.

Forget the Special Editions they came out with, they are almost all aesthetic changes with no change to the mechanics. You'll also be spending several thousand immediately after purchase; tires get changed out immediately, you will want to WAX/PPF/Ceramic the entire exterior and probably ceramic the seats (for real). You may also find yourself washing the car 4x more than the SXT, it's stupid easy to get obsessive over these cars, find yourself buying crap for it you don't even need.

I'm not really interested in the Last Call Special Editions. None of them really float my boat other than the Ghost and idk about paying $150K for that. I believe Dodge actually said that the Demons were a one time deal.
I'll have to look more into the Jailbreak's. I did glance at them, but ultimately moved onto the HC.
I'm so happy that someone else realizes my concern with the speed and a soft top. You can actually order the convertible through the dealer. So Dodge does their thing and ships it to Drop Top and then Drop Top ships it to the dealer. So, I believe, It would be on the window sticker. I do trust Drop Top Customs, but thinking about taking it the track makes me queasy.
We do want to get some sort of clear coat on the exterior, we just need to decide what product. I NEVER though about doing it to the seats as well, but that makes so much sense. Do you mind if I ask what product is used for that?

 

[Turd McGavin]

I'd order a GTX version in B5

 

[Ace1894]

Just my opinion, but I carefully weighed the options and did much research before ordering my car just over a year ago. For a street car, I personally thought the Hellcat was the sweet spot. I considered all of them from the Scat Pack to the Super Stock. My only non-negotiable was the Widebody. The HCWB is a beast, you can probably get a slightly better deal on it, and it is probably righteous overkill in a convertible body.

 

[SkullChick]

Just my opinion, but I carefully weighed the options and did much research before ordering my car just over a year ago. For a street car, I personally thought the Hellcat was the sweet spot. I considered all of them from the Scat Pack to the Super Stock. My only non-negotiable was the Widebody. The HCWB is a beast, you can probably get a slightly better deal on it, and it is probably righteous overkill in a convertible body.

Thank you for your opinion! I'm so happy I was able to find this forum so I could speak to people who actually own these cars.

 

[Jakecrow]

Remember - buy what YOU like. Everyone will have their own opinion and at the end of the day the only opinion that matters is your own. Have fun with it.

I've got a regular body RE and I love it. Not much a fan of the widebody look and despite some saying you absolutely HAVE to have 305 tires instead of 275 the car is still 100% fun to drive.

RE over regular? It sounds like you haven't driven a hellcat yet (which is fine!) but if your last point of reference is an sxt, well, either way you're in for a very different machine. If at all possible try and find used cars and give them a test drive. Ask to use the red key or else you're driving a scat pack with a whine. A "regular" hellcat is already amazing to drive so don't feel like it's somehow something not worth your time.

When you do get it make sure to take anti theft measures, just a friendly reminder in case you weren't already aware. Lots of bad actors out there more than happy to take what is yours.