[WickedHEMI]

I'm having a first world problems dilemma. Back in the summer of last year I custom ordered a Hellcat. It's on the truck and will be delivered sometime this week. Over the weekend I revisited the tech that's in the Red Eye and now I've developed an unhealthy obsession with the added power. It seems the specs and the slick marketing have gotten the best of me. I can afford both cars (not at the same time, heh). I didn't go for the Red Eye at the time because I thought it was overkill and I already felt guilty for spending as much as I did on my fully loaded Hellcat. But now I have this insatiable itch...

I'm not sure what the repercussions of canceling the order now would be. Forfeited down deposit most likely. I'm not sure what to do. This is my first muscle car. I planned to daily drive it and go to the track (drag and closed circuit) once in a while. I love to tinker and am quite mechanically inclined, so modding is something I'm interested in. I'd feel good about building my Hellcat up to RE levels and beyond, if possible. Is it? I'm a noob to the platform.

As inconsequential as it is, I'd feel guilty for not taking delivery of a car that was built just for me and is waiting for me to pick her up. Like standing up a girl on a date. I'm just not that kind of a guy. Or am I?

 

[snobrdrdan]

I'm assuming this is a '21?

You'd have to order a '22 and it'd (most likely) be more money and you might be limited on options. And/or to get options you want, you might be "forced" into a jailbreak version of the RedEye, which again = more money.

But before you drop all that money, if you want a RedEye....now's the time to make that choice instead of buying it and regretting it.
It'll definitely be a (long) wait for it though.

As for not taking it....your dealer might want it & could sell it to someone else.

That said....did you get a good price on it? Check around on here as some dealers are offering 5% under invoice, for example, for ordered cars.

 

[WickedHEMI]

I'm assuming this is a '21?

You'd have to order a '22 and it'd (most likely) be more money and you might be limited on options. And/or to get options you want, you might be "forced" into a jailbreak version of the RedEye, which again = more money.

Yes, '21. I just priced out a '22 RE and it's substantially more expensive than last year's model. I'm priced out of this year's '22 RE 😅

 

[Spoolin]

From what I have heard from some reputable hellcat specific shops, the hellcat engine is actually stronger and will withstand the abuse better than the redeye engine. That's what they are saying anyway and they have tuned and abused both platforms for many years. I'd just stick with what you ordered and make some upgrade mods later. Both platforms stock are very quick and fun to drive.

 

[18Hellcat1]

At this point anything will be good!! Since Dodge is going to drop the Hemi motor.

 

[Slowpoke387]

From what I have heard from some reputable hellcat specific shops, the hellcat engine is actually stronger and will withstand the abuse better than the redeye engine. That's what they are saying anyway and they have tuned and abused both platforms for many years. I'd just stick with what you ordered and make some upgrade mods later. Both platforms stock are very quick and fun to drive.

I find that extremely hard to believe considering the RE has the Demon engine with stronger internals.

 

[fltru103]

From what I have heard from some reputable hellcat specific shops, the hellcat engine is actually stronger and will withstand the abuse better than the redeye engine. That's what they are saying anyway and they have tuned and abused both platforms for many years. I'd just stick with what you ordered and make some upgrade mods later. Both platforms stock are very quick and fun to drive.

Don't believe everything. Reading this is more informative then "some reputable hellcat specific shops".
How Does the Redeye Hemi Differ from the Hellcat Hemi?

 

[Spoolin]

I find that extremely hard to believe considering the RE has the Demon engine with stronger internals.

That's just what I have heard from those that have been tuning and beating on them. Something about the new (lightened) rods if I remember correctly, not being as strong when put through the abuse.

 

[Slowpoke387]

That's just what I have heard from those that have been tuning and beating on them. Something about the new (lightened) rods if I remember correctly, not being as strong when put through the abuse.

Interesting. Maybe some racers here will chime in

 

[Loosescrews]

Did you get it under invoice? Depending on how custom you made it I bet you could easily sell it. Post some pictures. I never get tired at looking at Cats.

 

[RB185AFM]

Seems like “some” shops might want to make money modding, as many more hellcats exist. Not sure I’d take that as gospel, as they have a vested interest in “you” spending money at said shop, to beat a Redeye or Demon.

I personally have a tough time believing the engineers made the Demon engine weaker in any way, but I’m open to actual data from non-biased parties.

I am also biased as I own a Redeye. So it’s easy for me to believe the demon drive train with stronger internals, is actually stronger.

 

[audocat]

If you want the redeye,and can afford it ,do it now. You could build the hellcat to redeye level but this would void your warranty. As stated above, the dealer could probably sell it off the lot for more profit. If you feel bad about cancelling the hellcat order the redeye from the same dealership. They sell two cars and you have a clear conscious! Win win! Good luck with you're decision!

 

[audocat]

PS: Forgot about the Dodge factory "stage" kits coming out. You could upgrade that way and keep your warranty! Another option to look at.

 

[fnd09]

PS: Forgot about the Dodge factory "stage" kits coming out. You could upgrade that way and keep your warranty! Another option to look at.

Good point !

 

[104263]

I was in the same exact situation as you, I ended up going with a Redeye Widebody through Jake at Dan Cummins. I got it for less than a narrow body Hellcat would have cost at my original dealership. It is without a doubt worth it all day long, especially since these will be the last of their kind - go with the top dog.

 

[tacamo01]

Another idea, Keep your current order and take delivery. Drive the car for 1-2 months and see if you would need the extra power remembering the Direct Connection Mod will give you an additional 75 or so horsepower with warranty. Then if the Redeye is still what you want, order the new Redeye and then trade in your hellcat or sell it when the Redeye comes in. The used car market is not going to get worst within the next 6-12 months. It is forecast to be just as crazy this summer with cars selling over MSRP.

 

[2ndAmend]

You probably don’t want to take delivery on a car you do not want. There is reg, taxes and it will be a “used” vehicle. I bet the dealer would be happy to give your deposit back for the opportunity to have it in the showroom with ADM. Your decision is whether you want to pay the extra $ for the 2022. If you are like me, warranty negating mods are out of the question. The HC Stage 1 only adds 40hp and will cost $2100 for the kit plus $600-$900 (guess) in installation.

Go through the numbers and get what you really want and can afford. Personally, I’m a NB fan and the RENB is a bargain!

 

[Steiny]

I made the switch. Exact same scenario....researched and researched and convinced myself I didn't like the WB's and couldn't justify the extra dollars for 80hp.......

12 months later, realized that I did like the way WBs look and became obsessed with the upgrades that the Redeye had over regular Hellcats. Got rid of my NB Hellcat because I couldn't justify both...... and now decided "why do I need to justify it" .....so went to buy back my original Hellcat, only to discover that it had been stolen from the dealership and stripped.....

Long story short...... keep both and give up smoking or drinking or eating or something...)))))

 

[WickedHEMI]

Well folks, after a lot of thought and research I ended up ordering a RedEye . After some haggling, I was able to convince the dealership to sell me the RedEye at MSRP. They were originally going to tack on a $5k markup.

The price difference between my custom RedEye and Hellcat is only around ~$12k - much less than building up a standard Hellcat to reliable RedEye levels, and it comes with a factory warranty.

The drivetrain technology in the RedEye is what did me in. The power chiller, upgraded engine internals, larger blower, and all the other improvements and upgrades... Suddenly $12k extra seemed like pocket change. It's simply amazing you can buy a street legal car like this for under $100k (mine was right under after taxes).

 

[RB185AFM]

Well folks, after a lot of thought and research I ended up ordering a RedEye . After some haggling, I was able to convince the dealership to sell me the RedEye at MSRP. They were originally going to tack on a $5k markup.

The price difference between my custom RedEye and Hellcat is only around ~$12k - much less than building up a standard Hellcat to reliable RedEye levels, and it comes with a factory warranty.

The drivetrain technology in the RedEye is what did me in. The power chiller, upgraded engine internals, larger blower, and all the other improvements and upgrades... Suddenly $12k extra seemed like pocket change. It's simply amazing you can buy a street legal car like this for under $100k (mine was right under after taxes).

Welcome to the club!