[Dodge Challenger TA 392]

I picked up my car July 3rd and I wanted to do a little write up on it. Zero regrets on the spec I ordered, f8 green, manual 392, with the t/a package. I have put almost 5,000 miles on it so far as it is my daily driver, both my brothers own mustang gts, a 2017 and a 2020 so I know how they drive quite well. Honestly I enjoy driving my car so much more than either of theirs, I think a lot of the reason is the manual, but it’s more than that, seeing that front end every time you get in the car and knowing that you’re driving one of the coolest cars on the road. That being said I know people who think driving a mustang is more fun so it’s really just what you like.

My biggest complaint with the car has to be the backup camera, it’s just plain trash, as I drive it almost every day it’s a bit of a problem.

As I said I ordered a manual and so far I have managed a 4.5 0-60 and a 8.39 1/8 mile at just over 87 mph. Perfectly respectable numbers for a 100% stock manual 392 on stock all seasons imo.

Lastly I just wanna say I know electric cars will destroy my 392 in every performance metric out there, but I for one will be sad when Dodge ends production of these cars, no matter how fast it’s just not the same. Thank you dodge for making this last hurrah for America muscle, the challenger is far from perfect but it more than makes up for that with character and cool factor.

PS I’m just 22 so hopefully I can enjoy this car for many years to come.

 

[GOING TO HELL 19]

Looks great. Very good choice!

 

[sleepingweasal]

I had the SRT 392 with a manual, traded it for a used auto hellcat, same color. I regret it every day.

 

[15 Cent WB_Scat]

Congrats on owning such a special car! Have fun and keep us updated.

 

[Slowpoke387]

I had the SRT 392 with a manual, traded it for a used auto hellcat, same color. I regret it every day.

Im sure plenty of 392 M people will be willing to trade you lol.

 

[GreenMachine15]

Im sure plenty of 392 M people will be willing to trade you lol.

Lmao.
First time I ever heard that one too

 

[GOING TO HELL 19]

I had the SRT 392 with a manual, traded it for a used auto hellcat, same color. I regret it every day.

First person I ever heard that regrets getting a Hellcat over the 392. Did you get an auto and that's why?
I've had both but wouldn't even consider having the 392 over the Hellcat. The 392 is a ton of fun but the Hellcat is out of this world. Just wondering why you have regrets.

 

[hellcatjohnny]

First person I ever heard that regrets getting a Hellcat over the 392. Did you get an auto and that's why?
I've had both but wouldn't even consider having the 392 over the Hellcat. The 392 is a ton of fun but the Hellcat is out of this world. Just wondering why you have regrets.

Me too?

 

[mcmopar]

I had a SRT 392 Hemi 6sp, and loved the car! Traded it for a Hellcat 6sp. The 392 was a lot of fun to drive but the Hellcat is by far more exciting in every aspect. I do have to say that my son has a 392 Hemi now and when we lined them up he stayed right beside me almost all the way through 1st gear, then the Hellcat took control!!

 

[Merlhagstrom]

I wouldn't say I have regrets from leaving my 2015 B5 A8 SRT 392 to two Hellcats, however I personally had just as much fun. The 392 6.4 with the A8 is awesome. My son has a F8 392 6M and loves it. There is something special about that motor and the car. I always felt in control even when indertaking some spirited driving. The HC still seem more than likely to do its own thing without extreme focus. Enjoy the 392 and never let anyone discount it because its not HC.

 

[Big Swede]

First person I ever heard that regrets getting a Hellcat over the 392. Did you get an auto and that's why?
I've had both but wouldn't even consider having the 392 over the Hellcat. The 392 is a ton of fun but the Hellcat is out of this world. Just wondering why you have regrets.

Yeah read what he said. He clearly misses the 392 manual combo which is understandable.

 

[Xylander]

On summer tires, my T/A 392 pulled a 4.1 0-60 with Michelin PS4S (A8). That car was a fun ride, but man, anytime I think fondly of it I put the Hellcat in Eco mode and remind myself that it's still faster than my 392 was. The thing about the 'Cat is that it feels real similar to a 392 for the first 3 seconds out of the hole. Then the Hellcat pulls and pulls and pulls. The 392 just runs out of steam so quickly. It's great 0-80 and can put many cars on notice... but it falls off pretty hard unfortunately

 

[GOING TO HELL 19]

Yeah read what he said. He clearly misses the 392 manual combo which is understandable.

But over a M6 Hellcat???

 

[Big Swede]

But over a M6 Hellcat???

Do you guys even read what you’re replying to?

I had the SRT 392 with a manual, traded it for a used auto hellcat, same color. I regret it every day.

 

[GOING TO HELL 19]

Do you guys even read what you’re replying to?

OK, over an automatic Hellcat. Maybe he should get a m6.

 

[HP_Addict19]

I sold my SP ‘19 Charger a month ago for more than I paid for it. For a profit. I loved that car. I miss it already. The 392 is an awesome engine. The factory rates it at 485 HO. It actually puts out 515. It’s been proven on Dynos. Look on YouTube. And it’s geared just right. The transmission and rear end gears. Like in sport mode.

‘I’m gonna buy a Hellcat next.

 

[HP_Addict19]

I meant 485 HP. But like I said it puts out 515.

 

[Dodge Challenger TA 392]

Took some pictures of my car today and thought I would post them. One of the last nice days here in southern IL.

 

[Festus]

The 392 is fun for spirited around-town driving, but for that you may as well get a 345 R/T w/Banks Pedal Monster. The Hellcat is in a class of its own. The elite!

 

[Himmelkat]

If it gets 515 already, some long-tube headers, a large cam, and a valvetrain that could take it may give it enough power and revs to make it far more fun, plus with an unbeatable American Hemi V8 idle. I don't think another 195hp would be unobtainable. To unshroud the valves or use bigger ones, or both, one could bore it out, which would also add some more CID. It would be quite the fun challenge, I think. A real, proper, high-pressure air ram would help, also, something that feeds from the grille with a nice, big cross-section.

I know it's easier to throw a blower on it, but, that's been done.

Also, If you go really wide on the bore, you can get a custom crank to bring it up to 426 CID without an excessive stroke, which will aid power production even further. More bore, not more stroke, is the physics-friendly way to get more power. I've seen 799 from a tunnel-rammed 496 cubic-inch big block Chevrolet. 99 less with 70 fewer cubes does not seem out of order.

a 4.11 inch bore and 4.013 inch stroke would leave 0.25 inches between adjacent bores. (I've seen it done on a big-block with sleeves, so an iron block with .25 should be good, If the cylinders are properly siamesed all the way down.)

In any case, a 4.11 inch bore would give you a bit more piston area and valve area and/or unshrouding, and the 4.013 inch stroke is not outrageously bad for revs, if you go with a proper crank, rod, and wristpin setup, as in, as light as possible while still being strong enough. You would want to o-ring the heads, though. That is mighty close together between cylinders for that much gasket material.