Challenger SRT Hellcat With Direct Connection Upgrades Hits the Road

Older Challenger SRT Hellcat has been treated to a new life as a corner carving track machine with some specific parts.

While the old Dodge Challenger as we know it is no more, there are quite a few of them still out there in the world – many of which are available for pennies on the dollar compared to their original MSRPs. Throw in the fact that modern Dodge muscle cars are supported by a robust aftermarket – and the brand itself – and that leads to a world of possibilities in regard to upgrades. That fact is on clear display with this Dodge SRT Hellcat build using nothing but Direct Connection parts from the automaker itself.

This three-part video series began just a few weeks ago when TV personality and automotive enthusiast Cristy Lee picked up a 2016 Dodge SRT Hellcat of her own, with plans to modify that ride in various ways using factory parts. To help with that process, Lee teamed up with her friend Kevin Wesley from Wesley Motorsports, who also just so happens to run the Direct Connection Racer Support Program for Dodge, too.

The goal here is to transform the Dodge SRT Hellcat into a track-focused machine, which is something that Welsey has a lot of experience with. Thus, he recommends a few upgrades that include the Viper ACR big brake kit, a double adjustable coilover kit, and – surprisingly enough – a bit of a detune to ensure that its supercharged powerplant can stand up to long, hot days at the track without overheating, as this car was set up by the previous owner for drag racing purposes.

Since this Hellcat had already been modified, Wesley swaps out the larger throttle body for a stock unit, coupled with OEM injectors, a thermostat, and supercharger pulley. Then, it’s time to install all the suspension upgrades, which include toe links and new upper arms, along with the aforementioned coilover kit and brakes. While the Charger SRT Hellcat isn’t exactly known for being a corner carver – most owners are more concerned with going fast in a straight line – Lee immediately walks away impressed with these upgrades after taking a spin on some curvy roads.

Of course, even these upgrades are never quite enough, and Lee is already thinking about her next steps – which will apparently include a wide body kit and Redeye upgrades to boost output to 800 horsepower or so. But then again, that’s the beauty of these cars, in general – they’re easy to mod in all kinds of ways, and quite capable, to boot.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.