Hey all,
I’ve been on the Dodge truck forums for years, but last week I made an addition to my collection. I got an excellent deal on a 2006 Dodge Charger R/T. It’s been on blocks for the last 8 or 9 years as my buddy planned to rebuild the suspension. It never happened.

I brought it home on Sunday in pieces. I have since rebuilt the rear sub frame with Energy Suspension bushings, and just about finished the front suspension. The car is otherwise in pretty mint condition. No rust, interior looks new.

I do have a couple of questions though:

1) Given that the car has been sitting for so long, I was wondering if there is anything specifically I should do before I fire it. Planning on replacing all of the fluids, thermostat (180c), serpentine belt and spark plugs. Will lubricate the cylinders slightly while doing plugs. I was going to jumper the fuel pump to get the old fuel out at the fuel rail, and then use fuel additive in the first tank of fresh fuel. Anything critical I’m missing?

2) I am aware of the issue with these engines dropping valve seats. It’s the one thing in the back of my mind that bothers me. This car has 120k miles on it, and never had any issues. I’m trying to understand whether this valves seat issue is internet hype, or a real risk. I know people tend to post only the bad things online. If the car runs and drives great when I’m done in a couple of weeks, then I’d consider proactively rebuilding the heads to eliminate the valve seat concern. I just don’t want to waste my time and money if it’s a 1 in 1000 chance of actually happening. I also know I'd be opening a can of worms... where to stop?

I appreciate any advice you might have.

Thanks.

 

They tend to drop valve seats if they get overheated... otherwise, I think you are ok.

Definitely get that old gas out of there. Flush the fuel system if you can..... The pump is't going to be able to completely empty the tank though, so, might not be a bad idea to actually drop the tank, so you can thoroughly clean it.

 

Don't overheat it. This is why people put 180° thermostats in the earlier cars. I had over 180k on my 06 R/T with the original heads when it got t-boned. Sitting that long, it may not be a bad idea in addition to fresh fuel, etc to install fresh injectors as well.

 

Thanks for the feedback, I'll definitely work to get the fuel system cleaned out. Should have the suspension finished up this weekend and then working on the engine.
I did buy a 180 degree thermostat, can't be too safe.
Cheers.

 

Don't forget, with a 180° stat you need to reprogram the fan settings to match. Any compatible handheld tuner should be capable of it.

 

The lower thermostat should maintain 180 degrees at all times while driving, it's not until the car is stopped that the fans will come on, which will obviously be higher than 180. I figured since I am driving 95% highway/country driving, my fans would never turn on anyways. If I can find someone with a tuner I will definitely make the change though, i'd rather play it safe.