3.5 Underpowered?

[09 R/T]

Originally Posted by Repth

Also, this is probably a question that will make me sound entirely irresponsible, but how would the Challenger SE fair doing burn-outs? Would that be possible at all? I know it's certainly no V8, and it's also an automatic transmission, but would it have enough power to do a small-scale burn-out?

Lastly, what are some moderately cheap and easy (when I say easy, I don't necessarily mean takes 10 minutes, I just mean would not overwhelm me; I'm ready to learn but I don't want the car out of commission for 3 days while I figure out how I messed it up) modifications I can do to gain some extra power, as well as make the engine sound a little better. Again, I know it's just a V6 but surely there's something I can do to give it a little roar.

Thanks again for the help.

I honestly don't know the 3.5 so I cant say exactly but as with most cars its pretty easy to do an intake. You can also do exhaust but this usually requires you raise the car a bit to reach things (this means a lift or jacks and blocks along with being daring enough to get under it. if you decide to do that make sure to ask everyone how to properly jack up and secure the car) after those two are on or even before you can install a chip and have the car tuned. All pretty easy and shouldn't run you much when the parts come around. You can also throw some headers on (another bolt on) when they come out if they aren't already around for similar cars.

As for burnouts... Well you can do it the old fashion way and make beer slicks haha.... Just floor it... If it works it works... You can try doing a break stand / power launch and I guess it may be possible.

Actually I'm not totally sure but I don't think the SE will have a full off for the traction so you may be able to get the tires to slip a bit but I think the car will pull power from them.

[Lazy361]

lol... Impress the ladies he shall Ryan.

Repth... I used to have a chrysler 300 3.5L.

No, it is not underpowered... its actually pretty quick, well, good passing ability is what i mean. It never felt underpowerd.

Yes... you can do burnout at anytime... so long as you hold the brake down.., but yeah it will do it with ease.

If you ever get an exhaust man, i would do alot of sound bit researching... you dont want it to sound like a civic or nuthin.

You will be really happy with it i'm sure.

[shodanusmc]

With the direction that Chrysler/Jeep/and Dodge are going, before you know it, the 3.5 will be the largest engine offered. Now it may come with a Twin Turbo. Look at what the brain trust in Detrot plans on doing to the Jeep.

A 3.5 is a tried and true engine. Not fast, but for the most part reliable. WHat's the price difference from the SE to the R/T is you get a good price? 5K?

If they are going to buy you a new car, just thank them and be happy. I am old school. Bought my first car on my own when I left the Corps, and bought all of my kids a clean, used, safe car as their first vehicle, and made them pay for their own Insurance and gas.

[deserthorizons]

It has 250hp.. not too lame..

When I bought my '72 `Cuda in 1976 with 81,000 miles it had a 210hp 340 in it.. it was no slouch..
even after putting bigger tires on it I still could blow away any and all stock GM 350ci equipped cars..
(Corvettes,Camaros, Firebirds, etc)

It may not be the quickest, but it will do quite alright..

[425hpChargerSRT8]

Originally Posted by Repth

I'll try to make this quick. I'm 17, going to be a senior in high school, and my parents would really like to get me a nice car for my graduation gift. $25,000 is about the max they would be willing to spend, and they'll be paying insurance as well, so we've decided that either the Charger SE Plus or the Challenger SE is a reasonable option. The thing I'm worried about is the 3.5 liter engine being too little for the car. I'm not going to race it, but I really love cars and enjoy learning more about them, as well as driving maybe a little "aggressively". Please don't think I'm an ungrateful kid by asking this question, I truly appreciate the fact that my parents are going to buy me a kick-ass car for my graduation gift, but I still cannot help but wonder if the 3.5 will be puny, as well as if there is something much better for a similar price. I would love the 5.7 liter V8 in the R/T but it's just too expensive, as well as insurance being absurd.

In short, is the 3.5 liter engine under-powering for the car? I know it gets the job done but I'd like it to have a little bit of "get-up-and-go". Thanks for the input.

The mustang gt's about 4 or 5 years ago were only making 260hp, and the 3.5 makes close to that if not more. So i think you will be fine seeing as how the weight difference is that much.

[FI R/T]

wait a year or so and buy a used 09 R/T. you'll be way happier than if you got an SE.

[425hpChargerSRT8]

yea that would be good too, but i think he said he was only 17. That insurance payment would be obsurd

[Go Goody]

Man, I would have been exstatic to have a new car at 17........It was 82 and I had an rusted out 68 Barracuda with a 340 4 speed. ($500.00) That car leaked too.....the funk in the interior was BADD

[NOTSURE]

I also would be extatic to get a new SE at that age,same as goody I was in a 500.00 1970 charger Rt little rusty but that car ran and fit my needs quite well for a year ir two.

The Se would have been a blessing from god..

[It'sOnOrder]

Is it underpowered? Duh, it's missing 2 holes.