MUST-HAVE First Mods

[kidwolf908]

Hello again Challengertalk community. I've been making new threads at a decent clip lately since I'm preparing for my Challenger to arrive. So here goes one more (hopefully the last) before it actually gets here!

I'm wondering what are the FIRST MODS you guys would do to a brand new Challenger to protect and help maintain it's condition.

I've already looked into:

- Catch Can (probably going with BT)
- Wheel Locks (Gorilla "The System" already in the mail)
- Tint (I know where I'm going for it and the price... 3M for sure)
- Paint Protection (Want the 3M film, but local installer quoted $700 for the bumper, leading edge of hood, fenders, and mirrors... seems pricey)
- Wider rear tires (probably 275 NT05'sor similar once the stock ones wear out)
- Exhaust (Solo or Zoomers... undecided, but will be later down the road)

Now I've also started wondering about mudflaps to protect the paint behind the wheels... or maybe paint protection film there? Any ideas?

Anything else you guys have in mind as MUST HAVE first mods to help protect this car?

Thanks in advance!

[Go Goody]

Cold air intake and a tuner, lower thermostat

[19johned53]

IMO, front and rear "strut tower" bracing and a catchcan would be my choices.

The bracing will stiffen up the body, less flex=less metal fatigue=longer lasting tight body.

The catch can just keeps the oil out of the intake system better than the factory set up.

Healthy engine and body

Just my .02

[mschipa]

My $0.02 - Hurst short throw shifter. Period. I've done all the other stuff, exhaust, catch can, strut tower brace (that would be #2), though not new tires, and I have to say that the HST continues to shine every day. I think about it every day when I shift, it's great. I first had the white ball and short straight shaft (that's what she said), but I recently changed to the old school bent shaft, slightly taller, pistol grip handle. The new handle is a smidge too tall (though just a smidge), but I've gotten used to it and now would not change it. Again, just my opinion. That said, a catch can was the first mod I did and it was relatively inexpensive and easy to do.

[blackdeuce]

If your concern is keeping the car nice, definitely do the mudflaps. I went with the Mopar version. You will especially want these if you go to wider rear tires.

[dizzyD]

Tint. I hate the people trying to look into the car, Also helps with sun block. Looking at strut bars next. eventually a tuner.

[kidwolf908]

Thank you very much guys! I will definitely be adding strut tower braces to the list once I build up my mod fund.

Does anyone know if the 5.7L Braided Line kit from BT shown here fits the 6.4L catch can?

I'm hoping to combine an SX engraved catch can with BT's braided lines (I like the ends better).

[Hal H]

My list of mods:

*Hurst billet short-throw shifter (6-speed)

*Sway bars (if you have STP, you're most of the way there)

*lowering springs (just installed Eibach Sportlines - 2"/2.1" drop ft/back)

*shocks to match the lowering springs (Eibach pro-dampers) (good-bye to the bouncy Nivomats).

*skip-shift eliminator (6-speed)

Wider tires look better as well - the stock 235s(18") and 245(20") look too narrow, even more so with the stock large gap between the top of the tire and fender

[SuBXeRo]

get the color stable 3m tint, lifetime garuntee not to fade, its worth it. You can get the ceramic or crystalline but you are going to drop ~$300-$600 more. % is your prference, I did 20% and have always been happy with 20% with any of my cars, anything darker makes it a lot harder and less safer when seeing at night in my opinion especially since this car has some horrendous blind spots.

Buy the mopar splash guards, they do work ands take a small amount of finessing to get them affixed, nothing you can't do.

Exhaust, a lot of people like the corsa system.

Tutrtle wax ICE - i like it, good synthetic, leaves a great shine and smells good too!

Are you an audio guy? follow along in the audio section if you have questions in regards to that.

Sounds like you are off to a good start though!

[OmahaRumble]

Tint - 3M is the best IMO, got 20% on all my windows except the windshield

exhaust - preference is based on what sound you are looking for. Corsa for the exotic sound, Zoomers and Borla ATAK for muscle car sound

splash guards (Mopar ones protect the best, and are the most sturdy, they do however scratch up your paint because of the tight fit (front ones)

CAI is not a must have, but it enhances performance and sound. I would go with either the Legmaker or AFE.