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Performance Handling Group - worth it?

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9K views 55 replies 26 participants last post by  GSBrockman  
#1 · (Edited)
I'm searching among the 2023 "Last call" batch of R/T Challengers and noticed the Performance Handling Group package as an option. I'm not interested in drag racing, line lock or making turns at 50 MPH. I'm not going to go from 60 to a full stop as soon as possible and don't care about the color of the brakes. Other than larger tires and brakes, all that seems to remain is the suspension aspect of the package. Is it worth getting for standard city and suburban driving? Is the handling, braking, turning and ride improvement that noticeable? Any thoughts and experiences to differentiate this package vs. without will help me decide. Thank you in advance!
 
#4 ·
It's basically a SP suspension.

It's a nice step up for a better driving feel at any speed. The 4 piston Brembos are perfect for any style of street driving, as these cars are heavy.

That said, the old saying "you don't get something for nothing" holds true.

It will have a much firmer ride than the stock R/T. It's noticeable on rougher roads.

I won't call it harsh, but some think that it is for a DD.

Best of luck
 
#5 ·
If it's a firm ride it will be less comfortable especially over streets with potholes and speed bumps. The only advantage I'm inferring is that it's better handling turns at higher speeds which does not apply in my case. It seems a smoother, softer ride would be a car without the PHG package. Thanks for the input!
 
#8 ·
I'm searching among the 2023 "Last call" batch of R/T Challengers and noticed the Performance Handling Group package as an option. Other than larger tires and brakes, all that seems to remain is the suspension aspect of the package.
Actually…..the Performance Handling Group doesn’t include larger tires.

On an R/T….you will have to add the Performance Plus Package.

During my recent search of Challengers, I looked at a few R/T T/A 5.7L cars, and several of those had the Performance Handling Group alone, and even more had both. In the end, I found a really nice 5.7L T/A with both, but couldn’t hardly justify the price increases of the T/A package.

In any event…..I stumbled onto a killer deal on a Scat Pack, and ended up with it.

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#9 ·
Thank you for the correction. I've seen many R/T's with just the PHG and no PPP. Bottom line is whether or not it's worth getting for a DD who doesn't race, do any stunts or hard braking. I hate speed bumps and potholes which seem to be increasing as the years go by. If it's a hard ride, I don't see the advantage of this package.
:unsure::confused:
 
#12 ·
At the end of the day…..with the discounts I’m seeing on some of these cars, I wouldn’t let the added cost of the PHG (or the PPP) sway me from not buying it.

Best thing you can do is drive one with PHG…..and one without PHG….and decide for yourself.
 
#14 ·
Performance Handling Group includes Brembo four-piston brakes, red brake calipers on GT models and R/T models, high-performance suspension, 20-in. Lights Out wheels, 245/45ZR20 all-season performance tires, performance steering, 3.90 rear axle ratio/manual transmission or 3.09 rear axle ratio/automatic transmission (R/T), and anti-spin differential (R/T). Dodge performance flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel

A Guy
 
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#20 ·
As some have pointed out, go test drive one with and without the PHG package and choose what you like the best.

That said, if the one you are looking at is the right color and has all the basic options you want, I would not let the PHG sway you. Yes, the suspension is slightly firmer, but at no point would I call it harsh; It’s actually a fantastic suspension setup.
 
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#21 · (Edited)
In my experience, springs and shocks tend to relax over time, and by the time a car gets to 50k it feels a lot looser than it did when new. I'm thinking our 2023 R/T with PHG settles into "just right" as time goes on.

With PHG, the tire size is the same at 245, but the wheels increase to 9" width. Many later put 275 tires on the 9" wheels. Also, I think the ride height drops about 1".

Does anyone know if the anti-swaybar diameters are different between R/T and R/T PHG?

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#32 ·
Does anyone know if the anti-swaybar diameters are different between R/T and R/T PHG?
The PHG gives you the High-performance suspension, it's the Scat Pack suspension. But the sway bars are the same except for Widebodies and 1320
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Anyone notice if the ride height is lower with this option?
I believe the '11-'14 R/Ts with super track pack had a lower stance than with the base suspension.
If the OP is planning on lowering the car, I'd opt for the handling group instead of aftermarket stuff.
And whether you do your own work or pay to have it done, much easier to change brake pads with the Brembos!
Sometime, 2019 I believe, the R/T got the STP (1/2" lower) suspension as stock (as did the RWD GT)

A Guy
 
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#22 ·
This is a good thread.
I'll just speak for myself, but I purposely didn't get the PHG. Like the OP, I too have to negotiate potholes and railroad tracks. I wanted the softest ride possible. I'm not out there doing autocross or anything, so I didn't feel the need to get that package. I was disappointed when I saw the 9" wheels came with the same 245"s that are on 8" wheels. The PHG+ does come with 275's on a 9.5" wheel, but they put summer tires on it, so I would be buying new all-season tires as soon as it got cold here. So yeah, I just didn't want to go down that rabbit hole.
 
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#23 ·
Anyone notice if the ride height is lower with this option?
I believe the '11-'14 R/Ts with super track pack had a lower stance than with the base suspension.
If the OP is planning on lowering the car, I'd opt for the handling group instead of aftermarket stuff.
And whether you do your own work or pay to have it done, much easier to change brake pads with the Brembos!
 
#27 ·
Anyone notice if the ride height is lower with this option?
I believe the '11-'14 R/Ts with super track pack had a lower stance than with the base suspension.
I measured the wheel well height on a 23 R/T PHG, 22 SPNB, and 23 HCNB. All three have a front height of ~29.25" and rear height of 30.25". I don't have the height of a SXT, GT, or standard R/T.

The PHG does not come with all-season tires? Yet another variable to contemplate!
The PHG comes with all season Goodyear tires. I think they're referring to the Performance Plus Package.
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#31 ·
Lot's for good advice already, so I will add a counter point. The "counter" is not to go against anyone. Let me present it this way. You can modify a suspension. Maybe you got some ideas later with springs, shocks, bars, etc.

But you can't change the color of your car. (You know what I mean). You can't add leather. You can't add blind spot monitors. Or you can't add a sunroof.

Last Call has been calling me and I have to hang up each time, because certain things, color, options, combos, no longer exist in inventory.
 
#35 ·
What I really want to see is FCA's plan to build the next Challenger and Charger off of the Alfa Romeo Guilia platform. When Stellantis took over FCA (just like merger of the equals...not). Plan was cancelled. Peugeot just does not like anything Fiat has in the works. And here we are. Now, Alfa Romeo Guilia is going away too. 2024 Last Call.
 
#36 · (Edited)
What I really want to see is FCA's plan to build the next Challenger and Charger off of the Alfa Romeo Guilia platform. When Stellantis took over FCA (just like merger of the equals...not). Plan was cancelled. Peugeot just does not like anything Fiat has in the works. And here we are.
It will be a long time to bring back the type of Challenger/Charger we want. The global warming-renamed-"climate change" hysteria has to run it's course. It's the perfect EPA weapon against the production of cars people actually want and even better tool to disguise corrupt and wasteful government spending. There was global cooling in the 70's and it predictably failed, just like every other apocalyptic scare tactic to get the masses to go along with government power grabs and deficit spending. All hoaxes and problems out of humanity's control will fail, it's just a matter of time.
 
#44 ·
Reading all these posts reminded me of how many different levels of performance the Dodge Challenger offered. There really was something for everyone who desired a Challenger.
I sure am going to miss the excitement and anticipation of what's next. Glad I got on the ride before they tore it down.
Ditto. Not just the Challenger, but for all cars (vehicles).

On that same note. The magic is still there with Ford Mustang IMO. So many flavors to choose from. And you can add toppings and sprinkles. No chance of getting rid of my PCP Challenger, but been eyeing the Mustang. Ford has made some changes already within the 2025 model year. Hard (for me) to keep up. But I like that passion for giving what Mustang fans want.
 
#48 ·
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A Guy
 
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#52 ·
To me the PHG is a great value as it ads a better stance car just looks so good next to ones that are on standard shocks. And the braking is very good (on normal conditions and highway speeds)

Anyways, a friend of mine is looking to lower his car. Does anyone knows the part numbers for springs and shocks from the PHG?
Well…..not sure what exact car your friend has, but here’s a monroney from a Challenger T/A I almost bought that had PPP & PHG packages.

Give a parts guy the VIN from the monroney and see what they say.