Here at MDK Garage we have a complete full bolt on and tuned 2008 Dodge Charger R/T with a NAG1 / W5A580 transmission. The Dodge Charger came back and launched with model year 2006 in 2005. Buyers had the option for a 2.7L v6, 3.5L v6, 5.7L v8 and also 6.1L v8 with the SRT trim level. We have a 5.7L v8 R/T rwd that came with 340 HP and 390 lb-ft to the crank. The stock R/T RWD has a 1/4 mile time – 14.6 sec. Our car has full power heated leather seats, mygig touchscreen radio with sound system, dual zone AC.
As any car guy, you are going to mod your car! First thing we did, ordered an exhaust, tuner handheld, wheels, tires and brakes. The biggest gains you can get on a LX car is from the restrictive exhaust. We ordered a SLP Loudmouth II catback system, and it sounded and felt great. Then MDS system kicked in and the drone was horrible.
Hello state troopers, thanks mds
After the install of the exhaust, I went for a ride and ended up on the highway, MDS kicked in cruising at 70-75mph and wanting to hear the exhaust that was just installed, had to floor it to get out of MDS at 80-85… boom state troopers right there. Ended up getting a speeding ticket just from trying to hear the exhaust that was just installed.
MDS HAD TO GO! Luckily the Trinity T1000 I had ordered showed up the next day. Not only did I load the canned 93 octane tune from the DiableSport Trinity, I was able to shut off MDS. It doesn’t get as good gas mileage without the MDS but I have a V8, why else do I have a v8? Gas mileage down, but power was up with the canned diablosport tune and exhaust.
Niche MILAN 20×8.5 +25 wheels came in and put on some Nitto 555 G2 rubber on them. Went to the dyno and pushed out 307hp and 360wtq with just a diablo canned 93 octane tune and SLP exhaust. Bypassed the filter and we hit 326hp and 368wtq. Prior to getting the wheels and tires, we took a trip to Lapeer Dragway and hit the 1/4 mile drag strip where we went a respectable 13.8 at 101mph with a 2.14 60ft. This run was on crap tires. That is almost one full second quicker than a stock R/T. TranZformer was installed, we have launch control, burnout mode, line lock and more.
Full bolt ons
Since the last dyno and drag strip visit we have upgraded and modded a few more things. The exhaust has been upgraded to a Pacesetter Long Tube Headers with catless midpipes. The intake was upgraded to a K&N Cold Air Intake, along with the throttle body, which was changed to a Speedlogix 85mm Ported Throttle Body. We deleted the EGR. Engine mounts were replaced with solid mounts from Speedlogix. Transmission was upgraded with Mercedes blue top shift solenoids. For tuning, we added AEM Eugo wideband that feeds into the DiabloSport Trinity for logging. On the topic of tuning, we went with a custom tune from Hemifever Tuning.
We are excited to get back on the dyno and run the 1/4 mile this season to see the improvements and changes. Check back for the updates!