So dad has asked me about the new challengers as I'm a mopar guy.
If it was a 70-74 e-body, I wouldn't be posting here. Got those down cold.
Jes specifically looking at r/t, 6 speed, non hellcat.
What is the good handlung options? Any packages that get us the goodies? Im thinking (and he's wondering) that they probably have something similar to the vette z51 package. Like the old challenger t/a from 70.
Hes even looking for build threads/info on autocross, as he wants to get back into the saddle and doesn't want to co-drive my pro-touring cars.
So learn me, guys. Y'all are a lot less biased than any of the mopar forums.
They're just really heavy since they're basically just slightly shortened LX cars (300C/Magnum/Charger). The steering is numb and it's hard to get the power down. Even the widest stock rims aren't very wide so it's simply not a very competitive FS car.
Its best option to be competitive would be a CAMC build, where you can address suspension geometry and wheel width issues and also go as wild on the engine as you want (the engine is the only fun part of the car in my opinion). The CAMC PAX index is weaker than STU, so the choice between CAMC and STU is in my opinion a no-brainer.
If he's looking to autocross a stock ponycar, tell him to go get a used Boss 302 or a new Camaro 1LE. If he can't afford that and is looking at the Challenger due to cost, I would say a somewhat older regular Mustang GT is still a better option than any Challenger.
Track pack. It's an option on r/t's. Combined: limited slip rear, 3.90 ratio I believe, bilstein shocks and better springs, different bushings(not sure on that one), "heavy duty brakes" and stability control "switch"
Sunroof made me recline seat to fit with helmet. I'm 6feet tall.
Stability control helped me pick up time on ax course: it's pretty advanced.
Fun big comfortable cars.
Go test drive, they're huge cars. Very wide, with long thick doors. Not sure how you would get in or out of one in a normal parking lot if someone parked next to you while you were in the store. I drove an SRT8 one day when I had time to kill and couldn't imagine living with one. The price on a brand new V8 powered, manual trans equipped muscle car that looks like sex on wheels though? Tempting. Bought a used C6 instead.
The Challenger is only a couple hundred pounds heavier than the Camaro and has a rear seat for grown ups if that matters, and there are plenty of LX and LC (Challenger platform) cars successfully campaigning the strip, road course and parking lots alike.
There is no 'package' to suggest, only trim levels. Any special editions only differ in conveniences/aesthetics for the most part.
The RT is great value for the money and pretty capable out of the box.
Buying one used and building the car as you focus on your wants/needs is a pretty wise way to go. There is a strong contingent of owners that sell and trade parts so upgrading is always an affordable option.
Handling improvements come with the jump to SRT trim, but if ultimate performance is the end game, he will likely go the aftermarket route.
I'd be in a far better position to advise knowing if he is planning on buying new or used.
The best source of info, and ideas is lxforums.com great bunch of the most knowledgeable and gracious folks around.
For the record I drive a Magnum and am a GM guy at heart so I think I can remain unbiased.
I completely fell in love with the R/T 6speed I test drove. Comfortable, powerful, felt good with the aftermarket suspension mods that were on it. I would autox one but I would do it for fun not to try and be competitive.
All you need to know: Get the hellcat. 
And here I was ready to talk about spaceships
Honestly, I don't know if new or used is which way he's leaning.
He also won't be campaining heavily, more for fun. He had a regional winning c4 tt car, etc. Hesppushing 70 now, and is just looking for a fun stock car. Sounds like r/t track pack is the place to start though.
Keep the info coming. He wants us to start looking next week.
And interestingly, he wants to cross shop the mustang equivalent, which I'm pretty sure is the boss 302.
Dusterbd13 wrote:
Honestly, I don't know if new or used is which way he's leaning.
He also won't be campaining heavily, more for fun. He had a regional winning c4 tt car, etc. Hesppushing 70 now, and is just looking for a fun stock car. Sounds like r/t track pack is the place to start though.
Keep the info coming. He wants us to start looking next week.
And interestingly, he wants to cross shop the mustang equivalent, which I'm pretty sure is the boss 302.
On the ax course, I don't think there is going to be much competition between a boss 302 and a challenger. But again, long road trip with 4 adults and the challenger wins.
I had a '12 r/t with the 6 speed and track pack for 2 years. I autocrossed it a few times for fun. It is more about managing the power and fitting through the gates than anything, but fun.
The hellcat has the widest tires on a challenger, there is not much room out back other than out. I would look into used hellcat wheels or find out what tricks they used to fit more rubber.
The track pack should be a neccessity(unless shopping used srt). The stability control can be disabled with the track pack; hold the traction control button down for like 15 seconds or something. Can't be done without that option pack, you only can disable traction control. I didn't know this at first (not in manual), the systems fight each other; ie. you want to do a burnout (or climb a snowy hill with 200 treadwear tires in my case) so you turn off the traction control. The tires let loose, but the stability control tries to keep you pointing straight, to the point of overheating the rear brakes... The track pack bilsteins and springs are a good match. The track pack should include a better rear ratio and locking clutch diff. If new, also decent 200 treadwear tires. The car will eat sway bushings.
If shopping used, '12 had the re-designed front suspension. I have never driven an older one so I can't compare.
The modification I wanted to make was eliminating torque management; the electronics make it feel not fast at times. But this also saves the "hardware" from user abuse.
If the budget allows, I think the "core" versions (basically an R/T with the 6.4) are the neatest. The SRT's are pricey (but that heated steering wheel is beautiful). If I kept my R/T, I would have eventually wound up with a supercharger. 375hp/400tq sounds awesome (and they sound great!), but I felt the car needed a bit more.
The nannies can be disabled (very nearly) with aftermarket assistance (very affordable).
I think the new GT Mustang outruns the Boss 302 around a racetrack. C&D Lightning Lap just proved it. So, cross shop a new Mustang GT with a new Challenger R/T.
As many have said they are really large vehicles and not to great at being sporty imo. Freaking epic cruisers though.
http://www.speedsportlife.com/2014/07/24/decoding-2015-challenger-line/
