How to Increase Horsepower in a Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is a full-sized automobile made by the Dodge arm of Chrysler. Originating in 1964, the Charger has been a longtime success of the Dodge brand. One of the strengths of the Charger is the massive amount of horsepower that most models produced. However, even with the high-performance engines with which Chrysler outfitted these cars, you can add even more by increasing the amount of air flowing into the engine and optimizing the back pressure flow. In simple terms, this means installing a high-flow intake system and a new high-flow exhaust.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Socket wrench
• Screwdriver
• Masking tape
• Marker
• New intake tubing
• High-flow air filter
• Jack
• Four Jack stands
• O2 sensor removal tool
• High-flow exhaust

Instructions

1. Open the hood and disconnect the factory air box assembly. Remove all of the screw bolts with a socket wrench.

2. Loosen the hose clamp attaching the air intake to the throttle body with a screwdriver, and pull the intake tubing off the throttle body.

3. Disconnect the mass airflow sensor and all hoses and plugs running to the intake tubing and air box. You must unplug the mass airflow sensor; to do so, remove the two screws holding it to the intake. Mark the location of all hoses and electrical connections on the intake with masking tape and a marker.

4. Install the high-flow air intake system. Installation is the reverse of removal.

5. Raise the Charger on jack stands using a floor jack. Jack up on the Charger using the front and rear jack points. Place a jack stand under each of the four pinch welds on the vehicle and lower it onto the stands.

6. Remove the electrical connector running to the O2 sensor positioned after the catalytic converter. Remove the O2 sensor from the exhaust with an O2 sensor removal tool and a socket wrench. Turn the O2 sensor counterclockwise to remove it.

7. Remove the bolts attaching the exhaust piping to the catalytic converter, and then pull the exhaust piping away from the catalytic converter.

8. Slide the exhaust piping off of all of the hangers that secure it to the body of the vehicle.

9. Install the new high-flow exhaust. Installation is the reverse of removal.

References

• Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum Repair Manual 2005-2007; Joe L. Hamilton, John H. Haynes; 2007