How to Build a 10-Second Challenger: What It Takes
What mods, prep, and dollars does it take to run 10s in your Challenger? A realistic breakdown.
What Does 10 Seconds Mean?
A 10-second quarter mile is 10.99 or faster at 60-foot through the traps. For context:
- Stock Hellcat: ~11.2–11.4 seconds
- Stock Redeye: ~10.8–11.0 seconds
- Stock Demon 170: ~8.9 seconds
Getting a regular Hellcat or Scat Pack into the 10s requires real work.
Starting Platform Matters
Hellcat (707 hp): Needs 150–200 whp gain to reliably run 10s. Achievable with a ported blower, cam, heads, and E85.
Scat Pack (485 hp): Needs 300+ whp to crack 10s. Requires forced induction (supercharger or turbo kit) — a significant investment.
R/T (375 hp): Very difficult without a full engine swap or large turbo kit. Not a recommended 10-second platform.
The Mods Required (Hellcat Path)
- Tire and wheel package — drag radials (Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S), 18x10 rear wheels
- Launch tune — proper 60-foot times require tune optimization for traction and launch RPM
- E85 tune — 50+ hp gain on a Hellcat platform, requires flex fuel kit
- Ported supercharger — Porting the 2.4L blower adds 50–80 hp. ~$2,000–3,000 with install
- Camshaft — 10–20 hp, improves supercharger efficiency
- Heads — ported or aftermarket heads, significant power gain at high RPM
- Fuel system — upgraded injectors and fuel pump (Hellcat Redeye fuel system swap is popular)
- Exhaust — longtubes + high-flow cats or catless
Realistic Budget
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Drag radials + wheels | $1,200–2,000 |
| E85 flex kit + tune | $1,500–2,500 |
| Ported blower | $2,500–4,000 |
| Cam + heads | $4,000–7,000 |
| Fuel system upgrades | $1,000–2,000 |
| Exhaust | $1,500–3,000 |
| Tuning (multiple sessions) | $1,000–2,000 |
| Total | $12,000–22,000 |
What to Expect at the Track
A properly built 10-second Hellcat on drag radials with a good driver will:
- 60-foot: 1.5–1.6 seconds
- 1/8 mile: 6.7–6.9 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 10.5–10.9 seconds
Driver consistency matters. A poor 60-foot (2.0 seconds) can push you into the 11s regardless of power.
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