Thinking about giving your 2013 Dodge Charger SXT a unique edge? Customizing your car isn’t just about turning heads—it’s about making your Charger truly yours. With so many options available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
This article will walk you through the top ways to personalize your Charger, from standout exterior upgrades to smart performance tweaks. Discover practical steps, helpful tips, and insider insights to help you create the perfect blend of style and substance.
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How to Customize a 2013 Dodge Charger SXT: Complete Guide
Customizing your 2013 Dodge Charger SXT isn’t just about looking cool; it’s a way to express your style, boost performance, and turn an already impressive car into a one-of-a-kind ride. Whether you’re new to car mods or a seasoned enthusiast, the world of Charger customization is loaded with options—from bold body kits to performance upgrades and interior tweaks.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to customize your 2013 Dodge Charger SXT. We break down bodywork, wheels, performance, interior, best practices, custom cost advice, and the most common questions. Let’s get started!
Understanding Dodge Charger Customization
Customizing a 2013 Dodge Charger SXT involves modifying different aspects of the car to better suit your tastes and driving goals. These modifications can range from simple add-ons to extensive overhauls. Here’s what you can typically customize:
- Exterior appearance: Body kits, spoilers, and wheels
- Performance: Exhausts, air intakes, and suspension
- Interior: Seats, trim, and technology upgrades
- Lighting: Headlights, taillights, and ambient lighting
Each area offers a unique chance to personalize your ride. Below, let’s break down each type of mod in detail.
1. Exterior Customization
Body Kits & Ground Effects
A body kit is the foundation of any custom Charger build. It usually includes:
- Front & Rear Bumpers: Aggressive or subtle, setting the car’s personality.
- Side Skirts: Adds depth and can improve aerodynamics.
- Spoilers & Wings: For both style and stability at higher speeds.
- Diffusers, Hood Scoops, and Vents: For heat management and aesthetics.
Popular materials include:
– Fiberglass (affordable, easy to paint, moderate durability)
– Polyurethane (flexible, damage-resistant, slightly more costly)
– Carbon Fiber (lightweight, strong, premium cost)
Installation tip: Many body kits are designed as direct bolt-ons, but some may require professional fitting and painting for best results.
Wheels & Offset
Swapping wheels instantly transforms the Charger’s look.
- Larger rims (20” or 22”) bring a modern, athletic vibe.
- Aftermarket offsets let you achieve a flush wheel setup or a more aggressive stance.
- Lightweight alloys can improve performance and handling.
Cost tip: Wheels can range from budget-friendly steel to premium forged alloys. Remember to factor in shipping for larger, heavier items.
Custom Grilles and Badges
- Mesh or honeycomb grilles: Popular for a sporty touch.
- Blackout badges or emblems: For a stealthy, cohesive look.
Paint, Vinyl Wraps, and Decals
- Vinyl wraps allow radical color changes without permanent alterations.
- Racing stripes, hood decals, or custom graphics add personality.
Lighting Upgrades
- Projector/LED headlights: Sharpen your look and night-driving safety.
- Smoked taillights and LED strips: Enhance visibility and style.
2. Performance Mods
Performance upgrades not only make your Charger SXT sound and feel better but can lead to modest improvements in horsepower and efficiency.
Exhaust Systems
- Cat-back exhausts: Offer a deeper tone and improved exhaust flow.
- Axle-back kits: Easier to install and still improve sound.
Cold Air Intakes
- Aftermarket intakes: Boost airflow, potentially increasing power and throttle response.
Suspension Upgrades
- Lowering springs: Gives a more aggressive stance and reduces body roll.
- Coilover kits: Adjustable height and ride quality for tailored handling.
Brake Enhancements
- Bigger rotors and performance pads: Enhance stopping power, especially valuable with bigger wheels.
Tuners and Programmers
- ECU tuning chips: Optimize engine parameters for better acceleration or fuel economy.
Tip: Always pair performance mods with reliability upgrades to maintain long-term function.
3. Interior Customization
Make your Charger cabin as unique and comfortable as the exterior.
Seat Covers and Upholstery
- Leather or suede seat covers: Upgrade feel and protection.
- Custom stitching or embroidery: Personalize with colors or logos.
Trim and Accents
- Brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, or chrome dash kits: Add a touch of luxury or sportiness.
- Custom steering wheels: Improve grip and visual appeal.
Technology Enhancements
- Aftermarket head units: Add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or better sound systems.
- Ambient LED lighting: Sets a cool nighttime vibe.
Floor Mats and Pedals
- Logo-embossed mats or racing pedals: Durable and stylish finishing touches.
4. Best Practices for Customizing Your Charger
- Plan ahead: Decide if you want a show car, daily driver, or performance beast.
- Choose quality parts: Saving money on cheap or unproven brands may lead to more costs down the line.
- Stick to a theme: Cohesiveness in style and color prevents your Charger from looking mismatched.
- Professional installation: Complex mods (body kits, tuning, suspension) often require skilled hands and tools.
- Check compatibility: Always ensure the part is designed for your year and trim level.
- Preserve OEM parts: In case you want to return to stock or sell parts later.
5. Cost Tips and Shipping Advice
Customizing a 2013 Dodge Charger SXT can fit a wide range of budgets. Here are some smart ways to stretch your investment:
- Bundle parts: Many retailers offer discounts if you buy kits together (e.g., grille + bumper + side skirts).
- Shipping: Larger components like body kits and wheels are costly to ship. Some vendors offer free or reduced shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Watch for sales: Seasonal promotions can save you hundreds.
- DIY vs. pro install: Do-it-yourself installation can be fun and save cash, but consider professional help for tricky mods.
- Set a budget: Upgrades can add up quickly. Prioritize by impact—for example, exterior changes tend to make the biggest visual difference immediately.
6. Challenges of Customizing a Charger
While customizing can be fun and rewarding, keep these in mind:
- Fitment Issues: Not all aftermarket parts fit perfectly; some require modifications.
- Warranty Concerns: Some performance mods may affect your factory warranty.
- Resale Value: Not every buyer wants a heavily modified car; keep original parts for a possible return to stock.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure your mods (especially lighting and exhaust) are street-legal in your state.
7. Step-by-Step: The Customization Process
- Research & Set Goals
- Define the look or performance improvements you desire.
- Source Quality Parts
- Choose trusted brands known for fit and quality.
- Order & Prep
- Once your parts arrive, inspect for completeness and damage.
- Install Mods
- Start with exterior or performance, depending on your priority.
- For complex installs, consult a professional.
- Show Off Your Charger!
- Enjoy your new style—and the attention it brings!
8. Practical Tips and Advice
- Join Charger forums: Connect with fellow owners for inspiration and troubleshooting.
- Document Your Build: Take photos and notes for future reference or potential buyers.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: After heavy mods, check your alignment, tire wear, and engine health more often.
- Keep receipts and instructions: Useful for troubleshooting, warranty claims, or resale.
9. Conclusion
Customizing your 2013 Dodge Charger SXT is an exciting journey—whether you choose subtle enhancements or a full transformation. By investing in quality parts and following smart installation steps, you’ll gain a car that stands out in style and performance.
Take your time, stick to your vision, and enjoy the process as much as the result. Your Charger can be a true reflection of your style—bold, sleek, and unmistakably yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install most mods myself, or do I need a professional?
While many cosmetic upgrades like decals, seat covers, or bolt-on body kits can be done with basic tools at home, performance modifications (like suspension, exhausts, or engine tuning) are best handled by professionals for safety and optimal results.
Will customizing my Charger affect its resale value?
It depends on what you do. Quality, reversible mods can boost appeal, but extreme or taste-specific changes may limit your pool of buyers. Keeping original parts allows an easy return to stock if needed.
Are aftermarket body kits and parts street-legal?
Most exterior mods are legal, but check your local laws—especially for lighting (e.g., colored LEDs), exhaust sound, or window tint. Some performance mods can also affect emissions compliance.
How much should I expect to spend on a complete Charger custom build?
Costs vary widely. Simple appearance mods could start at a few hundred dollars. Full body kits with wheels and high-end performance upgrades can run well into the thousands. Setting a budget and upgrading in phases is common.
Which upgrades give the biggest “wow” factor right away?
Body kits, upgraded wheels, and bold vinyl wraps make the most immediate impression. Performance-wise, a new exhaust system delivers both an audible and driving thrill.
Customizing your 2013 Dodge Charger SXT is about creativity and enjoyment. Start simple if you’re new, or dive into advanced mods if you’re experienced. Either way, you’ll end up with a Charger that’s as unique as you are!