Dreaming of turning your 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona into a head-turning masterpiece? Whether you’re after more horsepower, show-stopping style, or both, customizing your Daytona is your ticket to standing out from the crowd.
With the Charger Daytona’s powerful platform, there’s a world of possibilities. But where should you start, and what upgrades make the biggest difference? This article breaks down the best ways to customize your Daytona—covering performance boosts, visual upgrades, and expert tips for every budget.
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How to Customize Your 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona: A Complete Guide
If you’re a proud owner of a 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona, customizing your ride can make it stand out, enhance performance, and better fit your personal style. The Charger Daytona is already built with a muscular attitude, but with the right modifications and upgrades, you can elevate it to an entirely new level of uniqueness.
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step breakdown of how to approach customizing your 2017 Charger Daytona, the benefits you’ll enjoy, potential challenges to consider, and practical tips to help you get the most from your customization journey.
Understanding Chrysler DNA: What Makes the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona Special?
Let’s begin by understanding why the Daytona edition is a favorite among enthusiasts:
- Powerful Engine Options: The 2017 Daytona comes with either a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or a robust 6.4-liter HEMI V8 in the Daytona 392.
- Performance Features: Upgraded suspension, performance-tuned exhaust, and Brembo brakes for confidence on the street or track.
- Iconic Styling: With its bold hood graphics, decklid spoiler, and exclusive alloy wheels, the Daytona stands out even in stock form.
- Heritage Appeal: The Daytona is a modern homage to the original Charger Daytona from the golden age of muscle cars.
All these factors make it a fantastic foundation for customization.
Steps to Customizing Your 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona
Customizing a vehicle involves both aesthetic and functional enhancements. Here’s how you can approach transforming your Daytona to match your vision:
1. Define Your Customization Goals
Before diving in, ask yourself:
- Are you aiming for head-turning looks?
- Do you want better performance?
- Is comfort or daily drivability a priority?
- Are you prepping for occasional track days?
Knowing your goals will guide every decision and help you set your budget.
2. Choose Your Customization Categories
Most Charger Daytona owners focus on the following areas:
a. Exterior Styling
- Body Kits & Widebody Conversions
- Consider full body kits, widebody flares, or aggressive front splitters for a more assertive stance.
- Daytona-style widebody kits add extra width, enhancing looks and allowing for wider tires.
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Look for well-fitting kits from reputable brands to ensure easy installation and durability.
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Custom Hoods and Spoilers
- A vented or carbon fiber hood not only looks fantastic but can help with engine cooling.
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Upgrading to larger or adjustable spoilers offers better aerodynamics and downforce.
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Graphics and Decals
- Enhance factory striping or add vinyl wraps. Daytona-specific graphics, heritage logos, or unique racing stripes personalize your car further.
b. Wheels, Tires, and Suspension
- Custom Wheels
- Larger, custom alloy wheels or lightweight forged options not only upgrade looks but can impact handling.
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Staggered setups (wider rear than front) give a serious muscle car impression.
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Performance Tires
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Summer performance tires maximize grip. If you live in a seasonal climate, consider a second set for winter.
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Suspension Upgrades
- Lowering springs, coilovers, or air suspension can reduce fender gap and improve handling.
- Upgraded sway bars and bushings reduce body roll on spirited drives.
c. Performance Mods
- Intake and Exhaust Upgrades
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Cold air intakes and performance exhaust systems improve horsepower, throttle response, and sound.
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Engine Tuning
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ECU tuners or custom dyno tunes safely unlock more power, especially when paired with other mods.
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Brake Upgrades
- Larger rotors, performance pads, and stainless steel lines give more stopping power and fade resistance.
d. Interior Personalization
- Seats and Upholstery
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Swap seats for bucket styles or reupholster in premium materials for a luxurious touch.
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Steering Wheels and Trim
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Upgrade to flat-bottomed or suede-wrapped wheels for better grip and a performance look.
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Technology Add-ons
- Aftermarket infotainment systems, upgraded sound, or performance gauges keep you entertained and informed.
The Customization Process: Step-by-Step
- Plan Your Build
- Write down the modifications you want.
- Prioritize based on budget and importance (e.g., wheels and tires before body kits).
- Research and Source Quality Parts
- Choose parts from trusted manufacturers known for Charger compatibility.
- Forums and social communities are great sources of reviews and installation tips.
- Budget Wisely
- Modifying can get expensive; always consider installation costs, not just parts.
- Professional vs. DIY
- Some mods (like decals or cold air intakes) are DIY-friendly.
- Widebody kits, paintwork, and complex suspension changes may require professional installation.
- Schedule Upgrades in Stages
- Do not attempt to change everything at once—start with high-impact mods.
- Take time between stages to assess results and adjust your plan if needed.
Benefits of Customizing Your Daytona
- Unique Aesthetic Appeal: Stand out in a crowd of stock vehicles.
- Better Performance: Enjoy enhanced handling, braking, acceleration, and sound.
- Personal Satisfaction: Express your personality and passion through your car.
- Resale Value: Quality mods done tastefully can appeal to fellow enthusiasts and increase resale value.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Part Compatibility
- Always double-check that body kits, wheels, or technical parts are specifically designed for the 2017 Charger Daytona trim.
- Fit and Finish
- Inexpensive kits may require additional fitting; investing in reputable brands pays off long-term.
- Budget Overruns
- Create a detailed budget with a buffer for unexpected expenses.
- Warranty Considerations
- Some mods may impact your vehicle’s factory warranty—know your coverage and discuss with your dealer if concerned.
- Legal/Inspection Issues
- Ensure all lighting, exhaust, and emission mods meet local code to avoid fines or failed inspections.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Use Specialized Retailers
- Stores dedicated to Charger and MOPAR parts often offer the best fitment, support, and quality assurance.
- Take Plenty of ‘Before’ Photos
- Track your car’s transformation for personal satisfaction and future buyers.
- Join Owner Communities
- Engaging with online Charger forums or local car clubs is a great way to get advice, installation help, and inspiration.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance
- Performance mods can place extra stress on components—keep fluids fresh and inspect your car regularly.
- Don’t Sacrifice Daily Drivability
- Extreme modifications (like slammed suspensions) may look cool, but consider your typical driving needs.
Saving Money on Mods & Shipping
Customizing isn’t cheap, but here’s how you can manage costs:
- Bundle Purchases: Some shops offer discounts for buying wheel and tire packages together.
- Consider Shipping Costs: Large parts (body kits, wheels) can be expensive to ship. Compare rates and factor these into your budget.
- Look for Seasonal Sales: Retailers often run promotions around holidays or major auto shows.
- Buy Local When Possible: Picking up heavy or bulky items locally can save on shipping.
- DIY When Practical: Doing simpler installations yourself saves labor costs.
Conclusion
Customizing your 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona is a rewarding adventure, transforming a legendary muscle car into a true extension of your personality. Whether you focus on bold aesthetics, track-ready performance, or luxury touches inside, a thoughtful approach ensures a cohesive and high-quality result. Remember to balance your vision with practicality and budget, and you’ll enjoy a ride that’s uniquely yours for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to fully customize a 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona?
Customization prices vary widely. A simple cosmetic upgrade may start at a few hundred dollars, while full body kits, high-end wheels, and performance mods can push costs into the thousands. Budgeting $5,000 to $15,000 allows for extensive personalized upgrades.
Will modifications void my vehicle’s warranty?
Not all modifications void the warranty, but some (especially those affecting the engine or emissions systems) might. It’s best to review your warranty details and check with your dealer before making modifications.
What are the most popular modifications for the Daytona model?
Top upgrades include widebody kits, custom wheels and tires, suspension lowering, performance exhaust systems, cold air intakes, ECU tuning, and interior enhancements like new seats or custom audio.
Can I install aftermarket parts myself, or do I need a professional?
Basic mods like air intakes, decals, and some exhaust systems are DIY-friendly. More complex changes, like widebody kits and suspension overhauls, should be handled by professionals for safety and quality fitment.
Are customizations reversible if I want to sell the car later?
Most bolt-on upgrades (wheels, intakes, exhausts) are reversible. Extensive body modifications and paintwork may be harder or expensive to return to factory condition, so keep all original parts if resale is a concern.
With a bit of planning, smart budgeting, and creative spirit, your 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona can truly become one of a kind on the road. Enjoy the process, and drive proud!