Dreaming of turning your 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat into a head-turning, personalized beast? With its raw power and iconic design, the Hellcat begs for customization that matches your unique style and driving needs.
Understanding how to custom-build or modify your Charger Hellcat is crucial—whether you crave bold looks, enhanced performance, or cutting-edge tech. This article breaks down the best ways to customize your ride, with practical steps, helpful tips, and insider insights to create your ultimate Hellcat experience.
Related Video
How to Customize a 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat: The Ultimate Guide
The 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is already one of the most powerful production sedans on the market, boasting classic American muscle car design and jaw-dropping performance. But for many enthusiasts, stock is just the starting point. Customizing your 2020 Charger Hellcat lets you infuse it with personal style, improve performance, and stand out wherever you go.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about customizing your Charger Hellcat. From appearance upgrades to big power mods, we’ll walk you through popular options, practical steps, money-saving tips, and common questions.
Why Customize Your 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat?
Customizing isn’t just about making your car look cool—it’s about making it uniquely yours. Here’s why customizing is so popular:
- Personal expression: Make your Charger reflect your tastes, preferences, and personality.
- Performance edge: Boost speed, handling, and overall driving excitement.
- Value retention: Quality aftermarket upgrades can help your car stand out in a competitive market.
- Community: Customized Hellcats often draw attention at events and car meets, helping you connect with other enthusiasts.
Step 1: Plan Your Customization
Before buying parts or scheduling shop time, take these critical planning steps:
- Set a budget. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending, factoring in both parts and labor.
- Define your goals. Are you after looks? Speed? Both? Some mods drastically change ride characteristics or may not be street-legal in all areas.
- Research compatible parts. Not every upgrade fits every Charger, especially when dealing with widebody vs. standard models.
- Check for warranties and insurance implications. Some mods can affect coverage or manufacturer warranties.
Step 2: Popular Appearance Upgrades
For many Charger Hellcat owners, the visual impact is just as important as the horsepower.
Widebody Kits
The 2020 Hellcat already comes in a fierce Widebody variant. But you can make it truly unique:
- Aftermarket widebody kits are available, offering bolder flares and more aggressive lines.
- Widebody kits often require professional installation and may involve cutting or modifying existing panels.
- Brands like Vicrez, Shirokai, and others offer kits crafted from quality materials with unique styling elements.
Body Kits & Ground Effects
Giving your Charger a new look can be as simple as upgraded bumpers or as involved as a full body kit:
- Front splitters, side skirts, and rear diffusers not only add aggression but can also improve aerodynamics.
- Material options include fiberglass, polyurethane, and carbon fiber, each with pros and cons regarding weight, fitment, and finish.
Custom Paint and Wraps
- Vinyl wraps offer color changes, graphics, or finishes (matte, gloss, satin, or even chrome) without permanent commitment.
- Custom paint jobs can include racing stripes, color fades, or none-stock color schemes.
- Paint protection film helps preserve your finish from chips and scratches.
Lighting Upgrades
Style and visibility both matter:
- Aftermarket headlights and taillights (like smoked or LED options) modernize your Charger’s look.
- Under-glow and accent lighting are popular for car meet appeal, but check local laws regarding their use.
Wheels and Tires
This is often the first and most noticeable mod:
- Go for wider wheels to match the Widebody look and improve grip.
- Lightweight forged wheels reduce unsprung mass for better performance and ride quality.
- High-performance tires make a huge impact on acceleration and handling.
Step 3: Performance Mods
Unlock the true potential of your Hellcat with these upgrades:
Exhaust Systems
- Cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems boost horsepower, lighten your ride, and dramatically enhance the exhaust note.
- Look for stainless steel or titanium systems for durability and performance.
- Some systems offer adjustable sound for quiet or aggressive driving.
Intake Systems
- Cold air intakes improve airflow for increased power and throttle response.
- Choose high-quality, heat-shielded systems to prevent sucking in hot engine bay air.
Engine Tuning
- Custom tuning can unlock significant gains from simple bolt-ons or major power-adders.
- Tuning packages may include new engine management modules or unlock more advanced calibrations.
Forced Induction Upgrades
- The Hellcat’s supercharged V8 is legendary, but there’s always room for more.
- Aftermarket pulleys, larger superchargers, or auxiliary fuel systems can add 100+ extra horsepower—but expect to upgrade supporting components as well.
Suspension Mods
- Lowering springs and coilovers lower your ride height for a meaner stance and improved cornering.
- Adjustable dampers let you tune the ride between comfortable daily driving and track performance.
Brake Upgrades
- If you add power, add stopping power too.
- Larger rotors, upgraded calipers, and high-performance pads curb fade and improve safety.
Step 4: Interior Customization
Make the driving experience just as personal as the exterior:
- Custom seat covers in leather, suede, or even exotic materials like Alcantara.
- Steering wheels, shift knobs, and pedal covers with unique finishes.
- Upgraded infotainment systems for improved sound and connectivity.
- Ambient interior lighting for a custom mood.
Step 5: Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Do your homework. Read reviews and join forums to learn from other owners’ experiences.
- Invest in quality. Cheaper parts may not fit, function, or last as well as premium brands.
- Professional installation: Some mods, especially body kits and tuning, are best left to experts.
- Maintain documentation. Keep receipts and install records—especially if you plan to sell or need warranty work.
- Stay legal. Always check your local regulations before installing mods that affect emissions, lighting, or vehicle noise.
Step 6: Cost-Saving Tips
Customizing a Hellcat can be expensive, but there are smart ways to manage costs:
- Bundle purchasing: Retailers often offer kits or packages at a discount.
- Wait for sales: Many performance websites run seasonal promotions.
- Used or take-off parts: Explore enthusiast forums and classified sites for lightly used parts from other owners.
- DIY installation: If you’re handy, tackle basic installs yourself—but don’t risk it with safety-critical upgrades.
Shipping Considerations:
- Body kits, wheels, and large parts often require freight shipping—get quotes before purchasing.
- Choosing domestic suppliers may reduce shipping costs and lead times.
- For international buyers, factor in customs fees and taxes.
Things to Consider: Challenges of Customization
- Compatibility: Not every aftermarket part fits every Charger, especially with model years and trim differences.
- Resale value: Some customizations may make your vehicle harder to sell or reduce its appeal to future buyers.
- Insurance: Notify your insurer about major modifications—some may affect your coverage or rates.
- Installation time: Projects can take longer than expected—plan for potential downtime.
Conclusion
Customizing your 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat is an exciting journey. Whether you’re seeking head-turning looks, more power, or simply a car that reflects your unique personality, the options are almost limitless. The key is careful planning, quality parts, and attention to both style and performance. With thoughtful upgrades, your Hellcat can be a true reflection of you—and a dominating presence on the road or the track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best first mods for a 2020 Charger Hellcat?
Great starter mods include a cat-back exhaust for better sound and power, upgraded wheels and tires for improved stance and grip, and a cold air intake for a nice bump in engine response. These combine strong visual impact with tangible performance benefits.
2. Will customizing my Hellcat affect its warranty?
Yes, some modifications—especially engine performance, tuning, or forced induction upgrades—may void parts of your factory warranty. Always check with your dealership and read the fine print before making major changes.
3. Are body kits hard to install on a Charger Hellcat?
Some body kits are designed for direct bolt-on installation, while others may require trimming, drilling, or even professional paint and bodywork. It’s often best to have experienced professionals handle complicated installations.
4. Do customizations increase insurance rates?
In many cases, yes—especially performance or appearance mods that change the car’s value or risk profile. Always notify your insurance provider when making major changes to ensure ongoing protection.
5. How much should I budget for customizing my Hellcat?
Budgets vary widely. Simple mods like exhausts or air intakes can cost a few hundred dollars each, while widebody kits, major engine upgrades, or show-quality paint jobs can run into the thousands. Setting a clear budget and prioritizing mods is the best approach.
Customizing your 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a rewarding experience. With proper planning and the right parts, you’ll create a car that turns heads, accelerates faster, and truly feels like your own. Happy customizing!