Dreaming of turning your 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat into a one-of-a-kind road beast? Whether you’re after more power, a head-turning look, or both, customizing your Hellcat lets you stand out from the crowd and truly make it your own.
This question matters because personalization can boost performance, resale value, and your grin every time you hit the gas. In this article, you’ll discover practical ways to customize your Hellcat—plus expert tips and creative ideas to get started.
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How to Custom Build a 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat: The Ultimate Guide
If you’ve got your eyes on the 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat, chances are you admire its raw power, aggressive looks, and bold street presence. For enthusiasts, making it truly your own means custom modifications that go beyond the showroom floor. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about customizing a 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat – from appearance upgrades to performance tuning, cost considerations, and tips for building your dream car.
What Does It Mean to Custom Build a 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat?
“Custom” can mean different things to different people, but for most, it involves personalizing the vehicle’s appearance, enhancing its performance, or both. Here’s what customizing a Charger Hellcat often includes:
- Exterior Modifications: Body kits, widebody conversions, custom wheels, spoilers, and unique paint finishes.
- Performance Upgrades: Engine tuning, exhaust enhancements, cold air intakes, upgraded superchargers, and better handling components.
- Interior Personalization: Custom seats, steering wheels, dashboard accents, and infotainment tweaks.
- Electronics and Lighting: Upgraded headlights, underglow lighting, and advanced sound systems.
Customizing your Hellcat not only makes it unique but also allows you to tailor it to your driving style and personality.
Step-by-Step: Customizing Your 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process to help you get started:
1. Define Your Customization Goals
Before buying any parts or making changes, ask yourself these key questions:
- Do you want to focus on looks, performance, or both?
- Are you planning to drive this car daily, or is it for shows and special events?
- What’s your budget? (Customization can vary from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.)
2. Choose Your Exterior Upgrades
The Hellcat already has striking looks, but customizations make it iconic. Consider the following:
Widebody Kits
- Purpose: A widebody kit adds width to the Charger’s fenders, accommodating wider tires for better grip and an eye-catching stance.
- Types: Full replacement panels or add-on fender flares (both are available for the 2019 model).
- Popular Kits: SRT Hellcat style, custom fiberglass or injection-molded polycarbonate kits.
- Installation: Often requires skilled bodywork for fitment and paint blending.
Ground Effects and Aero Modifications
- Front Splitters and Side Skirts: Enhance aerodynamics and the car’s presence.
- Rear Diffusers: Contribute to stability at high speed.
- Spoilers/Wings: For added downforce and distinct visual flair.
Wheels and Tires
- Deep Concave or Forged Wheels: Popular among owners for both style and performance.
- Larger Wheel Sizes: Fill out those wide fenders and give an aggressive look (commonly 20″ or 22″).
- Tire Selection: Wider, performance-oriented tires for grip and stance.
Custom Paint and Graphics
- Vinyl Wraps and Decals: For a unique look without the permanency of paint.
- Custom Colors: Matte, gloss, and even color-changing paints.
3. Boost Performance
The Charger Hellcat is a performance beast from the factory, but there’s always room for more.
Engine and Power Upgrades
- ECU/PCM Tuning: Unlock extra horsepower and torque via custom computer programming.
- Cold Air Intakes: Improve airflow, adding modest power gains and a throatier sound.
- Upgraded Superchargers or Pulleys: Gain significant power, but often require supporting mods.
- High-Performance Exhaust Systems: Improve both power and sound – cat-back or axle-back options are popular.
- Fuel System Upgrades: For those seeking extreme outputs.
Handling and Suspension
- Lowering Springs/Coilovers: For better handling and a lower stance.
- Upgraded Sway Bars and Bushings: Tighter, more responsive cornering.
- Performance Brake Kits: Larger, high-performance brakes for greater stopping power.
Drivetrain Enhancements
- Upgraded Driveshafts and Differentials: Essential for high-power builds to maintain reliability.
4. Interior Customization
Make the inside just as exciting as the outside:
- Custom Leather or Alcantara Seats: Add luxury and uniqueness.
- Aftermarket Steering Wheels: Often smaller, offering a sportier feel.
- Personalized Trim: Carbon fiber, colored stitching, billet aluminum accents.
- Sound Systems: Premium speakers, amps, and subwoofers tailored to your taste.
5. Electronic and Lighting Mods
- LED or HID Headlights: For a modern and aggressive appearance.
- Underglow and Accent Lighting: Adds a personalized touch, especially at shows.
- Upgraded Gauge Clusters: Digital displays or race-inspired readouts.
Benefits of Customizing Your Hellcat
Why go through all this effort? Here are some top reasons:
- Personal Expression: Stand out from the crowd with a Charger that reflects your taste.
- Performance Gains: Unlock the full potential of the Hellcat’s monstrous engine.
- Increased Value (in some cases): Unique builds can fetch higher prices in the enthusiast market.
- Greater Driving Enjoyment: Tailored ergonomics, sound, and handling to your liking.
Challenges and Considerations
Customizing these high-performance vehicles isn’t without its hurdles.
Fitment and Compatibility
- Not all parts fit perfectly out of the box. Some require trimming, fabrication, or professional installation.
Warranty and Reliability
- Engine and drivetrain modifications might void your manufacturer’s warranty.
- Some mods can put extra strain on stock components—always upgrade supporting parts accordingly.
Legal and Insurance Issues
- Certain modifications (like loud exhausts or lighting) may not be street-legal in some regions.
- Inform your insurance provider about modifications; rates might change.
Cost
- Customizing a Hellcat can be expensive. Set a clear budget, including labor and unforeseen expenses.
- Performance mods often require high-quality, proven components to ensure safety and reliability.
Best Practices and Tips
Thinking of customizing your 2019 Hellcat? Keep these expert tips in mind:
- Plan Your Build: Prioritize essentials. Don’t try to do everything at once; updates in stages are easier to manage and budget for.
- Consult Professionals: Use experienced shops for major installations, especially for bodywork and engine tuning.
- Join Communities: Hellcat owner forums and social media groups are gold mines for advice, troubleshooting, and inspiration.
- Keep Documentation: Save receipts, install instructions, and tune files for future reference or resale.
- Stay Legal: Always check local laws on vehicle modifications.
Cost-Saving Tips (Including Shipping)
Custom builds can add up fast, but here’s how you can save:
- Shop Around: Prices for parts and labor can vary widely. Compare multiple vendors before buying.
- Bundle Purchases: Some retailers offer discounts or reduced shipping if you buy several components at once.
- Consider Used Parts: High-quality used or refurbished parts are often as good as new, especially for wheels and body kits.
- DIY Where Possible: Simple installations like intakes, lighting, or trim pieces can be done at home with basic tools.
- Budget for Shipping: Large items (body kits, wheels) can be costly to ship. Look for domestic suppliers to reduce costs, or ask local shops if they can order and install parts for you.
- Factor in Paint/Finishing: Some parts arrive unpainted, so always include paint/powder-coating costs in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to fully customize a 2019 Charger Hellcat?
A complete custom build can range from as little as a few thousand dollars (minor aesthetic changes) to over $30,000 for extensive body, interior, and performance upgrades. The final price depends on your goals, the brands you choose, the complexity of labor, and whether you use new or used parts.
Will customizing my Hellcat affect its warranty or reliability?
Certain modifications—especially those involving the engine, transmission, or electronics—can void your factory warranty and affect long-term reliability. Always use proven, high-quality parts and consult with your dealership or a knowledgeable specialist before making major changes.
Is it possible to install a widebody kit on the 2019 Hellcat myself?
While some skilled enthusiasts can tackle widebody kit installations, it typically requires advanced tools, experience, and often professional help. Proper fitment, paint matching, and ensuring all new panels line up correctly are difficult without a body shop.
Do custom performance tunes really make a difference?
Yes, a reputable custom ECU/PCM tune can unlock more power and improve throttle response, particularly when combined with other performance upgrades. Always use trusted tuners, as incorrect tuning can cause engine damage.
Are aftermarket wheels and tires worth the investment?
Upgrading to high-quality aftermarket wheels and tires can significantly enhance both the look and performance of your Hellcat. Besides appearance, wider tires improve grip, handling, and acceleration—crucial for a car with this much power.
Conclusion
Customizing your 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a thrilling journey that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and engineering. Whether you crave a street-dominating widebody look, supercar-level performance, or a personalized interior, the possibilities are nearly endless. By setting clear goals, budgeting wisely, choosing parts carefully, and seeking professional advice when needed, you’ll end up with a Charger Hellcat that’s unmistakably yours—one that turns heads and tears up the road wherever you go. Happy building!