2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak: A Pure Track Monster
Meet the 2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak—a car that doesn’t just talk the talk; it’s here to run the race. Produced in a limited batch of roughly 100 of these beasts, this wild ride isn’t your average street cruiser. It’s track-only, purpose-built for NHRA drag racing. Our star player today is a meticulously customized rolling chassis rocking a fuel-injected 6.1-liter Hemi V8 paired with a Pro-Trans 727/904 three-speed automatic transmission. Let’s dive into what makes this automotive titan tick.
The Heart of the Beast
You don’t need to pop the hood to feel the power surging through the veins of this Challenger. It’s a rebel with a cause—a fuel-injected 6.1-liter Hemi V8, snorting and growling as it links up with a Pro-Trans 727/904 three-speed automatic transmission. But wait, there’s more: an ATI Treemaster 8″ stall converter, an aluminum driveshaft, and a sturdy Dana 60 rear axle housing with a clever Mark Williams aluminum spool and axles. It’s finished in classic white with sleek black graphics matched to a stealthy black interior. And just when you think it couldn’t get better—a carbon-fiber lift-off hood with a scoop to boot, plus all the tech you’ll ever need armed with a Big Stuff 3 ECU.
Did you know? The 2009 Drag Pak is 1,000 pounds lighter than the Challenger SRT8, making it an incredibly lean and mean machine on the track.
Race-Ready Exterior
Stone White never looked as mean as it does draped over the Drag Pak’s body, marked with black Mopar side graphics and that epic matte black carbon-fiber lift-off hood. Of course, there’s a hood scoop that’s not just for show; it’s functional. Think halogen headlights, fog lights, and a front air dam—killer features for daylight and night runs.
In pursuit of weight reduction nirvana, Dodge removed the windshield wipers, side mirrors, and impact beams, shaving off almost 1,000 pounds from the Challenger SRT8’s curb weight.
Wheeling and Braking
Mounted on 15″ polished Weld Racing Alumastar 2.0 wheels, Hoosier drag slicks assert their dominance. As for stopping power, we’re talking drilled rotors—all around, because let’s face it: when you’re blazing down a track, you’ll need it. It perches on Santhuff double-adjustable coilover shocks armed with an MPR rear subframe. Add an adjustable rear four-link suspension with a Panhard bar, and you’ve got everything you need for splendid track performance.
Interesting fact: Santhuff coilovers are famous for their racing pedigree, providing adjustable damping so racers can fine-tune their ride.
Stepping Inside: Stripped and Ready
Hop inside, and you’ll be greeted by Viper-sourced seats covered in black leather and Alcantara inserts. Practically every inch of the interior screams ‘dedicated racer,’ from the dashboard to door panels, all wrapped in black. Forget about luxury amenities—who needs climate controls or sound systems when you’re focused on winning? That’s right, even airbags and rear seats have been stripped, along with body sealant and sound-deadening materials.
- 4130 chromoly roll cage with door bars
- Racing harnesses and window net
- Precision Performance Products shifter
- Autometer electric shift controller
Even the steering wheel’s got its quirks—a quick disconnect feature, framed with non-functional factory gauges, but don’t let that throw you off. To the right, there sits an AutoMeter 9k-rpm tachometer and a Racepak UDX data display perched right above the center stack. It doesn’t even have an odometer, so who knows the miles racked up? One thing’s for sure: it’s all business here.
Beneath the Hood
This is where the real action happens. The Hemi V8 has been lovingly built by none other than former S/S record holder Jim Harris, adorned with a Big Stuff 3 EFI and top-notch engine management. Consider the MR2 stainless-steel exhaust headers, ATI starter, a powerful 16-volt XS Power battery, and an Aeromotive A1000 fuel pump working together seamlessly.
This 2009 Challenger Drag Pak doesn’t come with a traditional VIN or title, folks. It’s purely business, offered on a bill of sale.
Ultimately, power pushes itself to the rear wheels through a Pro-Trans 727/904 three-speed automatic transmission, matching strength with an ATI Treemaster 8″ stall converter, a beefy aluminum driveshaft, and the robust Dana 60 rear axle housing with precision from Mark Williams aluminum spool and axles.
The frame number? Easily visible above. Just like Dacia or Peugeot 2008, the Challenger Drag Pak is a wonder all its own, waiting to unleash its prowess on the racetrack.