I'm a Challenger newbie, traded in the ol' 4x4 for a 2010 R/T. I was burned by a late model Mustang 5.0 at the light the other day, very humiliating. Been a Jeep guy all of my life, this is my first muscle car. I can get a 4x4 Wrangler out of a 5ft mud hole, but God forbid I have to race a soccer mom in her Mustang. Horrible at launching, shift timing is way off. Any tips would be appreciated.
To anyone else wondering the same thing, here is the advice I found on another Challenger forum: Basic mods: Upgrade tires, CAI, exhaust, Diablo 91 gas tune it.. Technique: Get the RPMs up to 2k, dump the clutch and once it's in, wide open throttle Skipping 2nd gear was suggested by many as well And most important step of all - practice.
Don't let it get to you. The Mustang weighs almost a 1000 lbs. less than your Chally and her Mustang is everywhere and doesn't really stand out in a crowd like your Challenger.
I've beaten a 5.0 but it isn't easy and your car needs the aformentioned mods. Get some seat time and since it looks like you're a 6 speed, look into the Hopnot kit.
Could very well be that the Mustang was modified, you never know what the other guy has under the hood.
I was actually ripped a new one by the guys on the other forum for even considering the sex of a driver as being a factor. Apparently there are quite a few female drivers that can kick some serious ass. So you'd be a tool not to race simply because she's a chick. Unless you suffer from some underlying male superiority complex or already know you don't stand a chance.
Dude, Got to admit the stock 5.0 Mustangs are pretty bad ass performance wise. 420 HP I think. But as mentioned earlier, the Challengers are way better looking and not as common on the road as the Mustangs. Let soccer Mom enjoy her victory, for now. You'll get her next time.
Loved the heading - that's priceless! At first I thought you'd been caught sleeping by a minivan - but I think the others are correct, you need to modify - then take it to the track - don't get suckered into losing your licence.