Since the engineers at Dodge started shoving the astronomically overpowered HellCat motor into anything with four wheels enthusiasts have dreamed of having the monster 707 Hp beast in their projects. The problem was that while you can buy any stand-alone ECU, an LS and have it running in a few days in literally any car in existence the Hellcat was a little more obstinate. Many have succeeded but it was at the cost of a wrecked Hellcat Challenger or Charger and a ton of time running wiring and all the electronics needed to make this monster motor work.
Now though, the kind folks at Mopar have a solution; The HellCrate. The HellCrate is exactly what it sounds like, a 707 hp 650 lb-ft or torque motor that you can swap into just about anything 1976 or older. Rolling out at Sema this year the crate contains the following;
- powertrain control module (PCM)
- power distribution center
- engine wiring harness
- chassis harness
- accelerator pedal
- ground jumper
- oxygen sensors
- charge air temperature sensors
- fuel pump control module
- 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine
The PCM is unlocked and set to the factory 707- horsepower. This along with the fact the “Hellcrate” is optimized for use with manual transmissions, is a blessing for the kind of people who would buy this. I see you, the guy with the A-body Mopar with a 318, you know you want this.
So, what’s it going to cost to get HellCat burnouts in your classic ride? According to the press release-
The Mopar 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine assembly (Part Number 68303089AA) is available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,530. The Mopar Hellcrate 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine Kit (Necessary to run the HellGato) (Part Number 177072452) is available at an MSRP of $2,195.
When all said and done you’re looking at around $23,000 for everything. That’s sounds pricey but when you compare it to its only apparent rivals, the supercharged LS9, and new LT4 the price is competitive.
Now it’s time for the rest of us to dream about the places we would put one of these bad boys…I vote Dodge A100 van. What do you think?