Frame Up Built Charger Pro Touring 383 500 HP 4 Speed

In the days of 700 horsepower Challengers, and companies that engineer modern performance products for anything from a Civic to a Cadillac, it's safe to say the pro-touring movement is alive and well. And every so often we get a killer pro-tourer that instantly draws a crowd, even in our showroom of exclusive, one-of-a-kind muscle cars. This magazine featured Charger, which mixes a massaged small block and proven 4-speed with custom paint and an attractive black interior, has been drawing stares ever since it rolled into the parking lot. And, in fact, between its cool body mods and chill-inducing stance, the car has so much appeal that we've joked about keeping it around as a display piece! But, logic ultimately prevailed, and we decided to give it a fantastic price and offer it to you as a unique cruiser that can be enjoyed on the road and at the show.

According to the close-knit crew at Muscle Rod Shop in San Antonio, Texas, the build of this sinister Mopar technically cost only $25K. But there's certainly more to the story than simply creating a ground-up custom for the rough starting price of a new Charger SE. Firstly, the owner of the shop had already acquired the car which, as Charger fans know, is at least half the battle. Secondly, the car had already been restored to better-than-driver condition before its current form took shape. Thirdly, he and his crew did every bit of the labor and customization in-house which, according to our RKM Performance Center fabricators, was roughly $150K in work. And finally, subsequent owners have increased the value of the build with high profile components like Hydroboost brakes and an MSD ignition system.

Starting from a solid foundation, the guys at Muscle Rod Shop began this Dodge's latest metamorphosis with a set of flared and 2-inch dropped rockers. Once that metal was worked in, widened quarters were aligned with widened doors and complemented with raised and flared wheel arches. With the car's stance secured, the trunk floor was clearanced and, along with the rest of its pans, covered in factory-style undercoating. And finally, a custom mix of House Of Kolor pearl was highlighted with marbleized stripes, subjected to days of wet-sanding and finished with hours of tedious buffing. The result is one awesome Dodge that, thanks to its killer aesthetics, rolled right out of the shop and straight onto the pages of both Popular Hot Rodding and American Muscle Cars. And today, this Charger shines as a modern and exceptionally well-done tribute to classic hot rodding and timeless Detroit muscle!

There's just something about a broad-shouldered muscle car that appeals to pretty much everyone. Whether it's 'wow factor', a sense of strength or simple surface detailing, this coupe's hard-edged, modernist panels convey classic Motor City charm via clean, well-planned aesthetics. At the front of the car, a prominent, stainless-trimmed grille hangs a modern “DODGE” script between a body-width bumper, custom chin spoiler and round, fratzog-branded parking lights. Above that grille, a steel, Viper-inspired hood centers a super cool skull motif in front of tinted glass that's framed in spotless stainless trim. At the sides of that custom bonnet, a faceted profile anchors chrome Chrysler door handles between traditional mirrors, circular marker lamps and a familiar 'pit stop' fuel filler. And at the back of that profile, 68-exclusive tail lights illuminate a bright “R/T” emblem above a second body-width bumper.

Hoist this custom's 'toxic green' hood and you'll find 383 cubic inches of all-American bliss! Producing over 500 horsepower, the engine's revolutions begin with a Comp hydraulic cam. Above that cam, a beefy Weiand intake mixes air from a big, reusable filter element with fuel supplied by a coated Holley Street Avenger. At the sides of that intake, Edelbrock Performer RPM heads hang custom-fabricated valve covers over flat-tappet hydraulic lifters. At the front of those heads, a proven MSD distributor sequences spark between an MSD Blaster 2 coil and loomed MSD Super Conductor plug wires. Below those wires, coated Doug's headers funnel spent gases into a throaty dual exhaust system. In front of those headers, polished ancillaries frame a big aluminum radiator and two electric puller fans. And aesthetically, the monochromatic mill provides an excellent contrast to the car's smoothed engine bay; with details like a chrome brake booster, stainless fluid lines and BPE accessory brackets cementing its status as a well-blended piece of timeless mechanical art.

Throw this Charger on a lift and you'll find a fully finished undercarriage that's a product of professional grade customization and a roster of top notch components. Behind the 383, a cooled A833 4-speed produces great bite and hard launches. Out back, there's a prototypical 8.75-inch rear end that's equipped with beefy, pavement-pounding gears. At the front of the car, factory-style power steering provides smooth turns and quick reflexes. That first class drivetrain rides on a channeled and lowered suspension, which benefits from fresh gas shocks and prerequisite mini tubs. Stops are supplied by 6-piston Baer calipers, which squeeze drilled and slotted rotors thanks to Hydratech Hydroboost hydraulics. Exhaust rolls from the aforementioned headers into custom, large-diameter pipes that are fitted with an X-shaped crossover and burly Magnaflow mufflers. And at the corners of the chassis, custom Centerline wheels spin 245/40R18 Nitto Invos in front of 315/35R20 Nitto Invos.

Inside this awesome Dodge, a mostly stock interior is clean, well-fitted and surprisingly stylish. The correct front bucket and rear bench seats display no significant signs of wear. In front of those thrones, an expertly restored dash hangs rebuilt factory gauges beside push-button start and a modern JVC head unit. At the bottom of that dash, cut-pile carpet centers “Charger” branded floor mats and a long, chrome-trimmed console on a stylish Hurst Pistol Grip. At the sides of that carpet, fresh door panels hang pliable armrests and bright stainless trim under round, orange-tinged “Charger” emblems. Above those panels, a tight black headliner frames a functional dome lamp. In front of the driver, a billet steering wheel spins a half-wrapped rim around a speed-drilled spokes. And behind the passengers, a professionally restored trunk features a traditional plaid mat.

The sale of this mean, green muscle machine includes restoration photos, component manuals and a copy of the original Broadcast Sheet.

Recently, we've received some incredible hardware that owners are selling for way under the cost of construction, meaning you - our customers - are getting excellent deals on fantastic cars. This vivid pro-tourer looks absolutely predatory, and will likely get a TON of attention wherever it goes. And with a whole roster of top-notch custom equipment that's already spec-d and seamlessly bolted together, it's your one way ticket to instant gratification!