The Dodge Hellcat is an absolute monster straight from the factory—707 hp in the standard Hellcat, 797 hp in the Redeye. But if you're like most Hellcat owners, factory power isn't enough. You want four digits on the dyno. You want 1,000 horsepower.
The good news? Building a 1000 hp Hellcat is completely achievable without tearing into the short block. The supercharged 6.2L HEMI is built tough from the factory, and with the right combination of modifications and tuning, 1,000+ hp is within reach. After building dozens of high-power Hellcats at Raw Exotics, I know exactly what it takes. This is your complete roadmap.
Understanding the Hellcat Platform
Before we dive into modifications, let's understand what we're working with.
The Hellcat Engine (Supercharged 6.2L HEMI)
The Hellcat engine is a supercharged 6.2L HEMI (same displacement as the naturally aspirated 392) with forged internals designed to handle serious power.
Key factory specs:
- Displacement: 6.2L (376 cubic inches)
- Stock power: 707 hp / 650 lb-ft (standard Hellcat)
- Stock power: 797 hp / 707 lb-ft (Redeye)
- Supercharger: IHI (Hellcat) or 2.7L Eaton (Redeye)
- Compression: 9.5:1
- Forged pistons: Yes (SRT spec)
- Forged connecting rods: Yes
- Forged crankshaft: Yes
The Hellcat engine is incredibly stout from the factory. The forged bottom end can handle 1,000-1,200 hp with proper tuning and supporting mods. This is why four-digit horsepower is so achievable on these cars.
The 1000HP Blueprint: Three Paths
There are three primary paths to 1,000 hp in a Hellcat, each with different costs and characteristics:
Path 1: Pulley, E85, and Supporting Mods (Standard Hellcat)
Target: 950-1,050 whp on stock blower
Cost: $8,000-12,000
Difficulty: Moderate
Path 2: Redeye Supercharger Swap (Standard Hellcat)
Target: 1,000-1,100 whp
Cost: $12,000-18,000
Difficulty: Moderate to High
Path 3: Bigger Blower (Whipple/VMP) for Maximum Power
Target: 1,100-1,300+ whp
Cost: $18,000-28,000+
Difficulty: High
Let's break down each path in detail.
Path 1: Maximizing the Stock Supercharger
The factory IHI supercharger on standard Hellcats can make 950-1,050 whp with the right modifications. This is the most cost-effective path to 1,000 hp.
Required Modifications
1. Smaller Supercharger Pulley ($300-800)
Installing a smaller pulley on the supercharger increases boost pressure. Stock Hellcats run around 11.6 psi. A 2.85" pulley bumps boost to 14-15 psi. A 2.75" pulley pushes 16-17 psi.
- 2.85" pulley: 14-15 psi, 800-850 whp on E85
- 2.75" pulley: 16-17 psi, 900-950 whp on E85
- 2.65" pulley: 18-19 psi, 950-1,000+ whp on E85 (pushing limits)
Popular brands: VMP, Magnuson, Metco
2. E85 Fuel Conversion ($2,000-3,500)
E85 is absolutely critical for 1,000 hp on pump fuel. The cooling effect and octane rating of E85 allow significantly more boost and timing than 93 octane.
Required components:
- High-flow fuel injectors (ID1050X or ID1300): $1,200-1,800
- Upgraded fuel pump (Hellcat pumps are decent, but upgrade recommended): $500-800
- Flex fuel sensor and wiring: $200-400
- E85 tune: Included in tuning cost
3. Heat Exchanger Upgrade ($1,500-2,500)
The factory heat exchanger struggles with sustained high boost. Upgraded units keep intercooler temps in check.
Popular options:
- HPE heat exchanger: $1,800
- Frostbite chiller system: $2,200
- Vortech heat exchanger: $1,600
4. Headers and Exhaust ($2,000-4,000)
Long tube headers reduce backpressure and help the supercharger work more efficiently.
- Kooks long tube headers: $1,800
- American Racing headers: $2,200
- Stainless Works headers: $1,600
- Cat-back exhaust (optional but recommended): $1,200-2,000
5. Upper Pulley and Auxiliary Modifications ($800-1,500)
- Underdrive crank pulley: Reduces parasitic loss ($300-500)
- Upgraded intercooler pump: Improves coolant flow ($400-600)
- Catch can: Prevents oil buildup ($200-400)
6. Professional Tuning ($1,200-2,000)
Custom HP Tuners calibration is absolutely mandatory. A bad tune will detonate your engine instantly at these power levels.
Tuning must address:
- Fueling for E85 (30% more fuel required)
- Ignition timing for increased boost
- Boost control and wastegate settings
- Air-fuel ratios across the entire operating range
- Transmission shift points and line pressure
Path 1 Total Cost: $8,000-12,000
Path 1 Expected Result: 950-1,050 whp on E85
Path 2: Redeye Supercharger Swap
The Redeye uses a 2.7L Eaton TVS supercharger instead of the standard Hellcat's 2.4L IHI. This larger supercharger makes more boost at lower RPM and supports higher peak power.
Required Components for Redeye Swap
1. Redeye Supercharger Assembly ($6,000-9,000)
- New Redeye supercharger: $8,000-9,000
- Used Redeye supercharger: $6,000-7,500
- Includes supercharger, intake manifold, and throttle body
2. Supporting Fuel System ($2,000-3,000)
- ID1300 or ID1700 injectors: $1,400-2,000
- Upgraded fuel pump: $600-800
- Flex fuel sensor: $200-400
3. Heat Exchanger and Cooling ($1,500-2,500)
- Upgraded heat exchanger: $1,500-2,000
- Upgraded intercooler reservoir and lines: $500-800
4. Headers and Exhaust ($2,000-3,500)
- Long tube headers: $1,600-2,200
- High-flow cats or test pipes: $400-800
- Cat-back exhaust: $1,200-1,800
5. Professional Installation and Tuning ($2,500-4,000)
- Supercharger swap labor: $1,500-2,500
- Custom tuning: $1,000-1,500
Path 2 Total Cost: $14,000-22,000
Path 2 Expected Result: 1,000-1,100 whp on E85
Path 3: Aftermarket Supercharger (Maximum Power)
For maximum power potential, companies like Whipple and VMP offer 3.0L+ supercharger systems capable of 1,200-1,400+ hp.
Popular Kits
Whipple 3.0L Supercharger Kit ($10,000-14,000)
- Complete bolt-on kit with supercharger, manifold, intercooler
- 1,100-1,250 whp on pump gas with supporting mods
- 1,250-1,400+ whp on E85 or race gas
- Proven reliability and excellent support
VMP Gen3R 3.0L Kit ($8,500-12,000)
- Excellent value alternative to Whipple
- Similar power potential: 1,100-1,300+ whp
- Compact design, great efficiency
Supporting Mods for Big Blower Builds
- Complete fuel system (injectors, pumps, lines): $3,000-5,000
- Upgraded heat exchanger and cooling: $2,000-3,500
- Headers and full exhaust: $3,000-5,000
- Upgraded throttle body (optional): $800-1,200
- Professional installation and tuning: $3,000-5,000
Path 3 Total Cost: $20,000-35,000+
Path 3 Expected Result: 1,200-1,500+ whp
Critical Supporting Modifications
Regardless of which path you choose, these supporting modifications are essential for reliability and drivability at 1,000 hp:
Transmission Upgrades
Manual Transmission (6-Speed Tremec):
- Upgraded clutch: Stock clutch will slip immediately. Budget $1,500-2,500 for McLeod, Ram, or Exedy clutch.
- Upgraded driveshaft: Stock shaft is marginal. Budget $800-1,500 for aluminum or carbon fiber driveshaft.
Automatic Transmission (8-Speed ZF):
- Transmission tuning: Increased line pressure and revised shift points. Included in ECU tune.
- Transmission cooler: Highly recommended for track or aggressive use. $500-1,000.
- Upgraded torque converter (optional): For serious drag racing. $1,500-3,000.
Differential and Axle Upgrades
The factory differential and axles can handle 1,000 hp for street use, but drag racing or sustained abuse may require upgrades:
- Upgraded differential: Strange, Moser, or Wavetrac. $2,000-3,500.
- Upgraded axles: Moser or DSS. $1,200-2,000.
Tires and Suspension
You need tires that can handle 1,000 hp:
- Drag radials for strip use: Mickey Thompson, Nitto, or Toyo. $1,200-1,800 set.
- Upgraded suspension: Stock suspension is soft. Adjustable coilovers or drag-specific suspension. $2,000-5,000.
Tuning: The Make-or-Break Component
At 1,000 hp, tuning is everything. A bad tune will detonate your engine in seconds. A conservative tune leaves power on the table. You need a tuner with specific Hellcat experience.
What to Look for in a Hellcat Tuner
- Platform-specific experience: They've tuned dozens of 1,000+ hp Hellcats
- HP Tuners proficiency: This is the primary platform for Hellcat tuning
- Dyno tuning capability: Street tuning alone isn't enough at this power level
- Data logging and revision support: They'll refine the tune based on your logs
- Conservative initial calibration: They start safe and work up to full power
Tuning Process
- Baseline dyno run: Establish current power and air-fuel ratios
- Initial calibration: Load conservative tune with reduced boost
- Progressive dyno tuning: Gradually increase boost and timing while monitoring AFR, knock, and intake temps
- Street validation: Test tune on the street under various conditions
- Final dyno session: Dial in maximum safe power
- Data logging: Customer logs real-world drives for final refinements
Real-World 1000HP Hellcat Builds
Here are actual builds we've completed at Raw Exotics:
Build 1: 2019 Hellcat Challenger (Pulley + E85)
- 2.75" lower pulley: $600
- ID1050X injectors: $1,400
- Flex fuel sensor and pump upgrade: $900
- HPE heat exchanger: $1,800
- Kooks long tube headers: $1,800
- Borla cat-back: $1,600
- Tuning and dyno time: $1,500
- Total: $9,600
- Result: 987 whp / 895 wtq on E85
Build 2: 2017 Charger Hellcat (Redeye Swap)
- Used Redeye supercharger: $7,200
- ID1300 injectors: $1,600
- Dual fuel pump upgrade: $1,200
- Flex fuel system: $400
- Upgraded heat exchanger: $2,000
- Full exhaust system: $3,200
- Installation and tuning: $3,500
- Total: $19,100
- Result: 1,065 whp / 950 wtq on E85
Build 3: 2020 Redeye Widebody (Whipple 3.0L)
- Whipple 3.0L kit: $12,500
- ID1700 injectors: $2,000
- Triple fuel pump system: $2,500
- Upgraded cooling system: $3,000
- Full stainless exhaust: $4,500
- Built transmission: $4,500
- Installation and tuning: $5,000
- Total: $34,000
- Result: 1,285 whp / 1,100 wtq on race gas
Reliability at 1,000 HP
Can a 1,000 hp Hellcat be reliable? Yes, with proper maintenance and conservative use:
Maintenance Requirements
- Oil changes: Every 3,000 miles with quality synthetic (Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, Mobil 1, Amsoil)
- Supercharger oil: Change every 6,000 miles
- Spark plugs: Replace every 10,000 miles (NGK or Brisk recommended)
- Fuel filter: Replace annually
- Intercooler coolant: Flush and refill every 20,000 miles
Driving Habits for Longevity
- Warm up the engine before boost (no full throttle until oil temp reaches 180°F)
- Cool down period after hard driving (let engine idle 2-3 minutes)
- Monitor knock and air-fuel ratios with a data logger
- Use quality fuel (E85 from reputable stations, or 93 octane minimum)
- Avoid sustained full throttle pulls on hot days (heat soak risk)
"A 1,000 hp Hellcat is absolutely achievable and can be surprisingly reliable if you do it right. The key is quality parts, professional tuning, and proper maintenance. We've built dozens of four-digit Hellcats, and the ones that are maintained properly and tuned conservatively have been rock-solid."
Ready to Build Your 1000HP Hellcat?
If you're in Houston and ready to take your Hellcat into four-digit territory, Raw Exotics can help. We've built dozens of 1,000+ hp Hellcats and Redeyes, and we know exactly what it takes to make serious power reliably.
We'll help you choose the right path for your budget and goals, source quality parts, handle professional installation, and provide custom tuning that maximizes power while keeping your engine safe. Call us at (713) 299-1168 to start planning your 1,000 hp Hellcat build.