SRT Demon 170 vs HELLCAT Redeye: Engine Upgrades and Performance Differences

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is an exceptional car with a remarkable 1,025 horsepower straight out of the factory. Achieving this level of performance is no easy feat, but Dodge has accomplished it by enhancing almost every primary engine power component, with only the camshaft remaining unmodified.

At the core of the Demon 170 is the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® H.O. V8 engine, which shares similarities with the Direct Connection Hellephant C170 crate engine. This engine is part of the Direct Connection Hellephant crate engines family that debuted at last year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas and is part of Dodge’s performance parts lineup.

To achieve the incredible power output of the Demon, Dodge has implemented numerous engine upgrades. These include a 3.0-liter IHI supercharger, which has been modified from the Direct Connection Hellephant C170 crate engine, and is capable of delivering a 40% increase in boost pressure. The Demon 170 boasts a boost pressure of 21.3psi compared to 15.3psi for the Challenger SRT HELLCAT Redeye, with 30% more airflow. Additionally, the supercharger pulley has been upgraded to a 3.02-inch pulley, which provides 14% more overdrive than the HELLCAT Redeye and features an updated 2.68 drive ratio.

Other upgrades include high-flow fuel injectors that can deliver 164 gallons per hour, a 105mm diameter throttle body, which delivers 33% higher airflow volume than the HELLCAT Redeye or 2018 SRT Demon, and nitride-coated intake valves, upgraded valve guides, and seat materials for ethanol compatibility. The car also features aerospace-specification high-strength steel studs and bolts for increased clamping load capability.

The Demon 170’s cylinder pressure measures 2,500psi on E85 fuel, which is 32% higher than the HELLCAT Redeye. The main and rod bearing materials have been upgraded to copper-lead for increased load capability, and the connecting rod has been reinforced with improved pin bushing support for increased combustion pressure. The block machining has also been modified for head studs and main bearing cap bolts, and the car features a viscous damper to reduce torsional vibration.

Another detail that helps separate the Demon 170 motor from the HELLCAT Redeye motor is the color of the block. While the HELLCAT Redeye’s block is painted red, the Demon 170 has a yellow one to go with the E85 theme.

Overall, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is a remarkable feat of engineering, providing unmatched power and performance straight from the factory.