A remarkable 1973 Dodge Challenger, upgraded with a Viper V10 engine, has appeared on BringATrailer.com, capturing the interest of muscle car enthusiasts. This isn’t the first time a Viper-powered Challenger has made waves on the auction platform. Just recently, a 2013 Dodge Challenger equipped with an 8.4-liter (512 cubic-inch) Viper V10 made headlines, with bidding reaching $25,750 but ultimately failing to meet the reserve price. Now, this classic ’73 Challenger aims to find its new owner, offering a blend of classic styling and modern performance.
Viper V10 Power: Heart of a Beast –
The centerpiece of this custom 1973 Dodge Challenger is a 2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 engine, a Gen3 8.3-liter (505 cubic-inch) V10, completely rebuilt by JZB Engines in White Lake, Michigan. The rebuild includes ported cylinder heads, a three-angle valve job, Trend Performance pushrods, and Gen5 cooling updates. This high-performance heart is paired with a Viper-spec Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission, enhanced with titanium parts for durability. The drivetrain includes a Raven Engineering 4-inch aluminum driveshaft and a Moser 8¾-inch rear axle with 4.10:1 final-drive gearing, designed to handle the engine’s torque and power.
Precision-Tuned Suspension and Braking –
The Challenger’s chassis has been thoroughly upgraded to support the potent V10. The AlterKtion front K-frame and Street-Lynx four-link rear suspension, both from Reilly MotorSports, deliver a well-balanced ride. Viking Performance coil-overs (500# front and 200# rear) and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering offer responsive handling. Braking is managed by a Wilwood four-wheel disc setup, featuring vented and drilled rotors, four-piston calipers, and an adjustable rear-bias valve. A hydro-boosted system ensures consistent braking performance, while an E-Stopp electric parking brake adds a modern touch.
Exterior: Classic Lines with Modern Flair –
This Challenger, refinished in a custom Rock-It-Red paint from Tamco Paint Manufacturing in 2023, combines the best of classic muscle car aesthetics with modern enhancements. The restoration included partial quarter-panel replacements, ensuring a clean, sharp look. The car’s front end features halo-style LED headlamps, while black-painted bumpers, dual side mirrors, a quick-release fuel cap, and custom rectangular exhaust tips complete the aggressive appearance.
The Challenger rides on American Muscle FR500 wheels, with 18×9-inch fronts and 18×10-inch rears, wrapped in Nitto NT555 Extreme ZR tires (275/35 in the front and 285/35 in the rear). This wheel and tire setup enhances the car’s stance and grip, perfectly complementing the upgraded suspension and powertrain.
Luxurious Interior Meets Classic Vibes –
The interior blends modern comfort with classic muscle car charm. Bolstered bucket seats from a Dodge Viper are upholstered in black and tan Venzano leather, while a custom center console houses a pistol-grip-style shifter. The cabin features conveniences such as air conditioning, Nu-Relics power windows, power door locks, and a Kenwood eXcelon DMX709S touchscreen head unit paired with a JL Audio sound system, offering premium audio quality for the drive.
The dash includes a Dakota Digital VHX instrument cluster with a 160-mph GPS speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, voltage, oil pressure, and fuel level. With only 250 miles on the digital odometer since the build’s completion, this Challenger is practically new in terms of driving time.
Engineered for Performance –
Originally born as a 340 cubic-inch V8 car, this Challenger’s transformation into a Viper V10 powerhouse involved meticulous craftsmanship. Reinforced torque boxes support the upgraded engine bay, which also houses a Prefix Corporation engine-control module, a remote oil filter with cooler, and a Wizard Cooling aluminum radiator with auxiliary electric cooling fans. Custom billet hood hinges and bed-liner-coated wheel wells add both durability and style.
The car’s custom 3-inch stainless-steel exhaust system features an H-pipe and MagnaFlow mufflers, delivering a deep, aggressive sound. The underside of the car was treated with bedliner material before being painted in the body color, providing long-lasting protection against the elements.
Bidding Details and Availability –
This one-of-a-kind 1973 Dodge Challenger is now up for grabs on BringATrailer.com. Bidding ends on Tuesday, October 22, at 3:23 p.m. EDT. The sale includes an owner’s manual, build photos, and a clean Michigan title, offering potential buyers transparency and peace of mind.
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