YouTuber Takes On Rebuilding A Stripped Challenger Demon 170

YouTuber Lee Carter, also known as @ScrapLifeLee, has taken on a monumental project—a stolen and stripped 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. This isn’t Carter’s first rodeo with challenging rebuilds; he previously brought a fire-damaged 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon back to life. However, this new project may prove to be his toughest yet.

1,025 Horsepower Muscle Car In Pieces – 

The Demon 170, which Carter purchased for just $20,000 at auction, which from the factory had a $136,236 price tag. However, this particular vehicle is far from ready to hit the road. Originally stolen from a dealership, it was taken to a chop shop, disassembled, and scattered. When law enforcement recovered the car, it was sold at auction as a pile of components rather than a complete vehicle. The car, labeled #0032 in Dodge’s limited run of 3,300 units, is one of the earliest built, adding another layer of uniqueness to Carter’s project.

What’s Left of the Demon – 

The stolen Challenger is missing several key parts, including the rear spoiler, headlights, front bumper, hood, and seats. However, Carter still has the heart of the car: a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI C170 V8 engine, paired with an 8-speed 8HP95 automatic transmission, and the rear differential. This engine delivers an astonishing 1,025 horsepower, enabling the Demon 170 to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 8.91 seconds. Despite the missing bodywork, these vital powertrain components provide a solid foundation for restoration. Notably, a brand-new C170 engine from Dodge’s Direct Connection catalog costs $27,675, making Carter’s acquisition even more of a steal.

Putting the Puzzle Back Together –

Carter’s first task will be to gather missing parts, including some likely sourced from other Challenger or Charger models. When inspecting the recovered pieces, Carter noticed a variety of mismatched parts, like body panels painted in different shades of blue. This suggests that the police may have accidentally bundled pieces from multiple vehicles together when they recovered the stolen car.

Adding to the challenge is the fact that the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) has been removed, which could complicate the process of legally registering it once it’s roadworthy again.

A Labor of Love –

Despite the challenges, Carter is undaunted. Having rebuilt a 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon after it was nearly destroyed in a fire, he knows the dedication and expertise required to bring these muscle cars back from the brink. For this build, Carter is even considering returning to the auction yard to source a chassis from another Challenger to complete the project, unlike his original Demon build, due to the chassis being completely cut through.

His recent discovery of the car’s odometer reading just 61 miles has boosted his spirits, confirming that the vehicle was barely driven before being stolen.

A Long Road Ahead – 

While Carter has the heart of the Demon—the engine, transmission, and some crucial components—he’s still facing an uphill battle to restore the car to its former glory. The missing seats, hood, and other body panels will be difficult and expensive to replace, and the original carbon fiber wheels—originally an $11,495 option—were likely lost to the chop shop. A replacement set could cost up to $14,000, which might force Carter to opt for a more affordable alternative.

Lee Carter’s tenacity and experience with rebuilding high-performance cars make him the perfect candidate for this ambitious project. Despite the challenges, Carter has already begun piecing together what’s left of the car at his shop. His fans, familiar with his work on other projects like the 2018 SRT Demon, are eagerly watching his progress, knowing that if anyone can bring this stolen, chopped-up muscle car back to life, it’s him.