The modern Challenger arrived in 2008 on the LC platform and shares its engines with the Charger and the Chrysler 300, which widens the pool considerably - a correctly coded Charger engine of the same year fits. The important splits are the 2011 move from the 3.5 V6 to the 3.6 Pentastar, and the 2009 revision of the 5.7 HEMI from the original Eagle head design to variable valve timing. The SRT engines - 6.1, then 6.4, then the supercharged 6.2 - are separate parts throughout.
Dodge Challenger Used Engines — engine options by generation
| Years |
Engine |
Family / VIN code |
Notes |
| 2009-2010 |
3.5L EGG V6 |
VIN V |
SOHC, the base engine before the Pentastar |
| 2011-current |
3.6L Pentastar V6 |
VIN G |
DOHC - a different engine, not a 3.5 revision |
| 2009-2010 |
5.7L HEMI V8 |
VIN 2 - Eagle |
MDS cylinder deactivation |
| 2011-current |
5.7L HEMI V8 |
VIN T |
VVT added - different cam and heads |
| 2008-2010 (SRT8) |
6.1L HEMI V8 |
VIN W |
No MDS - a dedicated SRT part |
| 2011-2014 (SRT8) |
6.4L 392 HEMI V8 |
VIN J |
Apache heads, MDS on automatics |
| 2015-current (Scat Pack) |
6.4L 392 HEMI V8 |
VIN J |
Same family, revised calibration |
| 2015-current (Hellcat) |
6.2L Supercharged HEMI |
VIN Z |
Supercharged - dedicated part, nothing shared |
How to pick the right one
Model year and engine, in that order. The 3.5 to 3.6 change at 2011 is complete - different block, different heads, different accessory drive. On the 5.7 HEMI, the 2009 change to variable valve timing means a 2008 engine and a 2011 engine are not interchangeable even though both are 5.7 litre HEMIs: the camshaft, the heads and the front cover all differ. Tell us whether the car has Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation, which the standard 5.7 has and the 6.1 SRT8 does not. If it is a Hellcat or Demon, the supercharged 6.2 is a standalone part. Send us the VIN and we read the eighth character against the build.
What usually fails on these engines
On the 5.7 and 6.4 HEMI the known item is the lifter and roller failure on the cylinder-deactivation cylinders - a tick that becomes a misfire, and if it has been running a while the camshaft lobe is already worn, which is why we check the cam when a HEMI comes in and why the test sheet matters. A HEMI tick is not always terminal; it can be a collapsed lifter caught early. The other item is the exhaust manifold bolts, which shear and sound exactly like an exhaust leak at a cold start. On the 3.6 Pentastar, the left-bank cylinder head on the 2011-2013 build range had a documented failure Chrysler covered by extended warranty, so buy a later revision where you can. We compression and leak-down test every unit.
What ships with every unit
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Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
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VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
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Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
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Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.
Related reading: Chrysler 5.7L HEMI engine guide, Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar engine guide, all engine guides.
Dodge Challenger used engines - frequently asked questions
Which engines did the Dodge Challenger use?
Across 2008 to today the Dodge Challenger was built with 3.5L EGG V6, 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.1L HEMI V8, 6.4L 392 HEMI V8 and 6.2L Supercharged HEMI. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.
How do I know which engine is in my Dodge Challenger?
The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.
Will an engine from a different year fit my Dodge Challenger?
Model year and engine, in that order. The 3.5 to 3.6 change at 2011 is complete - different block, different heads, different accessory drive.
What usually fails on these engines?
On the 5.7 and 6.4 HEMI the known item is the lifter and roller failure on the cylinder-deactivation cylinders - a tick that becomes a misfire, and if it has been running a while the camshaft lobe is already worn, which is why we check the cam when a HEMI comes in and why the test sheet matters. A HEMI tick is not always terminal; it can be a collapsed lifter caught early.
What comes with a used Dodge Challenger engine?
Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.
