First Impressions - Dodge Challenger R/T Plus - Manual Transmission

[@mutantvinylhardcoremvh5192]

Buying my second now R/T because I loved my first. Perfect daily driver. I was always so confused by online comments about 392 or nothing. The R/T plus with all the extras is a perfect car for fun when you want it or just to go for a cruise ( which lets be honest is 95% of the time). I just think people are brain washed or need more power then they can actually use daily.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Absolutely agree - we might have been slightly brainwashed too until we drove one.

[@Lana-y1k3g]

My son bought a 24 Mustang 500HP right after I bought The Sublime 23Blacktop CHALLENGER I told HIM he has to be better than MOM NOW. I am not caring about racing him I like mine strictly for show and old school fun playing with my new toy

[@michaelthebarbarian3380]

I'm happy I bought a 392 M6, but I feel that I would have also been happy with the 345. These are amazing in a manual.

[@richardweyland116]

I have been driving a 5.7 for five years and absolutely love it. I did buy a 6.4 because the aren't going to make these cars any more but get fed up with the horsepower snobs who turn their noses up at the 5.7. The automatic is nothing to sneeze at. The exhaust is great! Sometimes I turn the music off and just open the windows. The Scat Pack is a bigger beast and is just more car

[@3pedaljay231]

I've had my 2013 R/T for nearly 6 years now. It's beyond amazing and I have no plans to ever get rid of it.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

🔥 💪🏼

[@Wrapurwillykids]

I just got a 2014 rt with the manual it’s amazing!

[@DoctorHemi]

The manual transmission "option" (it's actually the $0 default option, the automatic trans option is $1,595) gets you a near bullet-proof TR-6060 transmission, 3.90 rear gears (3.07 for auto), limited-slip diff (Anti-Spin), factory-deleted MDS, and tons of fun rowing through those gears...as the perfect Hemi exhaust note tickles your ear drums. It was a no-brainer option for me.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Perfectly said! I’m super stoked with this package

[@abrahamlopez1388]

Damn now I want one after I said no more car payments after this year 🥲🥲🥲

[@DoctorHemi]

@@abrahamlopez1388 😂👍

[@johnroma9412]

I got a 2022rt. Keepin 100% stock for future generations. Fantastic as is. Great sound. Plenty of speed and handling to bring a smile every ride.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Totally agree!! Well said

[@HardRockVermont]

Smiles per mile! The Tremec is a sweet stick, I had one in my 5.7 Shaker for years. 392 owner and possessed now....lol But, the 5.7 is a fine street muscle performer...

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Agree 💯

[@DoctorHemi]

All 2009+ 5.7L Hemi engines got upgraded to a higher compression ratio (10.5 vs 9.6), the super high-flowing "Eagle" heads, variable valve timing (VVT), improved intake manifold, and a slightly beefier block. The result is a strong, wide torque curve that you can really feel with that manual transmission. It feels like a much bigger engine than it is, particularly in the 1000-4500 rpm range of normal driving.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Fantastic comment / insight and backs up the driving impressions. Thanks for this!

[@baird5776mullet]

Thanks, looking @ a 2010 Challenger tomorrow 6 spd with only 25 k miles for $24, 000

[@louisjamesreeves]

Just got one myself!!! 12/27/23 great day- same car different interior color! red interior and burgundy exterior! love it!

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Amazing!! Congrats!!! That’s gotta look 🔥

[@Rizzmonov]

Did you get the red leather seats on a 2023 r/t? I can’t find any for sale in my area and it’s where they’re built lmao

[@GuysTalkingCars]

@@Rizzmonov I bought mine as a 2022 that was still on the lot. And it came with the black Alcantara seats. I would’ve picked the red if I had ordered it or it was available. I had the red seats in my Scat pack and I Really liked them.

[@louisjamesreeves]

@@Rizzmonov yes that’s the one! It was a chance occurrence. Isn’t that how life goes !

[@valerianportus7409]

Owned my 15 R/T Plus for just over a week now. Surprised at how docile and then ferocious it can be at the same time.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Exactly! They kinda wanna misbehave and get a little unruly

[@winstonmiu]

I like the 5.7 better than the 6.4-much more usable power. I wish the 3.6 came in a manual.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

That’s a good point! The pentastar with a manual (esp in all wheel) would be cool !

[@Manual_Hemi5_7]

Got a 6 speed rt too (22), oh man I love this car 😍 I feel like a kid at the candy store every time i'm in it. The excitement never fades

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Yes! This thing is a blast! The gearing and torque with this package make it an absolute blast!! What color did you get?

[@Manual_Hemi5_7]

@@GuysTalkingCars Indigo blue(blacktop package)

[@panglingaow]

Hows thempg

[@Manual_Hemi5_7]

@@panglingaow about 15 combined, which is not too bad. Only fill up once a week

[@chefalan23]

Mid muffler delete and lowering springs on the stock wheels is a perfect setup for this car

[@dtracy03ss]

I own a RT 6 Speed, the Shifter is a Little Vague, but i Love the Car and once you drive this car and are Comfortable in Sport mode, its Awesome! Im going to put the Barton Shifter in it. OTHERWISE This Combo is Awesome and I am 100% happy with it. Its Plenty Quick , no Doubt not as fast as the the Next Bigger Hemi but tons more Fun.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Well said! Let’s us know how you like that shifter - we’ve heard good things

[@shanetipton4345]

Totally agree, thanks for the comments

[@josemiguelperez-alvarez3854]

I have a Daytona R/T 2019 and I enjoy it completely. You are right about the low end torque. It feels pretty much the same as a Challenger Scatpack I once drove. You won’t feel the difference until you go to the top end. And the truth is that in normal everyday life, you don’t go into the high end. And if it’s for a daily…cost, gas and maintenance, the 5.7 is more affordable. I’d still love to have a Daytona 392, but I don’t really need it, and right now they are hard to find and about 12k more expensive than what I paid for my brand new Daytona back on 2019. So I’m happy with mine. Enjoy yours, it’s a great car. 😎⚓️

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Thank you - could not agree more! Enjoy that Daytona!!

[@316Autos]

The manual transmission might make a difference, because the difference between the RT and Scat Pack with the auto was extreme when I was test driving. I just couldn't live with the power difference, so I went with the Scat.

[@Icetillidie]

Its a beautiful sounding V8, thats why i chose the rt plus option that open the exhaust in sports mode, heavy, bass sound, and just enough roar to make the neighbors look, without annoying them.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jimmyFX]

I recently purchased my 2014 100th anniversary 5.7 ,6spd, in high octane red, man I bet i look like you driving it like WOW,LOL. dodge did a great job on matching up this powertrain.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

So fun!! And I love Octane red!!

[@robertalsbury]

Just picked up a last call ‘23 RT 5.7 “Blacktop” and am in love. My first muscle car and she’s awesome. Drove the scat pack and screams for sure, but more expensive upnfront, more expensive to maintain and I may be crazy but I felt only a very small difference around town in the 5.7 compared to the scat pack. Racer X on KZbin confirmed this on his site when comparing the 392 to the 345. The 5.7 is a blast. Great car. V-8 Hemi power baby!

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Totally agree on the 5.7 - it’s a blast!

[@frankmmiii]

I have a 2021 Widebody Challenger Scat Pack R/T 392 T/A with a 6-speed Tremec, and an AWE Track Edition exhaust, and it is $#^%@ awesome to drive. I also have a 2017 Ram Laramie Crew Cab with the 5.7 HEMI and the 8-speed automatic and it gets up and goes. Another plus for the 5.7 is that it lends itself to super charging and turbo charging without to much modification, as opposed to the 6.4.

[@michelflesner531]

I absolutely loved this. I have a 2019 f-8 green TA. 8 speed 20 by 9 lighter rims. 307 gears. Cold air intake. I love it. Bought new in 2020 for $34,995

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Appreciate that! Enjoy that badass ride!!

[@garybishop4030]

The manual and the 3.90 gear really makes a difference. Some of the R/T's dont even have posi. I love my Scat Pack shaker.

[@NormTre]

I've had my R/T for about 2 months now and absolutely love it. Mine is the Auto with paddle shifters and it's so much fun. It looks the part, and has all the power I will ever need. Perfect car imo.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Totally agree!

[@Nweran]

I am currently shopping for one, yes it’s faster to get a scat pack but I’m not planning on tracking my car or racing I just want to cruise with my windows down and listen to the V8 sound while I drive on PCH in Laguna Beach

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Then yes that RT is perfect!!

[@tampa4204]

This just validates my decision to choose that car over an automatic scat when I purchased. The smiles and excitement are spot on. People that dog the R/T are usually fake car enthusiasts. Posers. You can get that car to 525-550hp with a 12k mile warranty for $7k-10k with No boost… naturally aspirated.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

💯

[@DoctorHemi]

Can you expand on what you mean by "with a 12k mile warranty"? Is there a company that does this?

[@tampa4204]

National Speed is the company

[@T-rey]

Thank for making me feel better about my R/T purchase over a Scat. Now I just wish I would’ve bought the manual.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

🔥

[@TridentRushed]

I’m in the same boat (pun not intended), but you can still have some fun paddle shifting in the hills with the auto. it’s also nice to throw it on cruise control and enjoy 25mpg on a road trip with MDS on 87/89 octane instead of 91 premium.

[@RUBIX3]

That 3.90 gear really helps the low end torque on RT. I’ve raced a few 6.4s in my manual RT and once they get going the scat does walk way with ease. The sloppy shifter is hard to feel until you have felt a Barton shifter on the manual. My RT didn’t have the active exhaust like that has but that one does sound pretty good for stock! I miss the down shifts in my manual

[@GuysTalkingCars]

I’m sure you’re right about the shifter - were just in love with shifting again so it’s all honeymoon phase. I’ve missed it. That 3.90 gear really makes the low end torque so satisfying!! Appreciate you and your channel!!

[@noticing-tv2gs]

first week of having a 2019 6m RT and im having such a blast roasting those rear tires

[@GuysTalkingCars]

🔥

[@thethrottlecracker]

I just bought a '21 Shaker edition R/T with the 5.7 and the 6 stick, over the 6.4. The 5.7 is the better street engine, especially considering the mileage it gets. I also have no intention of replacing the exhaust, its perfect.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Yes!! 🔥

[@Ara198826]

they get identical milage

[@thethrottlecracker]

@@Ara198826 no they don't. Similar on the hiway, 6.4 much worse in town

[@robertlopez7061]

Put a peddle commander on it. I have a 2019 charger rt plus wit a pc on it. Dont add no jorse power but it makes the response time so much quiccer. Low key turns em into beazts for not doing no mods to it.

[@robertalsbury]

I too put a pedal commander on my ‘23 RT Blacktop and made a ver big difference in the feel of the car. Highly recommend

[@samrmills]

this one was fun. thx for taking us with ya. ever experience the skipshift?

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Thank you! No is that worth it? Something we should do?

[@samrmills]

@@GuysTalkingCarsI was wondering if you ever experienced the car trying to force you into 4th gear from 1st? I think that’s how it works. Quick easy mod from what I understand and worth it if that’s happened before. I hear sport mode cancels that too

[@jameslayton-cb7mr]

Yeah just moved from an 22 5.7 manual to a 23 6.4 manual. No comparison 6.4 way more power.

[@stratocat1980]

What happened to your scats? I just got a 2023 RT Plus Manual and loving it so far. I don’t think shifter is that bad but long throws. Going to upgrade to Barton Short Shifter Soon. I’d like to see more content with this car.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Let us know if you upgrade to the Barton - like you we don’t find the shifter that bad . Long throws for sure but it’s fun. We sold the scats - bought a Redeye and this. Done at least half a dozen videos with this RT so far . . .

[@edwinrubio6628]

I just purchased a 2016 6speed R/T. I was looking for a Mustang GT , Camaro SS or Challenger R/T and after i drove all of them i chose the R/T specially because of the interior (red bucket seats) and how well ((beyond expectations))it pushed foward. It was faster than the 6speed Camaro i drove and just a bit behind the 5.0 but not significantly. The 5.0s tranny fell like a challenge it really didn't impress me at all at lower rpms. It felt heavy up until past 4k rpms where it really woke up. But the Challenger felt more powerful in the lower rpms and shifted perfect. So i chose the R/T

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Great comment! Thanks for the insight! It's a solid package with the manual!!

[@robertalsbury]

Bro I had the exact same experience. Drove the new ‘24 5.0 and liked it. Drove the Camaro SS and fast as hell but hated it for a daily. Then drove the Charger 5.7 and just felt more “muscle” to me. Bought the Charger and will never look back. Kids all fit great in the back and don’t have to make multiple trips to give each one a ride. We can all go together! This really is a great car!

[@craigyirush3492]

Have an R/T with the Tremec. Such a great car, and it sounds so good!

[@GuysTalkingCars]

@@craigyirush3492 💯

[@DadsGarageDIY]

Sounds so good.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

It really does!!

[@chriswright6447]

Long tube headers in high-flow cats with stock mufflers.. perfect

[@GuysTalkingCars]

@@chriswright6447 🔥

[@wrathofpaulii]

I always thought my RT was slower than the Camaro SS. I can't get into the 5's for 0-60 but that's mostly because my tires spin too much. there's a lot of torque in 1st and 2nd gear. it's no Demon 170 or Tesla Model S Plaid, but those cars are in a totally different world.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Well said - totally agree

[@Gonin60]

I’m ready for a spin!

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Let’s do it!! I need to get back to SLC area !!

[@favrerules04]

No replacement for displacement. That being said I've driven both 5.7 and 6.4 and the 5.7 is all a guy needs unless you're a regular at the drag strip.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

@@favrerules04 🔥

[@k5steel]

Now move up to a 6.4 Manual.

[@vincentluppino8266]

It is a amazing car no doubt I love I that car Mopar or no car

[@DadsGarageDIY]

Shane even makes the interior of a Challenger look small. 🤣

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Hahahahahahaha!!

[@DadsGarageDIY]

@@GuysTalkingCarsWish I had that problem. Lol

[@marcasswellbmd6922]

There's nothing like rowing your own gears especially out on a Saturday/Sunday drive....

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Well said - agreed 💯

[@richardweyland116]

The 5.7 runs on 87 which is great. The Scat Pack really needs 93.

[@morgandrives]

Want one!!! 😍

[@Lana-y1k3g]

I had my 2014 for 10yrs till a dealer stole it for 17,000 and it only had 33,000 on it i love it i looked it up was going to buy it back This other dealer was selling it for 27,000

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Wow

[@Lana-y1k3g]

I love them all but you have to think unless you are going to competition race the RT is great for fun no one need the horsepower on the Roads you got all those pappys and granny's out there just want to creep down the highway then you got to slow down all the time. It fun

[@GuysTalkingCars]

💯

[@Tyytyythatguy]

I should’ve gotten the plus package 😔

[@GuysTalkingCars]

The plus package is definitely a nice upgrade !

[@cameroonking0076]

Yes I love the plus. Perfect daily

[@ksorsomeplace]

Is there a forced 1 to 4 up shift with the manual? Or are you in full control and can go through the gears 1-2-3-4-5-6?

[@GuysTalkingCars]

I have not experienced any skip shift issues - I can freely row throw all the gears

[@ksorsomeplace]

@@GuysTalkingCars Awesome!

[@egman5225]

I recently bought a very nice low mileage 09 RT with the 6 speed manual transmission. I have to say that im not very impressed with it, seems like it should have more power to me. 6th gear is pretty much useless to me, should have been 5 speeds.

[@marcasswellbmd6922]

3:20 Half pedal.. I do that a lot in my Mustang GT Manual Performance Pack.. I will half pedal and shift at 5000 RPM and the funny part is I will get PPL a long side me trying to race me and I am not even trying. By the way my redline is 7000 n I can rev out to 7500 no problem. I can see they are pedal to the floor while I am short shifting.. I had a guy in an Infinity the other day and he thought he was racing me but I was literally short shifting and playing with him.. I'm not one of those PPL who get bothered by being passed.. Anyway I run into this guy at physical therapy and he starts bragging about his Infinity beating Mustangs all the time. And I'm like what ECO Boosts??? LMAO... Then I see his car and it's that same white one I was short shifting on, it's dirty and had trash all inside of it.. Anyway I took him to a safe road where PPL don't live and gave him a proper spanking... All I heard was excuses.. I have taken down 5.7L and 6.4L scats too.. But I will admit if the guy in the scat knows his car he will beat me every time because of that DCT.. I have to hope they Spin or Pedal it... Times have changed you don't get a manual to be the fastest anymore, you get it to have more fun.. These days you can't out shift DCT's.. But if they spinn to much you can take a DCT down with a manual it depends on a lot of different things.. I had a Scat the other day not want to race my 5.0 because he didn't have E85 in it, and I'm like neither do I, are you kidding me.. Kid's are funny these days but I blame my generation for raising them...... LOL...

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Great story!! Love that!! Mustangs are legit!!!

[@bobforpples]

How did you like your Chevy SS manual? I’d love a manual v8 sedan. Unfortunately, most Chevy SSs for sale have an automatic. The Chevy SS with a supercharger is a real sleeper. Looks of a Malibu.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Honestly felt like there were some annoying quality issues with the SS and you’re right - people always thought it was a Malibu lol -- our recommendation for a similar car is to find a Pontiac G8 manual. Awesome cars and you can still find some low mile ones out there. The GXP version is an absolute beast.

[@19hundoc47]

@@GuysTalkingCarsno one has ever thought a Camaro was a Malibu

[@GuysTalkingCars]

@@19hundoc47 huh? The comment was Chevy SS for Malibu

[@TheShnozz]

To all those talking about how “you won’t use all that power ALL THE TIME” In regards to scats and cats. Believe it or not….. you’re not actually SUPPOSED TO USE 100% of your vehicles power EVERY SINGLE DAY. Just FYI. 😂😂😂😂

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Exactly!!

[@bobforpples]

So what you’re saying is that at idle, it’s very difficult to tell the difference between a scat pack and a 5.7 RT? 😂

[@GuysTalkingCars]

I’ve owned both. I’m saying from the driver seat - in a manual RT- at low gears. The manual is geared different from the auto. Have you driven one? It’s very surprising!! Forget the auto RT - totally different experience.

[@bobforpples]

So your scat is an automatic?

[@GuysTalkingCars]

@@bobforpples scat auto - yes. But I’m talking about the auto RT vs manual RT. The manual RT is much more punchy!!

[@bobforpples]

No, I hear what you’re saying. But I thought you said you couldn’t tell the difference between the rt manual and your scat. So I guess I’m asking if the rt manual “feels” almost as quick as an automatic scat, because of the gearing. Obviously the scat and rt are a good second apart in the 1/4 mile, so in reality they’re not really close. I’ve been looking for a manual v8 car again, but I’m just not convinced that I’d be satisfied with the rt that only does mid 13’s in the 1/4 mile on a good day.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

@@bobforpples right - ok. So here’s my feeling: the scat is faster hands down. And I’ve owned the v6, scat, RT and red eye. When I drove the auto RT and the the v6 - honestly they felt kinda similar. So I got the scat. Enjoyed it a lot. Then I wanted a manual. Prices for scats are ridiculous right now. So I tried the manual RT and I was shocked. The gearing clearly makes a massive difference. Top end, no. But for me I’m mostly driving around town and the sound, lively low end punch and torque make it very rewarding daily driving. If you need more top end speed for roll racing or wanna beat other cars, the RT probably ain’t it. But off the line it’s very fun and the exhaust sounds awesome.

[@JihadPowell]

I have a 5.7 shaker manual too very fun car although I wish it was a little bit faster after 3rd gear however for most casual driving it's definitely fast enough

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Totally agree

[@harveylin3548]

Also remember R/T takes 89 gas by nature so that saves even more money.

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Great point yes

[@Elementfit]

Actually RT manual is recommended High test per manual.

[@robertalsbury]

Owners manual recommends 89 for RT and the RT 5.7 is tuned for 89. Manual also says you can run 87, but I’m telling ya she is laggy on 87. Gas milage is better on 89. If you have an RT run 89, trust me

[@billhamilton7524]

you actually straddled him to release the e break,,I may not trust you

[@GuysTalkingCars]

LOL!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@DJ_A.K_GOLD]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

After watching a barton shifter installation video I tend to disagree with these two...

[@GuysTalkingCars]

Cool 😎

[@Paul_Espinosa_fam]

23 I hate the automatic

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

Mommy, can I have one?

[@GuysTalkingCars]

😂😂😂

[@19hundoc47]

Rented an RT manual for a day and it was a lackluster experience at best. Slooooow. Heavy clutch, gears can’t be rushed, pretty boring large boat. Feels like driving an old Ford crown Vic or something. If you guys think that’s fast you need to drive a Mustang GT😂

[@GuysTalkingCars]

We have driven one. And we have a Hellcat Redeye. What year was the RT? The gearing on these things makes them VERY spunky on the low end. A lot of fun.

[@booboolips6053]

In my youth I wanted the fastest car out there. Now in my 50’s, the R/T is enough power for me and much less expensive🫡