The Dodge Charger Hellcat is already a formidable machine, leaving the factory with 707 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8. For many enthusiasts, however, that number is just a starting point. Pushing the car into the 600-700 horsepower range at the wheels—or well beyond—is not only possible but surprisingly achievable with the right combination of modifications. This guide focuses on two of the most impactful upgrades: camshaft replacement and forced induction enhancements. Whether you are looking to dial in a stout 600 wheel horsepower or build a reliable 700-wheel-horsepower street machine, the path requires careful part selection, proper supporting modifications, and professional tuning. We will explore the best camshaft profiles, turbocharger kits, and the critical synergy between them.

Understanding Power Goals for the Dodge Charger Hellcat

When discussing 600-700 horsepower builds for the Hellcat, it is important to clarify whether we are talking about crank or wheel horsepower. A stock Hellcat produces roughly 707 crank horsepower but typically delivers between 560 and 580 horsepower to the wheels through its eight-speed automatic transmission due to drivetrain losses. To achieve 600-700 wheel horsepower (which corresponds to roughly 750-870 crank horsepower), you are looking at a significant upgrade over stock. This range is ideal for a street-driven car: it retains reasonable drivability while offering enough power to embarrass almost anything on the road. The key is to choose modifications that work together rather than against each other.

Camshaft Upgrades for the Hellcat 6.2L Hemi

The camshaft is the brain of the engine, dictating valve timing, lift, and duration. Upgrading the cam in a Hellcat can unlock substantial gains, especially at higher RPM, and it pairs beautifully with forced induction.

What a Camshaft Does

In simple terms, the camshaft opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves at precise moments. A performance camshaft increases lift (how far the valve opens) and duration (how long it stays open). This allows more air-fuel mixture into the cylinder and expels exhaust gases more efficiently. For a forced-induction engine like the Hellcat, a properly designed cam can reduce backpressure, improve spool characteristics, and add 30 to 50 wheel horsepower on an otherwise stock car. When combined with a turbocharger or larger supercharger, the gains multiply.

Top Camshaft Options for 600-700 Wheel Horsepower

Choosing the right cam profile depends on your power target, driving style, and whether you plan to use a turbo or stick with a supercharger. Below are proven options that consistently deliver in the 600-700 wheel horsepower range.

  • Comp Cams Stage 2 or Stage 3 Hellcat Camshaft: Comp Cams offers a range of profiles specifically designed for the 6.2L Hemi. The Stage 2 cam provides excellent mid-range torque and a noticeable increase in horsepower, making it a favorite for street builds. The Stage 3 cam moves the powerband higher, ideal for cars that see track time or have upgraded forced induction. Both require upgraded valve springs and pushrods for reliability.
  • HHP (High Horse Performance) Stage 1 or Stage 2 Camshaft: HHP is a well-known name in the Hellcat community. Their Stage 1 cam is designed to work with the stock supercharger, adding 30-40 wheel horsepower without sacrificing drivability. The Stage 2 cam is more aggressive and works best with a larger supercharger pulley or a turbo setup. HHP cams are built for minimal idle roughness and strong mid-range punch.
  • Texas Speed & Performance (TSP) Hellcat Cam: TSP offers aggressive cam profiles that are popular among enthusiasts who prioritize top-end power. Their Stage 3 cam features a 238/248-degree duration split and 0.635-inch lift, which can push a Hellcat well past 700 wheel horsepower when combined with boost. TSP cams are known for their distinctive chop and require supporting fuel system upgrades.
  • Cam Motion Hellcat Cams: Cam Motion builds custom camshafts tailored to your specific build, including turbo or supercharger configurations. Their profiles are engineered to minimize valve float at high RPM and work with dual valve springs. For a 600-700 wheel horsepower goal, a Cam Motion Stage 2 turbo grind or Stage 2 supercharger grind are excellent choices.

Cam Installation Considerations

Installing a camshaft in a Hellcat is a labor-intensive job that requires removing the front cover, timing chain, and lifters. Budget at least 8-12 hours of labor if you are not doing it yourself. Along with the cam, you should replace the valve springs with upgraded dual springs, install hardened pushrods, and consider a new timing chain and tensioner. Tuning is mandatory—the engine management system must be recalibrated to account for the new cam profile, idle control, and fuel trims. A cam swap alone can net 30-50 wheel horsepower, but it is the supporting mods and tuning that make it reliable.

Forced Induction Options: Turbos and Superchargers

The Hellcat’s factory supercharger (a 2.4L IHI unit) is impressive, but it has limits. To hit the 600-700 wheel horsepower range with headroom to spare, many builders turn to either a larger supercharger or a turbocharger system. Each has its own characteristics.

Turbocharging the Hellcat

Twin turbocharger systems are the most popular forced induction upgrade for Hellcats aiming for big power. Turbos offer lower parasitic loss than a supercharger (no belt drag) and can produce massive boost at high RPM. They also tend to produce a wider powerband if sized correctly. The main trade-offs are cost, complexity (oil lines, intercooler plumbing), and heat management. A well-designed twin turbo kit can push a Hellcat to 800-1000 wheel horsepower, but even a conservative build will easily land in the 600-700 range.

Best Turbo Kits for 600-700 Wheel Horsepower

  • Hellion Twin Turbo Kit: Hellion’s kits are arguably the most popular and well-engineered options. The “Hellion Hellcat” kit uses two precision 62mm or 66mm turbos, cast iron manifolds, and a massive air-to-air intercooler. It is designed for bolt-on installation and includes all necessary pipes, wastegates, and blow-off valves. With a Hellion kit on a stock engine, 600 wheel horsepower is easily achieved at low boost; turning up the wick can reach 700+.
  • American Racing Headers (ARH) Twin Turbo Kit: ARH is known for their high-quality headers, and their turbo kit continues that tradition. It features 1.75-inch stainless steel headers feeding twin 62mm turbos. The kit is available with optional ceramic coating to manage heat. ARH kits are slightly more expensive but offer exceptional fitment and support for the eight-speed automatic transmission.
  • HP Tuners / Custom Turbo Systems: For the experienced builder, a custom turbo setup using a pair of BorgWarner S360 or S480 turbos can be very cost-effective. However, this route requires custom fabrication of manifolds, downpipes, and intercooler piping. It is not for the faint of heart but can yield incredible results when done right.

Supercharger Upgrades as an Alternative

If you prefer the instant throttle response of a supercharger, you can upgrade the factory unit. Options include a larger pulley (reducing boost), a ported blower, or a complete replacement like a Whipple 3.0L or a Kong Performance ported supercharger. A larger supercharger or a high-helix rotor set can support 700 wheel horsepower with proper fueling. Supercharger upgrades are generally less expensive than turbo kits and easier to install, but they produce more heat and draw more belt power. Still, they remain a popular choice for street-driven Hellcats.

  • Whipple 3.0L Supercharger Kit: The Whipple 3.0 is a direct replacement for the factory blower and supports up to 900 wheel horsepower. It comes with a larger throttle body and intercooler bricks. On a stock engine, it can easily deliver 650-700 wheel horsepower with a pulley swap and tune.
  • Kong Performance Ported Supercharger: Porting the factory supercharger improves airflow and efficiency. Kong offers ported snouts and housings that can gain 30-50 wheel horsepower over stock. Combined with a 2.85-inch pulley and proper fueling, this is a budget-friendly way to reach 600 wheel horsepower.

Combining Cam and Forced Induction for Optimal Power

The real magic happens when you pair a performance camshaft with a turbocharger or larger supercharger. Together, they create a synergistic effect that can push you well past 700 wheel horsepower while maintaining good drivability.

Matching Components

Not all cams work well with boost. A cam designed for a naturally aspirated engine may have excessive overlap, which can cause boost to blow through the cylinder and out the exhaust valve, reducing efficiency. For forced induction, look for cams with less overlap and a wider lobe separation angle (LSA) of 114 to 116 degrees. Many cam manufacturers now offer “turbo grinds” or “supercharger grinds” that are optimized for positive pressure. Comp Cams, HHP, and Cam Motion all offer these profiles.

Supporting Mods

To safely run 600-700 wheel horsepower, you must upgrade the fuel system. The factory fuel injectors and pumps are maxed out near 600 wheel horsepower. You will need upgraded injectors (e.g., 1000cc or 1300cc), a boost-a-pump or a larger in-tank pump, and possibly a return-style fuel system. An intercooler upgrade is also critical, especially with turbo systems. The factory intercooler heat-soaks quickly; a larger air-to-air or air-to-water intercooler helps maintain consistent power. On the exhaust side, a 3-inch cat-back system paired with downpipes reduces backpressure and helps the turbos spool.

Tuning and Dyno Sessions

Professional tuning is non-negotiable. A poor tune can destroy an engine in seconds. Look for a tuner who specializes in Hellcats, such as those at HHP, Dusterhoff, or HP Tuners. They will adjust fuel maps, ignition timing, boost control, and transmission shift points. Expect several dyno pulls and street calibration sessions to achieve the best power and safety. A solid 600-700 wheel horsepower build should be reliable if the tune is conservative and the fuel quality is maintained.

Achieving 600-700 HP: Step-by-Step Build Examples

Here are three real-world build paths that hit the target range.

Build 1: Cam-Only Street Car (Near 600 Wheel Horsepower)

Parts: Comp Cams Stage 2 Hellcat cam, dual valve springs, hardened pushrods, 2.85-inch supercharger pulley, ported snout, 1000cc injectors, boost-a-pump, full 3-inch exhaust.

Power: Approximately 580-610 wheel horsepower. Excellent drivability, stock-like idle with a slight chop, minimal heat issues.

Build 2: Twin Turbo with Stock Cam (600-650 Wheel Horsepower)

Parts: Hellion twin turbo kit (62mm), stock camshaft, upgraded fuel system (injectors + BAP), 3-inch downpipes, larger intercooler, drive shaft loop, tuning.

Power: Around 630-670 wheel horsepower at 8-10 psi. Linear power delivery, very responsive, requires careful tuning to avoid knock.

Build 3: Cam + Turbo Monster (700+ Wheel Horsepower)

Parts: HHP Stage 2 cam (turbo grind), Hellion twin turbo kit (66mm), forged pistons and rods (optional for higher boost), 1300cc injectors, return-style fuel system, methanol injection, upgraded trans cooler.

Power: 700-750 wheel horsepower on 93 octane, 800+ with race fuel or methanol. Full build costs $15,000-$25,000 depending on labor.

Budget Considerations and Reliability

Building a Hellcat to 600-700 wheel horsepower is not cheap. A basic cam swap with supporting mods can run $3,000-$5,000 in parts and labor. A twin turbo kit ranges from $6,000 to $10,000, plus installation and tuning. The fuel system upgrade adds another $1,500-$3,000. Total cost can easily exceed $15,000 for a comprehensive build. However, if you stay within the 600-700 wheel horsepower range, the stock engine internals (pistons, rods, crankshaft) are generally reliable. The weak points become the transmission (the 8HP90 can handle up to about 800 wheel horsepower with proper tuning and cooling) and the rear axle (plan on upgrading axles and possibly the differential). Use high-quality fluids, monitor oil and coolant temperatures, and consider an oil cooler if you track the car.

Conclusion

The Dodge Charger Hellcat is an incredible platform that responds exceptionally well to modifications. Whether you choose a camshaft upgrade, a forced induction system, or both, hitting the 600-700 wheel horsepower target is entirely realistic with careful planning and quality parts. Start by setting a clear goal, then select components that work together—cam profile, boost level, fuel system, and tuning. Invest in professional installation and tuning, and do not skimp on supporting mods like intercoolers, fuel pumps, and exhaust. When done right, your Hellcat will deliver a thrilling driving experience that few cars on the road can match.

For further reading and expert advice, check out the following resources: