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The B-body Mopar platform has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts and performance builders. With its classic styling and powerful engine options, many seek to enhance their vehicles’ performance. This article breaks down the costs associated with achieving a 100 horsepower gain in your B-body Mopar, helping you understand what to expect when embarking on this performance journey.
Understanding the B-Body Mopar Platform
The B-body Mopar platform includes a variety of models produced between the 1960s and 1970s, such as the Dodge Charger, Plymouth Satellite, and more. These vehicles are known for their robust build and potential for performance upgrades. Before diving into costs, it’s essential to understand the engine options available for these cars.
Common Engine Options
- 318 V8
- 360 V8
- 383 V8
- 440 V8
- 426 Hemi
Each engine has its own characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Depending on the base engine, the cost and complexity of achieving a 100 hp gain will vary significantly.
Performance Upgrades Overview
To gain 100 horsepower, you can choose from various modifications, including engine internals, forced induction, exhaust systems, and tuning. Below is a breakdown of common performance upgrades and their estimated costs.
Engine Internals
Upgrading engine internals can significantly increase horsepower. Common upgrades include camshafts, pistons, and cylinder heads.
- Performance Camshaft: $300 – $1,000
- Piston Upgrade: $500 – $1,500
- Cylinder Head Work: $800 – $2,500
Overall, expect to spend between $1,600 and $5,000 on engine internals to achieve a substantial horsepower gain.
Forced Induction
Adding a supercharger or turbocharger is one of the most effective ways to increase horsepower. However, this option can be costly.
- Supercharger Kit: $3,000 – $8,000
- Turbocharger Kit: $2,500 – $6,000
- Supporting Modifications: $1,000 – $3,000
Including all necessary components, the total cost for forced induction can range from $6,500 to $17,000.
Exhaust System
A performance exhaust system is crucial for improving airflow and maximizing horsepower gains. Upgrading headers, mid-pipes, and mufflers can lead to significant improvements.
- Headers: $300 – $1,200
- Cat-Back Exhaust System: $500 – $1,500
Expect to pay between $800 and $2,700 for a complete exhaust upgrade.
Tuning
After making modifications, proper tuning is essential to ensure the engine runs efficiently and safely. This can be done via aftermarket engine management systems or professional tuning services.
- Aftermarket ECU: $400 – $1,500
- Professional Tuning: $300 – $1,000
Budget around $700 to $2,500 for tuning to maximize your performance upgrades.
Cost Summary
To summarize the costs associated with achieving a 100 horsepower gain in a B-body Mopar, let’s look at the total potential expenses:
- Engine Internals: $1,600 – $5,000
- Forced Induction: $6,500 – $17,000
- Exhaust System: $800 – $2,700
- Tuning: $700 – $2,500
This brings the total estimated cost for achieving a 100 hp gain to between $9,600 and $27,200, depending on the choices made.
Conclusion
Gaining 100 horsepower in your B-body Mopar can be a rewarding yet costly endeavor. Understanding the various options available and their associated costs will help you make informed decisions about your performance upgrades. Whether you are a seasoned builder or a novice enthusiast, planning your upgrades carefully can lead to an exciting and powerful driving experience.