Cars

Rebuilder expert bought a Dodge Challenger for $6k because it looked great, but he ignored all the red flags

  • This Dodge Challenger looked too good to be true… and it was
  • The engine failure was a much bigger problem than anticipated
  • Now, the rebuild needs a brand-new HEMI

Published on Mar 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh

Last updated on Mar 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

Having bought a Dodge Challenger SRT8 for $6k based on its looks, this YouTube group fell victim to the Snow White fallacy.

With a glowing apple-red appearance, this Challenger stole the show at an auction, with one salivating customer ready to sink their teeth into its delicious curves.

But the forbidden fruit was rotten to the core.

The YouTubers ignored all the red flags that brought the price down to $6k – were they stuck with a dud?

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Dodge Challenger lives up to its name in a tricky rebuild

At first glance, this Dodge Challenger SRT8 looks to be a steal. But, you shouldn’t judge cars by their cover.

Its shiny appearance certainly marks it out as a more appealing purchase than this fixer-upper Dodge Viper.

And the $6k price tag was soon made even more appealing as they found a HEMI engine under the hood.

However, the YouTube team over at Atlantic Beach Customs quickly found some glaring issues.

Restorer bought a $6K Dodge Challenger for its looks but ignored red flags
Atlantic Beach Customs

The internal red flags were flying with full force.

Knowing that the engine wouldn’t start, the garage believed they could make a quick fix, but the Challenger lived up to its name.

The initial prognosis had the mechanics thinking it was a crankshaft issue, but this soon spiraled into bearings faults, which can be incredibly difficult to correct.

After stripping the engine apart, installing a new battery, and cleaning the cylinders, the engine kicked into a feeble roar before spraying smoke throughout the shop.

The connecting rod bearings have become paper-thin and rendered the engine unusable.

Restorer bought a $6K Dodge Challenger for its looks but ignored red flags
Atlantic Beach Customs

This meant that the Dodge Challenger would need a new 6.1-liter V8 HEMI engine, bumping this restoration cost significantly.

Originally, Atlantic Beach Customs had settled on plans to mod this car out once it was running. They even allowed fans to vote for adding a widebody kit with an SRT Demon hood.

Those plans, though, will have to be put on hold while the engine is fully restored.

Still, it’s definitely not the worst Dodge Challenger ever bought… this completely wrecked SRT Demon 170 takes that crown.

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Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. With five years of experience in gaming, and entertainment, he also has a passion for fantasy novels and sports.