Hellcat Engine for Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying the Legendary Powerhouse
If you’re a performance car enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the roar of the Hellcat engine—a monstrous V8 powerhouse that has redefined American muscle. Whether you’re looking to buy a Hellcat engine for your car project, restore a Challenger or Charger, or simply want to experience the raw power it delivers, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding a Hellcat engine for sale.
What Is a Hellcat Engine?
The Hellcat engine refers to the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 developed by Dodge (Stellantis, formerly FCA) and introduced in 2015 with the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. It quickly became famous for delivering over 700 horsepower right from the factory, a level of performance that was previously unheard of at its price point.
Key Highlights:
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Supercharged 6.2-liter V8
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Horsepower: 707 to 807 HP (depending on model/year)
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Torque: 650–717 lb-ft
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Featured in: Challenger SRT Hellcat, Charger SRT Hellcat, Jeep Trackhawk, RAM TRX, and Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
This engine is part of the broader Hemi family, but stands out due to its supercharger, forged internals, and performance upgrades.
Hellcat Engine Variants for Sale
When searching for a Hellcat engine for sale, it’s important to know that there are multiple versions of the engine available:
1. Standard Hellcat (6.2L Supercharged V8)
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Horsepower: 707 HP
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Torque: 650 lb-ft
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Years: 2015–2019
2. Hellcat Redeye
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Horsepower: 797 HP
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Torque: 707 lb-ft
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Includes: Larger supercharger, stronger internals
3. Hellcrate (Crate Engine Version)
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Factory performance engine offered directly through Mopar
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Plug-and-play for engine swaps
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Includes accessories like wiring harness, throttle body, alternator, and more
4. Demon Engine (Limited Availability)
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Horsepower: 808–840 HP (with race fuel)
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Not commonly available for individual sale
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Built for the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon
Where to Find a Hellcat Engine for Sale
1. Authorized Mopar Dealers
If you want a brand new, warrantied Hellcat crate engine, buying directly from a Mopar Performance Parts dealer is the best option.
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Mopar Hellcrate 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine
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Official part number: 68303089AA
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Ideal for custom builds
2. Online Marketplaces
Many used and rebuilt Hellcat engines are sold via:
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eBay Motors
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Craigslist
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Facebook Marketplace
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Car-Part.com
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LKQ and other nationwide salvage yards
⚠️ Always ensure seller reputation and request proof of engine condition (compression test, mileage, VIN).
3. Performance Shops and Tuners
Specialty performance shops often part out wrecked Hellcats and sell the engines as complete units, sometimes including transmission and wiring harness.
Popular sellers:
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Cleveland Power & Performance
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RPM Motorsports
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Gwatney Performance
How Much Does a Hellcat Engine Cost?
The cost of a Hellcat engine can vary depending on condition, model year, and extras included (e.g., ECU, supercharger, wiring harness).
Type | Price Range |
---|---|
New Hellcrate (Mopar) | $18,000 – $22,000 |
Used Hellcat Engine | $10,000 – $16,000 |
Rebuilt Hellcat Engine | $13,000 – $18,000 |
Redeye Engine | $16,000 – $24,000 |
Demon Engine (Rare) | $25,000+ |
💡 Tip: Engines from wrecked vehicles may be cheaper, but come with more risks.
Hellcat Engine Swap: What You Need to Know
Planning a Hellcat engine swap? Here’s what to consider:
Compatibility
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Most common swap candidates: Dodge Charger, Challenger, Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500, Durango, and even classic muscle cars.
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Requires reinforced transmission, rear differential, and upgraded cooling.
Parts Required:
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ECU & wiring harness
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Radiator/cooling system
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Transmission (TorqueFlite 8-speed preferred)
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Driveshaft & mounts
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Custom tuning
Swapping a Hellcat engine into an older vehicle is labor-intensive, but highly rewarding. Many choose to do a restomod build—classic body, modern heart.
New vs Used Hellcat Engines
Feature | New Hellcrate | Used Hellcat Engine |
---|---|---|
Condition | Brand new | May have wear or damage |
Warranty | Yes (Mopar) | Usually none |
Cost | Higher | Lower |
Plug-and-play | Yes | May require mods |
Ideal for | Custom builds | Budget projects or replacements |
If you have the budget and want peace of mind, go with the Mopar Hellcrate. If you’re experienced or working on a budget project, a used engine from a wrecked vehicle may be sufficient.
Red Flags to Watch for When Buying a Hellcat Engine
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No VIN provided – Always verify origin to ensure it’s not stolen.
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No compression test or leak-down report – Vital to know engine health.
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No supercharger included – Many listings exclude this key part.
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No wiring harness or ECU – You’ll spend thousands sourcing them separately.
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Price seems too low – Be skeptical of deals under $10,000.
✅ Pro Tip: Ask for a video of the engine running if it’s still in the donor vehicle.
Hellcat Engine Performance Tuning and Upgrades
Want to push beyond stock power?
Popular upgrades:
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Pulley upgrades (smaller = more boost)
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Larger throttle body
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Cold air intake
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Performance tune (HP Tuners, DiabloSport)
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Intercooler upgrades
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Headers and exhaust
With basic mods, 700 HP can become 900+ HP reliably—just make sure your drivetrain and suspension are ready.
Popular Cars People Swap with a Hellcat Engine
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Dodge Charger/Challenger R/T or SXT – Direct fit
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RAM 1500 – Especially in off-road builds
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Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator – Insane trail capability
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Plymouth Cuda, Dodge Dart, and other Mopar classics
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1960s–70s muscle cars – Popular restomod choice
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Toyota Supra or Nissan 350Z – For extreme builds
Environmental and Legal Considerations
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Swapping a Hellcat engine into an older vehicle may violate emissions laws in some states (like California).
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Always check with local DMV and EPA guidelines.
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Use a CARB-compliant crate engine kit for street-legal builds in California.
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