Buy Dodge Challenger Radiators

Quick Look

The radiator-also called a cooling core, heat exchanger, coolant cooler, or engine cooler-keeps a Dodge Challenger's engine from overheating. Coolant absorbs heat inside the block, flows through the radiator's thin tubes, and gives that heat to passing air. When the process works, engine temperature stays around 195-220 °F in traffic and a bit lower on the highway. (Kiddle, AAA Oregon/Idaho)

What It Does

A Challenger's radiator moves heat away from the 3.6 L V-6, the 5.7 L, 6.4 L, or 6.2 L HEMI V-8, so metal parts stay in their safe range. On the 707-hp Hellcat and Redeye, Dodge adds two extra charge-air heat exchangers to handle supercharger warmth. (WIRED)

Fit & Years

• 2008-2014 models use a single-row aluminum core with plastic side tanks.
• 2015-2023 cars keep aluminum cores but add thicker "heavy-duty" or "severe-duty" versions on tow-package and high-output trims. (LX Forums)
• Typical coolant volume:
  • 3.6 L V-6 - 7.6 L (8 qt)
  • 5.7 L V-8 - 13.8 L (14.5 qt)
  • 6.4 L & 6.2 L V-8 - ≈14 L (14.8 qt) (Challenger Talk)

Signs of Trouble

• Temp gauge climbs above 225 °F or warning light flashes. (AAA Oregon/Idaho)
• Steam or sweet-smelling mist under the hood.
• Puddles of green, orange, or purple coolant. (RepairPal.com)
• Electric fan runs on high at idle, often triggered near 226 °F. (Challenger Talk)

Cooling Basics

Normal driving temp sits near 200-206 °F; up to ~220 °F is still safe before fans lower it. (Challenger Forumz)
Keeping coolant clean (Mopar 10-year/150 k-mile purple OAT for 2013-up; older cars used HOAT) helps stop rust and scale. Mixing OAT with other types can shorten radiator life. (Bob Is The Oil Guy)

Materials & Design

Aluminum radiators weigh roughly one-third less than copper-brass units-often saving 9-15 lb-and still cool well when built with wide 1-inch tubes. (HOT ROD, HOT ROD)
Copper conducts heat better (≈92 % vs. 49 % for aluminum) but solder joints slow that advantage, so today's OEMs choose aluminum for weight and cost. (HOT ROD)
Plastic end tanks lower cost yet can crack with age; full-aluminum aftermarket cores trade cost for strength. (MotorTrend)

Installation Steps

1. Disconnect the battery and let the engine cool fully.
2. Drain coolant with a pan; reuse if clean or recycle.
3. Unclip fan wiring and hoses; remove the shroud. (YouTube)
4. Lift out the old heat exchanger; drop in the new unit, watching for bent fins.
5. Reconnect hoses, fill with 50/50 coolant-distilled water mix, and bleed air pockets.
6. Verify fans cycle on at programmed temps and check for leaks.

Maintenance Tips

• Inspect hoses every oil change for bulges or soft spots.
• Flush and refill coolant every 150 k miles or 5 years (OAT) or sooner if fluid looks rusty. (Challenger Talk)
• Keep bugs and debris off fins with a gentle garden hose spray-no pressure washer.
• Watch for recalls that mention moving the upper radiator hose during alternator work; improper routing can rub the core. (NHTSA)

Performance Upgrades

Track drivers add two-row, all-aluminum cores with high-density fins for quicker heat drop. Weight savings of 10-15 lb up front also improve handling. (HOT ROD)
High-output Hellcats benefit from larger intercooler heat exchangers and low-temp thermostats to avoid heat-soak after back-to-back pulls. (WIRED)

Safety & Rules

Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot-212 °F coolant can cause severe burns.
Used antifreeze is hazardous waste; many states follow EPA guidance that requires recycling or professional disposal. (EPA NEPIS)
After any cooling repair, drive until the thermostat opens, let the engine cool, and re-check level to avoid air pockets.

Eco & Recycling

Scrap yards pay for aluminum radiators, but you must drain all fluids first and cap the tanks. (Action Metals Recyclers)
Plastic tanks are usually separated and sent to plastic recyclers; the metal core is melted for new parts, saving energy over mining new aluminum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long should a Challenger radiator last?
A: With clean coolant and no crash damage, the factory aluminum/plastic unit often lasts 8-12 years or 120-180 k miles. Corrosion, road salt, or bent fins can shorten that span. (Challenger Talk)

Q: Can I keep driving if I see steam?
A: No. Pull over safely, shut off the engine, and wait 20-30 minutes before checking levels. Driving hot can warp heads and cost thousands. (AAA Oregon/Idaho)

Q: Does the Hellcat use a special radiator?
A: Yes. It keeps the main heat exchanger plus two auxiliary charge-air coolers to shed supercharger heat. (WIRED)

Q: What coolant color should I use?
A: Most 2013-2025 Challengers need purple Mopar 10-Year/150 k Mile OAT. Earlier models use orange HOAT. Always match the label and never mix types. (Bob Is The Oil Guy)

Q: Why does my fan kick on at 226 °F?
A: The PCM turns the high-speed fan on around that temp to protect the engine. A stuck thermostat or clogged cooling fins can make it cycle often. (Challenger Talk)

Q: Is aluminum really better than copper?
A: For weight and space, yes-an aluminum two-row can cool as well as a thicker four-row copper core, and it's lighter. (HOT ROD)

Q: How do I dispose of old coolant?
A: Take it to a certified recycler or auto shop; pouring it down a drain or on the ground is illegal in many areas. (EPA NEPIS)

Q: What else causes overheating besides the radiator?
A: Low coolant, failed water pump, stuck thermostat, faulty fan relay, or head-gasket leaks can all spike temps. Diagnose before replacing parts. (AAA Oregon/Idaho)

Q: Are thicker radiators always better?
A: Not if airflow is poor. Two slim cores with dense fins often cool better than one very thick core that blocks airflow. (HOT ROD)

Q: Does towing affect radiator choice?
A: Yes. Cars ordered with a tow-package get a "severe-duty" cooling core that is wider or thicker for extra heat control. (LX Forums)