The Demon 170 Swapped Charger Explained

The Demon 170 swapped charger refers to a supercharger configuration where a Dodge Demon 170 charger unit—originally designed for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170—is installed on a different vehicle's engine. This swap involves removing the factory charger from another car and replacing it with the Demon 170's unit, which is a 2.7-liter supercharger capable of producing significant boost pressure.

The Demon 170 charger itself is built on Eaton's TVS (Twin Vortices Series) platform and was engineered to work with the Demon 170's 5.0-liter HEMI V8 engine. When swapped into other vehicles—typically other Dodge or Mopar models—it requires matching fuel system upgrades, engine tuning, and structural modifications to function safely and reliably. The swap is popular among enthusiasts because the Demon 170 charger produces more boost than many factory alternatives and has a proven track record in a production vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The Demon 170 swapped charger is a 2.7-liter Eaton TVS supercharger originally paired with the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170's 5.0-liter HEMI engine.
  • Installing this charger on a different vehicle requires matching fuel injectors, fuel pump capacity, engine tuning software, and structural engine bay modifications.
  • The swap produces measurable horsepower gains over factory superchargers in comparable vehicles, but the exact increase depends on the host engine and supporting modifications.
  • Sourcing a used Demon 170 charger unit typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000, with additional labor and parts pushing total swap costs higher.
  • This modification voids manufacturer warranties and may affect insurance coverage, so disclosure to your insurer before the swap is necessary.

Why the Demon 170 Charger Is Popular for Swaps

The Demon 170 charger became a target for swaps because Dodge released it in limited numbers as part of the final generation Challenger lineup. Enthusiasts recognized that the charger itself was a capable unit with higher displacement and boost capability than many factory alternatives available in the used market. The charger's proven reliability in the Demon 170—which was engineered to handle sustained high-boost operation—made it attractive to builders working on other HEMI-powered vehicles.

The swap also appeals to owners of older Dodge models with factory superchargers, such as the 2015–2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack or Charger R/T Scat Pack, because the Demon 170 charger can produce more boost pressure than the original Eaton supercharger in those cars. For these vehicles, the swap represents a way to increase performance without completely redesigning the engine bay, since both chargers use similar mounting points and belt-drive systems.

What the Swap Requires Beyond the Charger Unit

Installing a Demon 170 charger is not a bolt-on modification. The charger itself is only one component of a system that must work together. The Demon 170 uses a specific fuel injector size (60 pounds per hour) and fuel pump flow rate calibrated for the engine's displacement and boost level. If you are swapping the charger into a vehicle with a smaller fuel system, you must upgrade the fuel pump and injectors to match the Demon 170's requirements, or the engine will run lean under boost and risk damage.

Engine tuning is equally critical. The Demon 170 charger produces peak boost around 11.5 psi, and the engine control unit must be reprogrammed to manage that boost safely. This requires a custom tune from a shop experienced with HEMI swaps, not a generic off-the-shelf tune. The tune must account for the host vehicle's compression ratio, fuel octane rating, and cooling system capacity. Structural modifications may also be necessary—some engine bays require trimming or reinforcement to accommodate the charger's intake manifold or intercooler piping.

Sourcing and Cost Considerations

A used Demon 170 charger unit typically sells for $3,000 to $6,000 on the secondhand market, depending on condition and mileage. Prices fluctuate based on availability; as the 2023 Challenger is phased out, used chargers may become harder to find or more expensive. You can source units from salvage yards, private sellers, or specialty Mopar shops, though buying from a reputable shop usually includes some warranty protection if the charger fails shortly after purchase.

The total cost of a complete swap—charger, fuel system upgrades, custom tune, labor, and any structural modifications—typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the host vehicle and the shop's rates. Some of this cost is labor; a competent shop will charge 20 to 40 hours for the installation, tuning, and testing. Budget an additional $500 to $2,000 for unexpected issues discovered during installation, such as clearance problems or cooling system inadequacy.

Warranty and Insurance Implications

Any manufacturer warranty on the host vehicle will be voided once the charger swap is completed. If the engine fails or the transmission experiences problems after the swap, the manufacturer will not cover repairs, even if the failure is unrelated to the modification. This is true whether the vehicle is still under the original warranty or an extended warranty purchased from the dealer.

Insurance coverage becomes complicated. Most standard auto insurance policies do not explicitly cover engine modifications, and some insurers will deny claims if they discover the vehicle has been modified. Before the swap, contact your insurance company and disclose the modification. Some insurers will continue coverage with a rider or rate adjustment; others will decline to insure the vehicle. Failing to disclose the modification and then filing a claim related to the engine or powertrain can result in claim denial and policy cancellation.

Common Issues and Limitations

The Demon 170 charger is designed for the Demon 170's specific engine architecture, and swapping it into a different vehicle sometimes reveals compatibility issues. Cooling system capacity is a frequent problem—the Demon 170 charger generates heat, and if the host vehicle's radiator and fan are not sized for the additional thermal load, the engine will run hot under sustained boost. This can lead to detonation (engine knock) and potential damage.

Driveline durability is another consideration. The Demon 170 produces approximately 645 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque in the Challenger. If you swap the charger into a lighter vehicle or one with a weaker transmission, the driveline may not handle the power reliably. Automatic transmissions in particular may slip or fail if they were not engineered for that level of torque. Some builders address this by upgrading the transmission cooler or adding a transmission tune, which adds cost and complexity.

Alternatives to the Demon 170 Charger Swap

If you own a Dodge with a factory supercharger and want more power, you have other options. Tuning the existing charger—adjusting boost pressure and fuel mapping—can yield 30 to 50 additional horsepower without a full charger swap. This is less expensive and preserves more of the original vehicle architecture. Shops like Mopar Performance and independent tuners offer this service for $500 to $1,500.

Turbocharging is another path, though it requires more extensive engine bay work and custom fabrication. A quality turbo setup can produce similar or greater power gains than a charger swap but typically costs more and requires more tuning informed. For vehicles without factory forced induction, a complete turbo or supercharger installation from the ground up is an alternative to sourcing a used charger, though it is rarely cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swap a Demon 170 charger into a non-Dodge vehicle?

Technically yes, but it is impractical. The Demon 170 charger is designed for HEMI V8 engines with specific mounting points, fuel system architecture, and engine control parameters. Adapting it to a different engine family would require custom fabrication of intake manifolds, fuel rails, and engine management systems—essentially building a custom engine from scratch. Most builders stick to Dodge or Mopar platforms where the charger bolts in with fewer modifications.

Will a Demon 170 charger swap pass emissions testing?

This depends on your state and local regulations. In states with strict emissions testing, a modified engine may fail if the tune does not maintain proper oxygen sensor readings and catalytic converter function. Some shops can tune the charger swap to pass emissions, but others cannot. Check your local requirements before committing to the swap, and ask the shop whether they can tune for both performance and emissions compliance.

How much horsepower does a Demon 170 charger add compared to a factory supercharger?

The gain varies by the host vehicle's original charger. Compared to the Scat Pack supercharger (which produces about 645 hp total), the Demon 170 charger produces similar peak power but with a different boost curve. The real gain comes from custom tuning—a properly tuned Demon 170 swap can produce 680 to 720 horsepower in a Scat Pack, a gain of 35 to 75 hp. Results depend heavily on fuel quality, cooling, and tune quality.

What is the lifespan of a swapped Demon 170 charger?

A well-maintained swapped charger should last as long as the original—typically 100,000 to 150,000 miles or more. The limiting factor is usually the supporting systems: fuel pump wear, bearing wear in the charger itself, and belt degradation. Regular oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and belt inspections extend the charger's life. Chargers that are pushed to extreme boost levels or run on low-octane fuel fail sooner.

Can I remove the charger later and return the vehicle to stock?

Physically yes, but the engine control unit tune is permanent unless you have the original factory tune file backed up before the swap. If you do not have the original tune, a shop can sometimes retrieve it from Dodge's servers or reconstruct it, but this costs $300 to $800. The fuel system upgrades (pump and injectors) can be reverted, but labor to remove and reinstall factory components will add cost. Plan on spending $1,500 to $3,000 to fully reverse the modification.