The Dodge Charger Scat Pack produces 485 horsepower from its 5.7-liter V8 engine

The Dodge Charger Scat Pack is built around a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 engine that generates 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. The horsepower figure has remained consistent across recent model years, though Dodge has made minor adjustments to fuel economy and emissions systems over time.

The Scat Pack sits in the middle of Dodge's Charger lineup — more powerful than the base R/T model (370 hp) but less powerful than the top-tier Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye variants. The engine itself is the same 5.7L Hemi V8 that Dodge has used across multiple vehicle lines, refined through decades of production.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scat Pack engine produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque from a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V8.
  • An 8-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission option for the Scat Pack, with no manual available.
  • The Scat Pack accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.9 to 4.0 seconds, depending on driving conditions and tire grip.
  • Fuel economy for the Scat Pack ranges from 14 to 16 mpg in the city and 24 to 25 mpg on the highway, based on EPA estimates.
  • The Scat Pack's horsepower output is lower than the Hellcat (645 hp) but higher than the standard R/T (370 hp).

How the Scat Pack compares to other Charger models

Dodge offers three main performance tiers in the Charger lineup. The base R/T uses a 5.7L Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, making it the entry point for V8 power. The Scat Pack adds 115 horsepower over the R/T through internal engine modifications, higher-flow intake and exhaust systems, and tuning changes. The Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye sit above the Scat Pack with supercharged engines producing 645 and 797 horsepower respectively.

The Scat Pack's positioning makes it attractive to buyers who want genuine muscle-car performance without the premium price tag of a supercharged engine. The difference in acceleration between the Scat Pack and R/T is noticeable — roughly half a second faster in 0-60 runs — but the jump to a Hellcat costs significantly more money.

Engine modifications that create the extra horsepower

The Scat Pack's 485 horsepower comes from several internal and external changes to the base 5.7L Hemi engine. The cylinder heads are ported and polished to improve airflow, the intake manifold is redesigned for better breathing, and the camshaft profile is more aggressive than the R/T version. These changes allow the engine to move more air and fuel through the combustion chambers more efficiently.

The exhaust system on the Scat Pack is also larger and less restrictive than the R/T, which reduces backpressure and allows exhaust gases to exit more freely. The engine computer is reprogrammed to take advantage of these improvements, adjusting fuel injection timing and ignition timing to maximize power output. All of these changes work together to produce the additional 115 horsepower without requiring a supercharger.

Real-world acceleration and top speed

The Scat Pack reaches 60 mph from a standstill in approximately 3.9 to 4.0 seconds under ideal conditions. This time can vary based on road surface, tire grip, weather conditions, and how the driver launches the vehicle. The quarter-mile time is typically in the 12.3 to 12.5 second range at speeds around 115 to 120 mph, depending on the same variables.

Top speed is electronically limited to 180 mph, a common safety feature on modern performance vehicles. In real driving, most owners never approach this limit, as highway speeds and track days are the only situations where such speeds are even possible. The acceleration advantage of the Scat Pack becomes most apparent in highway merging and passing situations, where the extra power makes a tangible difference compared to the R/T.

Fuel consumption with the 485-horsepower engine

The EPA estimates the Scat Pack achieves 14 to 16 mpg in city driving and 24 to 25 mpg on the highway, depending on the model year and transmission tuning. These figures assume normal driving patterns; aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving will lower fuel economy noticeably. The Scat Pack requires premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) to maintain the full 485 horsepower output.

Using regular 87-octane fuel will trigger the engine computer to reduce power output and timing to prevent engine knock, resulting in lower horsepower and worse fuel economy. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, which means highway range is typically 400 to 450 miles on a full tank under moderate driving conditions. City driving will reduce this range to roughly 250 to 300 miles.

Reliability and maintenance of the Scat Pack engine

The 5.7L Hemi V8 has been in production since 2003 and is one of the most proven engines in Dodge's lineup. The Scat Pack version maintains the same basic architecture but with higher-performance internals, which means it shares the reliability track record of the standard Hemi while handling higher stress loads. Regular maintenance — oil changes every 10,000 miles, spark plug replacement every 30,000 miles, and fluid checks — keeps the engine running as intended.

The main wear items on a high-performance engine like the Scat Pack are the brakes, tires, and transmission fluid. Aggressive driving accelerates wear on all three. The 8-speed automatic transmission is robust but benefits from regular fluid changes if the vehicle is driven hard. Owners who track their Scat Pack or drive it aggressively should consider more frequent maintenance intervals than the factory recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add a supercharger to a Scat Pack to match Hellcat power?

Yes, aftermarket superchargers are available for the Scat Pack engine, and some can push output to 600+ horsepower. However, this requires significant modifications to the fuel system, cooling system, and engine computer tuning. The cost typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 for parts and installation, plus potential warranty implications.

Is the Scat Pack faster than a Dodge Challenger R/T?

The Charger Scat Pack and Challenger R/T have different engines — the Charger uses the 485 hp version while the Challenger R/T uses the 370 hp version. The Charger Scat Pack is faster in acceleration. However, the Challenger Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye variants produce significantly more power than either the Charger or Challenger R/T.

What octane fuel does the Scat Pack require?

The Scat Pack requires premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher. Using regular 87-octane fuel will cause the engine computer to reduce power output and timing to prevent knock, resulting in lower horsepower and reduced performance. Premium fuel is necessary to achieve the full 485 horsepower rating.

How much does the Scat Pack cost compared to the R/T?

The Scat Pack typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 more than the base R/T model, depending on the model year and options selected. This price difference reflects the engine modifications, upgraded suspension, and performance-oriented features that come standard on the Scat Pack but are optional on the R/T.