[Sweat_R/T2006]

I have an 06 Charger RT 5.7 that I'm wanting to start upgrading. I don't know a lot about these cars because my last project was a 78 Z28. My plan right now is to start simple and get a tuner, CAI, throttle body, intake manifold, and replace the full exhaust. Later I'll probably do the heads and cam, but that'll depend on if I go with forced induction or nitros. I want to see what y'all think about what I should go with on the different upgrades I want. Keep in mind that in the long run I want this car to be a sleeper, so I'm not looking for a loud ass exhaust system, but I want her to breath well. Thanks for the help

 

[HemiLonestar]

Welcome! Sky's the limit lol. Ironically I'm finally getting around to finishing parting out my modified 06 R/T (medical issues are a PITA)
Your list:
Tuner - always good, I have an unlocked DSP U7135 if you're interested
TB - Find a used one, or save your money. Not really any return on investment there. 5.7 uses the same TB as 6.1; this will be handier once you start going through internals and/or forced induction
Intake manifold - this is where your old car is showing lol. Can't do intake swaps nowadays like you could on old cars. There is no direct bolt on intake for that engine; to put an eagle intake on you'd need the manifold, spacer adapters (to mate the ports and clear the block up front), the adapter fuel line and swap injectors, unless you have enough cam (which you didn't list) to need the eagle 5.7/6.1 injectors. With a stock cam there isn't any point to swapping that intake.
Full exhaust - also always a good idea. Have a Magnaflow catback if you're interested.

Don't forget the rest of the car. Stock 06 R/T's don't handle for shit & that 2.82 ratio is great for mileage but not the hot ticket for any kind of acceleration lol. A cheap easy upgrade suspension wise are OEM police sway bars and 05-10 SRT take off struts/shocks/springs. Did this with mine with the fattest tires I could shove under it, which a the time were 245's on the stock 18x7.5's. Initially upgraded the rear brakes to the cop version (same caliper, bigger rotor, different pads). Eventually a Brembo swap, SRT wheels, a 3.06 Getrag, MTCM, etc etc etc found their way in. Even my prized Grant steering wheel (which may be on the market soon). I still have a bunch of stuff, lemme know if you're interested.

When I got it:

After most mods:

And what the locals did to her:

Enjoy modding your car, almost guaranteed with your whatever you want to do to it, it's either been done or figured out why it can't be.

 

[krautmaster]

Ist thing I would do (if you have no proof that it was already done) is replace the cylinder heads. The 2006 is notorious for dropping valve seats and grenading the engine..generally happens when driving long distance on the highway with the MDS enabled then stopping for gas or lunch or whatever...and when restarted crunch & munch and a several thousand dollar engine replacement. You can prevent it by driving in auto stick which disables the MDS (or turning it off with a tuner) or by letting the engine idle for several minutes before shutting it off so that the cylinders that were not firing can get up to operating temperature.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Some do, most do not. 190,000mi on mine, didn't have a 180 stat until about 125,000mi (bought with 112,000). Don't overheat it and it won't drop a seat on you, simple as that. People have been trying to feed me this BS about my 03 Ram for YEARS (plus the whole valvespring issue 03's were supposed to be "notorious" for).