Hellcat On Wheels - Alexander Torres’ - The fastest hellcat in California

42

september 2020 | RPM Magazine

www.rpmmag.com

|

september 2020

43

At first look, may look l from the fact fool you. Th capable of ¼ Story and photos by

W

hen Chrysler introduced its “Hemi” engine for its 1951year model lineup, it was the start of something pretty amazing.

The first generation of Hemi engines were produced from 1951 all the way through 1958, while the second generation from 1964-71. After a long hiatus, a third generation Chrysler powered Hemi engine was introduced in 2003.

Chrysler’s Hemi has been deep rooted in the automotive scene for over half a century. The 1960’s version of the 426 Hemi was an engine produced for the Plymouth Belvedere, built to NASCAR specifications. Its popularity grew and

44

september 2020 | RPM Magazine

grew and was subsequently available tin production models from 1965-1971.

Whether it was a street Hemi, or a race only model, the Hemi engine powered cars are some of the most sought-after vehicles on the collector car market, not to mention that they often dominated the streets and strips around the country.

The game was changed once again in 2014 when Italian automaker Fiat merged with Chrysler and formed into a new holding company (FCA). In August of that same year, the company introduced the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. The Hellcat is claimed to be “the fastest” factory four-door sedan continued on page 47

, Alexander Torres’ Charger like an “ordinary” Hellcat tory, don’t let its subtle looks his street legal beast is very running into the 8 second ¼ mile time zone.

Sometimes we get so caught up in rare, low production older cars that we forget that there are lot of limited production badass new cars made each year. Case in point, just 1,890 2017 Charger SRT Hellcats were produced for the 2017 model year, and only 137 in the Yellow Jacket color!

CALVERT RACING

WHEELIE BAR Danny Roslan’s 1969 Chevy Nova

Calvert Racing’s CalTracs,, Split Mono Leafsprings, CF & CR Series Shocks, Calvert Sliders & Wheelie Bar

Built to Order Adjustable Wheel Heights Lightweight Chromoly Eliminates Unloading NHRA Accepted Stress Tested

661-728-9600

Wheels sold separately See options below

OPTIONS

A. Billet Aluminum Wheels, $178/pair B. Wheeleze Wheels, $138/pair C. 12 or 18 Wedges, $80/each

B

Patented by John Calvert

C

CalvertRacing.com

Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm PST Call to receive our beautiful full color catalog!

Starting at

A

se!ing stock racing on fire

Ask a Tech:

499

$

MADE IN THE USA

www.rpmmag.com

|

september 2020

45

p

en To sho

46

september 2020 | RPM Magazine

The original, supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat powered Charger produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb. ft of torque. That’s typically more than nough to suite anyone’s needs, but not Alexander orres. With some modified internals and a 200 hp ot of nitrous oxide, this Hellraiser is producing well over 1,000 horsepower on a mild tune.

The Dodge Charger Hellcat is a big bodied behemoth, looking almost “limo-like” in this side shot, but they were made to perform on and off the track. ever built. It was equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine that produced 707 horsepower and 650 lb. ft or torque. This brand-new design provided all the modern amenities for the family, and power its 426 predecessors could only dream of.

During a recent trip to Bakersfield, California, we were tipped off about Alexander Torres’ notorious “Yellow Jacket” 2017 Charger Hellcat, and, we have to admit that after our first look, while it was a good looking and no doubt quick car, we completely underestimated its power. After talking with Torres for a few minutes, though, we bought into both him and his Hellcat.

“I purchased the Hellcat brand new in West Covina, CA in April of 2017, but prior to this Charger, I owned a 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT. I have to say that I was not satisfied with the performance

www.rpmmag.com

|

september 2020

47

DOUBLE UP

This “slight” modification, a 200hp nitrous kit, scores a redline on the RPM cool tachometer!

AFFORDABLE. REPLACEMENT. STEEL. Jesel Engineers have combined all of the features of our Pro Aluminum Rockers with the durability of our Pro Steel Rockers. Jesel Sportsman Steel Rockers provide engine builders with the option of high strength steel rockers at an extremely affordable price and can be ordered separately or as an upgrade to certain Pro Aluminum rocker systems.

For additional product details, visit us online at Jesel.com or contact us by phone at 732.901.1800

48

september 2020 | RPM Magazine

I got hooked and decided to take it to the next level

of that car, so I traded in the Challenger for a Hellcat. I purchased the Hellcat because I was intrigued with the technology that the company put into it,” Torres said. Like any true gearhead, he began to modify the car just three weeks after the purchase. The first mod was changing the upper pulley on the supercharger and converting the car over to E85 fuel. Soon after that Torres began to race the car every Thursday night at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, CA. “As soon as I saw the potential of the car I got hooked and decided to take it to the next level.”

With any aftermarket additions, comes eventual parts failure, and the Hellcat’s 8-speed automatic transmission broke just 4 months in. It took about 3 months to get a replacement transmission in courtesy of Speedworx and Redline Performance in Covina, California. During the downtime, Alexander had some time to contemplate the direction he wanted to go with the Charger and decided that since the car was already down for repair, he was going to go all out with it.

The wheel and tire of choice for the Hellcat are a set of Bogart wheels with beadlock rears wrapped in Mickey Thompson 315 60 R15 ET Street Radials and Racemaster front runners.

www.rpmmag.com

|

september 2020

49

The area where the rear seat once was made the perfect spot for the secret weapon, at least the bottle part of it anyway.

Alexander removed the back seat and replaced the driver seat for a much light and safer aluminum race seat. The rest of the interior remains as it came from the factory. Hellcats are extremely popular for their power, but they are also practical and can fit the whole family with a good offering of creature comforts.

50

september 2020 | RPM Magazine

Alexander Torres’ 2017 Dodge Charger Hellcat Chassis Type & Mods: Stock 2017 Hellcat chassis

Suspension: Stock factory suspension with a Wilwood 15-inch conversion in the rear.

Body & Paint: Factory original body with factory Yellow Jacket paint.

Engine: 6.2 Hemi GEN3 Hellcat motor with Ross pistons on Carrillo rods with ARP head studs with stock factory heads and cam. Built by Speedworx Automotive and Redline Performance in Covina, Ca. Converted to E85.

Rotating Assembly: Ross pistons, Carrillo rods and factory 6.2 stock Hellcat crank.

Induction: Stock Hellcat 2.4 Supercharger ported by Fast Motorsports.

Power Adder: Nitrous Outlet plate system with Nitrous Express progressive controller to handle 200 shot of nitrous.

Electronics: All electronics are stock from factory, aside from the NX progressive.

Transmission & Converter: Currently replacement factory type transmission and converter.

Rear Differential: Stock differential with a DIRS diff brace.

Best ET & MPH: 9.2- 151MPH no prep.

How Many Years Racing: “I began racing and building Hondas when I was 15 years old, so I have been racing for 20 years.”

Class Raced: Grudge racing and ET racing.

www.rpmmag.com

|

september 2020

51

Torres had the 6.2 Hemi GEN3 Hellcat motor beefed up with Ross pistons pinned to Carrillo rods and also added ARP head studs to use with the factory heads. He also kept the stock camshaft. The factory 2.4 Supercharger was ported by Fast Motorsports and, here’s the fun part, he added a Nitrous Outlet plate system to spray a 200 shot of nitrous into the throat of the boosted Hemi and paired it with a Nitrous Express progressive controller.

“Once the car was done, I met one of the best Hemi tuners in the world, Curt Dusterhoff who is located in Georgia.” Curt tuned Torres’ Hellcat in December 2018 and, as expected it was much quicker and faster. Intrigued by this, Alexander decided to enroll in the EFI University located in Lake Havasu, Arizona. “Cars and racing have always been my passion, it’s what keeps me going. Curt and my wife were my motivation behind becoming a tuner

Chassis Engineering’s Outlaw “TRIPLE” Adjustable Ladder Bars The ultimate ladder bar for heavy, high horsepower race cars. 360 degree housing brackets w/integrated shock mounts. Lightweight Chromoly construction for strength.

Includes all rod ends, hardware and brackets.

3606 Outlaw adjustable ladder bar kit $569.95 pr 3606A Outlaw adjustable ladder bar weld-up kit $544.95 pr

Toll Free Ordering: 800-327-9402 Info & Tech: 561-863-2188

MADE IN THE USA. SINCE 1980

chassisengineering.com 52

september 2020 | RPM Magazine

and now I build and tune Mopars. My goal is to be as good as my good friend Curt whom I now remote tune with,” Torres added.

With just a tick under 1,890 2017 Charger Hellcats produced for the 2017 model year, and only 137 Yellow Jacket colored cars, Torres has a rare piece, that keeps getting better, and quicker, with age. “I consider my car the fastest Hellcat

in California, no one has beat me and I plan to keep it that way. This car is my pride and joy, I have poured my heart and soul into it and I plan to keep it going”.

The most memorable experience that Torres has had with his Hellcat to date was at Springfest in Pomona in March (2019) when he went undefeated, “that, and I beat all the Dodge Demons!” Torres added with a smile. “My goal for this year is to open up my own Dyno shop and specialize in building the fastest Mopars on the planet.”

As we mentioned, it’s easy to be misled by this Yellow Jacket as it flies up to you, but make no mistake, it is ready and very willing to lay the sting on you at the drop of a hat, or anything else for that matter.

RPM www.rpmmag.com

|

september 2020

53 53