Like Daisy Duke and her namesake Daisy Dukes, the General Lee just keeps getting better with age. In fact, when it comes to style and performance, Dodge Chargers in "general" simply stand the test of time. With the exciting new stylings proposed by the Dodge boys for the 2010 concept, it looks like the Dodge Charger is only gonna get hotter. Perhaps it's time we look into giving the General a modern makeover.
With the aftermarket already cranking out performance accessories, building your own modern-day moonshine runner is as easy as sending Cletus and his Plymouth Fury Police Cruiser plunging into Hazzard Creek. Even if you're one of the lucky few who still have an original 1969 Dodge Charger, never fear, the performance aftermarket is ripe with Dodge parts for that, too.
Besides Hemi-Orange paint, a Confederate battle flag on the roof and an ever-present aught-one plastered on the side, the real General doesn't differ much from your run-of-the-mill Dodge Charger. After all, the show producers bought over 250 1968 and 1969 Chargers over the years to convert into Generals. In fact, they actually flew small aircraft over southern California to locate future Generals, and to bolster their stockpile of Dodge Charger parts.
So, what's it take to make your Dodge Charger run like the General Lee? The first thing you need is a performance Dodge Charger intake. Like we said before, the aftermarket is chock full of parts for the Charger. Always look to the big brands like K&N and AFE; you'll get a top-shelf product that's backed by a lifetime warranty. Plus, these big brands are easy to find in any speed shop on or off the net.
Once you got the air coming in, you gotta get it out. That's when it's time to invest in a Dodge Charger exhaust system. Like cold air intakes, Charger exhaust system brands and configurations are boundless. Choices include single or dual exits, aluminized steel or full-fledge stainless steel systems all crafted by names like Magnaflow, Flowmaster and Borla to name a few. And, if your state laws allow it, (not that the Duke Boys would give a rip about local smog ordinance) you should install a high-performance catalytic converter while you're under there changing out the pipes.
Beyond the common bolt-on performance parts, you can keep your faux General running right with new spark plugs, fuel injectors and serpentine belts designed just for your Dodge Charger. Thanks to the healthy Dodge Charger aftermarket, there's also no problem finding replacement headlights, tail lights, alternators and fuel filters.
Though recreating your own Daisy Duke may take a little more "weird science" than you're willing to get into, it's actually pretty easy to live out your Duke dreams in your very own rendition of the famous General Lee Dodge Charger. You'll be out fightin' the system like a modern day Robin Hood in no time! Charger cold air intake