Many Hellcat owners and enthusiasts are keen to know the real horsepower figures of their vehicles, especially when stock. Online forums and dyno charts often present a wide range of numbers, sometimes leading to confusion and unrealistic expectations about Stock Hellcat Hp. Let’s delve into what you should realistically expect from a stock Hellcat on a dyno, and how these figures translate to real-world performance.
Understanding Dyno Discrepancies: Why Some Numbers Are Inflated
It’s crucial to understand that not all dynos are created equal. A significant factor contributing to inflated horsepower readings is the type of dyno used. DynoJet dynos, while popular, are known to often report higher numbers compared to more accurate systems. Furthermore, some operators may not calibrate their dynos correctly, or they might use the outdated STD correction factor. The STD format artificially inflates numbers, making the horsepower seem higher than it actually is. Therefore, seeing claims of a stock Hellcat putting down 670 rear-wheel horsepower (rwhp) on such dynos should be met with skepticism. To achieve 670 rwhp, a Hellcat would need to be producing around 830-840 horsepower at the crankshaft, which is significantly more than the factory rating.
Realistic Stock Hellcat HP on an Accurate Dyno
Industry experts and Viper technicians suggest that Hellcats typically experience around a 20% drivetrain loss due to their size, robust components, and the supercharger. Applying this 20% loss to the factory-rated 707 horsepower, we arrive at a more realistic rwhp figure of approximately 565.6 hp.
To verify this, real-world dyno testing on accurate Dyno Dynamics dynos provides valuable insights. One Hellcat, tested on a Dyno Dynamics dyno, registered 572 rwhp. Calculating back to crankshaft horsepower, this equates to roughly 715 hp, which aligns closely with the factory rating. Interestingly, another stock Hellcat, tested on the same Dyno Dynamics dyno just two weeks prior, recorded 570.5 rwhp. This consistency reinforces the expectation of around 570-572 rwhp for a stock Hellcat on a precise dyno.
Drag Strip Performance: Validating Horsepower Figures
Real-world performance at the drag strip further supports these horsepower figures. The same Hellcat that dynoed at 572 rwhp achieved an 11.3-second quarter-mile time at 126 mph in its third-ever pass. This was achieved completely stock, even on the factory Pirelli PZero tires, and with only 1200 miles on the odometer at a Density Altitude (DA) of 1670 feet. Correcting for sea level conditions, this performance translates to a high 11.1-second quarter-mile time at over 127 mph. This is even better than what SRT’s professional drivers were able to achieve under similar conditions, suggesting the car was performing slightly above average. The calculated 715 crank horsepower from the dyno test is consistent with this above-average drag strip performance.
Conclusion: Expect Realistic Stock Hellcat HP
In conclusion, while inflated dyno numbers might be tempting to believe, realistic expectations for stock Hellcat HP are crucial. On accurate dynos like Dyno Dynamics, expect to see around 570-575 rwhp, which translates to approximately 705-719 crank horsepower. This range aligns well with the factory rating and real-world drag strip performance. Be wary of significantly higher dyno numbers, especially those generated on DynoJet dynos or using the STD correction format, as they may not accurately reflect the true stock Hellcat HP. Focus on reliable dyno testing methods and real-world performance metrics to gauge the genuine power of your stock Hellcat.
