Hello. I'm new to the forum as a recent fan of the Magnum (and 300C). I think Dodge has done well here in design and hitting a market ready to chase after something special and not just another look-alike.
I was, however, dissapointed to see the Magnum only comes with the weak mercedes automatic. With so many good pieces in the parts bin, it wouldn't have taken Dodge any work to toss in the Viper 6-speed. Automatics have come a long way, but the standard transimission in this great looking vehicle would be an excellent addition. If
How about a little more power as well!? A turbocharger could go a long way. Though plumbing is more complicated on a turbo than a supercharger, the gas milage in a turbo is superior since it doesn't always have to be pumping pressurized air into the cylinders. Why make 500 horse power if 200 will do the job. It's sort of the concept behind them turning the cylinders off on the engine, but at 6 seconds from 0-60, they need more power!!
Last request: AWD. I know it's on the books already, but if we can get a more powerful engine, a clutch, and AWD, the Magnum will be competing with the likes of Audi! Go Dodge!
If anyone knows someone at Dodge, tell them to get off their rears and give us the clutch, and AWD. They'll have people lining up left and right for the vehicle then.
Scottcba1
06-17-2004, 06:14 PM
Welcome to dodgetalk!
I know you are new here but I am gunna have to disagree with you on a few points you made. Dodge has people lined up for the car as it sits now so something must be right with the way the car is right now for that to happen.
Secondly, a 0-60 time under 6seconds is AWESOME for a heavy station wagon that really isnt even advertised as a sports car but still performs like one. This brings us to my third point. This car is advertised as a family hauler not really a sports car so I can see why dodge would only produce the car with an automatic trans....how many SUV's and Minivans do you see with a 5 or 6-spd tranny....not many because the soccer moms of today dont want to have to be shifting gears all the time. Just a few points.
-Scott :cool:
hemibass
06-17-2004, 07:32 PM
good points scott 6sec 0-60 is rustang gt range so thats pretty god for a 4 door wagon
Reddrum
06-17-2004, 10:18 PM
Well there's already rumors of a 6.1L Magnum coming out sometime after the Charger but we'll have to wait and see.
I think they've come up with a pretty good balance of performance, practicality, economy and styling. If it were up to me I would offer a 5.7L Magnum with a manual tranny and a taller final drive but I'm no engineer so I'm probably wrong.
It's all about demographics. Whoever ends up buying these cars this year is who they're going to cater to next year. I think we're gonna see alot of performance stuff for this car in the future, maybe not from Dodge but from aftermarket suppliers. I was talking to the parts guys at "premier night". I asked them if they've heard about any performance stuff for the Magnum. They said "no, Dodge is not marketing the Magnum as a performance car". I asked them if they'd seen the tv commercial were the Magnum was racing a Ferrari or whatever it was. I guess they'll figure it out some day.
Mischief
06-17-2004, 11:54 PM
FWIW, modern superchargers are built with a bypass valve. Under normal load, the boost that the supercharger is making is vented off, and doesn't go into the motor. The cars runs like a N/A car. Then when you hit the throttle, the bypass valve closes and the boost that the supercharger is already making goes into the motor. Eaton makes Superchargers for the Grand Prix GTPs and Ford Lightnings, and that's how they work. :) They're actually very fuel efficient (unless you have a heavy foot).
WumpscuT
06-18-2004, 09:46 AM
I wouldn't say a supercharger is fuel efficient. A supercharger does rob some power from the engine while in idle due to pulleys and friction, but its barely noticeable, so technically, it does hinder, just a tad bit, the fuel efficiency of an engine.
But when in use, a supercharger provides loads of power, but at a cost of fuel efficiency. In general, I think that all power adders do hurt fuel efficiency, but how much it hurts depends on the driver's driving habits.
just my 2 cents.... feel free to give me any change back.... :D
Linesplice
06-18-2004, 12:57 PM
Scott, thanks for your reply. I wasn't criticizing the vehicle - I think the Magnum is great, and like I said, I think it's what consumers are looking for. I am just impatient and want the hauling tail version.
I'll disagree with you about them targeting it toward soccer moms. The car is very "manly" and muscular, so it's more for the Dad's that want the porsche but have to compromise. I think they are looking for a family person who is middle aged. What guy wouldn't want a 6 speed and a throatier exhaust note while he's getting pressed into the seat. People like "sleepers" and the Magnum would be a brilliant factory sleeper.
I'll also disagree with you about the Magnum not being advertised as a sports vehicle. It certainly isn't being advertised as the family picnic car you take to the park. They have it in very aggressive poses and as someone else noted - racing other vehicles. They are certainly positioning the Magnum as the fun, sporty, station wagon.
Now can't we get a little supercharger and a 6-speed!? :cool:
Welcome to dodgetalk!
I know you are new here but I am gunna have to disagree with you on a few points you made. Dodge has people lined up for the car as it sits now so something must be right with the way the car is right now for that to happen.
Secondly, a 0-60 time under 6seconds is AWESOME for a heavy station wagon that really isnt even advertised as a sports car but still performs like one. This brings us to my third point. This car is advertised as a family hauler not really a sports car so I can see why dodge would only produce the car with an automatic trans....how many SUV's and Minivans do you see with a 5 or 6-spd tranny....not many because the soccer moms of today dont want to have to be shifting gears all the time. Just a few points.
-Scott :cool:
Linesplice
06-18-2004, 12:59 PM
Mischief, thanks for the info. I didn't know modern superchargers had bypass valves!? Guess I'm still stuck in the days of the hulking 671. :rck:
FWIW, modern superchargers are built with a bypass valve. Under normal load, the boost that the supercharger is making is vented off, and doesn't go into the motor. The cars runs like a N/A car. Then when you hit the throttle, the bypass valve closes and the boost that the supercharger is already making goes into the motor. Eaton makes Superchargers for the Grand Prix GTPs and Ford Lightnings, and that's how they work. :) They're actually very fuel efficient (unless you have a heavy foot).
Scottcba1
06-21-2004, 08:35 PM
If you call your local Dodge dealership and ask about Mopar Performance parts for the Magnum they will tell you there isnt any because it is not a sports car.
But on the other hand I know of a recent buyer of one of these badass station wagons that took it to the track with less then 600miles on the clock and ripped off a 13.8@101mph with 3/4 tank of gas and everything stock and installed. He didnt even adjust the tire pressure. Thats pretty damn amazing for a wagon. Drop the air pressure a bit, change the air intake and the exhaust and you will probably see mid 13's(13.5-13.7's). Running those numbers stock I would have to say Dodge HAS created the perfect sleeper!
-Scott :rck:
drdeville
06-21-2004, 09:20 PM
I'll also disagree with you about the Magnum not being advertised as a sports vehicle. It certainly isn't being advertised as the family picnic car you take to the park. They have it in very aggressive poses and as someone else noted - racing other vehicles. They are certainly positioning the Magnum as the fun, sporty, station wagon.
Now can't we get a little supercharger and a 6-speed!? :cool:
No, and no soup for you, one month! ;)
I'll argue that Dodge is advertising it as most that a guy wedded to a Soccer Mom can get away with--a manual tranny would lead to wifely veto.
Regarding the supercharger, I'll argue that Dodge is already walking the performance/mileage tightrope, as shown by the tall rear axle and variable displacement system. Anything more would hurt fuel economy too much.
Just get down on your knees and thank the Car Gods that a car like the Magnum is available. :D
Regarding performance, I wonder how easy it would be to drop in a higher-numeric rear axle? That might be an easy path to performance nirvana.
Best,
George "RT Wannabe" Ferguson
Cal Jeff
06-29-2004, 04:33 PM
To those of you lucky enough to have gotten you Magnums. Let me ask this. I understand for a 4,000 pound station wagon the 1/4 mile and 0 to 60 numbers are impressive. Now lets say that I'm going east on highway 80, how is it from 55 to say 80 in a passing situtation. My current road warrior a '96 Impala SS with 185,000 miles on it still pushes you back in the seats when you punch the pedal.
Squatch
06-29-2004, 09:24 PM
hey cal jeff, i will let you know the nd of this week. i have a test drive scheduled. i figure if i need more "family room" then it has got a little bit of an edge to it too.
i'll let you know
magnesium
07-18-2004, 06:39 PM
Jeff, In a 55-80 passing situation it is awesome. I think if you like your SS you will love the R/T!!!
Andy
Compstall
07-30-2004, 07:05 PM
I think some of you guys just need to sit back and wait. Performance parts will come with time. I bet as I type this reply there's some gearhead company out there grinding away on some cams for the Hemi motors.
Too many people get hung up on "cat-back" systems, etc. You CAN make your own, or have it fabbed up soemwhere.
Hell, someone's gotta be the pioneer. Buy some stock cams and have them custom-ground! Let us know the results of your research/findings!
Otherwise, quit whining and wait....the parts will come! :)
On another note, anyone want an '03 Durango SLT+? You can have it for payoff! I want a Magnum R/T!! ......dammit
Cal Jeff
08-02-2004, 02:16 PM
I think some of you guys just need to sit back and wait. Performance parts will come with time. I bet as I type this reply there's some gearhead company out there grinding away on some cams for the Hemi motors.
Too many people get hung up on "cat-back" systems, etc. You CAN make your own, or have it fabbed up soemwhere.
Hell, someone's gotta be the pioneer. Buy some stock cams and have them custom-ground! Let us know the results of your research/findings!
Otherwise, quit whining and wait....the parts will come! :)
On another note, anyone want an '03 Durango SLT+? You can have it for payoff! I want a Magnum R/T!! ......dammit
:rolleyes: Gee! I didn't thinkl I was whining. We simply want our RTs to go faster and we lament the wait. Remember Detroit designs several years in advance. I'd bet the 2008s are already in the prototypes phase. So give us some slack.
I personally have waited over 3 months to get mine and it sis still not even scheduled for build. The frustration is begining to get me a little warm :drivingz:
Compstall
08-02-2004, 10:47 PM
You're right, but unfortunately the aftermarket has to wait to play with them, just like we do.
