When it comes to talking about American muscle cars, no conversation about them is ever complete without mentioning the Dodge Challenger.
From the 70s E-body models to the Hellcat trim package of today, the Challenger is a household name and probably will still be for many more years to come in the car community.
Along with the Charger, the Challenger is one of Dodge’s few remaining performance-oriented cars still currently in production.
Throughout the Dodge Challenger’s production run, it has undergone a lot of transformation both in styling and specifications.
We’re here to talk about a few of those specifications, mainly its bolt pattern and even other wheel measurements that it may have.
If you own this hulk of a car yourself, then this bolt pattern article would be a great way to familiarize yourself with its wheels just in case you decide to change them.
What is the bolt pattern of a Dodge Challenger?
2008 to current (2022) Dodge Challengers are fitted with a bolt pattern of 5×4.53 inches (5x115mm).
1978 to 1983 Dodge Challengers were fitted with smaller 4×4.5-inch (4×114.3mm) bolt patterns.
The first Dodge Challengers from 1970 to 1974 had a bolt pattern that measured 5×4.5 inches (5×114.3mm).
As you can see above, the Dodge Challenger has three different sets of production years based on the bolt pattern it was fitted with at that time.
Not only that, but these three production years are actually the three generations of the Challenger themselves.
Thus, every single generation of the Challenger had its own specific bolt pattern, which is a more simplified way of remembering each one.
Both the current generation and the earliest generation have very similar bolt patterns since both use 5 bolts (or lug nuts).
Not to mention that the imaginary diameter that their bolts form are only a mere 0.03-inch difference.
That may sound quite minuscule, but when it comes to properly and safely fitting wheels on any car, you’d be surprised how much 0.03 of an inch can change everything.
When you also factor in other bolt and wheel specifications, then proper wheel fitment doesn’t seem as simple as just throwing on some random set of wheels you’ve found online anymore.
But not to worry, as we’ve also provided you with a lot of info on these other important specifications for the Dodge Challenger below.
Wheel and Bolt Specifications of the Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is currently in its 3rd generation, but there are also a lot of nuances to keep in mind even within each generation.
While the bolt specifications will generally remain consistent for each model under a generation, the wheel specifications will be dependent on the specific trim level of each generation.
The bolt specifications we’ve included are the center bore diameter, wheel fastener, thread size, and torque tightening specification of each Dodge Challenger generation.
The wheel specifications, however, will refer to all of the factory tire sizes and rim sizes, which will be paired together with each trim level.
Also, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of some of the older generations’ details due to a lack of available and consistent data.
3rd-Generation Dodge Challenger (LC) (2008 to Present/2022)
The 3rd and current generation of the Dodge Challenger is the longest Challenger in production to date that first started off with a Concept version unveiled back in 2006.
It started off as a concept car unveiled in 2006 and has since then undergone several changes both cosmetic and performance-wise.
It went through a mid-cycle refresh in 2011 and another facelift in 2015. Both of these instances introduced changes to the trim lineup and wheel specifications themselves.
It’s also the largest (and heaviest) of all the modern American muscle cars when it comes to the overall dimensions and design.
The bolt specifications that we’ve listed below are pretty much standard for just about any Dodge Challenger from this generation, regardless of the trim level.
These specifications closely resemble those from the original E-Body Challenger, especially when taking a look at both their center bore diameters and the number of wheel fasteners.
Center Bore Diameter: 2.82 inches (71.6mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (5)
Thread Size: M14x1.5
Torque Spec: 130lb-ft (176Nm)
2015 to Present/2022 (Facelift)
With its size and power, especially when it comes to the top variants, the 3rd-generation Challenger obviously requires a selection of beefy wheel specifications, as you can see below.
The facelift model that first came in 2015 ditched the “SE” designation used in the pre-2015 base models and replaced it with the “GT” designation instead.
The base 3.6i V6 GT, together with the SXT, have two sets of wheel specifications to choose from that were available from the facelift’s first year of release.
By 2017, an AWD (all-wheel drive) version of the 3.6i V6 trim was added to the lineup and given its own tire size and rim size.
The 5.7i V8 is known as the “R/T” trim, which is equipped with 245mm Z-rated tires paired with big 20-inch rims from the factory.
The top-of-the-line 6.4i V8 “Scat Pack” trim also has these same tires and 20-inch rim diameter, but the rim width and offset are different from those fitted on the R/T trim.
2009 to 2014 (Mid-Cycle Refresh)
3rd-generation Dodge Challengers made from 2009 to 2014 underwent a “mid-cycle refresh”, which gave them more minor changes compared to a typical facelift.
Apart from the same 3.6-liter V6 used in the facelift models, Challengers during this time period still had the smaller-displacement 3.5-liter V6 engine (3.5i).
The 3.5i trim held either the SE or SXT badge, and it also had its own wheel specifications that were actually the smallest of all that were fitted on any trim level during this time.
Its bigger tire size and rim size, namely the 235/55R18 and 7.5Jx18 ET24, were both used for the 3.6i V6 replacement trim added in 2012 and the 5.7i V8 R/T trim as well.
Aside from these two-wheel specifications, the 5.7i also had the exact same wheel specifications as its facelift counterpart that we’ve discussed above.
It’s also the same story for the wheel specifications of the top-of-the-line 6.4i V8 trim, which was still called the “SRT” trim during these production years.
2008 to 2010 (Pre-Facelift)
Dodge Challengers made from 2008 to 2010 were part of the first batch of production cars from this generation to roll off from the factory ever since the Dodge Challenger Concept car in 2006.
As you can see below, this is where it all started for the familiar SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT trims that we’ve already mentioned a couple of times above.
The 3.6-liter V6 variant was still not present during this time, making the 3.5i V6 the base trim by default.
This base trim had the same two sets of wheel specifications that we’ve listed for the mid-cycle base model above.
The 5.7i V8 R/T trim produced during this time almost had identical wheel specifications to the mid-cycle 5.7i.
The difference lies in their tire size, wherein the mid-cycle 5.7i’s tires were “Z-rated” and the ones from 2008 to 2010 were not.
What are the wheel specifications of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Demon?
The Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Dodge Challenger Demon are two of the 3rd-generation Challenger lineup’s most powerful packages bearing the “SRT” badge.
The Hellcat is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces 707hp. It’s equipped with 275mm tires and 305mm ones for the widebody variants that all wrap around 20-inch rims.
There is also an even more powerful 797-hp Hellcat variant called the “Redeye” that also comes with the same factory wheel specifications as the normal Hellcat.
The Dodge Demon, however, was a limited-production SRT variant that had a whopping 808hp (840hp on race gas) from an upgraded version of the Hellcat’s engine.
The Demon had the widest wheel specifications of any Dodge Challenger produced, having 315-mm drag radial tires and rims that measured 18×11 inches.
It’s partially thanks to such a performance setup that it used to hold the world record for the fastest production car in the quarter mile at 9.65 seconds at 140.9mph.
2nd-Generation Dodge Challenger (Mitsubishi Galant Lambda Rebadge) (1978 to 1983)
The 2nd-generation Dodge Challenger is arguably the black sheep of the flock, as it’s vastly different from both the 1st-generation and 3rd-generation Challenger models.
It was a complete Dodge rebadge of Mitsubishi’s own Galant Lambda model in 1978, making it a Challenger that was smaller in both its physical dimensions and power output than the rest.
Its smaller horsepower figure was due to only being offered with either a 1.6-liter or 2.6-liter inline-4 (I4) engine for its trim levels.
Much to the dismay of fans of the first Dodge Challenger, the 2nd-generation Challenger completely lacked a V8 engine under the hood from the factory.
Moving on to the bolt specifications, they were unsurprisingly smaller and used one less lug nut to tighten this generation’s wheels.
Unfortunately, there is barely any data out there regarding the rebadged Dodge Challenger and even the original Mitsubishi Galant Lambda’s original torque tightening specification.
Thus, if you happen to own one of these 2nd-generation models, we recommend having an authorized mechanic look into what would be the proper torque value for its lug nuts.
Center Bore Diameter: 2.64 inches (67.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (4)
Thread Size: M12x1.5
Torque Spec: N/A
It’s been several decades since the 2nd-generation Dodge Challenger’s release, and the only wheel specifications available for it today would purely be replacement options.
But that’s not really an issue, as no one who does proper maintenance would still keep its original 40-year-old factory tires on it anyway.
Also, you can be confident that wheel manufacturers actually take the time to ensure that such replacement options actually fit the car properly as the original ones did.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, it only had two inline-4 engine options for its trim levels, and both of these trim levels can just about fit the same three replacement wheel specifications below.
1st-Generation Dodge Challenger (E-Body) (1970 to 1974)
The 1st-generation Dodge Challenger is a classic fan favorite that has appealed to so many muscle car and quarter-mile enthusiasts since the early 70s.
It was one of the two “E-body” cars manufactured under Chrysler during its years, the second one being the Plymouth Barracuda.
With its rather long wheelbase and large dimensions, it competed with the likes of the Pontiac Firebird, Ford Mustang, and Mercury Cougar of those times.
Throughout its production run, it was offered both in hardtop and convertible body styles that had numerous engine options to choose from.
But regardless of the exact trim level, the bolt specifications of the 1st-generation Challenger remained constant throughout the years.
Just keep in mind that the torque tightening specification of its lug nuts is an estimation only, as various sources have inconsistent data as to what is the most appropriate value.
As usual, consulting an authorized mechanic that’s well-versed with classic cars such as the 70s Challenger is your best bet to getting its wheels torqued right.
Center Bore Diameter: 2.82 inches (71.6mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (5)
Thread Size: 1/2” – 20 UNF
Torque Spec: 65 to 85lb-ft (estimation only)
The first Challenger had an impressive amount of trim levels to choose from, which included two equipped with inline-6 (I6) engines and seven with V8 engines of different displacements.
However, replacement options are the only way to go for a car this old, and all of its trim levels can be fitted with the same three modern tire sizes and rim sizes we’ve provided below.
How to Tighten the Bolts on the Dodge Challenger
There are a few things to consider when it comes to tightening the wheel bolts on the Dodge Challenger or just about any vehicle.
One is that you don’t just simply turn the bolts as tight as you can, which is why we’ve provided several torque specifications above.
Another is that you don’t simply tighten the bolts going around in a circular order either, as that’s a good way to cause one or more of them to come off loose again by the end of it.
This is why tightening orders matter, as each vehicle’s wheels will have a specific number of bolts or lug nuts that call for a different order to evenly distribute the tightening forces.
As we’ve said in the beginning, the 1st and 3rd-generation Dodge Challenger models both use a total of 5 lug nuts, so we can refer to them as having a “5-lug pattern”.
The 2nd-generation Challenger, on the other hand, only uses 4 lug nuts, so it has a “4-lug pattern”.
With that said, we’ve provided you with two different tightening orders for each respective Dodge Challenger generation’s wheels below.
The image above was taken straight out of Dodge’s owner’s manual, which demonstrates the tightening pattern for both their 4-lug and 5-lug vehicles.
The 4-lug pattern on the left uses a simple criss-cross tightening order, which is applicable for the 2nd-generation Dodge Challenger’s wheels.
The 5-lug pattern on the right requires following a star-shaped tightening order due to the odd number of lugs.
While these tightening orders are specifically illustrated by Dodge, they are actually not any different from the tightening orders used in any car with the same number of lugs.
If you’re simply retightening the lug nuts or the car is already on the ground, you can go straight to tightening them up to the torque specifications we’ve mentioned above with a torque wrench.
Otherwise, only tighten them until they’re “hand-tight” when you still have the car up on jack stands.
For the 2nd and even 1st-generation Challenger models specifically, we recommend having the guidance of a mechanic to help you with the perfect torque values, as we’ve established.
Mopar, the parts and service division that Dodge is affiliated with, recommends rechecking the torque values after you’ve driven the car for 25 miles (40km).
When to Change the Tires on the Dodge Challenger
Considering the Dodge Challenger is a performance car through and through, it’s to be expected that its tires wouldn’t last as much as the average commuter car.
While the 2nd-generation Challenger’s tamer roots may allow its tires to last around 60,000 to 75,000 miles just like most cars, we cannot say the same for the rest of the Challengers.
On average, Dodge Challenger owners can expect their tires to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but that’s when you don’t have a heavy foot.
Anecdotal observations suggest that most owners that have a more aggressive driving style or frequent the racetrack don’t even go past 20,000 miles on their tires.
So when it comes to changing the tires on your Challenger, you also need to consider how much tread life you have left rather than just basing it purely on the miles driven.
After all, the difference between a thousand miles of daily commuting and a thousand miles worth of launches and burnouts will be night and day.
If you want to measure your tires’ tread life yourself, then we’ve provided two common ways to do just that below.
The first image shows a tire’s “tread wear indicator bars”, and these deep-set bars are used to measure how thick your treads are compared to them.
Through normal use and maybe the occasional spirited driving, your treads will eventually reach the same height as these bars. Once they do, then it’s time for a tire change.
Similarly, you can use the “penny trick” on the second image to measure how thick your treads are by seeing how much of Lincoln’s head is exposed.
If your treads still keep half of his head hidden, then you’ve got a decent amount of tread life left. But if you can see his entire head, then you’re already due for a tire change then and there.
How and When to Rotate Tires on the Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is eventually going to need its tires rotated, which will come a lot sooner than a tire change, of course.
Both the tire rotation pattern and frequency generally depend on the vehicle’s drivetrain system and the type of tires that it’s fitted with.
If a vehicle is fitted with non-directional tires, then the vehicle’s drivetrain becomes the sole determining factor.
Almost all Dodge Challengers were fitted with an RWD (rear-wheel drive) system, with the AWD versions of the 3.6i V6 SXT and GT trims introduced in 2017 being the only exceptions.
Since both RWD and AWD vehicles actually use the same tire rotation pattern, every Dodge Challenger fitted with non-directional tires will only use the pattern below.
The diagram shows the “rearward cross” pattern, which is the most appropriate tire rotation pattern for both RWD and AWD Dodge Challengers.
However, if your Dodge Challenger is fitted with directional (unidirectional) tires, then it means that their treads are designed to perform optimally in one direction.
Due to this feature, directional tires cannot be crossed during tire rotations and call for only a “straight rotation” pattern demonstrated below.
As for when should these tire rotation patterns be performed, it should be every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for RWD Dodge Challengers and 3,000 to 5,000 miles for AWD Dodge Challengers.
Tires on AWD cars need to be rotated a bit sooner due to the extra wear and tear imposed on them by the car’s engine sending power to all four wheels.
