RKM Built Charger R/T Pro Touring EFI 426 V8 HEMI 506 HP TKO500 5 Speed A/C

SUMMARY

The basic formula for a show-stopping pro-touring car is simple: Start with a popular car from the muscle car era and fill it with quality modern components until every compromise has been eliminated. Of course, perfecting that formula takes a rare combination of time, talent, and vision. Built by the craftsmen at the RKM Performance Center, this stunning 1970 Dodge Charger R/T is one of the lucky few backed by all three, resulting in a no-holds-barred build ready to dominate on the show-field and the auto-cross track. The beneficiary of a six-year rotisserie restoration, every component of this original XS29 R/T has been carefully crafted with equal emphasis placed on performance and aesthetics. With a Hilborn-injected HEMI, a Tremec five-speed, a fully modernized suspension, and just 21 test miles completed since restoration, this unshown B-body offers buyers an extraordinary car and several new ways to enjoy every sunny weekend.

BODYWORK/TRIM

When this Charger arrived at the shop, terms like "sinister" and "jaw-dropping" simply didn't apply. Though the OEM sheetmetal remained intact, the signature front fascia was long gone. The original Dark Burnt Orange paint had also been stripped alongside the white vinyl top that once accompanied it. With a fresh canvas, the RKM Performance Center team got to work transforming the aging body into a work of art. Every inch was carefully massaged before a fresh coat of DBU9700 black was sprayed across the panels. Widely considered the definitive shade of black, most night skies simply aren't this dark. For the hood and tail stripes, a deep shape of grey was selected from Lamborghini paint charts and applied over the deep black. The combination was then buried in clearcoat and buffed to near perfection. The final finish is beyond reproach, offering mirror-like reflections from all angles. The paintwork is matched by even gaps around the hood, doors, and deck lid. While assembly line cars of the 1970s weren't known for their fit and finish, the RKM Performance Center team made sure to leave those imperfections in the past.

The 1970 model is arguably the pinnacle of the of the second generation Charger thanks to a stunning array of visual cues implemented by the good folks at the Chrysler Corporation. This R/T incorporates those factory pieces with a few subtle upgrades to maximize visual appeal. At the front, a new chrome wraparound grille houses electric hideaway headlights and a subtle right-aligned Charger R/T badge. Above the fascia, hood pins from Ring Brothers provide a bit of racing-inspired style and functionality. Around the interior, the greenhouse is comprised of clean Pilkington glass and show-quality stainless trim. Aside from corner markers, chrome door handles and chrome mirrors, there is little else to detract from the gloss black paint and Coke bottle styling. On the driver side, the classic flip top gas cap tops of the quarter panel with track-inspired style. The rear profile is as sinister as the rest of the car thanks to a satin black taillight panel, deep red taillight lenses, and a chrome bumper. A pair of polished rectangular TTI exhaust tips hang beneath the rear bumper, hinting at the car's performance capabilities.

ENGINE

If there is one quality that RKM Performance Center builds share across the board, it's consistently amazing engine bays. Pull the hood pins on this Charger and the show begins. Around the engine, all sheetmetal has been smoothed and sprayed in the same sleek grey as the hood and tail stripes. A pair of braces tie into the cowl support, offering both strength and style to the bay. The centerpiece is an Indy 426 HEMI crate engine bolted together and dyno-tested by the team at Indy Cylinder Head. The block wears a deep shade of red on the outside while the inside is filled with pieces such as a custom grind Comp hydraulic cam, Eagle rods, and Diamond pistons for a rock solid foundation. CNC-ported aluminum HEMI heads and a visually stunning eight-stack manifold round out the top. While the polished stacks add a vintage racing look to the bay, the system provides modern reliability thanks to an ECU, injectors, wiring harnesses, and a full array of sensors from F.A.S.T. The combination is good for a proven 506 hp and 500 lb. ft. of torque. At the front of the engine, a March Performance serpentine setup spins accessories including a polished air conditioning compression and power steering pump. Across from the pieces, a polished direct-fit Be Cool radiators keeps the mill cool with the aid of dual electric fans. Spend exhaust gases funnel through ceramic coated headers which connect to a full three-inch TTI exhaust system equipped with DynoMax mufflers.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Put the car on a lift and more show-quality craftsmanship shines through. From the beautifully finished floors to the fresh hardware and braided lines, every inch is worth a closer look. At the front, an impressive Magnumforce TIG-welded 4130 Chromoly K-member supports the 426 HEMI, removing nearly 150 lbs. of factory weight in the process. Behind the HEMI, a Keisler-modified Tremec TKO-500 five-speed manual transmission with a Quick Time bellhousing makes quick work of shifts. At the rear, a Moser Dana 60 rear axle with 3.54 gears puts the power to the pavement with authority. Around the thoroughly upgraded drivetrain, an equally capable suspension starts with Magnumforce 1.25-inch tubular control arms with heavy duty rod ends and QA1 coilovers for a fully adjustable front end. The rear end remains traditional with new parallel leaf springs and QA1 shocks at either side of the Dana 60. An added benefit of the Magnumforce tubular K-member is its integrated power rack and pinion steering which, when coupled with the Wilwood 12-inch rotors and four-piston calipers found at all four corners of the car, offers the confident response of a modern sports car. At the corners, a staggered set of 19 and 20-inch Foose wheels have been finished in gloss black with polished lips. The impressive wheels are wrapped in 275/30ZR19 front and 295/35ZR20 rear Nitto Invo tires for maximum grip.

INTERIOR

Inside the car, a sleek black interior resides in place of white and Burnt Orange. Though it has a custom feel, the design can largely be accredited to the Chrysler Corporation. The conversion started with new black carpet and a factory woodgrain center console. Like many of the interior pieces, the leather-wrapped high-back bucket seats came from Legendary Auto Interiors. Firm and supportive, these seats could easily pass for pieces borrowed from a late model sports car. At either side, new black door panels are highlighted by round Charger R/T logos and new hardware all around including switches for the power windows. The view from the driver seat is the stuff of muscle car dreams with a wood-finished steering wheel and pistol-grip shifter granting control over the car. Beyond the wheel, a 150 mph speedometer sits next to a tachometer with an integrated clock. Smaller gauges monitor other HEMI vitals including remaing fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and alternator output. To the right, controls for the updated HVAC system are placed within reach directly above the Alpine head unit which sends signal to new Pioneer speakers. Behind the rear seat, the trunk is finished to the same high standards as the rest of the car. New black carpet sits beneath an Optima red top battery and the gas filler neck that feeds into the aforemention custom fuel tank below.

Pro-touring cars are about cancelling out the compromises of muscle car ownership and replacing them with new capabilities. With a modern Hilborn-injected 426 HEMI, quick-shifting Tremec five-speed, and a fully upgraded suspension, the RKM Performance Center team has helped this 1970 Charger R/T annihilate any complaints regarding performance or cornering. The addition of conveniences like power steering, power windows, disc brakes, air conditioning, and a modern stereo simply sweeten the deal. Built by the best for the most discriminating muscle car fans the scene has to offer, this Charger is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the rewards of a fresh world-class pro-tourer without endless calls to vendors, builders, and banks. Don't miss this one!