Whether you daily drive your performance car or take it to the track every weekend, eventually you’ll want more power, more consistency, and more reliability under the hood. That’s exactly where car upgrade packages, commonly known as power packages, come in. Instead of piecing together random mods that may or may not complement each other, a power package gives you a curated, proven combination of parts designed to work as a system.
But with so many options available, how do you know what power package is right for your vehicle’s specific make and model? What works best on a Challenger may not deliver the same results on a Durango. A Ram TRX will need different intake and exhaust upgrades than a Charger Scat Pack.
This guide will walk you through the most important things to consider when choosing a power package, highlight specific recommendations based on driving goals, and feature popular Dusterhoff Racing kits built for Dodge performance platforms.
Why Power Packages Work Better Than Piecemeal Mods
Before choosing your upgrade path, it helps to understand why power packages are the smarter route:
1. Matched Components = Maximum Efficiency
A quality power package pairs parts that complement each other. A big cold-air intake won’t do much if your throttle body, fuel system, or tuning can’t support the added airflow. Packages ensure every part contributes to a measurable gain.
2. Proven Dyno-Tested Results
Here at Dusterhoff Racing, we design kits around thousands of dyno pulls, real-world racing data, and customer builds. That means no guesswork, just reliable, repeatable horsepower gains.
3. Better Reliability and Safety
A mod that pushes your vehicle without supporting upgrades (fueling, cooling, transmission, etc.) can create long-term issues. A power package makes sure your engine and drivetrain stay healthy while delivering more power.
4. Cost Efficiency
Buying a complete setup instead of individual parts usually lowers your total cost. It also cuts down on labor time because installs are done as a unified project, vs piecing things together, then wanting to add or change things during the build.
How to Choose the Right Power Package for Your Vehicle
The best approach to choosing a power package depends on your vehicle’s platform, your performance goals, and your intended use. Below are the most important decision-making criteria.
1. Start With Your Vehicle Make and Model
In our case, Dodge is going to be the make, but different models will have different engines, and even different trims within the same model can respond uniquely to upgrades.
Hemi 5.7
Great baseline power, responds well to simple bolt-ons, cam packages, and tuning.
6.4 Scat Pack
Loves airflow upgrades and cam packages; makes impressive NA power when set up correctly. Also loves Power Adders like a Procharger!
6.2 Hellcat
Forced-induction platform with huge potential. Power packages often revolve around supercharger upgrades, fuel delivery, and supporting mods.
Hellcat Durango / Jeep Trackhawk
These vehicles have the same 6.2L that loves boost, but these vehicles are heavier and have different drivetrains.
Ram TRX
The same 6.2L responds extremely well to intake, longtube headers, and pulley upgrades, which also helps offset the power-to-weight ratio of the truck.
At Dusterhoff Racing, we design power packages specifically around each engine platform, not generic “fits all” solutions. Want more than our standard packages? Our experts can put together a winning combination to match what you want to get out of the vehicle. You can learn more here.
2. Define Your Driving Goals
Your goals will determine the right package. The clearer your goals, the easier it is to choose the right package.
Daily Street Driving
Daily drivers would be mild to moderate gains, stock-like drivability, good fuel economy balance, and proven reliability. Typically, smaller bolt-ons (Intake/Exhaust/Suspension/Wheels/Tires).
Weekend Warrior / Occasional Track Use
Weekend warriors would typically consist of airflow upgrades, potential supercharger or turbo addition or upgrade, upgraded cooling system, clutch or upgraded converter (if auto also allows for a stage 2 or 3 camshaft kit, fuel system upgrades, suspension upgrades, Dusterhoff tune.
Dedicated Drag or Roll Racing
Drag Car or Roll Racer, you’re shooting for maximum power potential while able to plant it to the ground. Power adders, fuel system, full exhaust, cooling system, aggressive cams, built shortblock, upgraded heads, transmission build paired with proper clutch or converter, brake upgrades, drag pack wheels/tires, potential roll cage, etc. The list goes on, and the sky’s the limit here.
3. Set Your Power Expectations
More horsepower isn’t always the right answer. You should consider engine reliability limits, drivetrain strength, fuel type (91/93/E85), cooling needs, brakes, suspension, wheel and tire upgrades, and budget is a big one. Online forums often mislead people, thinking they can make serious power without a large investment. Depending on what you’re looking to do and which vehicle, it can be drastically different.
Some vehicles easily handle +150 HP with bolt-ons, while others require internal engine upgrades once you cross a certain threshold.
4. Understand Supporting Mods
This is where many DIY modders can get stuck. Adding more boost or airflow without upgrading fuel pumps, injectors, cooling components, transmission components, driveshaft/axles… can lead to failures. Power packages take the guesswork out by including exactly what your make and model needs to support the gains safely.
Ready to Upgrade?
Whether you’re hunting for the best power package for your Dodge 5.7L, 6.4L, or 6.2L, or simply need help choosing a power package that fits your platform, our team is ready to help.
Contact Dusterhoff Racing today for a custom recommendation tailored to your exact vehicle and goals.
