Ringbrothers Unveil ‘Tusk’: A Stunning 1969 Dodge Charger with a 1000-HP Hellephant Engine

At the recent SEMA event, a stunning 1969 Dodge Charger named ‘Tusk’ stole the spotlight. This remarkable creation by the award-winning Ringbrothers, Mike and Jim Ring, left automotive enthusiasts in awe. The name ‘Tusk’ was carefully chosen, inspired by the 1000-horsepower Hellephant crate motor tucked snugly beneath its sleek carbon fiber hood.

Key Takeaways:

• ‘Tusk’ is a remarkable 1969 Dodge Charger, custom-built by Ringbrothers, featuring a powerful 1000-hp Hellephant crate engine, extensive front-end modifications, and metal fabrication for better heat dissipation.
• Customizations include repositioning the firewall, extending the rocker panels through the front fenders, lowering the rocker panels by an inch, and redesigning the rear quarters for improved visual aesthetics.
• The car boasts a Mopar 426ci Hellephant supercharged Hemi engine, distinctive Baer brake callipers, a Bowler Tremec T-56 Magnum transmission, and custom wheels, with Ringbrothers dedicating 5,000 hours to the transformation, focusing on both form and function.

To accommodate the massive 426ci supercharged V8 engine in the relatively compact engine bay, a custom firewall was repositioned 2.5 inches back, aiding weight distribution and handling. Additionally, the front wheels were shifted forward by 2 inches, resulting in a longer wheelbase to enhance the Tusk’s overall performance.

Extensive metal fabrication was necessary to craft the new fenders, complete with billet vents placed behind the wheels to facilitate brake heat dissipation. The rocker panels were extended through the front fenders and lowered by an inch, creating a striking visual effect of both lowering and elongating the body. The rear quarters were also redesigned behind the wheels to align seamlessly with the front of the vehicle.

Under the hood, the ‘Tusk’ houses a potent Mopar 426ci Hellephant supercharged Hemi crate engine featuring custom valve covers, a supercharger cover, billet fluid caps, and custom headers and exhaust with Borla mufflers and billet tips. It also utilizes Radium Engineering and HP Tuners engine management, a Rick’s Hot Rods fuel tank, and Painless Wiring.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a Bowler Tremec T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission, delivering an impressive 950 lb-ft of torque. This power is efficiently channeled through a QA1 Custom REV Series carbon-fiber driveshaft and a Strange Engineering Ford 9-inch rear end. The custom “Tusk” edition HRE wheels, sized at 19×10.5 in the front and 20×13 in the rear, are wrapped with Michelin Pilot 4S tires, ensuring exceptional grip and control.

Ringbrothers’ dedication to this transformation is truly evident in the meticulous design and craftsmanship. The Charger’s body underwent a 5,000-hour transformation, resulting in an iconic masterpiece. One standout feature is the one-piece carbon-fiber grille surround, weighing a substantial 200 pounds, and adorned with chromed billet trim. This grille assembly seamlessly integrates a modified stock grille with a finely machined Ringbrothers badge, complemented by a gold-trimmed valance housing stock fog lights and a custom chin spoiler.

Numerous other enhancements include the elimination of marker lights, leading to the construction of new door skins. The door handles have been upgraded to keyless operation, even including the trunk release for added convenience. Underneath the car, custom floors and a transmission tunnel have been discreetly integrated, resulting in a sleek and seamless transition from the rear roof pillars to the rear deck. To cater to the thirst of the mighty Hellephant engine, dual fuel-fillers have been added.

As a finishing touch, the ‘Tusk’ showcases the stunning BASF Glasurit’s “Black to the Future” paint job, giving it a timeless and elegant appearance. The interior received its fair share of attention, with carbon fiber accents on the steering wheel and console, along with a ‘pistol-grip’ shifter, adding a modern and sporty touch.

In conclusion, ‘Tusk’ is not just a car; it’s a work of art and engineering excellence. The Ringbrothers’ attention to detail and dedication to both form and function have resulted in a breathtaking custom 1969 Dodge Charger that continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts around the world.