Recommended performance upgrades for a Chrysler 300?

Question

I've been wrenching on my own cars for years, mostly just basic stuff like oil changes and brakes, but I finally picked up this 2016 Chrysler 300 and I wanna make it more fun to drive. Kinda sick of the stock feel. I’ve got about a grand saved up to spend over the next month or two here in Ohio, mostly just for daily driving to work and some weekend cruising. I was thinking a new cold air intake and maybe a tune but I keep hearing mixed things about the transmission handling the power boost. Has anyone here actually done a decent build on the 3.6 without blowing the budget or breaking anything?

qehqxkszqd · Accepted Answer

> I keep hearing mixed things about the transmission handling the power boost. Honestly, the 8-speed in those is pretty solid. Just dont expect a 3.6 to turn into a rocketship with basic bolt-ons. Youre mostly gonna get better throttle response and a meaner sound tbh. If you want it to feel snappier around town, snag a K&N 63-1564 Performance Air Intake System for that intake growl. For the computer side, stick to a reputable shelf tune like a DiabloSport inTune i3 Performance Programmer so you dont fry anything. Be careful with those aggressive tunes tho; keep your trans fluid fresh since you're in Ohio and the winter salt/cold can be rough. Its not gonna win you any track titles, but itll make the commute way less boring. Just dont push it too hard and you should be fine.

oyikuovskk · Answer

@Reply #3 - good point! Honestly, if you want that Chrysler to feel like a different machine without blowing your savings, focus on the rubber and the brakes. The stock setup feels like a boat because of the cheap tires and heavy rotors. I put some better pads on mine and it changed how I drive to work entirely.

EBC Brakes Yellowstuff Brake Pads DP42234R Street and Track

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus 245/45ZR20 All-Season Tires Those pads have way more bite than the OEM stuff and you wont deal with that fade after a few hard stops. Getting some decent rubber makes the car actually hold a line in corners. You dont need a massive power boost to have fun, just gotta make the car stop and turn properly first. Super satisfied with this setup, no complaints at all.

Truggropmof · Answer

^ This. Also, if you really want to change the feel without touching the engine internals, look at the handling. The 300 is a heavy boat and the stock suspension is kinda mushy. Honestly, a front sway bar from Eibach Anti-Roll Kit 28108.310 Sway Bar makes a massive difference in how it takes turns during your daily commute. Youll actually feel planted for once. Also, skip the tune for a sec and grab a Pedal Commander PC40 Throttle Response Controller if you want that instant jumpiness at stoplights. It doesnt add actual hp, but it totally kills that sluggish pedal feel these LX platforms are known for. Been running one for ages and it honestly feels like a different car in sport mode. Save the rest of your cash for some better rubber because those base tires are definitely the real bottleneck.