When building a high-performance Dodge Charger, it's easy to get caught up in horsepower numbers and quarter-mile times. However, as we learned in our Charging Forward interview with Jose Juarez (@392indigoblue2.0) and his 950hp Whipple-supercharged Scat Pack Widebody, some of the most important modifications have nothing to do with going faster.

Jose's build isn't just about raw power—it's about creating a complete package that's secure, reliable, and practical for real-world use. Let's dive into the essential non-performance modifications that every Charger owner should consider.

Security First: The Kill Switch Advantage

If there was one modification Jose emphasized more than any other, it was the importance of a kill switch system. When asked for his top piece of advice for Charger owners, his response was immediate and emphatic:

"Kill switch, kill switch, kill switch. These cars get stolen like it was nobody's business. Man, especially here in the Bay Area."

Dodge Chargers and Challengers consistently rank among the most stolen vehicles in America. A properly installed kill switch is your best defense against theft, effectively rendering your car inoperable to anyone who doesn't know where to find and disable it.

Jose's approach goes beyond the basic:

• His kill switch is custom-designed and hidden in a location that would be nearly impossible for thieves to find

• The system cuts all power to the car, preventing any operation

• Combined with his air suspension (which drops the car to the ground when parked), it creates multiple layers of security

"If you can take this car from where I have it, you deserve to keep it," Jose explained. "With that kill switch... the car is not gonna move. You can't even drag it out with a hook because it's on the ground."

For maximum effectiveness, avoid obvious locations for your kill switch and consider having a professional install a custom solution rather than an off-the-shelf system that experienced thieves might recognize.

Engine Longevity: The Catch Can Necessity

Another practical modification Jose highlighted was his catch can setup:

"That's the Mighty Mouse catch can. It's rated for up to, I want to say, a thousand horsepower applications... Those parts are so vital because it keeps your engine clean. It stops oil from getting actually into the valves and all that."

Catch cans are particularly important for direct-injection engines and forced induction setups. They:

• Capture oil vapors that would otherwise recirculate into your intake

• Prevent carbon buildup on intake valves

• Extend the life of your engine by keeping it cleaner internally

"That should be one of your very first mods," Jose advised. "It's a very popular mod. You don't have to go to that extreme, but if you get like a Bill of Technology or a Speed Logic catch can, like two, three hundred bucks. Works just fine."

Whether your Charger is stock or modified, a catch can is cheap insurance against long-term engine issues.

Practical Interior Upgrades

Jose's interior features race-ready Braum Racing bucket seats and harnesses, but he also discussed more practical modifications that enhance daily driving:

Gauge Additions: "I have a boost gauge on the bottom... And then the air fuel mixture on top. The boost gauge is extremely important to anyone with a boosted application... You don't want to overboost, next thing you'll blow something."

Even for non-boosted applications, additional gauges monitoring oil pressure, water temperature, AFR (air:fuel ratio), or other vital systems can provide early warning of potential issues.

Steering Wheel Upgrades: Jose explained how his custom steering wheel with LED shift indicators keeps his hands where they need to be: "When you're going racing, you want to keep hands on the wheels at all times... You need to be at a specific point when you're racing to control your car."

Practical Storage Solutions: Despite his rear seat delete and air tank setup, Jose mentioned the practicality considerations: "It's a car that can do anything, really. You want to swing it around, swing it around. You want to go to a drag strip at Sonoma, take it down to the drag strip. You want to go get some groceries. You got some space."

Preventative Maintenance Upgrades

Several modifications Jose discussed weren't about adding performance but preventing problems:

Cooling System Enhancements: "I needed just a little bit more air just blowing on the blower so it just doesn't run hot all the time," Jose explained about his hood modifications. His Mishimoto coolant expansion tank and additional cooling provisions ensure reliability even with massive power increases.

Driveline Reinforcement: "I have a diff brace so that it doesn't break," Jose mentioned when discussing how his driveline handles 950hp. These kinds of reinforcements might not make headlines, but they prevent catastrophic failures.

Quality Fasteners: Throughout the interview, Jose discussed the importance of using proper hardware for critical components, like the hood pins needed to secure his lightweight carbon fiber hood.

Brake Upgrades: The Most Important Performance Mod

While massive brakes might seem like a pure performance upgrade, Jose emphasized their practical importance:

"You gotta have great power, especially if you're gonna have a high horsepower car, you gotta make sure that you have the braking power to stop it."

His 6-piston front and 4-piston rear Brembo setup ensures the car can stop as well as it goes. This isn't just about track performance—it's about everyday safety.

"Your car brakes mainly from the front... It's like a 70/30 bias. You gotta have great power, especially if you're gonna have a high horsepower car."

Weight Reduction with Practical Benefits

Jose's carbon fiber components and lightweight racing seats serve a dual purpose:

"They were super heavy. They were 80 pounds each. These are like maybe 20 pounds," he explained about replacing the factory seats with racing buckets. "Huge weight savings."

Weight reduction improves performance but also:

• Reduces stress on suspension components

• Improves fuel economy

• Decreases brake wear

• Enhances overall vehicle longevity

The Balance of Practicality and Performance

Throughout our conversation, Jose emphasized that despite its extreme performance, his Charger remains remarkably versatile:

"The way it's built, it can be a daily driver, it can be a track car, it can be a show car, it can be any which way. It drives like it's factory, even with all the heavy modifications."

This balance didn't happen by accident—it resulted from thoughtful modification choices that enhanced rather than compromised the car's usability.

Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Not Just Fast

The key takeaway from Jose's build is that creating a truly exceptional Charger isn't just about throwing power-adding parts at it. It's about taking a holistic approach that considers:

1. Security and theft prevention

2. Engine longevity and reliability

3. Practical daily usability

4. Preventative reinforcements

5. Safety enhancements

By focusing on these areas alongside traditional performance mods, you'll build a Charger that not only impresses at the track or shows but also serves you well in everyday life—and remains in your possession rather than a thief's.

As Jose wisely noted when discussing his kill switch: "That's probably one of the most important ones, at least." Sometimes, the mods that matter most are the ones that don't make headlines.

Want more insights from Jose's incredible Charger build? Check out our full Charging Forward interview on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform!