In our first Charging Forward Build Series, we had the chance to spend time with Jose Juarez, known to many as 392indigoblue2.0 on Instagram. Jose's 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody isn't just modified – it's transformed into a street monster pushing 950 wheel horsepower while maintaining daily drivability. With its Whipple supercharger, full carbon fiber treatment, and air suspension, this build represents what's possible when passion meets dedication.

From Toy Cars to Real Power

Like many gearheads, Jose's automotive journey began in childhood. "I've always been into cars ever since I was a little kid, always playing with my little matchbox cars," he told us. His first real car was a humble Toyota Tercel that he modified despite its modest performance potential – proving his point that "it doesn't matter what kind of car you have, as long as you start, as long as you're passionate about cars."

This philosophy carried through to his current build. When deciding between a Hellcat or Scat Pack, Jose deliberately chose the lower trim as a starting point. "If I get the Hellcat, most likely I'm going to keep it stock. I'd rather just build a lower engine car to see what I can do with it," he explained. That decision paid off, allowing him to create something truly unique rather than just another factory powerhouse.

The Evolution of a Build

Jose didn't start with a master plan for a 950hp beast. The build evolved organically, beginning with cosmetic modifications before spiraling into serious performance territory. "It wasn't a build I had in mind," he admits. "It just happened from there on. It just rolled. It just snowballed."

That snowball effect led to extensive modifications:

Exterior: The car features substantial carbon fiber work, including the hood, front lip, side skirts, mirror caps, trunk, spoiler, and rear diffuser. Jose sources his carbon fiber from several companies including Anderson Composites, Corbin Carbon, and Destroyed Customs.

Performance: At the heart of the build is a Gen 5, 3.0 liter Whipple supercharger pushing over 18 pounds of boost. The engine is fully built with upgraded heads, pistons, rods, and cams to handle the power. Supporting mods include a triple pump fuel system, long tube headers, and a custom exhaust setup.

Wheels and Suspension: Jose runs Weld Ventures with B-locks wrapped in Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires for serious grip. The car sits on Airlift Performance 3H air suspension, allowing it to drop to the ground for shows or raise to a comfortable driving height.

Interior: Race-ready Braum fixed-back bucket seats with harnesses keep Jose planted during hard acceleration, while a custom roll cage adds safety and rigidity. Custom carbon fiber A-pillars house boost and air/fuel gauges, and the interior features an SRT illuminated steering wheel with LED shift indicators.

Lessons from the Trenches

The most valuable takeaway from our conversation was Jose's hard-earned wisdom about the modification process. His primary advice: "Do it right the first time."

"Spend the money. 'Cause if you take shortcuts, you get an inferior product," he warns. "It's going to be twice as expensive. Once it breaks, you gotta redo it." This lesson came after learning the hard way through trial and error.

Jose also emphasized the importance of finding the right professionals. His loyalty to Yellow Jacket Tuning in Los Angeles speaks volumes – he'll drive hours just for basic service because he trusts their work completely. "You gotta have the right tuner," he insists. "Not just any tuner."

For DIY builders, Jose recommends starting small with basic maintenance like oil changes and brake work before progressing to more complex modifications. "Talk to people, talk to mechanics, talk to people that's already been doing it for a while," he advises. "But you need to get your own hands dirty. Just start with basics."

Practical Advice for Charger Owners

Beyond the technical aspects, Jose offered solid advice for fellow Charger enthusiasts:

Security first: "Kill switch, kill switch, kill switch," Jose emphasized repeatedly. With Chargers being frequent theft targets, he invested in a custom kill switch system that completely disables the car.

Know your platform: Understand what the 392 engine can handle versus the Hellcat engine, especially when adding boost. The 392 wasn't designed for forced induction from the factory, so supporting modifications are crucial.

Community matters: Jose highlighted the value of connecting with other builders at meets and shows. Most enthusiasts are happy to share knowledge and experience – you just need to ask.

Be proud of what you drive: Whether you're starting with a V6 or already have a Scat Pack, Jose encourages owners to appreciate their cars and modify them for personal enjoyment, not to impress others.

The Results Speak for Themselves

What started as a factory Scat Pack has evolved into a multi-purpose monster that Jose describes as capable of being "a daily driver, a track car, a show car." Despite the extensive modifications, "it drives like it's factory," he claims.

With nearly 950 wheel horsepower on tap, the car hooks hard when launched properly. "The car, I swear to you, it just wants to do the wheelie. The power, it goes up. You feel the car just dig into the ground," Jose says with obvious pride.

For Jose, this build represents years of work, research, and passion – proving that with the right approach, even a factory performance car can be transformed into something extraordinary that reflects its owner's vision and determination.

Want to see more of Jose's incredible Charger build? Check out the full interview on our your favorite podcast network.

Apple Podcast - Charging Forward

Spotify - Charging Forward