Best Mods and Customizations for Chrysler 300

Essential performance upgrades

Performance modifications for the 300 follow a logical progression, starting with breathing improvements and moving toward more aggressive power adders. The platform responds well to basic bolt-ons, with even the V6 models showing decent gains from simple modifications. HEMI-powered cars unlock serious potential with the right combination of parts.

Cold air intake systems

A quality cold air intake represents the perfect starting point for any 300 build. Factory airboxes prioritize quiet operation over performance, leaving easy power on the table. Aftermarket intakes not only free up airflow but also add that satisfying intake growl under acceleration.

The gains vary by engine, with V6 models typically seeing 8-12 horsepower while HEMI engines can gain 15-20 ponies. More importantly, throttle response improves noticeably, making the car feel more eager. Popular options from K&N, aFe, and JLT deliver proven results without triggering check engine lights.

Exhaust system modifications

Nothing transforms a 300’s personality like a proper exhaust. The factory system muffles the engine’s natural voice, especially on HEMI models, so, starting with a cat-back system keeps things emissions-legal while delivering both sound and modest power gains.

Resonator deletes offer a budget-friendly option for those wanting more volume without full system replacement. HEMI cars benefit most from chambered mufflers that emphasize the V8 rumble, while V6 models sound best with straight-through designs. Going beyond cat-backs into headers and high-flow cats unlocks more power but requires careful consideration of local regulations.

ECU tuning and programmers

Modern engine management means massive gains hide in the factory ECU, just waiting for the right tune to unlock them. Handheld programmers from DiabloSport and Superchips offer canned tunes that wake up throttle response and add significant midrange torque.

V6 models gain around 20-30 horsepower from tuning alone, while HEMI engines can see 40-50 horsepower increases. Custom dyno tuning takes things further, optimizing for your specific modifications and local fuel quality. 

The best part? These gains come with improved fuel economy for highway cruising.

Supercharger kits for V8 models

Forced induction transforms the 300 from quick to genuinely fast. ProCharger and Edelbrock offer complete supercharger kits specifically designed for HEMI engines, delivering reliable power increases of 150-200 horsepower.

Installation requires mechanical competence but stays surprisingly straightforward compared to custom turbo setups. These kits include everything needed for a factory-quality installation, including upgraded fuel injectors and custom tuning. Budget around $6,000-$8,000 for a complete kit, but the transformation justifies the investment for serious enthusiasts.

Suspension and handling modifications

The 300’s size and weight create unique suspension challenges. Factory tuning prioritizes comfort over handling, leaving substantial room for improvement. The right suspension modifications transform this luxury cruiser into a surprisingly capable corner carver without ruining daily comfort.

Lowering springs vs coilovers

Lowering springs offer the most cost-effective way to improve both appearance and handling. Quality springs from Eibach or H&R drop the car 1-2 inches while maintaining reasonable ride quality. The lower center of gravity reduces body roll and improves turn-in response.

Coilovers take adjustability to another level, allowing fine-tuning of both ride height and damping. This matters for 300 owners who want an aggressive stance without sacrificing drivability. BC Racing and KW offer proven solutions that handle both street and occasional track duty.

Sway bar upgrades

Upgraded sway bars might be the most underrated modification for the 300. Thicker front and rear bars dramatically reduce body roll without affecting ride quality during straight-line driving. The improvement in cornering confidence surprises most owners.

Hellwig and Hotchkis make bolt-on sway bar kits that transform handling characteristics in under two hours. Combined with lowering springs, these create a balanced package that maintains the 300’s dual personality as both cruiser and performer.

Performance brake systems

More power demands better stopping ability. While factory brakes handle daily driving fine, spirited driving or track days quickly overwhelm them. Upgraded pads and rotors provide immediate improvement in both stopping power and fade resistance.

Brembo offers complete big brake kits for those seeking maximum performance. These six-piston front setups not only perform better but fill out larger wheels properly. For street-driven cars, quality pads from Hawk or EBC paired with slotted rotors deliver excellent results at reasonable cost.

Wheel and tire upgrades

Nothing changes a 300’s appearance more dramatically than the right wheel and tire combination. The car’s substantial size needs larger wheels to maintain proper proportions, but going too big creates more problems than solutions.

When looking for new wheels for your 300, MotorMia’s visualization feature within the app lets you see exactly how different styles look on your specific color and model before making that expensive purchase.

Here are the most common 300 wheel and tire upgrades. 

Optimal wheel sizing (20-22 inches)

The sweet spot for 300s falls between 20 and 22 inches. Factory 20s look appropriately sized, but 22s really make the car pop without venturing into donk territory. Going larger than 22 inches starts affecting acceleration, braking, and ride quality negatively.

Offset becomes critical with larger wheels. Most 300s run best with offsets between +15 and +25mm for that flush fitment. Too aggressive and you’ll rub; too conservative and the wheels look sunken. Weight matters too, with flow-formed or forged wheels maintaining performance despite larger diameters.

Staggered vs square fitments

Staggered setups with wider rear wheels enhance the 300’s muscular stance. Running 9-inch fronts with 10.5-inch rears creates an aggressive look while improving rear traction for HEMI models. This setup works particularly well with lowered suspension.

Square setups using the same width all around offer advantages too. Tire rotation extends life, and handling balance improves for those who actually push their cars. Most owners prefer staggered for pure aesthetics, but square setups make more sense for performance-focused builds.

Performance tire selection

Tire choice dramatically affects both performance and ride quality. Summer performance tires from Michelin, Continental, or Pirelli transform grip levels but require winter storage in cold climates. All-season performance tires offer a practical compromise.

For HEMI cars making serious power, consider drag radials for the rear. These provide massive traction improvements for straight-line acceleration while maintaining street manners. Just remember they wear quickly and perform poorly in wet conditions.

Exterior styling modifications

The 300’s bold design provides an excellent canvas for personalization. Smart exterior modifications enhance the factory styling rather than fighting it. The key lies in choosing modifications that complement the car’s executive muscle sedan character.

Front lip and body dit options

A well-chosen front lip adds aggression without going overboard. Carbon fiber or ABS plastic lips from manufacturers like APR or custom fiberglass options transform the front end’s presence. The best designs integrate seamlessly with factory bumpers.

Complete body kits exist but require careful selection. The 300 looks best with subtle enhancements rather than wild transformations. Side skirts and rear diffusers that follow factory character lines create cohesive appearances.

Grille replacements

The factory grille defines the 300’s face, making replacement one of the most impactful modifications. Mesh grilles create sportier appearances, while custom billet designs add luxury touches. Some owners prefer the sinister look of murdered-out grilles.

SRT-style grilles remain popular for non-SRT models, offering factory-quality fit with more aggressive styling. Whatever style you choose, ensure proper airflow to cooling systems, especially on modified engines.

LED lighting conversions

Modern LED technology transforms both appearance and functionality. Headlight conversions improve nighttime visibility dramatically while adding contemporary styling. Quality kits from Morimoto or similar brands provide proper beam patterns without blinding oncoming traffic.

Don’t forget interior LEDs. Swapping every bulb for LED equivalents modernizes the cabin ambiance. Footwell lighting, door projectors, and trunk lighting all benefit from LED upgrades.

Window tint and chrome delete

Window tint serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Beyond the obvious privacy and styling benefits, quality ceramic tint significantly reduces interior temperatures. Most 300s look best with 20-35% tint, dark enough for impact without attracting unwanted attention.

Chrome delete transforms the 300’s character completely. Wrapping or painting chrome trim in gloss or matte black creates a more menacing appearance that many owners prefer. This relatively affordable modification makes a dramatic visual impact.

Interior enhancements

The 300’s interior already impresses with available leather and real wood trim, but personalization options abound. Smart interior modifications enhance the driving experience while maintaining the car’s luxury character.

Steering wheel upgrades

A custom steering wheel transforms the driving experience more than most realize. Aftermarket wheels with better grip areas and paddle shifters enhance both comfort and control. Carbon fiber or Alcantara wrapped wheels add serious sport sedan vibes.

Some owners retrofit SRT steering wheels into base models, gaining both better ergonomics and integrated controls. This plug-and-play upgrade maintains all factory functions while adding genuine performance car feel.

Custom upholstery options

Reupholstering seats in premium materials takes interior luxury to another level. Diamond-stitched leather, Alcantara inserts, or custom two-tone designs create truly unique interiors. Quality shops can even add heating and cooling to base model seats.

Don’t overlook smaller touches like shift boots, armrest covers, and door panel inserts. These affordable modifications add up to transform the overall interior ambiance.

Infotainment system updates

Factory infotainment systems age quickly in the tech world. Aftermarket head units from Alpine or Kenwood add Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to older models. These upgrades also improve sound quality and add modern features like wireless charging integration.

For those wanting to maintain factory appearance, modules exist that add smartphone integration to stock systems. This best-of-both-worlds approach preserves the factory look while adding essential modern functionality.

Sound system improvements

The 300’s quiet interior provides an excellent platform for audio upgrades. Starting with speaker replacements dramatically improves clarity without major investment. Component speakers in front doors paired with quality rear fills transform the listening experience.

Adding a subwoofer brings the bottom end factory systems lack. The massive trunk easily accommodates serious bass without sacrificing cargo space. Amplifiers hidden under seats power the whole system while maintaining clean installations.

HEMI-specific performance mods

HEMI engines respond incredibly well to traditional hot rod modifications. These pushrod V8s love breathing improvements and aggressive camshafts, delivering old-school power gains with modern reliability.

Headers and cam upgrades

Long-tube headers remain the gold standard for HEMI power gains. Quality headers from American Racing or Kooks add 20-30 horsepower while creating an absolutely intoxicating exhaust note. Installation requires dedication but transforms the driving experience.

Camshaft upgrades take things further, with mild street cams adding 40-60 horsepower without sacrificing driveability. More aggressive profiles push gains higher but require supporting modifications like springs and converters.

Intake manifold options

The factory intake manifold works well but leaves room for improvement. Ported factory manifolds offer modest gains, while aftermarket pieces from BBK or Holley really wake things up. These modifications particularly help top-end power.

Variable runner systems maintain low-end torque while improving high-RPM breathing. Combined with headers and cam, manifold upgrades complete the traditional hot rod trifecta.

Differential upgrades

Putting power down requires addressing the rear differential. Limited-slip differentials eliminate one-wheel burnouts while improving launch characteristics. Gear ratio changes wake up acceleration, with 3.73 or 3.91 gears transforming seat-of-the-pants feel.

Stronger axles become necessary with serious power additions. The factory pieces handle moderate modifications, but supercharged cars need upgraded halfshafts to survive aggressive launches.

FAQ

What are the best first mods for a Chrysler 300?

Start with simple bolt-ons that deliver immediate satisfaction. A cold air intake paired with a cat-back exhaust wakes up both performance and sound without major investment. Add a handheld tuner to maximize these modifications. Window tint and wheel spacers improve appearance dramatically for minimal cost. These basic modifications create a solid foundation for future upgrades while maintaining reliability.

How much horsepower can you get out of a Chrysler 300?

The Chrysler 300 can produce between 292 and 485 horsepower depending on the engine option. The base model uses a 3.6L V6 with 292–300 hp, while the 5.7L HEMI V8 in the 300C delivers 363 hp. The high-performance 300 SRT model can reach up to 485 hp with a 6.4L V8 engine.

Are Chrysler 300 mods expensive compared to other sedans?

The 300 offers excellent modification value compared to German competitors. Parts cost less than BMW or Mercedes equivalents while delivering similar performance gains. The large aftermarket means competitive pricing and plenty of options. V6 models can be transformed for under $3,000, while $5,000-7,000 creates a seriously quick HEMI car. Compared to modifying sport compact cars, the 300 delivers more presence and comfort for similar investment