The Dodge MPS6 stands out as a unique and capable sedan with a cult following. It packs a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive into a practical four-door body, offering a fantastic foundation for tuning. If you’re looking to unlock the hidden potential of your MPS6, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will walk you through the essential upgrades to transform your stock Dodge MPS6 into a more powerful, responsive, and engaging machine. We’ll cover the logical progression of modifications, from simple bolt-ons to more advanced tuning, helping you make informed decisions that align with your performance goals and budget.
Where to Begin: Pre-Modification Checklist
Before you start ordering parts, it’s crucial to ensure your car is in excellent health. Modifying a vehicle with underlying issues will only amplify those problems and lead to disappointment.
Compression Test
The first step is a compression test. This will tell you about the health of your engine’s piston rings and valve seals. A healthy engine should have consistent numbers across all cylinders. Any significant variation could indicate a serious problem that needs to be addressed before adding more power.
Check for Boost Leaks
Turbocharged engines are sensitive to boost leaks—unmetered air escaping the system after the turbo. These leaks can rob you of power, cause poor fuel economy, and make the car feel sluggish. A boost leak test is a simple procedure that pressurizes the intake system so you can listen for and find any escaping air. Common culprits include cracked hoses, loose clamps, and faulty seals.
Baseline Dyno Run
While not strictly necessary, getting a baseline dynamometer (dyno) run is highly recommended. This provides a starting point, showing you exactly how much power your car is making before any modifications. It allows you to accurately measure the gains from each upgrade and ensures you’re getting the performance you paid for.
Stage 1: The Essential First Upgrades
Once your MPS6 is confirmed to be healthy, you can start with the fun part: modifications. These initial upgrades are fundamental for any tuned MPS6, as they address the factory’s biggest limitations.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Internals
If you do only one modification to your Dodge MPS6, make it this one. The stock high-pressure fuel pump is barely adequate for the factory power levels. As you begin to increase boost, the stock HPFP cannot supply enough fuel, leading to a dangerous lean condition where the engine doesn’t get enough fuel. This can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Upgrading the HPFP internals is a non-negotiable safety measure. It’s a relatively inexpensive and straightforward job that provides the fuel headroom needed for all future modifications.
Performance Engine Mounts
The factory engine mounts on the MPS6 are soft, designed primarily for comfort. This leads to significant engine movement under acceleration, which can cause sloppy-feeling shifts and wheel hop. Upgrading to stiffer performance engine mounts, particularly the Rear Motor Mount (RMM), drastically reduces this movement. The result is a more direct and connected feeling, improved throttle response, and smoother gear changes.
Upgraded Downpipe
The factory downpipe contains restrictive catalytic converters that choke exhaust flow and limit the turbo’s efficiency. An aftermarket high-flow or catless downpipe is one of the most effective power-adding modifications. It allows the turbo to spool up faster and hold boost more effectively, resulting in a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque across the entire rev range. Be sure to check your local regulations regarding emissions equipment before installing a catless downpipe.
Cold Air Intake (CAI)
A Cold Air Intake replaces the restrictive factory airbox, allowing the engine to breathe more freely. A well-designed CAI will pull cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay. This cooler air charge helps the engine make more power and improves throttle response. While a CAI on its own provides modest gains, it becomes essential as you move to more advanced stages of tuning.
Stage 2: Supporting Mods and Tuning
With the foundational parts installed, your MPS6 is ready for a custom tune and supporting modifications that will take its performance to the next level.
ECU Tune
An ECU tune is the brain of your performance upgrade. A professional tuner will adjust your car’s engine control unit (ECU) parameters—like fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost pressure—to take full advantage of your new hardware. This is where all your individual upgrades come together to create a cohesive and powerful package. A custom tune not only maximizes power but also ensures the engine is running safely and reliably.
Upgraded Top-Mount Intercooler (TMIC)
As you increase boost with a tune, the air coming from the turbo gets hotter. The stock top-mount intercooler quickly becomes overwhelmed, a condition known as “heat soak,” which reduces engine power. An upgraded, larger TMIC has a greater cooling capacity, ensuring the air entering your engine remains cool and dense. This allows for more consistent power, especially during repeated acceleration or in warm weather.
Stage 3: Pushing the Limits
For those who want to push their Dodge MPS6 even further, the next step involves upgrading the turbocharger itself.
Turbocharger Upgrade
The stock K04 turbo is a great unit, but it has its limits. Upgrading to a larger, more efficient turbocharger is the key to making significant power gains beyond Stage 2. There are many options available, from direct bolt-on upgrades that offer a modest power bump to larger custom setups capable of making well over 400 horsepower.
When choosing a turbo, consider your power goals and driving style. A smaller, quick-spooling turbo might be better for street driving, while a larger turbo will provide more top-end power for track use. A turbo upgrade will absolutely require a new custom tune to operate correctly and safely.
What to Expect
By following this upgrade path, you can systematically and safely enhance the performance of your Dodge MPS6.
- Stage 1 modifications will make your car feel more responsive and athletic, laying a reliable foundation for future power.
- Stage 2 is where you’ll experience a major transformation, with a significant jump in horsepower and torque thanks to the ECU tune.
- Stage 3 is for the dedicated enthusiast looking to build a seriously fast and capable machine.
Final Thoughts on Your Upgrade Journey
Upgrading your Dodge MPS6 is a rewarding process that can transform it from a quick family sedan into a true performance car. The key is to start with a healthy platform and follow a logical progression of modifications. Prioritize reliability with essential upgrades like HPFP internals, and invest in a quality custom tune to bring all your new parts together.
Whether you’re aiming for a spirited daily driver or a weekend track weapon, this step-by-step guide provides a proven roadmap for unlocking your MPS6’s full potential. Enjoy the journey, and happy tuning!
