Building the World’s First Manual Dodge Demon

A Dodge Demon destroyed by fire, purchased at a salvage auction for under $20,000, might seem like a recipe for disaster. But for the team at ScrapLife Garage, it was a challenge too enticing to resist. Over the course of a year, they turned this burned-out shell into the world’s first manual Dodge Demon, a labor-intensive journey filled with ingenuity, setbacks, and triumphs. Here’s how it all went down.

A Demon Reborn

The Demon began its second life at a salvage yard, where it had been written off after a catastrophic fire. The ScrapLife team saw potential in the charred remains and dove headfirst into the project, despite setbacks like a second fire during restoration. Early milestones included rewiring the car from the ground up using a manual 2018 Hellcat wiring harness—a complex but necessary step to accommodate the manual transmission.

Success came in increments, starting with the car’s first crank and then addressing major challenges like the dual fuel pump system. This setup, originally designed for Redeyes and Demons, required a creative approach to adapt the single-fuel-pump Hellcat harness they had on hand. The team used a conversion harness and a dual-fuel-pump driver to replicate factory functionality, eventually achieving the perfect voltage distribution.

Overcoming Hurdles

Of course, no rebuild is without its frustrations. After the car refused to start following extensive rewiring, the team spent hours troubleshooting, only to discover that an improperly grounded strap was the culprit. With the ground strap secured and the ECU reset, the Demon finally roared to life. “Finally,” echoed through the shop—a momentous occasion after countless setbacks.

Next came the fuel and cooling systems. Running on mismatched components, the car struggled with heat management and fuel delivery during initial test drives. After replacing a 2015 Hellcat intercooler pump with a compatible 2018+ model, they resolved the cooling issue. The team also drained and replaced old fuel with E85, calibrating the ECU for optimal performance.

The rebuilt Demon debuted on the dyno, delivering an impressive 822 horsepower—100 more than a stock Demon. While the power was exhilarating, the team knew it wasn’t just about raw numbers. The car performed flawlessly on public roads, with its cobbled-together suspension proving surprisingly stable. Despite a lack of professional alignment, the Demon drove straight and true, showcasing the team’s meticulous attention to detail.

This build wasn’t just about horsepower; it was about defying expectations. Restoring a chassis that should have been destined for the scrap heap was a point of pride for ScrapLife Garage. The Demon not only drives but does so with ferocity, blending raw power with refined handling. “It’s a piece of junk, but it’s our piece of junk,” summed up the team’s sentiment.

What’s Next for the Demon?

The team at ScrapLife Garage isn’t done. Future plans include refining the fuel system, adding an icebox for cooling, and—of course—testing the limits of this machine on nitrous. For now, though, the Demon is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and a little Mopar magic.

Join the Adventure

Want to see the full transformation? Check out the ScrapLife Garage YouTube channel. While you’re there, subscribe to follow their latest projects, from restoring totaled cars to building outrageous custom creations.

Stay connected with ScrapLife Garage on social media for behind-the-scenes looks at their builds:

• Instagram: @GFYLeeC, @Leecparts, @Scraplifegarage
• Facebook: @GFYLeeC, @Scraplifelee