RE: Does the exhaust need mods??
On my 5.7L I left the mufflers in place and just had the resonator removed and replaced with straight pipe. For my taste, it has a great sound when starting the engine and revving the motor. It also does not go overboard with sound, so you can still hear your music. I am going to check if this is okay to do with the SRT8, but going to hold my decision until I actually hear my Challenger.
Dave