I have a 2003 Dodge SX 2.0L Sport. I want to do some modifications but I have no idea where to start. I've read up on a few things. The first thing I want is the Cold air intake. Many websites have told me many different things. Just lookin for some information.
Also, any other ideas for future modifications? Money is kind of an object... Not looking for must expensive, but definately best bang for my buck. I wanna be able to hit a high speed, but get there faster than I do now :D
Thanks for the help in advance guys.
DodgeNeonSe2001
02-19-2004, 12:04 AM
intake, air scoop, dunnno what else... Im gonna trade my neon in for another one before any mods
Gobi2k3SX
02-19-2004, 12:45 AM
Well what about brand names?? What's better than others... I already have what I want... now I just need some brand names to get me goin...
dvgRT
02-22-2004, 10:38 AM
1. CAI (Iceman, AEM)
2. UDP-UnderdrivePully(Unorthodox, Mpx-Modern Perf., AFX-Howell performance
That's the best place to start for performance.
Here's some sites to check out!
Modern Performance (www,modernperformance.com)
Howell Automotive (www.howellautomotive.com)
Start there you'll find alkinds of performance and visual mods for neons!
I also took this from another site that i frequent for your viewing pleasure and information.
For my purpose non-magnum engines will be referred to as SOHC's but yes both engines are both SOHCs. And unless stated otherwise, the steps refer to both engines.
1. Air-Intake. Basic and easy to install. Aem, Iceman, and Injen make intakes. Most agree Iceman is slightly better, but both are nearly identical.
2. SOHC's only. Deal w/your restrictive muffler. Any weld on universal will work fine and will be lighter and better flowing then the borla, thermal, vibrant ect. Note that also piping from a magnum is a good upgrade and direct bolt on. MAGNUMS: you will only benifit from the 2.5''dynomax piping because you already have 2.25'' piping not 2'' like the SOHC's.
3. Underdrive Pulley. Unothodox,AFx and MPx pulley both provide the same amount of underdrive pretty much. MPx for the price can't be beat and is quality. Some engines have problems w/throwing a CEL or Code (2002 magnums ONLY)
4. 2000, AFx Race or Street ECU. You guys don't understand at all how lucky you are to have this computer.
2001 Magnums also have AFx Computer now!
5. Header. Magnums will only benefit from a long tube upgrade. The stock magnum header is better then the pacesetter, and the same as the borla. So a Fast Fab or AFx header is a great upgrade otherwise the magnum should keep the stock one. Note that a magnum header on a SOHC is a great upgrade, and if you're looking for a stock system w/good flow, you can use the magnum header along w/all the 2.25'' components. Long tube wise, from best to worst, it's Fast Fab, AFx, Kirk. Some things you will need w/your long tube are, motor mounts, high flow cat or resenator (resentator controlls sound WAY better and flows better too, a high flow cat unless you have to have it for emissions is worthless) and flex pipe as well as a good welder. Dealing w/the check engine light that u get from the 02 sensor is like this...deal w/the light it goes away, install a resistor in the downstream, or weld a 02 bung after a high flow cat.
6. Cam. 10, 2k1 magnum cam, 12, 14, are the most common choices. Magnum motors should only use a 14 or higher where as the magnum cam is almost identical to the 12cam. SOHC's should use a 12 or 14. 10's still aren't going to make you pull hard to the limitier. Also the 2k1 magnum cam is a GREAT cam! It's almost the same as the 12 and can be purchased new for $199 at forum dodge. 14 cam should be installed w/a cam gear and excpect to run lean w/out the help of a S-AFC. And unless you have a 2k you will not have a computer upgrade and you'll be loosing about 800 rpms of power, but still better then the 12. Note a cam gear is beneficial w/any cam. Magnum Valve Springs are a good enough upgrade to handle any aftermarket cam. Magnums...u already have these Oh and as well cars that plan to run boost should use a 2k1 magnum or a 12 cam, it spools faster.
7. SOHC . Buy a magnum head! You will never get anywhere NA w/out one. It flows better then a SOHC head ported, and it too can still be ported. Everything from your head will transfer over too (valves, springs, cam, sensors, ect...).
8. Intake manifolds. For SOHC's the magnum manifold is a good upgrade. You will need an RPM activation switch to make the butterfiles open. The Indy manifold is available for 2k's too, but I've not read anything yet whether they are good upgrades for mangums or better then the magnum manifold.
ATx's don't bother modding unless you're seriously considering tranny modifications (expensive and difficult) or if you can live w/ 17sec timeslips.
MTx's, the pt clutch is a good upgrade unless you're going to be pushing down more then 160 lbs's of torque.
Tips and tricks for the track or just extra power:
Weight redux is free and easy (back seat is a T-55 torque bit)
Removing AC/PS belt is a good 5whp. Crowbar works good.
Launch at 3k, and buy some drag radial, or cheap falkens.
Generally front tires 25psi back 40psi.
Fuel Rails-NOT NEEDED ON NEON even with boost and Lorenzo from .ORG is the only one who makes them for neon and there just more for looks, the neon uses a small high press. fuel rail that doesn't need to be bigger.
Fuel injectors- not needed unless going Turbo
CAI- Venom?
TB- For 2nd Gen Lorenzo is the only one making one right now!
Exhaust- Greddy,Blitz,AEM not for neon! Borla, Thermal, Mopar are good!
Ignition-Not really worth it unless you have ALOT of mods on a neon then MSD or Crane
IMO!!!
Tunerneon where did u get that info, most of those companies don't make neon products?
TripleXJ
02-23-2004, 01:57 PM
Yes they Do make them if ya have the $$$$And you were right, I did not intend to put Venom on the CAI, For Exhuast I was just throwing out Mufflers not full pipes.
As for the Throttlebody I was not sure but I figured if Anyone made one thenm it was prob Mopar
Bottom Line ya want something from someone just show them the money, thats what I did and I had all kinds of stuff for my old Neon
dvgRT
02-23-2004, 06:56 PM
Yes they Do make them if ya have the $$$$
Bottom Line ya want something from someone just show them the money, thats what I did and I had all kinds of stuff for my old Neon
wow u must have alot of $$$$ to burn on unnecessary parts, meh to each there own! :cool:
TripleXJ
02-23-2004, 07:04 PM
Unnecessary........YEAH RIGHT.......nothing is unnecessary when you build a 370fwhp Neon that will kicxk the ass of anyone who dare try to take it on. Yeah I did spend alot of money, but see I had something no one else had.......a 1 of a kind Neon, I even threw risk at destroying the motor by doing the impossible and putting on a Twin Turbo system and never had a problem. I have worked for to many yrs as an Import tuner to not know what can and can't be done to these lil cars
shadowsniper300
02-23-2004, 07:09 PM
hey just wondering (from a truck guy) what kinda ET's are you guys running. I got smoked by a neon last year that I challenged. He ran a 15.00 I ran a 15.59. Thanks
Brad
TripleXJ
02-23-2004, 10:44 PM
Shadow when I had my Neon I ran 12.50's in it then sold it and added a second turbo (Very HIGHLY advised AGAINST THAT on a 4cyl) and the same car ran 11.70's
shadowsniper300
02-24-2004, 07:10 PM
Damn.....Do you mind if I ask how much you had to spend to get a time like that. We have about 7000 total in my nova and did a 11.80. (including the car)
TripleXJ
02-24-2004, 07:14 PM
I had over 3 yrs and over $17K in the motor and tranny and drivetrain
shadowsniper300
02-24-2004, 07:31 PM
Damn...again. Thanks for the replies.
Brad
dvgRT
02-24-2004, 09:31 PM
Unnecessary........YEAH RIGHT.......nothing is unnecessary when you build a 370fwhp Neon that will kicxk the ass of anyone who dare try to take it on. Yeah I did spend alot of money, but see I had something no one else had.......a 1 of a kind Neon, I even threw risk at destroying the motor by doing the impossible and putting on a Twin Turbo system and never had a problem. I have worked for to many yrs as an Import tuner to not know what can and can't be done to these lil cars
OK well you are by far an exeption, would love to see your car!!!! but for most people those mods are unnecessary (as they don't have your level of car!) Please send me some pics and specs on your car it sounds awsome. Way to go!
TripleXJ
02-25-2004, 12:00 AM
well that car is now sitting in a Junk Yard, I have some pictures somewhere around the house I will find an Scan for ya. The guy I sold it to totaled it, but I will try to find the pics. but here are a few of the mods on it
Bored and stroked to a 2.2L
Ported and polished Head
Custom Ground Cams
custom Fuel Rails,fuel injectors
TB off of a Automatic 2.0 DOHC
AEM CAI w/K&N Filter
regeared tranny( better for racing, lower final gear ratio)
Blitz Turbos/Intercooler
Skunk2 Dual 2.5" exhuast
Hi Flow Cat and a TON more, most of it all experimental/custom made
DoItYourselfer
05-24-2004, 07:06 PM
I have basically the exact same motor as you do Gobi. This is what I recommend you start with performance-wise (in order).
1. Cold Air intake. (I recommend AEM).
2. Underdrive pulley (get the MPx; it's half as much and high quality).
3. Catback system (Go Borla! ;) )
4. Header (go Borla again. Unless you are planning on having it installed, the Borla is the only direct replacement header that you can simply bolt on yourself without altering the catalytic converter welds).
5. AF/X PCM (www.howellautomotive.com has them. Get the "street-strip" unless you are planning on doing some serious modding like turbo/porting/heads/pistons/cam.
6. Cam- (I put cam last because all the above are relatively painless to install. The cam is the only mod here that will really make you roll up your sleeves and get dirty).
Good luck!
P.S. Modernperformance.com is quite a bit cheaper on most items, though Howellautomotive has some items that Modernperformance does not stock. They are both great resources.
DragonDon
05-27-2004, 09:23 AM
Ignition-Not really worth it unless you have ALOT of mods on a neon then MSD or Crane
And by ALOT, he means running faster than 8 seconds.
The current race SRT-4 still uses STOCK ignition coils
