1998 Neon rallyx car, 2.4 swap, lsd, parts stash, etc - $1500 in SE MI

The Ohio rallycross guys on the forum will recognize this one. I bought it to use for winter beater/fun racecar things but I decided it's way too clean and the previous owner put way too much time into it for me to feel ok with destroying in on Michigan winter roads.  Then I got distracted by the Escort/Mazda project I've always wanted to build and the Neon just doesn't have a place in our little fleet.

So I've barely driven it and it's been sitting in the barn with a puddle under it ever since it started leaking coolant.  It's a heck of a fun little car and I like owning it but I'm realistic enough to know I can only spend my time on so many projects.  The previous owner built it to be a competitive rallycross car and could also be a fun track toy or a good start for the $2000 Challenge.

Immediate needs: coolant leak, worn struts, probably axles, I think the engine in the car isn't 100% healthy - bring a trailer

Good things: clean body, nearly rust free, lots of go fast goodies on the car

Price: $1500 for the car and spare parts.  I paid a bit more for it but that was before the engine started making noise on start up.  If someone wants to take it to the Challenge I can separate the price for the spares and car.  I'm also willing to talk trades, with an emphasis on disposable appliance-mobiles.

I can help with delivery within reasonable distances.

If there is any interest I'll dig it out and get some good pictures.

Mod/parts list:

Engine:

-2.4L swap with 18xK miles

-Mopar ECU

-24 lb/hr injectors

-2g Neon fuel pressure regulator

-disconnected balance shafts

-underdrive pulley

-urethane filled engine mounts

-ported intake manifold

Transmission:

-Quaife limited slip differential

-Maddog short throw shifter

-Booger bushings

Suspension/Steering:

-Mopar SRT-4 lowering springs (raises a 1st gen Neon a bit)

-Neon ACR 16:1 steering rack

-polyurethane bushings in front lower control arms

-Neon RT rear sway bar

Wheels/Tires:

15" 2g Neon alloy wheels with General Gmax AS-03 195/55R15 tires

14" 1g Neon alloy wheels with Dmack DMG3 175/70R14 rally tires

Other:

-Mishimoto radiator

-battery relocated to trunk in a vented battery box

-aluminum skidplate

-Autometer oil pressure and voltage gauges

-Scangauge-e connected to ODB port to use as a water temp gauge

Spares:

-alloy and steel wheels

-stock radiator

-stock hood

-two cylinder heads

-header

-stock springs

-used axles

-lots of other stuff

Screaming deal. GLWS!

If i had the space id be sending a transporter right now. 

I am not going to buy my old car back.  I am not going to buy my old car back.  I am not going to buy my old car back.  

What makes you think the engine is hurt?

Whats the noise? 2.4s and 2.0s are notorious for start up piston slap and lifter noise. 

In reply to Robbie & Professor_Brap :

Best way to describe it: it started sounding a bit like a tractor, clatterclatterclatter. It could be piston noise. I don’t think it’s in the head and definitely not lifter noise. Louder on start up but doesn’t entirely go away. Doesn’t get louder as rpms raise.

Also.

When cold the oil pressure is good and builds with rpm as it should but when it’s warmed up the gauge reads low and doesn’t build with rpm much, if at all.

If no one here wants it I’ll probably drop in a replacement 2.4, add a roll bar and harness, and go play at Gingerman.

If I ever have the time to justify a dedicated track car, that is.

Oh, i WANT, but broke and too far.

Mostly for the trans.....

How low of oil pressure? Where is sender located. I have a neon thats had horrific piston slap for 150k plus with no issues. 10w30 and run it. 

BlueInGreen - Jon said:

If no one here wants it I’ll probably drop in a replacement 2.4, add a roll bar and harness, and go play at Gingerman.

If I ever have the time to justify a dedicated track car, that is.

Get the engine and I will come back to Michigan for a R&R party.  I will even supply the Little Caesar's

Professor_Brap said:

How low of oil pressure? Where is sender located. I have a neon thats had horrific piston slap for 150k plus with no issues. 10w30 and run it. 

I can answer that one - it’s in the back of the cylinder head where there is normally a plug.  I wanted to keep the factory sender for the idiot light.

FWIW,  I don’t think it’s about to blow up or anything. I just wouldn’t want to advertise a car with an engine noise without saying anything.

Warm idle should be around 8-10psi with sending unit in head. 

What weight oil is in it?

Professor_Brap said:

Warm idle should be around 8-10psi with sending unit in head. 

 

What weight oil is in it?

That’s about where it is at idle with 5w-30 in it.

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon 

low as 6-7 is fully ok.

Mine clacks, been doing it since I put it in.  With rallyx gaining events in Wisconsin, I really wish I had space for this.

This seems like a thread for Knurled and EvanB to be commenting in...

Well, I mean, if you wind up having someone who is interested in the car but doesn't really need a set of rally tires on those wheels....  I don't know when I'd be able to swing through Michigan, but I'm sure we could work out a deal :)

cghstang_chris said:

This seems like a thread for Knurled and EvanB to be commenting in...

Because I could use some 14" 5x100 wheels with rally tires?

No offers? 

It definitely won’t break my heart to drive it for another summer.

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :

If I had the spare funds or space it would be setting here. 

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :

I'm strangely interested, PM me with your location.  I am in SE MI.

^ sent a pm.

More pictures coming in the next couple days, now that the weather isn't miserable.

cghstang_chris said:

This seems like a thread for Knurled and EvanB to be commenting in...

I already called "not it"