ChumpCar...Why NOT a Neon?

Mazda787b wrote:

Duke wrote: Yeah, without question, both versions of the Neon 2.0 are interference...

That's how I got my 96 so cheap. PO didn't want to put more money into it after a snapped timing belt @ 160k caused him to buy a new head.. Everything else said is right on point. Valvetrain issues in the DOHC can be addressed via HLAs from a 2.4 PT Snoozer, and rocker arms out of a 2.7 V6. Can be done for a few dollars at the junkyard, if you feel so inclined. However, I've heard from many that the SOHC is reliable over the long-term, especially when you address the oiling problems. From my understanding, the higher revs a DOHC will take do not lend as well to endurance racing. That being said, it is quite easy to put together a hot SOHC using all factory parts, almost invisible to the naked eye. It's just finding the right combination of things to make it all work. The real power a SOHC and DOHC make are actually a lot closer than what advertised ratings would suggest.

from what i can gather, if you are going cheap as possible and durability is important you want to run a SOHC with a cam from a 95 in a newer "Magnum" head...

Bingo. DOHC Pistons will bump compression up a bit. You can also remove a layer from the head gasket.

Can run Magnum head off of a 01-02 ACR or 01-04 ACR. Cam is hotter than the 95. Exhaust manifold flows better too...

The real power a SOHC and DOHC make are actually a lot closer than what advertised ratings would suggest.

The biggest performance difference between sohc and dohc 1g neons comes from the different ring and pinion gearing (3.55 vs 3.92). My last neon had a dohc trans that i put in on accident and it was much quicker than i expected.

Right now, i have a 3.55 sohc neon and a 3.92 sohc stratus and they feel about the same, so that gearing difference is mostly making up for the weight difference between the neon and stratus.

Also, the dohc muffler is worth a few hp on a sohc. Probably not worth the effort, but i would bet if you ran a sohc with a dohc trans and muffler against a stock dohc, the dohc probably wouldnt pass it until 80+mph.

Use a PT exhaust manifold and aftermarket flex joint.

I am all in favor of ditching the OEM PCM as it has lousy spark advance strategy. 20° at WFO is not enough! Makes the exhaust manifold do a lava lamp imitation!

There is a guy who can remap them though I have no experience there. MS guy.

Seen a bunch of them run in LeMons. They seem to hang together pretty well. I see a fair number in the service drive, they will sound like a box of junk parts being shaken but run every day. Not to change the subject, there's another cheap one out there to consider: the KIA Sephia. Manual trans ONLY, the automatic isn't worth the hollowpoint that should be put through it. Basically a Mazda drivetrain and they are practically given away every day.

Use a PT exhaust manifold and aftermarket flex joint.

Why? I haven't heard of this. You're talking about running it on a DOHC, right?

Yes SOHC use a magnum exhaust I think

Also, as far as FD ratios go, ALL ACRs (SOHC and DOHC) were 3.94. You're correct, though, there's a huge difference in the performance between the 2. The ACR and R/T trans also has a .81 5th gear.

Well, looks like we're going ChumpCar racing in a Neon! Yesterday we put a deposit on an ex-Spec Neon series car. It's a 4 door, '95 model with an SOHC engine and a few little upgrades. We're in Canada and the car is in the US so it'll take a few days to clear everything at the border but it should be home by next weekend. I'll post more details once we have it here.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

Nice! Post pics and details of the mods, please! I also own a 95 sohc/mtx sedan with a few mods so it's highly relevant to my interests.