Beware The Neon! [Archive] - GrandAmGT.com Forum

FastSteve

11-06-2002, 09:55 PM

SRT-4 that is. If you run into one of these on the street, dont scr*w with it unless your running like Spaz. These are bad little cars. Here is the break down from current issue of Car & Driver with #'s for the Mustang Mach 1 also. A 305 HP car.
0-60, Mach1- 5.2 Neon- 5.6
1/4 mile, Mach1- 14.0@103 mph, Neon- 14.2@102mph
70-0 Mach1- 178 feet, Neon- 165 feet
Skid pad, Mach1- 0.85 g, Neon- 0.84g
Top speed, Mach1- governed 151mph, Neon- drag limited 153 mph

Brake fade was listed as none. Seats very given good ratings for comfort and excellent ratings for support. The car has a fully independent suspension. The car is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 highway. Not the greatest for a 4 banger but then again this is a 4 banger making 215 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque. All this for about 20k! How in the h*ll can you go wrong?

Your eating stock GTP'S and Mustang GT's. Plus I would say maybe for the cost of additional 1k your going after Z's and TA's, dare I say. Lets see. Better exhaust, cam, air intake and computer upgrade. Up the boost a little as the guy from Dodge they talked to said they crammed the biggest intercooler they could get into the car. The suspension is a little softer then the Neon ACR but those pieces will bolt right up to the SRT-4. So for less then 3k additional you can have a Neon that will eat up the corners and run the big dogs pretty damn hard all for about 23k. Bang for the buck? Or maybe even a little more? Just beware the SRT-4 can bring it!

VTECSiGAH8R

11-06-2002, 10:11 PM

$23k?? WTF happened to the fastest car for under $20,000??

FastSteve

11-06-2002, 10:13 PM

The car is priced at 20k. I am saying for only another 3k (which is chump change in the auto modding world) you can have a really awesome performing car. Speed, handling and braking.

GregFarz78

11-06-2002, 10:24 PM

For another 3k I'll have a wrx with AWD...screw a neon.

MetaGTP1

11-06-2002, 10:30 PM

When the SRT-4 arrives, I'll be looking for them on the street. I'll give it competiton. ;)

FastSteve

11-06-2002, 10:30 PM

And for 3k less that Neon will be all over you and your WRX like a cheap suit!

FastSteve

11-06-2002, 10:31 PM

Go get them KMAN! Give them h*ll!:thumbs:

MetaGTP1

11-06-2002, 10:33 PM

Originally posted by FastSteve
Go get them KMAN! Give them h*ll!:thumbs: You betcha!:thumbs:

FastSteve

11-06-2002, 10:34 PM

A 2.5 pulley hu? I see your gearing up for next year arent you. You arent going to make it easy at all if we get that race are you?:D

SilverGA2001

11-06-2002, 10:37 PM

Originally posted by GregFarz78
For another 3k I'll have a wrx with AWD...screw a neon.

lol Agreed.

FastSteve

11-06-2002, 10:39 PM

Look up for response.

MetaGTP1

11-07-2002, 05:09 AM

Originally posted by FastSteve
A 2.5 pulley hu? I see your gearing up for next year arent you. You arent going to make it easy at all if we get that race are you?:D :)

athomas

11-07-2002, 02:39 PM

I have been told by 2 different people that work for Mopar performance that there is about a 90 cent "Tweak Tool" available at your local hardware store that will tweak the turbo on the SRT-4 that will cut a full second off the quarter mile time.

I witnessed one of these SRT-4 Neons about a year ago at the Daimler Chrysler test track. The track is about 10 mins from my house. That little car is one bad A** little toy. Coming from the factory with 17"s a functional ram air hood, true dual exhaust off a 4 cylinder.

Also the only options available on this car will be power locks and rear window defrost. This thing is born and bred to be a little race car. With a little bit of work these things will eat most anything on the road alive.

I say GM better watch out. Damiler Chrysler will be on their heels soon.

IrateSpeed6

11-07-2002, 04:57 PM

Steve, you bad, bad man. Where is the link to this car w/ pics and info??? :(

Mike3800

11-08-2002, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by athomas
I have been told by 2 different people that work for Mopar performance that there is about a 90 cent "Tweak Tool" available at your local hardware store that will tweak the turbo on the SRT-4 that will cut a full second off the quarter mile time.

I say GM better watch out. Damiler Chrysler will be on their heels soon.

I can officially say... "SCREW THE DAMN WRX!!" I don't care if it's not as reliable. I'd rather have the Neon, and I may have the Neon if when I go to buy my GTP next year those Neon's are for sale. (in other words, I might buy the Neon instead of the GTP)

On their heels? Let's try "burring them with the rest of the competition."

As far as GM... well, they are too busy downtung engines, killing the greatest bang for the buck sports cars EVER built and selling rental fleets and Mary Kay cars. They don't care about performance anymore. I am surprised Saab's still even have turbo's since GM took over. It's sad, and I really mean that.

Tikiman

11-08-2002, 01:48 PM

I'm am in love with this car. Wen I first heard about it I was a little sceptical never being a big fan of the neons, but now after reading reviwes and numbers this car is putting up I am in love. Come 2004, when my GA should be paid of, I will so be trading it in for this car. 215hp and 245 lb.-ft. of torque for under 20k? sign me up!

Scott R. Mraz

11-08-2002, 09:54 PM

Dont worry, it's a Dodge... by the time it hits third gear it'll be falling apart.

Tweeter

11-09-2002, 07:06 AM

Like Adam Says it is a fast car. And it is faster stock than a WRX. And if you have ever been to a SCCA race with a Neon and A WRX than you would know that the Neon handels better than the WRX.( that is and ACR Neon not a Normal one) The SRT4 Has the handeling of the ACR. This car is going to be a hard on to catch. Also I do know that Dodge is working on an AWD setup for this car in the next year or so.

grass

11-09-2002, 06:01 PM

i'm sorry but its still a neon, IMO they are cheaply built and **** poor quality, also the only people i konw that drive one are females (not flaming guys with neons)

the WRX IMO is a great car, AWD would be awesome to have up here in MI, and i think that a WRX would be easier to mod (from what i've heard) then the SRT-4 would be

i'd pick WRX over a neon any day

i do have to give dodge credit, way to fail again pontiac

FastSteve

11-10-2002, 10:23 PM

First off the info comes from Car & Driver which I have a subscription to. Second, I am not good with doing those links. Sorry guys. Third, The SRT-4 DOES NOT have the same suspension as the ACR. It is a little softer setup but the ACR parts will bolt right up to it. That is why I am say for about another 3k you can end up with one h*ll of a performing car. Think about. Including the car, 23k and that kind of performance. That is bang for the buck, big time!

grass

11-10-2002, 11:03 PM

it is a great deal, fast car, handle great, but its still a neon, i'm sorry they look like bubbles

White_out!

11-11-2002, 12:25 PM

FastSteve

I've already posted the same news you just did where ya been? First off he's right that Neon is going to "glow NEON lights" in the auto world... I.E. Stock Vs. stock. You don't need 3k in upgrades, as a matter of fact a boost pressure regulator, and a off road pipe will bring you up to 250 Hp's and nearly 305 Ft.Lbs... with 5 gears look out! I'm down. Too bad it's a Dodge product, but with there 7/70K powertrain warrentee it's a real deal in my book!

Mike3800

11-11-2002, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by White_out!
FastSteve

I've already posted the same news you just did where ya been? First off he's right that Neon is going to "glow NEON lights" in the auto world... I.E. Stock Vs. stock. You don't need 3k in upgrades, as a matter of fact a boost pressure regulator, and a off road pipe will bring you up to 250 Hp's and nearly 305 Ft.Lbs... with 5 gears look out! I'm down. Too bad it's a Dodge product, but with there 7/70K powertrain warrentee it's a real deal in my book!

White man,

Nothing wrong with a Neon now since 2000. I think they have improved their record. Yeah... The GM Neon's are nice and even the Stratus'. :D

FastSteve

11-11-2002, 11:29 PM

If you read my post about a month or so ago you would know I wasnt around for a few months after the national gathering. I had many things going on in my personal life that kept me away for some time.

As for the Neon. I would think about getting one if I didnt have to get rid of my GA to do it. I ll never get rid of it just to get another car. H*ll I could of had a brand new WS6 if I was only willing to trade my GA in. I was approved with a trade-in. I walked away. Call me nuts if you will. But lets just say I am a man on a mission and its about way more then just going fast. I have my reasons and I am sticking by my guns and the car that is helping to get me there. My GA has been the best d*mn car I have owned, BAR NONE! I got more then I ever dreamed I was buying.

VTECSiGAH8R

11-12-2002, 01:30 AM

Hey, I'll agree with that. If it ain't broke, why fix it?? If the car is the best car u've ever had and ur satisfied with it, then keep it. That will let you save up money too to get an even better car in the future, like maybe the next GA, or a GTO or something.

FastSteve

11-12-2002, 01:38 PM

Both those cars are on my possible future cars list!:thumbs: :D

mfuller

11-12-2002, 01:59 PM

Too bad the beak on the SRT-4 is fugly and FUBAR all at once. I've seen less holes in a sponge.

White_out!

11-12-2002, 04:26 PM

FastSteve
Dude I'm not slamming you about "where ya been" I don't know you, I was refering to I wish you would have seen my post is all. But I am surely sorry you were having troubles, I wish the very best to you. I do want to mention that the "dodge" neon is a G.M. neon... ask Mike3800 what I mean by this... or hell I'll do it, since the '99 Grand Am was introduced and Putts I mean Lutz came over from Dodge who replaced him and the others??? Who Who do you ask?, well let's look at the facts. #1 G.M ruled the go power era before that time #2 Dodge is doing what G.M was once doing, #3 Lutz screwed everything up and Dodge got a clue, #5 The Jap companies are Americanized and built here with actual power for once, but G.M says "not us, no power here let's stay behind the times!" as well as Mitsbishi is Chryler owned hint hint... #6 The "Fag-you-are's" I mean Jaguar's power has leeped to 390 H.P's and more in there models (Owned by Diamler Chrysler I might add) And so did other Diamler owned vehicles. IMO G.M has jumped ship now call Diamler/Chrysler/Dodge get it?? I certianlly do that facts speak for themselves... That's because the engineers are able to do what they want at Dodge and General Motors has cut that game completely out.

VTECSiGAH8R

11-12-2002, 09:07 PM

Another fact is that the Jaguars with 390 hp might as well have 20 hp because if the car is always breaking then it ain't gonna do you any good. Those are one of the most unreliable brands of cars, still!! After all these years of crap they put out, they still do the same thing, only now it looks better and has more power. I don't even wanna get started about the fact that they are considered a LUXURY car company where technical problems should be the LEAST of your worries.

FastSteve

11-12-2002, 11:40 PM

Sorry if it seemed like I was slamming you. I wasnty trying. Just saying I must have missed it because I wasnt around for awhile. Thank you for the well wishes. I have had alot going on in my life and now more is on its way. Does it ever stop?

Mike3800

11-13-2002, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by White_out!
ask Mike3800 what I mean by this...

Yeah... ask me. :D ;)

I don't know. Who knows if GM engineers went to Dodge. I just know things have changed with the big three American car companies. Ford has a Camaro slaying Mustang, GM killed the Camaro and Trans Am and Dodge has a Neon as fast or faster than a Mustang GT. Also GM has been up to building ugly stuff except the concept cars they they don't seem to want to build anything like them.

ottawagrandam

11-13-2002, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by Scott R. Mraz
Dont worry, it's a Dodge... by the time it hits third gear it'll be falling apart.

LOL! 100% agree! I'll stick to my GA!

HavolinGA

11-13-2002, 07:37 PM

hey don't bash neon they aren't half bad look the old ones the rt version ran a 8.7 quarter mile with alot of mods but hey i bet he didn't have to spend more then 10,000 to get into those 8's ........**** i read the thread with spaz running a really good time by the way great run SPAZ.....anyway if you spend 10,000 on a GA you will probably in the same area as SPAZprobablt faster and to beat his time a 1000 lbs of NOS is still probably needed.......
Go head an flame me all you want but once that neon comes out alot of us will have compitition..............**** hell you guys forgot about th MAZDA Speed Protege or wat ever you call it.

I actually have a large wish list just as soon as i find i will post it

i know this may come out rude but if i did im sorry

Mike3800

11-14-2002, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by HavolinGA

i know this may come out rude but if i did im sorry

Well it's true to a point.

I own a GA and can't dare to talk about how bad a Neon is for reliability considereing everyone I personally know that has a newer GA has lots of issues with their car.

And as far as speed, I think GA is nearly in last place for sporty sedans not to mention it's also about the most expensive now too. It's almost the least bang for the buck. It's not all bad, it's just everyone else raised the bar and knocked it down. But for 99-01 it was nearly the top of it's class.

Back to topic....

Dodge got a clue. Can't ridicule them for making a very fast and inexpensive tuner car even if I didn't or don't like Dodge. I give them the thumbs up for building a tuner car for cheap. :thumbs:

FastSteve

11-14-2002, 11:34 PM

I would have to say, I think it will cost a hell of alot more then 10k to put a Neon into the 8's!.

VTECSiGAH8R

11-15-2002, 05:16 AM

Originally posted by FastSteve
I would have to say, I think it will cost a hell of alot more then 10k to put a Neon into the 8's!.

I would definately agree with that. You don't just strap a turbo and some nitrous on a car and all of the sudden end up in the 8's. A lot of stuff more than 10k must have been done.

Mike3800

11-15-2002, 01:04 PM

Originally posted by FastSteve
I would have to say, I think it will cost a hell of alot more then 10k to put a Neon into the 8's!.

not in the 1/16th mile. :D :p

And no question would it take more than 10K to put it in 8's in the 1/4... unless you have some connections to buy stuff. Some SERIOUS connections. Most people including myself don't. Besides, who would wan't an 8 second Neon? For the money it would take to make it that fast you could have a much nicer car!!!

neonmike22

11-18-2002, 12:11 AM

Dude, i run 6.2 in the 1/16th mile ;) :thumbs:

I'd imagine the Phatridz neon has way more than $10000 into it.

Len ayala had about $10000 not counting purchase price into his neon and was running 10s. After that budget performance goes out the window it would seem.

Go head an flame me all you want but once that neon comes out alot of us will have compitition......

Err don't you guys have enough competition from like accords and stratuses and stuff?

:cheers:

Mike & Tess the Platinum Expresso

ottawagrandam

11-18-2002, 07:06 PM

hey guys.... who cares whos faster....... WE STILL LOOK BETTER! And thats what really counts! LOL! I'll stick with looking good... thanks!

:thumbs:

grass

11-18-2002, 08:45 PM

Originally posted by ottawagrandam
hey guys.... who cares whos faster....... WE STILL LOOK BETTER! And thats what really counts! LOL! I'll stick with looking good... thanks!

:thumbs:

exactly

Mike3800

11-19-2002, 11:47 AM

Originally posted by ottawagrandam
hey guys.... who cares whos faster....... WE STILL LOOK BETTER! And thats what really counts! LOL! I'll stick with looking good... thanks!

:thumbs:

Um.... no.

It's the whole package that counts, not one or the other, but both looks and performance. Well, at least to most car enthusiasts.

grass

11-19-2002, 03:45 PM

i'm just trying to impress the hotties, most of them dont care bout speed, some do, but not most. whats the neon top speed limited at?

Mike3800

11-19-2002, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by grass
i'm just trying to impress the hotties, most of them dont care bout speed, some do, but not most. whats the neon top speed limited at?

14x mph. It's drag limited. Dodge's Stratus R/T runs above 140MPH as well. It can be had with 4 door and a V6 WITH a 5-speed for the same or less $$ than a GAGT. No not ALL car companies feel putting a limiter on a car is needed. You outrun the limit on the tires and it's your own responsibility, unless your tires are rated to 75MPH.

grass

11-19-2002, 04:04 PM

the new R/T's are limited to that? i was ummm driving next to one on the highway rather fast, (my friend adams) and his stopped at 113 or something)

so its not the engine where they cut it at, its b/c of the stock tires? never knew that before

damn 140 mph is fast

badassgrandam99

11-19-2002, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by White_out!
I do want to mention that the "dodge" neon is a G.M. neon... ask Mike3800 what I mean by this... or hell I'll do it, since the '99 Grand Am was introduced and Putts I mean Lutz came over from Dodge who replaced him and the others??? Who Who do you ask?, well let's look at the facts. #1 G.M ruled the go power era before that time #2 Dodge is doing what G.M was once doing, #3 Lutz screwed everything up and Dodge got a clue, #5 The Jap companies are Americanized and built here with actual power for once, but G.M says "not us, no power here let's stay behind the times!" as well as Mitsbishi is Chryler owned hint hint... #6 The "Fag-you-are's" I mean Jaguar's power has leeped to 390 H.P's and more in there models (Owned by Diamler Chrysler I might add) And so did other Diamler owned vehicles. IMO G.M has jumped ship now call Diamler/Chrysler/Dodge get it?? I certianlly do that facts speak for themselves... That's because the engineers are able to do what they want at Dodge and General Motors has cut that game completely out.

...GM is actually doing better right now then Chrysler and Ford marketwise ... it is playing catch up however in the Performance end... it wasn't Lutz that screwed up Chrysler... it was the merger with DaimlerBenz... Lutz actually turned Chrysler around and was the one that got style into the company... Mitsubishi is not completely owned by DaimlerChrysler and it is Ford that actually owns Jaguar... GM is trying to get more performance oriented cars, hence the creation of General Motors Performance Division which will be responsible for the V-Series Cadillac's, GXP Pontiac's and SS Chevy's... it is Lutz that is actually fueling this change at GM... he's the one that pushed to have the GTO revived and hopefully he will get more and more performance-oriented vehicles over...

Mike3800

11-20-2002, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by badassgrandam99

it is Lutz that is actually fueling this change at GM... he's the one that pushed to have the GTO revived and hopefully he will get more and more performance-oriented vehicles over...

Some one sure needs too. I'd like to personally b itch slap the person that made the call to KILL the F-body rather than to re-design it and limit production in the meantime. Crap in 1975 it had a whimpy 180HP, but they still made the car, that's better than killing it, and it eventually re-gained it's Musclecar status... untill now cause it's dead.