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I have been saving some money for upgrades and finally have 2500 -3000 I can spend on keeping my gem going. My neon is a 2000 es. Last summer I did some work including the typical belts, motor/tranny mounts, struts, wheel bearings, magnaflow exhaust, header, cold air intake, valve body shift kit and tranny service for the auto, pretty much did a couple of mods and alot of maintenance. My neon has 204k on it now and runs just as good as when I took her off the lot. I took the valve cover gasket off and its crystal clean in there, as well as the tranny.

I changed the oil every 3k since I got it with 15k miles. What would you suggest I spend the money on. More engine upgrades such as a cam, valve springs, oil pump, piston rings, and rod and main bearings? Or should I leave the engine alone and drive as is and get a new paint job and new rims and tires? I appreciate all info provided thanks

save alittle more
viewtopic.php?t=32679

Then do a manual transmission swap... it will feel like you gained about 10hp from everything I read. The slushmatic apparently robs a lot of power from these motors.

gsxr7racer wrote:Then do a manual transmission swap... it will feel like you gained about 10hp from everything I read. The slushmatic apparently robs a lot of power from these motors.

it gaines you a full second on 1/4 mile depending on driver

i was stock aside from k&n drop in and raced a atx neon same year with full bolt ons and walked the shit out of him

Mat00ES wrote:save alittle more
viewtopic.php?t=32679

i was going to suggest this as well

Thanks for the replies,
I am happy with the tranny I have, when I put the semi-manual valve body on it increased performance signifigantly. I also adjusted the throtttle valve linkage on the tranny too so when I put it in D and step on the gas it will go right to the red line. And when I choose manual shifting it feels and responds like a manual. I know you will dissagree, but I dont think many people here have ever driven a modded auto. If I do a tranny upgrade it will be stronger steals and heavy duty clutch packs. I saw videos of guys smoking other cars and pulling 9 seconds with a modded 3-speed turboed neon on a 1/4 mile. So with some fine tuning the 3-speed can run with the 5-speeds. I am by now way dogging the manuals, cause I love em myself, but I have enjoyed the snappy performance of my modded 3-speed. And I will agree the basic stock three speed sucks ass, but has alot of potential and can be bullet proof if taken care of and modded right.

Three-speed Neons FTW.

i had a 3 speed and in 1/4 mile it was just as fast (speed wise) both topped at 82 mph, idk what the time on it was being it wasnt at a track, but the 5 speed has better take off!!! ( both cars where stock FYI)

00 3speed R.I.P(S)

My car's a 3 spd Woo

just a small question here how much difference is there between the 3 and 4 speed neons. power wise. ?

just asking cause he might take that into consideration too.

save and srt swap or go mani and turbo kit

Hi again,
got ahold of my buddy who's a master tech and he is gonna do the tranny rebuild for me. So that is the direction I am going for my mods. We are planning it as we speak. After the tranny I am gonna do a comp 14 cam, and new valve springs. To answer your question, neon4life, my mom has a 2005 4-speed and I dont like it at all. Always seems to be jumpy and all over the place. The three speed is the way to go for a neon auto modd. The shifts are precice and firm with the valve body mod. I cant wait to see how it is when I put all the performance parts in. We should be getting started in a few weeks am gonna start ordering parts today.

comp cams makes the 200 and 400
Crane/AFx makes the 10 12 14

There is one single problem with the automatic transmission, it relys on fluid couplings regardless of the clutches(wet clutches act as fluid couplings) fluid couplings are inherently inefficient

V.95srt wrote:save and srt swap or go mani and turbo kit

this depend son there powergoals

2.0 stock turbo will keep up with stock srt if you want more power you ened a rebuild


srt swap just put bigger turbo and tune for more power

I think no matter what we all have neons and the same passion for driving them and making the best of the cars we love. So whether we have autos or manuals, stock or modded everyone has their own preferences and opinions and that is what makes this forum anyway. So I appreciate the input and will report back when I complete my project on how the little beast runs. Oh yeah hey MOPARTY08 I notice you live like two towns over from me. I am in Derry, NH. Maybe our neons have passed each other at some point ..

For the record, the 4 speed is pretty good too. Better gearing and there was somebody running 10s iirc with one. Has to be the 41TE, not the 40TE

Sounds like you have a healthy neon jbn7474,

Best of luck with your mods!