2003 SRT

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JeremyJ
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2003 SRT

Post by JeremyJ » Mon Aug 20, 2018 10:42 am

Let's try this again. The R/T was supposed to be my last Neon, but it ended prematurely. A good friend of mine was selling his one-owner SRT-4 for dirt cheap and I couldn't pass it up. So here we are:

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Last edited by JeremyJ on Fri Feb 28, 2020 5:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Mon Aug 20, 2018 10:42 am

Here's what it has on it so far. I'll update this as I swap parts over from the R/T and make changes.

Engine:
Mopar Stage 2
Walbro 255
Diablo Predator 93 tune
Maxxfab catted 3" DP
Borla 2.5" catback
DCR 55mm TB
DCR oil restrictor
Injen short ram intake
ETS Direct fit intercooler
Torque Solution engine mounts
Check valve
Mishimoto magnetic drain plug

Trans:
2004 LSD trans
AGP billet fork
Mopar STS
Boogers
Torque Solution billet shifter mounts

Suspension:
Polyurethane control arm bushings
P-werks rear STB
PT front swaybar
Prothane end links
ACR rear swaybar
Prothane short end links
BC Coilovers w/ rear camber plates
Mopar tension struts

Wheels/Tires/Brakes:
17x8 Enkei RPF1 (painted grey)
235x40 Yokohama s.Drives
Stoptech Slotted rotors (F&R)
Stoptech Street pads (F&R)

Exterior:
Tint
Front bumper flares
Debadged
Wingless trunk lid
Hood struts
Blacked out corner lenses
Black housing headlights
LED license plate light
Fog delete
All-Red tails

Interior:
Pioneer Bluetooth head unit
Polk speakers
LED dash lights
LED dome light
Custom painted shift knob
LED cubby light
Trunk lid carpet
Lloyd's SRT-4 mats

Weight reduction:
Coilovers - 27
Wheels - 16
Stereo - 5
Wing - 4
Sound deadening - 5
Motor Mounts - 3
Total - 60 pounds
Last edited by JeremyJ on Tue Sep 01, 2020 12:38 pm, edited 30 times in total.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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blueneo03
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by blueneo03 » Mon Aug 20, 2018 1:57 pm

in for another of your builds! this one looks clean! did you pull your wheels from the silver one??
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2003 neon se crashed
1998 neon highline Sold
2005 neon sxtSold
2017 Volkswagen CC Rline Exec. 2.0t


"Sorry you are so scared of a possible mechanical problem that you will drive an ugly transportation appliance. I'll keep living a colorful life." -some guy about a camry

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Mon Aug 20, 2018 2:30 pm

Yeah, the red RPF1s will be going on this car shortly. I'm going to have to roll the fenders before I try out the coilovers again. I might just raise them up a bit before installing. Not worrying about rubbing has been nice so far. I just feel the need for more than the one-inch drop that these springs provide, so coilovers it is. I've got a lot of work to do.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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occasional demons
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by occasional demons » Mon Aug 20, 2018 3:03 pm

Full R/T swap...


:D
Bill
Olha Koba, a psychologist in Kyiv, said that “anger and hate in this situation is a normal reaction and important to validate.” But it is important to channel it into something useful, she said, such as making incendiary bombs out of empty bottles.
2000 Neon MTX swap with '02 R/T PCM
1999 neon coupe 2.4 swap
2021 Forester

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jonnymopar
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by jonnymopar » Mon Aug 20, 2018 3:24 pm

Aaaaaaand... subscribed.
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Jon J.

2003 Neon SXT - new home, new owner. Thanks for everything, old friend.
1989 Daytona ES - 2.4L/A555 swapped

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Mon Aug 20, 2018 4:42 pm

occasional demons wrote:
Mon Aug 20, 2018 3:03 pm
Full R/T swap...


:D
I know, right? Perfect candidate.

I should mention this car had 176,000 miles on it, the day I bought it. I'm going to see how it handles 200+ with regular driving. Most of these things get wrecked or torn apart by this point, so it will be interesting to see what comes up. I have a backup vehicle, so this is officially a project car.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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Neon4Life
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by Neon4Life » Mon Aug 20, 2018 7:27 pm

Wow. Very nice purchase. Always nice to see 1 owner cars. I bet it's in better condition then most of them out there.

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Tue Aug 21, 2018 12:09 am

It honestly looks like a 50,000 mile car, inside and out. It’s going to give me grief with little stuff because of its age, but in general, it’s really solid. I’m prepared to do some work as needed.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:25 am

I found myself racing the sun down again in the driveway, but I managed to get the RPF1s on it. It's fairly dark in the picture, so the wheels look straight up maroon. You get the idea.

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I also removed the "DODGE" badge because it was in pretty bad shape.

Here are some random pictures of the interior, the intercooler (it looks like an AGP, but I'm not sure), and the bumper flares.

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Image

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02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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blueneo03
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by blueneo03 » Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:51 am

that thing looks clean for 176k and the wheels look right at home on there IMO i think i like the red better here than on the silver!

lower bolsters look good how are the uppers for that kind of mileage?
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2003 neon se crashed
1998 neon highline Sold
2005 neon sxtSold
2017 Volkswagen CC Rline Exec. 2.0t


"Sorry you are so scared of a possible mechanical problem that you will drive an ugly transportation appliance. I'll keep living a colorful life." -some guy about a camry

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Tue Aug 21, 2018 1:22 pm

Just a couple of minor cracks. Really not bad.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Tue Aug 21, 2018 9:40 pm

And just like that, the corner lenses are gone.

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02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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Midnight_Rider
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by Midnight_Rider » Wed Aug 22, 2018 1:06 am

And here I was dismayed to notice (a few weeks ago during a lighting check) that the front side markers don't blink with the turn signals. I always thought that they did. Now I really wish that I had the BUX repeater turn signals on the front fenders.

Back on topic- why would you want to do this? I'm NOT criticizing, just curious as to why you decided to do this.
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occasional demons
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by occasional demons » Wed Aug 22, 2018 9:08 am

Midnight_Rider wrote:
Wed Aug 22, 2018 1:06 am
And here I was dismayed to notice (a few weeks ago during a lighting check) that the front side markers don't blink with the turn signals. I always thought that they did.
Nope, never did stock.

IIRC, there is/was a "How To" on making them blink, but I never really was too interested in it, as it was more of a GM feature.

I'm kind of torn on the side marker delete. It looks cleaner from a distance, but also looks like it's missing something. Almost looks too plain.
Bill
Olha Koba, a psychologist in Kyiv, said that “anger and hate in this situation is a normal reaction and important to validate.” But it is important to channel it into something useful, she said, such as making incendiary bombs out of empty bottles.
2000 Neon MTX swap with '02 R/T PCM
1999 neon coupe 2.4 swap
2021 Forester

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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by jonnymopar » Wed Aug 22, 2018 9:37 am

Car is looking good! Those wheels look killer on the black car. I have to jump on the side marker train here though.
occasional demons wrote:
Wed Aug 22, 2018 9:08 am
I'm kind of torn on the side marker delete. It looks cleaner from a distance, but also looks like it's missing something. Almost looks too plain.
Never been a fan of the side marker delete, aesthetically or safety-wise. With a similar amount of effort, you can get them to blink (which is the way the damn car should have come from the factory). I did mine in 2006 with some weatherproof heat shrink, tossed in some nice bright LEDs, and never had to give it a second thought. It's certainly nice to have when maneuvering through traffic at interstate speed.
Midnight_Rider wrote:
Wed Aug 22, 2018 1:06 am
And here I was dismayed to notice (a few weeks ago during a lighting check) that the front side markers don't blink with the turn signals. I always thought that they did.
Next time I see you, I'll install the leather shift boot and wire the markers so they blink. Anything else you need? :D
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Jon J.

2003 Neon SXT - new home, new owner. Thanks for everything, old friend.
1989 Daytona ES - 2.4L/A555 swapped

Official "I'm Going To Drive My Neon Until Jerry Buys It" Club Member #11

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Wed Aug 22, 2018 10:21 am

I just like the aesthetics of a smooth front bumper. I've never once been pulled over or gotten into any sort of trouble over the missing lights. I also really hate amber lenses and the cheap clear ones on eBay tend to crack and fall apart after a year or less. It's just personal preference.

On the other hand, I'd never tint my headlights or black out my taillights. Those seem like safety hazards to me. I also appreciate a pop of color and the red tails look great on black.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by jonnymopar » Wed Aug 22, 2018 10:46 am

JeremyJ wrote:
Wed Aug 22, 2018 10:21 am
On the other hand, I'd never tint my headlights or black out my taillights. Those seem like safety hazards to me.
Just this week I ended up behind an old Sentra that had taillights that looked like they were bombed with black primer. It was a sunny day and it was anybody's guess as to when this clown was braking. I couldn't get away from him fast enough.
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Jon J.

2003 Neon SXT - new home, new owner. Thanks for everything, old friend.
1989 Daytona ES - 2.4L/A555 swapped

Official "I'm Going To Drive My Neon Until Jerry Buys It" Club Member #11

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Wed Aug 22, 2018 12:28 pm

I think a mild tint is fine, but there's a point at which it becomes hard to see them. I'm not willing to search for that threshold, personally.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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occasional demons
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by occasional demons » Wed Aug 22, 2018 12:33 pm

I came up behind a Camaro the other night that looked like the tails were burnt out. Once you got about 20 feet away, you could just barely see the glow of the bulbs inside.

Oh well, the process of natural selection at work...
Bill
Olha Koba, a psychologist in Kyiv, said that “anger and hate in this situation is a normal reaction and important to validate.” But it is important to channel it into something useful, she said, such as making incendiary bombs out of empty bottles.
2000 Neon MTX swap with '02 R/T PCM
1999 neon coupe 2.4 swap
2021 Forester

Midnight_Rider
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by Midnight_Rider » Thu Aug 23, 2018 12:46 am

Take it from someone who drives approximately 300 miles daily for work- obvious tail lights are much safer. I really like the Dart/Charger full-width tails since you can see them from quite a distance. [/rant]
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Neon4Life
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by Neon4Life » Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:18 am

Midnight_Rider wrote:And here I was dismayed to notice (a few weeks ago during a lighting check) that the front side markers don't blink with the turn signals. I always thought that they did. Now I really wish that I had the BUX repeater turn signals on the front fenders.

Back on topic- why would you want to do this? I'm NOT criticizing, just curious as to why you decided to do this.
Well shit. I always thought they blinked too. Image

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occasional demons
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by occasional demons » Thu Aug 23, 2018 11:19 am

Midnight_Rider wrote:
Thu Aug 23, 2018 12:46 am
Take it from someone who drives approximately 300 miles daily for work- obvious tail lights are much safer. I really like the Dart/Charger/Durango-Aspen full-width tails since you can see them from quite a distance. [/rant]
"Fixed"
Bill
Olha Koba, a psychologist in Kyiv, said that “anger and hate in this situation is a normal reaction and important to validate.” But it is important to channel it into something useful, she said, such as making incendiary bombs out of empty bottles.
2000 Neon MTX swap with '02 R/T PCM
1999 neon coupe 2.4 swap
2021 Forester

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Thu Aug 23, 2018 12:21 pm

Whelp, P0522 and an oil light on the dash. This is either a sensor issue (pretty common) or the engine is about to blow. Thoughts and prayers.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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blueneo03
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by blueneo03 » Thu Aug 23, 2018 12:27 pm

I liked to tint the side marker lights to soften the amber on the sides but not lose the lighting there... im all for a smoke.. i dont particularly car for a really dark tint.... unless its the vinyls that actually let proper light through... even still i do argee that i like the contrast of a nice red tail light..
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2003 neon se crashed
1998 neon highline Sold
2005 neon sxtSold
2017 Volkswagen CC Rline Exec. 2.0t


"Sorry you are so scared of a possible mechanical problem that you will drive an ugly transportation appliance. I'll keep living a colorful life." -some guy about a camry

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JeremyJ
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Thu Aug 23, 2018 2:33 pm

I reinstalled the stock boost gauge last night. No pictures because stock. The car had a malfunctioning ScanGauge in its place that was doing nothing. I want to be able to monitor the boost, so in went the stocker with a red LED. On a side note, red is not a good color of light for these gauges. It makes the red needle really hard to see.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

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occasional demons
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by occasional demons » Fri Aug 24, 2018 8:59 am

JeremyJ wrote:
Thu Aug 23, 2018 2:33 pm
On a side note, red is not a good color of light for these gauges. It makes the red needle really hard to see.
:lol:


Kind of why they use red contact lenses on chickens, so they don't see blood, and go all cannibal on an injured buddy.
Bill
Olha Koba, a psychologist in Kyiv, said that “anger and hate in this situation is a normal reaction and important to validate.” But it is important to channel it into something useful, she said, such as making incendiary bombs out of empty bottles.
2000 Neon MTX swap with '02 R/T PCM
1999 neon coupe 2.4 swap
2021 Forester

User avatar
JeremyJ
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Location: Washington

Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by JeremyJ » Thu Aug 30, 2018 4:44 pm

The car had a really worn out leather shift knob that looked like shit. I pulled the stock one that I repainted from the silver car and installed it in the SRT. For those of you wondering: no, I will not do the boot-free setup in this one. Too big of a lint/crumb trap. I really liked the way it looked, but I don't want to struggle to vacuum it out.

Image

I keep putting off the motor mount and coilover installs; I just haven't had the time. I hope to have those done soon.
02 base -> 05 SRT ACR -> 96 sedan -> 99 R/T coupe -> 02 R/T -> 03 SRT

Image

occasional demons
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by occasional demons » Thu Aug 30, 2018 8:26 pm

It's more proper to keep your holes covered... :lol:
Bill
Olha Koba, a psychologist in Kyiv, said that “anger and hate in this situation is a normal reaction and important to validate.” But it is important to channel it into something useful, she said, such as making incendiary bombs out of empty bottles.
2000 Neon MTX swap with '02 R/T PCM
1999 neon coupe 2.4 swap
2021 Forester

User avatar
jonnymopar
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Re: 2003 SRT DD

Post by jonnymopar » Sun Sep 02, 2018 2:40 pm

JeremyJ wrote:
Thu Aug 30, 2018 4:44 pm
I pulled the stock one that I repainted from the silver car and installed it in the SRT.

Image
Looks damn perfect. What did you use for paint? I've always wondered if you could paint those plastic knobs and not have it wear out quickly. I've got an idea for keeping the Dodge essence in my wife's Mazda once it's my daily :D .
Image
Jon J.

2003 Neon SXT - new home, new owner. Thanks for everything, old friend.
1989 Daytona ES - 2.4L/A555 swapped

Official "I'm Going To Drive My Neon Until Jerry Buys It" Club Member #11

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