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Re: Random posting

Post by Midnight_Rider » Fri Jul 19, 2019 12:46 am

Jerry, everything you said was good- I made the mistake of not chatting you up more. The weekend went by so fast... I was just getting started relaxing and catching up with everyone and then, poof!

About four years ago, I had a new steering rack installed when I drove out to Missouri for several days of work on my car. The Chrysler tech evidently made new threads on the aluminum neck of the rack with the steel nut. Flash forward several years later, the nut popped off the threads and I lost my power steering fluid. BRR and the rest of the 2gn crowd comforted me Saturday night at the TMI shoot and in the hotel parking lot while I had a serious mental meltdown. Mario managed to tighten the nut as much as he could and the car held fluid the whole drive back to Indiana. I can still see so many members using their smartphones as flashlights so that things under my hood were visible in the parking lot darkness. Getting me back on the road was certainly an early birthday present, for sure. Thanks again, everyone!

FRANK! Good to see you!
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Re: Random posting

Post by 04rebel » Fri Jul 19, 2019 5:45 am

OUCH! rack troubles can be the worst on any vehicle! Glad to hear that all worked out.

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Re: Random posting

Post by occasional demons » Fri Jul 19, 2019 10:32 am

Ouch. Hopefully it holds up. Just don't go hard on the steering stops, if it was the pressure line. I don't know if that can even be repaired with a thread kit, being a tube nut type deal. Not sure how it could be drilled without destroying the seat.

If it is the return line, your odds never having an issue again are far better.

Just makes you wish you could go back in time and nut kick the hell out of the tech. It is an expensive cross thread.


And Kudos to them for getting it back on. That is a PITA of a spot to work in. Shorty wrenches are a godsend, if you have them to work at getting those tube nuts on and off.
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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.
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Re: Random posting

Post by Midnight_Rider » Fri Jul 19, 2019 11:18 am

I don't know if it was the pressure line or the return line. I do know that I was told by the California dealership that sold the rack to me that it was the last new SRT-4 rack so I doubt that I could find another new one. I was promised by the service manager at the Missouri dealership that his tech had Neon experience but the tech confessed to me after I had driven out there that he had never worked on a Neon before. This makes the second issue resulting from his handiwork, the first being my messed up brakes.
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Re: Random posting

Post by occasional demons » Fri Jul 19, 2019 11:54 am

For general info:

The R/T rack is basically the same. The only difference is the steering stops might not be as restrictive. But those can be swapped between racks. Both the SRT and R/T have the dumbed down slower ratio, so inexperienced drives won't over correct and crash. :roll:

Total opposite of 1st gens, where the performance option came with the quicker ratio. Now if you really wanted to upgrade, get an SXT rack, use your SRT stops to keep the tires from rubbing, and the SRT tie rods. It would still be all Mopar parts. ;)

It doesn't matter if it's an ATX rack or MTX rack as you wold be swapping the stops and tie rods. I have heard that the SRT doesn't have the pressure switch in the rack(?), so a late 2004 to 2005 ATX rack also does not have the port drilled and tapped for the switch. Or a switch could just be used to plug the hole. It is a straight 1/8 pipe thread, so a straight plug and gasket washer can also be used. A taper plug is not recommended!
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
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Re: Random posting

Post by theColonel » Fri Jul 26, 2019 11:43 am

C8 Corvette debut causes renewed demand for a Viper return

https://www.allpar.com/news/2019/07/c8- ... turn-45253
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Re: Random posting

Post by MyNeonSaysHi » Sun Jul 28, 2019 3:29 am

Viper always dies and comes back. I would love to have a Viper at some point. 4th gen atleast. 08-10. but since they don't make them anymore, the value will just continue to go up probably. $60-$70k for a decent low mileage one. :(

I finally hit top scale at work 2 weeks ago! Time to make decent money! So happy! :) :) :)

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Re: Random posting

Post by theColonel » Sun Jul 28, 2019 11:08 am

MyNeonSaysHi wrote:
Sun Jul 28, 2019 3:29 am
I finally hit top scale at work 2 weeks ago! Time to make decent money! So happy! :) :) :)
Congratulations !
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Re: Random posting

Post by MyNeonSaysHi » Sun Jul 28, 2019 1:04 pm

Thanks colonel! It sucked being at a pay rate for 3.5 years without a raise. I hate concessions on contracts.

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Re: Random posting

Post by BlackRoseRacing » Tue Jul 30, 2019 1:25 am

Compared to what most vehicles cost now a days, people dont realize that they can purchase a Viper.....

https://www.carfax.com/Used-2005-Dodge-Viper_z14966

^^^ This is just an example. A friend of mine owns a Viper and has an average job like most people. But instead of spending $30-40K on a common
sedan or truck, she got a Viper instead.....
Granted it all depends on the model you can get a Viper from $30-$35K around the 2005 era....

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Re: Random posting

Post by 04rebel » Tue Jul 30, 2019 6:59 am

That is true Brr...BUT the INSURANCE is a KILLER and WHO would drive a Viper in our 7 months of WINTER???? :lol:

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Re: Random posting

Post by MyNeonSaysHi » Tue Jul 30, 2019 4:33 pm

That is true. New cars are stupid expensive. Plus Americans wanting to buy BIG UGLY SUV's/Crossovers and Trucks.

BRR your friend is very smart for buying a fun vehicle that will probably go up in value.

Anyone know how well the 3.0 motors are in the Stratus R/T's? A friend's co-worker is selling his black 2005 Stratus R/T coupe with the 5 speed manual. Looks pretty rough with around 160k miles. But it has been maintained mechanically with lots of paper work. He is asking $2k for it. Was curious how well those mitsu motors held up. I wouldn't consider it if it was an auto.

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Re: Random posting

Post by theColonel » Tue Jul 30, 2019 4:41 pm

MyNeonSaysHi wrote:
Tue Jul 30, 2019 4:33 pm
Anyone know how well the 3.0 motors are in the Stratus R/T's? A friend's co-worker is selling his black 2005 Stratus R/T coupe with the 5 speed manual. Looks pretty rough with around 160k miles. But it has been maintained mechanically with lots of paper work. He is asking $2k for it. Was curious how well those mitsu motors held up. I wouldn't consider it if it was an auto.
The Mitsubishi V6 engines were difficult to maintain … I got rid of my daughter's Chrysler Sebring coupe due to the expen$ive repair bills :(
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Re: Random posting

Post by INVUJerry » Tue Jul 30, 2019 7:07 pm

I have a SOHC 12 valve version of that motor in my 89 caravan. It has around 250k miles on it and it’s still going. The major issues got fixed around 1994. That motor makes pretty good power and will handle quite a bit of abuse. The only difficult part I would imagine is like any FWD V6 car, very cramped engine bay.

The timing belts are 100k interval components and IIRC that model is an interference design.

Also, that car is built on the same platform as a similar year Mitsubishi Eclipse. Not much Mopar relation there.

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Re: Random posting

Post by occasional demons » Wed Jul 31, 2019 7:41 am

INVUJerry wrote:
Tue Jul 30, 2019 7:07 pm
I have a SOHC 12 valve version of that motor in my 89 caravan. It has around 250k miles on it and it’s still going. The major issues got fixed around 1994. That motor makes pretty good power and will handle quite a bit of abuse. The only difficult part I would imagine is like any FWD V6 car, very cramped engine bay.
This.

I know the older late 1980's/1990's 3.0 6G72 engines were pretty bullet proof, even when severely neglected. The original one that was in our '94 Sundance had been run for a long time with a bad thermostat, (It wouldn't warm up enough to shift into 4th gear until we replaced the thermostat), it was obvious the oil wasn't changed often enough, and even though it smoked like a freight train towards the end, it still had good power, and was quiet. It was only really pulled due to the smoke issue.

The 3.0 could allegedly support more power than the 3.3 Mopar engine in stock form. The 3.3 made more power out of the box though, than the SOHC 3.0.

All 3.0 blocks and crank were the same regardless of what was bolted to them. Hence why you could supercharge a SOHC and it would survive. it was the same basic bottom end as the boosted Stealth's/3000 GT's.

My only peeve with the 3.0 is it was not as fuel efficient as the 3.3, but that may have more to do with engine management. The Dynasty I briefly owned had more power, and got better fuel mileage than the Sundance/shadow's I owned. The Dynasty was a 41te ATX, as well as two of the Shadow's, so the driveline was pretty much equal. The 5 speed Sundance 3.0 actually got worse mileage.
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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
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Re: Random posting

Post by MyNeonSaysHi » Wed Jul 31, 2019 4:04 pm

Wow good info you guys. Yeah not sure on it. Don't really need it but I am a fan of unique fun Dodge cars. Especially if they have a manual transmission. Here are some pictures of it:
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Re: Random posting

Post by JeremyJ » Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:34 pm

I always liked those cars, even if they were just Eclipses. Too bad it's in rough shape.
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Re: Random posting

Post by 04rebel » Thu Aug 01, 2019 8:18 am

Not a bad looking ride...looks just like a face lifted version of our 98 Avenger with the 2.5 motor...and just as "packed in" looking on the pass. side and firewall! Enjoy it for what it is! :)

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Re: Random posting

Post by occasional demons » Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:43 am

IIRC the bolt circle on the wheels is also different than the Mopar Stratus.

Edit: What's with the two grids on the rear glass? Or is the tint job just that bad? I get the defroster, but it looks like a wider grid that contours the window. It has an antenna, so it's not that.
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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
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Re: Random posting

Post by jonnymopar » Thu Aug 01, 2019 12:02 pm

My college roommate bought basically the same car brand new: 2004 R/T, 3.0L manual, lots of options. Comfortable, nice-looking, reasonably quick, and reliable as anything. I recall he had some issues with the air conditioning, but no driveline issues at all. He racked up over 190k miles on it very quickly, then got a company car so he got rid of it. Great car.

Also, I'm pretty sure these have more in common with the 2-door Galant platform than the Eclipse. Putting one of these next to an Eclipse, I don't see much for similarities.

I always loved these as well as the Avengers. I came quite close to buying an Avenger, but when I found out the only way to get a manual was with the 2.0L, I figured I'd just go with the Neon instead. I couldn't afford a newer Stratus R/T, and I really liked the Neons I had test-driven. Sounds silly to say, but my life would be quite different had I not bought my Neon.
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Re: Random posting

Post by occasional demons » Thu Aug 01, 2019 12:27 pm

jonnymopar wrote:
Thu Aug 01, 2019 12:02 pm

Also, I'm pretty sure these have more in common with the 2-door Galant platform than the Eclipse.
I pretty sure these are the Galant platform.

https://www.allpar.com/reviews/2002/galant.html
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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
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Re: Random posting

Post by theColonel » Sat Aug 03, 2019 1:20 pm

1985 Chrysler LeBaron Wagon, formerly Frank Sinatra’s, up for sale

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos ... sler-wagon
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Re: Random posting

Post by MyNeonSaysHi » Sun Aug 04, 2019 1:19 am

^Wonder what it sold for? Article was from December 2018

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Re: Random posting

Post by theColonel » Sun Aug 04, 2019 11:27 am

MyNeonSaysHi wrote:
Sun Aug 04, 2019 1:19 am
^Wonder what it sold for? Article was from December 2018
current exchange rate "pound sterling = $1.22", which means $ 6,176.25

https://online.handh.co.uk/m/lot-detail ... d%2F123%2F
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Re: Random posting

Post by MyNeonSaysHi » Sun Aug 04, 2019 11:14 pm

Not much at all. Nice find.

So there is a black srt-4 for sale that is only 30 minutes away from me. It is Mopar stage 3. He was asking $7k and is now asking $6k for it. Been interested in it. 79k miles. Carfax and autocheck came out good. He says it has hail damage and its hard to get in first or reverse. So he is guessing a bent shift fork. He still has a lein on the title too. Haven't seen the car in person yet. But just was curious what you would pay for a car like that. I know the mopar stage 3 kits used go for around $2500-$3k alone... that is my main interest about it haha.

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Re: Random posting

Post by Midnight_Rider » Mon Aug 05, 2019 12:54 am

Fewer miles than mine- a plus. Shift forks are still available so that would be fixable- another plus. Hail damage? Well, that's another story. A lien? That may make the sale more difficult. How many owners previously? I agree, I have seen used S3 kits (or parts of them) on eBay for $2,500 to $3,000. Maybe the value is more in the parts than the car itself?
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Re: Random posting

Post by MyNeonSaysHi » Mon Aug 05, 2019 1:48 am

It "could" be a shift fork. Who knows could be something worse...or easier. But I have a feeling he doesn't know. I saw his posts on facebook on a srt4 page and he was having issues with boost, seemed like easy fixes he just didn't know.


Only 2 previous owners. Oklahoma car until the current owner bought it and brought it to Missouri in April of this year

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Re: Random posting

Post by Midnight_Rider » Mon Aug 05, 2019 9:03 am

No rust then- a plus. I will confess to not knowing what to do with boost issues if that situation ever came up with my car so I'll give him that. Sounds like you should investigate further. :-k
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Re: Random posting

Post by theColonel » Mon Aug 05, 2019 10:13 am

MyNeonSaysHi wrote:
Sun Aug 04, 2019 11:14 pm
Not much at all. Nice find.

So there is a black srt-4 for sale that is only 30 minutes away from me. It is Mopar stage 3. He was asking $7k and is now asking $6k for it. Been interested in it. 79k miles. Carfax and autocheck came out good. He says it has hail damage and its hard to get in first or reverse. So he is guessing a bent shift fork. He still has a lein on the title too. Haven't seen the car in person yet. But just was curious what you would pay for a car like that. I know the mopar stage 3 kits used go for around $2500-$3k alone... that is my main interest about it haha.
My SRT-4 had the problem of not going into First or Reverse … needed a complete clutch. Hail damage can be very expensive to repair … never fixed mine.
My feeling is that the car should be a "part-out", and not worth $6k :(
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Re: Random posting

Post by JeremyJ » Mon Aug 05, 2019 1:33 pm

Hail damage is a bitch. I had a Neon with hail damage and it was too much to fix. Dents everywhere.
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