2003 SXT Neon Rebuilding the head or replace engine?

m2736185 · Post by **m2736185** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:34 pm

I decided to get this 2003 SXT Neon with a broken timing belt since my 2000 Neon was starting to look too banged up. Only problem is the SXT is Automatic...and the coversion seems very troublesome. I got the SXT for $1200 including towing...its in a lot better condition than my 2000 atleast its something I can work with. I decided to stay away from the SRT conversion since the cost was going to end up over $3000.

I am not sure what I should do with the SXT.. should I just replace the whole engine with a lower milage engine or should I just replace the head with an R/T head?

I really want to do the MTX conversion as well, but it seems like I would need a lot of parts for that and installing something that you didnt take apart might be even more difficult.

The engine has 130,000 miles on it. All the fluids are very clean trans, oil, coolant. Looks like they kept up with the maintainance...but forget to replace the timing belt? It also looks like there is a leak...not sure if its oil or tranny fluid.

Here are some pics. Any suggestions?

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 3:22 pm

i'm sure you could get a great price for someone's engine/tranny that is doing a SRT swap.... still a huge hassel, so the head might just be easier.

Post by **occasional demons** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 3:33 pm

Is your 2000 an MTX? If so swap the trans out of it. The engine is hard to tell 'till the head is off. If the pistons aren't banged up, then go with the head. OR if you want to be rid of NGC swap the whole harness from your 2000 and get an '02 or older block/engine assy. But that being said, the older engines are more expensive than the NGC. Or get a reman.(?) short block from mother mopar for aprox......

Short block, neon, w/rt - 2.0l, sohc - 2.0L, SOHC 2001 List:$2,930.00 your cost $2,106.00
Includes: Cylinder Block, Piston & Rings, Crankshaft, Main Bearings, Connecting Rods & Connecting Rod Bearings.
A bit pricey, but it may have a warranty of some sort. not sure is these are reman or NOS. PM Danteneon for better details.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ ... eid=214014

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 4:10 pm

I was in the area and heard my name, so...

If you want just a drop-in long block (meaning the engine is assembled with head, timing belt, water pump, and complete gasket set), then you have some choices.

The simplest way is to get the same thing that is in the car now.
2003-2005 Non-Magnum long block...part #R0420435AA...MSRP $2,584.00

If you want to go Magnum (NGC)...
2003-2004 RT long block...part #R0420534AA...MSRP $3,393.34

If you want to get rid of the NGC, you might as well go with the Magnum as well. And if you are going to do that, then you should go with the 2001 since the cam is slightly hotter...
2001 R/T...part #R0420511AA...MSRP $4,241.67

These are re-manufactured engines that carry a 3 year/100,000 warranty.

Notice how the prices match the desirability of the engines?

danman132x · Post by **danman132x** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 4:18 pm

For those prices you might as well get a SRT4 motor... and have money left to upgrade some parts inside

Panhead · Post by **Panhead** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 5:21 pm

i would just rebuild the motor. more than likely, the cycl. walls are still factory condition so you can use factory rings. it be cheaper to rebuild then just getting a re-man long block from chrysler.

Post by **occasional demons** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 5:34 pm

With 130,000 that would be a gamble. Chances are that the bottom end is still in good shape maybe some minor marks on the pistons. Rebuilds can cost almost as much as a new short block, if boring/pistons are needed. Which is mainly why I referenced above. If he were to get prices on rebuild then it gives an idea of what it is worth vs just getting another engine. Granted with rebuilding he can get a better C.R. if staying with NGC.

Donkeypuncher · Post by **Donkeypuncher** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 6:01 pm

You could always fix the timing belt and bent valves, then just flip it to make some cash. I would try to find a low mileage engine from a junk yard, magnum if you can find one. Usually they will include the harness and pcm if you buy the engine, more likely if you buy the engine and trans.

Look on www.car-parts.com and see if you can find one locally. Shipping an engine is a pain, and usually you still have to pick it up and transport it back to your house.

Post by **racer12306** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 6:13 pm

my answer is over on the whorg.

moving to engine.

m2736185 · Post by **m2736185** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:02 pm

Donkeypuncher wrote:You could always fix the timing belt and bent valves, then just flip it to make some cash. I would try to find a low mileage engine from a junk yard, magnum if you can find one. Usually they will include the harness and pcm if you buy the engine, more likely if you buy the engine and trans.

Look on www.car-parts.com and see if you can find one locally. Shipping an engine is a pain, and usually you still have to pick it up and transport it back to your house.

Yea, I thought about that, but it wouldnt be worth the trouble. I proly would sell it for under $2500 and most proly making under a $1000. And for those prices a SRT Swap would be CHEAPER.

Donkeypuncher · Post by **Donkeypuncher** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:30 pm

Yeah, if you wanted to keep the car, an srt swap is the best bet. I think the 03+ are much easier to swap as well, at least that's what I remember reading.

m2736185 · Post by **m2736185** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:23 pm

Ah well since I dont have the $$ for an SRT Swap right now I am going to try to track down a Magnum head. Should be a direct bolt on right?

Donkeypuncher · Post by **Donkeypuncher** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:00 am

Yup. You will need to get the intake and exhaust manifolds as well. Not sure about the magnum pcm though. I'm pretty sure they made an 03 r/t, if so that should be a direct swap. I've got an 02 so I don't really pay much attention to the ngc neon info.

m2736185 · Post by **m2736185** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 7:14 pm

yea...after much thought $5000 is too much for a SRT swap. I will keep my eye out for a wrecked R/T. That would be a nice swap that would cost me under a $1000 with a small gain.