New to 2GN and Neons

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:54 am

Hey guys. I'm new to the site and just wanted to introduce myself.

My name is Michael, and I'm from Arkansas. I just bought my first Neon about 2 months ago. It's an '05 SE. I had never driven a Neon prior to purchasing this one but, I have to say, I absolutely love this car.

I have always been interested in body mods for cars, so whilst looking into some mods for my Neon, I came across this site. I looked through, and read, some of the threads prior to joining this site. I am very impressed with some of the cars you guys have. I never knew there was so much that could be done with a Neon.

Anyway, I've probably rambled enough for an introductory thread, so I'll end it here. But, I do have to thank you guys. You don't realize it, but even before I joined, some of your threads have already helped me with a few issues that I've come across.

So, in closing, I would like to say "Thank you", and I look forward to my time here on the forum.

Sincerely,

Michael

By the way, here is a picture of my car. I only have the one, but I plan on getting more, especially once the modding starts.

Tam · Post by **Tam** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:04 am

Hello Michael. Welcome to the forum! You'll love it here, and there are tons of things you can do to your neon. Don't be afraid to ask any questions.

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:14 am

Thank you. I really appreciate it. I already have big plans for this car. I have my "shopping list" ready, just waiting on the funds to start the project.

Tam · Post by **Tam** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:43 am

Do you care to share that shopping list with us so that we can give you our opinion? And also, can you post a bigger picture of your car?

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:18 am

Resized the pic in the original post. As for the shopping list, here goes:

Extreme Dimensions Viper Style Body Kit
GTR Style Front Fenders
Spoiler (This is still under consideration. I've decided that if I do actually put a spoiler on, I'm going with an SXT spoiler.)
Halo Headlights
LED Taillights
Upgrade from 14" to 16" Wheels

Those are the main body mods. Here is a list of the smaller miscellaneous mods:

HID Headlight Conversion
Cold Air Intake
Header
Cat Back Exhaust System
Convert various lighting from bulb to LED.
As well as some random interior modifications. Dash dress up kit, Polished Stainless Steel Dash Bezel, window tinting. Stuff like that.

Midnight_Rider · Post by **Midnight_Rider** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 4:37 am

Wow, a detailed introduction and a pic of your car right away... I'm impressed already!

Welcome to 2GN!

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 4:49 am

lol. Well, thank you. This isn't my first time on a forum, after all. I am going to have to get used to the BBCode, though. I'm used to being able to use HTML.

Tam · Post by **Tam** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:23 pm

Are you planning to lower your car?

Nice list you've got there. Although most of us don't really like body kits.

RADARsx 2.0 · Post by **RADARsx 2.0** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:07 pm

Welcome Mike from another Mike. I hope to see the future mods and projects. Car looks amazing.

Post by **occasional demons** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:22 pm

Welcome!

Out of all the things you have listed, going from 14" to 16" wheels is prolly the best mod. 205/50/16 is a good all around size for tires. My ride quality improved considerably going from 185/65/14 to 205/50/16. I had expected the total opposite.

While a CAI and header will help, don't get your expectations up too high, especially if you buy them new. A LTH might make more power, but you will want to retain a cat, if you want any hopes of a decent sounding exhaust.

The shorty header will not make much more power than the stock manifold, but it does help with the exhaust sound. In some odd way, it actually made my exhaust a little quieter.

Caraudioholic24 · Post by **Caraudioholic24** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:58 pm

Welcome...nice to see another Mike with a black neon on the site...

Need anything don't hesitate to ask

NonBusto27 · Post by **NonBusto27** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:00 pm

Welcome to the boards from the West coast!

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:00 pm

Tam, I hadn't considered lowering the car. With that body kit I have picked out, the front end is probably going to be low enough, as is, considering the road conditions in my area (Arkansas Highway Department doesn't really maintain roads like they should). And, while I respect the fact that some of you guys may not like body kits, it does all come down to personal preference. I like the look of the Viper body kit over the stock bumpers of my SE. Now, if I had an SRT, I wouldn't even bother with a body kit.

Occasional Demons, I'm not really expecting a huge performance boost with the CAI, header, and cat back. This is just a daily driver, so I'm not planning on having to race anyone. Lol. My main goal with those additions is a slightly throatier sounding exhaust.

Again, I thank you guys for the welcomes and any opinions, be it pro or con, that you have on my ideas. This is going to be a slow going project, as I have to save up for the parts needed. But, I plan on photographing and documenting everything I do as I go.

theColonel · Post by **theColonel** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:17 pm

occasional demons wrote:Welcome!

Out of all the things you have listed, going from 14" to 16" wheels is prolly the best mod. 205/50/16 is a good all around size for tires. My ride quality improved considerably going from 185/65/14 to 205/50/16. I had expected the total opposite.

my two cents

wheel diameter isn't the key to good handling ... a lower profile tire on a wider rim will give more grip ... the 205/50-16 tire has a tread width of 7.0 inches
versus 5.6 inches for 185/65-14 tires, although the overall tire diameter is within 1/2 inch

brybry · Post by **brybry** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:21 pm

ur car use look like mine when i first got it!! exactly the same!! welcome

Caraudioholic24 · Post by **Caraudioholic24** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:43 pm

Just an FYI only way those fenders will fit is to cut into the sheetmetal behind the fender. I believe it is a crumple zone for the event if an accident. That's why I sold my similar set...

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 5:51 am

I've actually been looking at a different set of fenders anyway. Not really sure if I'm digging those anymore. lol

I really do appreciate the info on those, though, as I was not aware of that.

Caraudioholic24 · Post by **Caraudioholic24** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:40 pm

Yea If you must change them I believe the Z3s are the only ones you wont have an issue with...

Ive been searching for a Carbon Fiber set. No luck so far

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:04 pm

Yeah. The Z3 fenders were actually the other set I was looking at. I may just leave them stock for a while, though. See how they flow with the new bumper once I get it. And save myself about $200 while I'm at it. lol

Caraudioholic24 · Post by **Caraudioholic24** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:07 pm

If you are getting that viper front thats what I have..check out my sig... but the rest of my kit is all different (kaminari sides and rear with dual middle exit exhaust and srt door caps) but you can get the idea...

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:19 pm

I did notice the viper front bumper in your sig. Your car looks amazing. I'm thinking about just going with the full viper kit, though. I like the way it looks all around.

Caraudioholic24 · Post by **Caraudioholic24** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:20 pm

Yea I understand.. LOL go for it..

My car has a long way to go but thank you... Shes my baby!!!

2low4uneon · Post by **2low4uneon** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 7:10 pm

Welcome and as far as the z3 fenders they bolt right up with no modifications.

shaggyak47 · Post by **shaggyak47** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:15 am

Awesome. Thank you. I'll keep that in mind.