Neon questions

So I've decided to replace the MR2 with a 1st gen Neon for Rallycross/Stage Rally (eventually). I found a lot of the info I was looking for on neons.org but I still have a few questions:

1. Should I hold out for a R/T or ACR or just grab up any inexpensive base (or sport) model I can find? Is it the case of find the nicest example you can afford regardless of sub-model? The car will be gutted, new gravel suspension, and a cage will be added.

2. DOHC vs. SOHC, hold out for the 150 or just work with the 132? Which takes boost better and how much without getting too crazy engine internals-wise? Both engines seem to have success on the dirt and gravel.

3. Are the drums on the rear of the non-ACR, R/T adequate for this pretty light car? What is involved in swapping over to discs out back?

Any ideas, thoughts, comments, answers appreciated! Also, feel free to message me if you have a Neon you're looking to unload on someone.

1. Not really a big deal, but you would get the 3.94 final drive tranny and quick ratio steering rack if you did. (along with no ABS on the ACR).

2. I havent driven a DOHC, but from everything i have heard, they dont really make a noticable amount more power, but they do rev higher. The valvetrain needs upgrading with pt cruiser parts if not already done on the DOHC as well.

What's stopping me from bolting an ACR gearbox onto a SOHC car?

Edit: Duh, nothing, the ACR Sedans were SOHC.

3.94 trans is found on ALL DOHC Neons, not just the ACR/R/T (which do have a lower 5th gear 3.94 that actually sucks on a DD IMHO)

DOHC head flows a LOT better than the SOHC, and responds to modifications better (significant gains can be had with a CAI and ported intake manifold)

SRT turbo/manifold bolt to the DOHC head....and we all know how many aftermarket parts there are for the SRT 2.4. :)

I've never had problems with the DOHC valvetrain pieces, but a number of other track racers did. I'm not aware of valvetrain issues in DD/auto-x use, but I'm sure there were some cases.

If it were me (and it was, once): I'd find a DOHC car, sell the motor and install a 2.4 out of a Cirrus/Stratus/PT Cruiser. I'd find stock SRT rods and pistons (Total: ~$200 new OEM), and a stock Turbo/intercooler from an SRT. I'd Megasquirt it. I'd run 12's.

And have a car with SILLY torque, and the beans to spin the 195 Azenis in every gear.

Some of my advice is probably negated if the cost of an SRT 2.4T has fallen since I was in the Neon game.

Check craigslist Atlanta for a 1998 neon DOHC Stick, 140k, selling on a lot (A&G Motors maybe?) with asking price 1395. I was thinking of trying to get it as a DD/autcross, but I think I'll hold out for a me-otter. It looks clean in photos.

Thanks for the info njansenv, 12s are not the goal, a grueling dozen or so stage weekend on rough terrain is. The 3.94 and close ratio is appealing to me as this car will never see dd use.

Here's another question, coupe or sedan? Or does it matter?

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/reader-rides/712/

^Sedan... and i like it.

I'd send that guy a message with your questions as well. That car had a cammed SOHC in it that had the balls to run a mid low 14, then boosted it at ~2psi. (Not a typo) and it ran a 13.9 with over a 100mph trap, and now he's got the 2.4 turbo setup in there.

I think he's grenaded his share of transmissions, too.

I drove the car back when it was just the cammed SOHC, completely gutted with the suspension and tires, and it was a HOOT. Arguably the most fun i've ever had in a car i was driving.

For rallycross, you should likely just get a base and work with that. If you can find a '95 Sport coupe, jump on it; it's basically an overweight ACR due to option packages, etc .

The brake thing is a non-issue. 85% of the braking is done with the front, although the rear discs do look mighty good, if you have wheels that will show them off. The discs actually weigh more, so that's something to consider.

The DOHC/SOHC thing doesn't matter that much either; the head is the only real difference, and as stated, the twincam only gives more top end, which is hardly what you need in rally. Plus there are more parts, which is just something else to break or fail.

You'll have a tough time finding an ACR in any useable shape, or even an early Sport. R/Ts are a very good start, and a lot easier to find. Concentrate on getting a manual tranny and the rear sway bar. Add Konis, springs, R-comps and have fun!

The close ratio tranny is fine for a daily driver, still got 37 mpg in my dads 95 ACR. My vote would be any decent SOHC sedan, and swap parts to get what you want. The close ratio tranny came in some 95 DOCHs too, you just have to find what part number it is and go looking.

Thanks for everybody's input! I have a pretty good idea of what I need to look for. No I just need to sell the MR2 and get looking