I need to decide on what variation of components i should use for a neon that will be used for asphalt circle track racing. the rules state that we need to retain parts from the particular year, make, and model of the car being run. vacuum at idle must fall between 16 and 22". a header or cold air intake are not an option, but less radical changes to the internals such as port matching and light porting is an option. as long as the vacuum stays in the 16-22 range, any set of cams is permitted.

From what i understand the SOHC has better torque characteristics in the lower range but tends to fall on its face past 6500. What i am trying to figure out is whether the DOHC or the SOHC would be better for this car given the constraints. The RPM range where the most power will be needed is estimated to be between ~5000 and ~7300 rpm. (5000 coming off the corner and 7300 letting off the gas and entering the next turn). we will most likely be using 3rd gear in the 3.94 tranny. should we use the DOHC, regular SOHC, magnum head?, magnum intake?, plastic intake?

what do you guys recommend based on the info i have given? would you agree that the most cost-effective solution to timing/fuel for my situation is the af/x-R PCM? Would standalone be worth the extra cost?

 

How big is this track? if it is more than a 1/4 mile go with the DOHC if not use the SOHC.

 

its 3/8 mile+. it has a long sweeping backstretch too and gradual corners. DOHC it is!

 

DOHC with the 3.94 tranny.

 

The intake mainfold for the DOHC is aluminum and a 2 piece. That means you can split it and port the living cow out of the inside (which I did). The magnum intake SOHC would be nice if you could find one, but they are in the 2nd gen R/T's.

Cam choice would be greater too for the DOHC. Theres only one I know of for SOHC Comp/Zex cams. Crane and Brian Crower have tons of choices. Besides that, cam gears on intake and exhaust would further improve tuning rather than just one cam gear.

 

You are also limited with the SOHC on cams because of the size.