I need some opinions on two things. One i have a STOCK 96 neon 5spd SOHC and i want some more out of it performance wise. I was wondering what can i do to get it running around 16 flat or high 15s. Take note my car has 145k miles on it so i don't want to over do it. The second question is i go to school withtwo kids who is constantly talking about their cars and saying how they can run against this and that. The one drives a 92 beretta gtz automatic stock. the other is driving a 96 civic lx i think but he said something that he has the economy engine which i found out online should be only putting out 105ish hp and like 101 tq maybe. the civic has a CAI, headers, cat-back exhaust, straight muffler, and a "ebay speed chip". His car also has a huge alumimum spoiler, body kit, sound system in the trunk and a stage 3 clutch.They both think they can beat me. I'm not into racing to much but i want to know where i stand roughly.

 

"ebay speed chip"<------ROFLMAO...Ask him if he got the special decals that add HP as well!!!

But anyway, the first mods for your SOHC should be:

1)CAI (cold air intake)...Either find an Iceman or do the 3.0L intake. Kirk is also a good one.
2)DOHC Muffler (SOHC mufflers are very restrictive from the factory)
3)UDP (ebay ones work fine and are cheap)
4)ATX TB (helps with throttle response and is slightly larger than the MTX TB)
5)Pacesetter Header (works best on the SOHC)
6)Mopar Performance PCM

That would be my order of fixing it up. You can also get some prothane motor mounts to help with wheel hop and some booger bushings to tighten up your shifts.

 

Das was that a list for an ATX or MTX neon

 

It could be for either, but you would leave out the ATX TB (since it already has one) and Mopar PCM (unless you install a tranny cooler).

 

K thanks
I was reading something in the forums that will improve an ATX's shift timing, what was that part again?

 

Modern Performance sells a shift kit for the ATX that improves shifting. You can also do some modding yourself...
http://halfahemi.com/fastatx/

 

thanks bro

 

Manual valve body sounds sweet! wouldn't that ruin ur tranny? how can u shift without a clutch?

 

Thanks alot for the info but still doesn't help me on "can my neon take on the two cars". Also i had planned this spring(no garage till summer so it must be done under much warmer conditions, live in PA) to go with a DOHC engine if i can find one running in a engine fence at a yard. If i do so, i will be just doing some basic rebuilding work to start since i wouldn't know how well or long the engine will hold up. Would i be better off rebuilding my engine with the mileage i have or put in a dohc and work on that. I know i would get more out of the dohc but i'm looking for a good fast reliable car for the next 2-3 years. Plus what kind of clutch kit should i get, mine is original with 145k miles and is started to grind in reverse alot. thank you

 

It won't ruin the tranny if you make the mods.

I gave you a plan for the SOHC because you asked how to get into the 15's or 16's. My guess would be you have a shot at beating the other 2 cars, but you won't know until you race. Buy a DOHC engine and build it up, while you have the SOHC and then swap it in to minimize your downtime. Get a PT clutch, they are stronger than the neon clutch.