New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
#1
06-02-2007 | 03:59 AM
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
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New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
I have been planning on building my 01 SE up to 300WHP, bottom and top end rebuilds, high boost, Megasquirt, axles, LSD, etc, etc, the works...but I am beginning to realize that the fact is it's going to take considerable time to build the knowledge base I need - learning the backgrond of the MS and how to tune it, carefully rebuilding the engine (haven't rebuilt one before), not to mention how much needs to be upraded to handle the power such as new axles and an LSD. Then theres the problem of the extensive work, I would have to either bring tools to school or drive 3 hours home to work on it in the garage - this creates big inconveniences for a daily driver. Especially if I can't get it running to come back for work...and I know I wont rebuild the engine in anywhere near 2-3 days. So this plan doesn't look too feasible, it needs some changes. I know it was a little overboard in the first place, but I say dream big, but do your homework.
So the problem is that the original plan won't work in the time frame I'd like, but I still want to have some fun- I don't want to stay stock. And I'd really like a turbo...so here's what I havecome up with (brainstorming):
- Hahn stage II kit from Modern Performance
- Different boost controller and BOV - run it at 6 - 8 psi
- crank scraper and windage tray
- crane 12cam and adjustable cam gear (do i need the titanium valve springs?, can I replace the cam without removing the head?)
- SRT exhaust or something similar
- Ignition - what are my ignition control options? I need to be able to retard the timing
- Replace the timing belt and headgasket (should I?) the motor has 75k on it
- assorted gauges - afr, oil pressure, etc to keep an eye on the motor
- If possible take it to a dyno and start at low boost and increase between runs to make sure the wheel torque is at a safe level
Any thoughts? Are there any other little things I should look out for, such as the timing belt? Any particular leaks, etc, that are common to the 2nd gen?
This plan eliminates having to rebuild the motor and send out the block, learning everything about the MS, etc. And all the work should be able to be done in a few frustrating weekends. It wont be as fast as I had originally hoped, but I should be able to put a frown on the face of cobolt SS drivers and hang with stock SRT 4s - maybe ~ 200WHP ? This way I can have some fun now, while in the meantime learning some things about the MS and engine building etc. in my freetime, and then I can make upgrades as I am readyfor them.
Thanks for any help.
So the problem is that the original plan won't work in the time frame I'd like, but I still want to have some fun- I don't want to stay stock. And I'd really like a turbo...so here's what I havecome up with (brainstorming):
- Hahn stage II kit from Modern Performance
- Different boost controller and BOV - run it at 6 - 8 psi
- crank scraper and windage tray
- crane 12cam and adjustable cam gear (do i need the titanium valve springs?, can I replace the cam without removing the head?)
- SRT exhaust or something similar
- Ignition - what are my ignition control options? I need to be able to retard the timing
- Replace the timing belt and headgasket (should I?) the motor has 75k on it
- assorted gauges - afr, oil pressure, etc to keep an eye on the motor
- If possible take it to a dyno and start at low boost and increase between runs to make sure the wheel torque is at a safe level
Any thoughts? Are there any other little things I should look out for, such as the timing belt? Any particular leaks, etc, that are common to the 2nd gen?
This plan eliminates having to rebuild the motor and send out the block, learning everything about the MS, etc. And all the work should be able to be done in a few frustrating weekends. It wont be as fast as I had originally hoped, but I should be able to put a frown on the face of cobolt SS drivers and hang with stock SRT 4s - maybe ~ 200WHP ? This way I can have some fun now, while in the meantime learning some things about the MS and engine building etc. in my freetime, and then I can make upgrades as I am readyfor them.
Thanks for any help.
#2
06-02-2007 | 04:12 AM
Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 599
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RE: New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
sounds like a good plan. The 1st part sounds pretty steep. Alot of time, money and aggrivation. as far as MS and time for that, talk to mike about that. hes in the process and having troubles here and there but gettin along well. Plans sound cool though. keep udating when u start that
#3
06-03-2007 | 05:14 AM
Grand Champion
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
RE: New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
ORIGINAL: Bryches
I have been planning on building my 01 SE up to 300WHP, bottom and top end rebuilds, high boost, Megasquirt, axles, LSD, etc, etc, the works...but I am beginning to realize that the fact is it's going to take considerable time to build the knowledge base I need - learning the backgrond of the MS and how to tune it, carefully rebuilding the engine (haven't rebuilt one before), not to mention how much needs to be upraded to handle the power such as new axles and an LSD. Then theres the problem of the extensive work, I would have to either bring tools to school or drive 3 hours home to work on it in the garage - this creates big inconveniences for a daily driver. Especially if I can't get it running to come back for work...and I know I wont rebuild the engine in anywhere near 2-3 days. So this plan doesn't look too feasible, it needs some changes. I know it was a little overboard in the first place, but I say dream big, but do your homework.
So the problem is that the original plan won't work in the time frame I'd like, but I still want to have some fun- I don't want to stay stock. And I'd really like a turbo...so here's what I havecome up with (brainstorming):
- Hahn stage II kit from Modern Performance
- Different boost controller and BOV - run it at 6 - 8 psi
- crank scraper and windage tray
- crane 12cam and adjustable cam gear (do i need the titanium valve springs?, can I replace the cam without removing the head?) Yes, you can keep the cylinder head on to replace the cam...but I would suggest changing the headgasket and timing belt anyways. You dont need the titanium valve springs if your only going with the Crane 12, save some money and buy the Magnum Valve Springs.
- SRT exhaust or something similar
- Ignition - what are my ignition control options? I need to be able to retard the timing Your using MS for fuel,.so just use MS for ignition control as well.
- Replace the timing belt and headgasket (should I?) the motor has 75k on it Yes, replace both.
- assorted gauges - afr, oil pressure, etc to keep an eye on the motor
- If possible take it to a dyno and start at low boost and increase between runs to make sure the wheel torque is at a safe level A good idea, tuning is the most important part of the entire process, besides buying good quality parts.
Any thoughts? Are there any other little things I should look out for, such as the timing belt? Any particular leaks, etc, that are common to the 2nd gen?
This plan eliminates having to rebuild the motor and send out the block, learning everything about the MS, etc. And all the work should be able to be done in a few frustrating weekends. It wont be as fast as I had originally hoped, but I should be able to put a frown on the face of cobolt SS drivers and hang with stock SRT 4s - maybe ~ 200WHP ? This way I can have some fun now, while in the meantime learning some things about the MS and engine building etc. in my freetime, and then I can make upgrades as I am readyfor them.
Thanks for any help.
I have been planning on building my 01 SE up to 300WHP, bottom and top end rebuilds, high boost, Megasquirt, axles, LSD, etc, etc, the works...but I am beginning to realize that the fact is it's going to take considerable time to build the knowledge base I need - learning the backgrond of the MS and how to tune it, carefully rebuilding the engine (haven't rebuilt one before), not to mention how much needs to be upraded to handle the power such as new axles and an LSD. Then theres the problem of the extensive work, I would have to either bring tools to school or drive 3 hours home to work on it in the garage - this creates big inconveniences for a daily driver. Especially if I can't get it running to come back for work...and I know I wont rebuild the engine in anywhere near 2-3 days. So this plan doesn't look too feasible, it needs some changes. I know it was a little overboard in the first place, but I say dream big, but do your homework.
So the problem is that the original plan won't work in the time frame I'd like, but I still want to have some fun- I don't want to stay stock. And I'd really like a turbo...so here's what I havecome up with (brainstorming):
- Hahn stage II kit from Modern Performance
- Different boost controller and BOV - run it at 6 - 8 psi
- crank scraper and windage tray
- crane 12cam and adjustable cam gear (do i need the titanium valve springs?, can I replace the cam without removing the head?) Yes, you can keep the cylinder head on to replace the cam...but I would suggest changing the headgasket and timing belt anyways. You dont need the titanium valve springs if your only going with the Crane 12, save some money and buy the Magnum Valve Springs.
- SRT exhaust or something similar
- Ignition - what are my ignition control options? I need to be able to retard the timing Your using MS for fuel,.so just use MS for ignition control as well.
- Replace the timing belt and headgasket (should I?) the motor has 75k on it Yes, replace both.
- assorted gauges - afr, oil pressure, etc to keep an eye on the motor
- If possible take it to a dyno and start at low boost and increase between runs to make sure the wheel torque is at a safe level A good idea, tuning is the most important part of the entire process, besides buying good quality parts.
Any thoughts? Are there any other little things I should look out for, such as the timing belt? Any particular leaks, etc, that are common to the 2nd gen?
This plan eliminates having to rebuild the motor and send out the block, learning everything about the MS, etc. And all the work should be able to be done in a few frustrating weekends. It wont be as fast as I had originally hoped, but I should be able to put a frown on the face of cobolt SS drivers and hang with stock SRT 4s - maybe ~ 200WHP ? This way I can have some fun now, while in the meantime learning some things about the MS and engine building etc. in my freetime, and then I can make upgrades as I am readyfor them.
Thanks for any help.
#4
06-03-2007 | 07:09 PM
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
RE: New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
Idunno ifImgoing to use the MS for this plan, at least at first. I willin the future though. After looking at some of the MS stuff, I'd like to learn all about it first and that is going to take a while.
So its looking like ill get the MSD DIS 2 or something similar. However, this is $400, compared to ~$300 for the MS + all the accessories...It might be worth it to get the MS rather than have factory fuel control. It just seemed a little overwhelming looking at the amount of reading/research/tuning to get it to run right. I don't mind doing my hw on this stuff, I'd just like to get the setup running good by the end of the summer at least so I can have a couple months of driving time in the fall. Maybe I'll PM that guy that was working on his MS.
So its looking like ill get the MSD DIS 2 or something similar. However, this is $400, compared to ~$300 for the MS + all the accessories...It might be worth it to get the MS rather than have factory fuel control. It just seemed a little overwhelming looking at the amount of reading/research/tuning to get it to run right. I don't mind doing my hw on this stuff, I'd just like to get the setup running good by the end of the summer at least so I can have a couple months of driving time in the fall. Maybe I'll PM that guy that was working on his MS.
#5
06-03-2007 | 07:40 PM
Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
RE: New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
well in all honesty in my opinion just go with the SRT4 Swap it takes considerably less $ and time than the stuff you have listed and the aftermarket options are more extensive and all that, thats what im going to do..... im saving all my money for awhile and waiting until i can find a crashed SRT4 (rear end collision hopfully) and buy that for parts.... and what ever i dont use goes to the junk yard or something
#6
06-03-2007 | 08:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
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RE: New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
I love my hahn stage2 turbo kit in my 1st gen neon . Hahn is the only way to go if you have an auto neon any yr. I have alot of mine invested in my 1st gen more so for the engine and turbo and paint job . Id say you got a awesome project ahead of you have fun.
#7
06-03-2007 | 09:59 PM
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RE: New Project Thoughts...What do you think?
Just like 03neonRT said, make sure u rebuild the bottom end.
It wont hurt to put titanium retainers in.
U don't have to take the head off to put the cam in. My mechanic took the engine out and head off b/c he said the cam job is easier that way.
An SRT-4 swap would be the best way to go though.
It wont hurt to put titanium retainers in.
U don't have to take the head off to put the cam in. My mechanic took the engine out and head off b/c he said the cam job is easier that way.
An SRT-4 swap would be the best way to go though.
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#9
06-03-2007 | 10:10 PM
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