Hi everyone,

I purchased a well cared for 1996 Neon coupe this past week which is was not running. The car is in great shape and from what I've seen in other Neons, has great potential. Here's the problem; I have the DOHC engine (what trim model is that?) and unfortunately the water pump pulley broke and the timing skipped badly, which resulted in bent valves. I've located another head inexpensively and can swap them myself. I just nee to know if there is anything I need to be aware of. Someone already mentioned getting a certain special head gasket but I can't remember what it was called. BTW, will the SOHC head work on the DOHC block, will the wires match up?

 

I have been told that the SOHC head will work. there should not be any other issues other than changing the PCM to a SOHC pcm.

 

What you are oging to want is the MLS Headgasket from either Felpro or Mopar.

And yes, the SOHC head will work just fine on the block. Since both the DOHC and SOHC share the same block.

 

That's good news that I can use the SOHC. Would I be losing horsepower? If I get a 1996 SOHC head, will the plugs match up. Anyone know where I can find a writeup on this?

 

Yes, everything will line up accordingly. As for losing power I'm sure there will be loses somewhere but I'm sure they are minimal.

You oculd look on as much as I hate to suggest it but you could look on neons.org for some informatin. Just don't expect too much help from them.

 

I don't think there is a power loss, I thing the sohc and dohc are right around the same hp. The SOHC is a better motor to put power into though IMO.

 

I found a DOHC head for about 100.00 and it's being shipped out today so hopefully I'll finally be able to run the Neon by next week. I also foud a SOHC head for 10.00! Maybe I'll get that one as a backup.

 

$10?? I'll buy it if you don't want it. Pm me and let me know.

 

Well, here's the update. The DOHC head that I ordered from a place in Jacksonville arrived, late. Unfortunately, when I opened the box it was the crappiest SOHC head I've ever seen. I got on the phone and told the guy to have UPS come pick it up and refund my money, which he said was done but it hasn't shown up in my bank as of yet, so I'll be calling them back again! The place is the most incompetent I've ever seen. On top of it all, the guy calls me back to tell me the UPS tracking number I gave him was not legit. I called UPS and they even verified the tracking. The guy is a real moron, I really think he can't read. I found a DOHC head locally and I'll go look at it tomorrow but this whole mess wasted an entire day.

 

that sux, where did you get it from so we all don't order from them.