Ive been thinking about a turbo kit for my Neon. However it's a 97, would it even be worth while investing in this car? The motor is strong and everythings held up fine for the year Ive had it. Replaced the headgasket already, it was blown when I bought it, along with the coolant hose up front. I had some oil issues for a bit but now I think I got all the bugs worked out. Here are all the upgrades I want to look into. Any brand suggestions or sites would be greatly apreciated!

1.CAI- I have an HKS filter on it now
2.CATBACK- currently stock exaust but Im puttin a bypass valve on it for racing.
3.PCU-any kind of performance computer. I have no rev-limiter on my car already which is nice :-) but I dont have a tach so it doesnt make a diff:-(
4.turbo-IS IT WORTH IT!?
5.Underdrive pullys

Ive also been thinking about boring it out, but I dont have the money... :-(
Soon as I get another job my next project is a hood scoop to help out my CAI since the one im buying doesnt relocate the filter. then rimz, and maybe a body kit. dont know, if I lower the neon i probably wont get a body kit, Im too lazy to wanna worry about breaking off the stupid bumbers.

 

Yes, the turbo is worth it.

But a few things if you are seriously considering it.

1) Keep the CAI you have, don't waste money on a new one. Because once you get a turbo the entire intake system gets redesigned rendering a CAI virtually useless.

2) Don't spent the money on the catback. You are going to want to go with at least a 3" exhaust for the turbo and you are going to want to use a muffler that is wide open.

3) DO NOT get a performance PCM. Especially with a turbo. You are going to want to stick with the stock PCM. A performance PCM dumps fuel like crazy which in turn makes the car run pig rich, with a turbo if you add mroe fuel without controlling it you run an extremely high-risk of blowing up the turbo. So, if you want a turbo spave teh money you'd use to buy a PCM to put towards the turbo.

4) Yes, a turbo is worth it.

5) Yes, go ahead and get teh underdrive pulley. It's a good investment. And frees up some ponies that were lost to the balancer that is on there now.

 

thanks for the info. One question though, will an underdrive pully effect my powersupply at all? I have a full stereo system in my car. Since Ive updated my headunit my system doesnt seem to be underpowered anymore (meaning the face isnt dimming when the bass hits lol) so I just want to make sure I know what all its effecting. Oh yea one more thing, how much turbolag am I looking at? I have a 3spd auto...

 

It might. It just depends on how much extra stuff you are running. If you've just got an amp powering the head unit then you'll be fine but if you've got the amp, sub and a whole slew of lights and stuff then it'll put a draw on it.

But in either case, you'll be fine. If it does you can always get an Over Drive Pully for the alternator, they cost about $40. And basically what it is, is a smaller pully for the alternator.

 

I have a 50x4w headunit and a 444w amp powering 6 speakers. The headunit aids the amp. I dont have neons or any of that other stuff, never felt the need for it. I want a "performance" car not a ricer. So performance upgrades come before looks.


Do you have any recomendations on brands or links for the Turbo or Underdrive pullys?

 

You'll be fine then.

To be honest I have no clue who sells UDPs anymore. I have a TTi but TTi went out of business a feew years ago.

As for turbos check with our sponsors and if they dont' ahve anything look at Moderperformance.com, Hahn Race Craft and Chill Factory.

 

Thanks.