I have a 97 neon 4 door with an at trans in it. I'm looking to mod the car and i really want a 5 spd tranny. I was wondering how hard it is to do the swap and if anybody else here has done it? I just really want to know what parts i need and also i want to turbo the car and was wondering if i should stick with the 2.0 or if i have the money go to a 2.4 or 2.7 and then turbo it?

Thanks

 

oh yeah, would it be worth the 2 or 3 grand for a 2.7 crate engine from howell automotive or should i just stick with the 2.0 and mod the snot out of it? Then agian i could go with a 2.4 for about 2 grand from howell too.

 

You will need alot of stuff to swap over to a manual trans., including the PCM from the 5-spd car.

A crate engine is a great idea as long as you can afford it.

 

Just remember their warning on the 2.4/2.7 crate motors--they're not swap-ins for 2.0, they're 2.4 engine swaps with some changes to cam position sensor, wiring, etc., etc., and needing the electronics, intake, etc., etc., for a DOHC. It sounds to me like you're starting with a SOHC not a DOHC--but just guessing--many DOHCS are 5 speed already.

So. . . it'd be great, but needs more $ and more time than just the motor itself. The 2.2 would be a straight swap. they could use your block for that too. (Although would shipping your block to them cost the same as their core charge??)

 

no the 2.4 swap that howell has is a direct 2.0 swap i think, or if not all you need is a 2.4 engine mount. And yes i am starting with a sohc and an auto trans. I know the 2.7 is a 2.4 swap but like i said all you need to put it in a car that came with a 2.0 is the mount. If i have the money would i see more power out of turboing a 2.7 then a 2.0 or 2.4. I mean it's probaly a simple answer but i was just wondering. As for the shipping charges i dont know. Howell makes the crate engines and depending on which one you go with they dont need a core engine to send back to them, most of them do tho.


As for parts for the trans swap anybody know what parts i would need so i could to go the junk yard and just pull all the parts i need while i'm there so i can save on money.

 

talk to them on the phone. It is NOT a direct swap for a 2.0. You do need the mount. you do need DOHC intake/exhaust/electronics--which you need anyway going to a 5 speed.

The reason people kinda call it a "direct" swap is because it's about as direct as you can get--but only for a DOHC. Ifyou're starting with a SOHC--yes you can use a SOHC head but with some work--particularly getting the timing lash adjuster and the correct length belt is a bit tricky. If you want to do it I have kept a letter from someone on Neons.org that knows what pieces to use to set that up, but it is significantly more work than providing a DOHC 2.0 environment for the 2.4 block and you may lose a little in top end with a SOHC (although the torque of a 2.7 should more then make up for it in fun factor.)

You're right--as far as mounts go it is a direct swap except for passenger side mount. . . but so is the 2.7 in that respect. The 2.7 is a 2.4 with a stroker forged crank. . . just like the 2.2 SOHC/DOHC is a 2.0 with a stroker forged crank.

You simply CAN'T get enough stroke inside the 2.0 block to make 2.4 or more displacement--the 2.4 block is actually a Raised Block so not only is it a little tiny bit longer (hence a different passenger mount) it's also a bit taller--allowing more room to increase stroke. For this reason your SOHC hood will not work either unless you raise it a bit or cut a hole or too. They recommend DOHC replacement hoods.



You need to really talk to them. . . I could go back and forth with you all day but if you tell them what you're starting from and where you want to go they'll tell you what you'll need to do. . . . Howell doesn't really like to get calls back saying "Hey this isn't working. . . ."

 

Ok so if i go with a 2.4 or 2.7 i will need a DOHC- exahust, intake, electronics... got it. Then the pcm out of a 5 spd neon along with the tranny. Then clutch and brake pedal and stuff like that then a DOHC hood to acomidate the extra hight.

 

Here are the info on the 2.2 crate from howell.....

2.2 Litre Stroker Create Motor Short Blocks comes with the following parts installed. This is a replaces a 2.0 litre, out side demetions are the same. Clevite 77 Rod Bearing Set Clevite 77 Main Bearing Set Total Seal Piston Rings New Carter Water Pump All Mopar gaskets and Seals Melling Oil Pump Eagle Specialty Forged Rods JE Pistons in your choice of 8.6, 10.5 or 12.5 compression Seasoned Block Blocks are bored and honed with a deck plate to insure that the cylinder walls are true. 3.540 inch stroker crankshaft Crankshaft and rotating assembly are race balanced All clearances are blue printed When ordering your short block specify SOHC or DOHC, and specify compression ratio you desire. These are race engines and are sold for racing purposes only. They are sold as is, with no warranty expressed or implied. Short blocks are shipped without cylinder heads or oil pans. Engine contains no oil. Proper break in of engine must be observed to insure long life. Inspect all bracket mounting holes before use. Engines are built to order, allow 4 to 6 weeks before engine is complete and ready to ship. Short block without your core short block $2649.95. Shipping cost is extra. Blocks are shipped by Motor Freight from Keyser. Lift gate service to help in unloading is available at additional cost, but must be requested at the time of order. Engine must be signed for at time of delivery


do those internals sound like they could hold a turbo or would it be easyer to rebuild the engine that i have now with the right parts to handle the turbo pressure... oh yeah if i kept my engine that i have now would i be able to swap to that 5 spd trany?

 

Yup, you can order the 2.2 with any of their compression ratios--if I remember the web page you're quoting you can select from a drop down what piston CR you want. If you KNOW you're going turbo then use the 8.8 and you can go more boost. If you're not sure then do a 10.5 and if you decide to do turbo then keep you boost (and ultimately your peak HP) down a bit.

It sounds like you've got money burning a hole in your pocket. If so, yes you can get gains with displacement. Remember "there's no replacement for displacement." But 2600 plus shipping is a bit much for the 2.2 (10% displacement gain). Do you have tools to order the crank and special pistons and build it yourself? See their internal parts page---they say you can use stock rods with their crank if you buy the right pistons (pins are higher up on the "special" pistons).

Good luck. If you do a 2.2 with 10.5 let me know how it works out--especially at the strip. I'm very curious.

Keep in mind: You'll want a little bigger injectors, you'll probably want to invest in another cam--the #012 CRane SOHC cam if you're doing 2.2 10.5 without turbo still SOHC or the #014 turbo grind if you know you're doing turbo.


. . . .Sounds like you better sit down and do some planning and some budgeting.

Good luck,

 

Yeah, i still have time before i can drive the car so i will sit down and plan out what i want to do and then save the money and do it. But i'm not completly sure if i am going to keep my neon... i want to because of the mods but i can get a buick lesabre for cheap from my uncle that has a lot more options and more room for my hockey and bowling equipment but i still need to take a look at the car then decide.