My R/T is running great and I havent had any problems with it as of yet. I'm planning ahead for a few modifications and would like to get some input. I'm not looking to spend more then $500 as of right now...and just want to do some minor stuff at the moment.

On my to do list are:

Short throw shifter kit - as I hate the stock one and the leather bag on it annoys the **** outta me in the cold - it shrinks and clogs up the shifter when I try to shift

Custom exhaust - my stepdad and I are probably going to rip the factory crap off from the cat and go all the way back. I've been looking at even purchasing a new cat, but I'm not sure about it as of yet.

Headers - as I figure I'll be doing the exhaust, it wouldnt kill me to do these...and they are cheap enough that I could do it easily.

I think these arent bad upgrades and relatively cheap as well. I'm hoping to start auto mechanic school in the summer or fall....so it would be good practice, plus I can really look around at maybe learning more about this engine.

On a side note, does anyone have any other suggestions to do instead? I really hate the shifter so that's a given. I also know the timing belts on these are crapola....and it will need it in about 12,000 miles. Is this something worth taking to a shop? Or could I do it myself? I know that the Stealth/3000GT are just utter PITA's.....and I believe BadStratRT said something of the same effect about the Stratus too....

I'm not really looking at super performance here, actually looking at overall better driving and economy as well as keeping my car in good running order.

One last thing, does anyone know if the clutch in the R/T's is adjustable? I've had to compress the clutch all the way most of the time to make it shift. I've talked with several people and they said some clutches are adjustable, but I dont know enough about this car. What I am looking to do is see if I cant adjust the clutch pedal so I can push it to the floor less, but still get the necessary compression it needs. If I cant, no biggie, just one of those things you kinda think about but always forget to ask.

 

a lot of mitsubishis and dodges I neons I have owned required me to push the clutch down all the way...now my saturn only need pressed a little ...you can adjust it but really dont know what difference it will make. you should try to get a semi street racing clutch too b/c it makes a big difference in torque and hp to the wheels as i put racing clutches in three of my cars 2 neons and one sentra. My sentra has the hardest full race ILLEGAL BTW clutch by ACT it isnt fun to drive in traffic as it will leave your leg feeling bad...as far as exhaust and headers that would be a cool idea give that stratus some sound. Is yours the SOHC or DOHC...my dad does his sohc timing belt in his minivan and says it is fairly easy. But DOHC i hear is a major PITA. He used to do warranty work on the stealths and 3000gts as well as the talons and lazers and eclipses. He always wanted a stealth r/t/t but claims he doesnt like to work on em for timing issues.

 

the RT is a SOHC.

as for the headers and gutted cat, from what i have heard, header back exhaust will bring that car to LIFE...i have seen other guys with the same stuff getting into the 14s with header back, and an intake.