Neon SRT4, but its a neon! Options

[Mike]

Damn does this thing haul ass! I went and looked at one last night and for $19.9K it is a great deal. they already have a factory stage one kit that will give you 240hp for 400 bucks! running 15 puonds of boost at stock and giving you a 0-60 time in under 6 seconds is crazy for a stock car under warrenty. I think I may go back on SAT and Test drive the Car.

[RacerX11]

The local autocrosser who bought the SRT-4 is Chris Goodwin. His put down 225HP/239Trq at the wheels stock. He has since installed the Mopar Stage1 kit (ECU, injectors) and an AEM intake, and is up to ~245HP/260Trq.

Compared to the ACR, it just doesn't have enough tire. With a 2900lb curb weight, and skinny 205 tires, it just can't compare. You can't even come close to using the available power on an autocross course with the skinny street tires. The ACR has been lowered, and runs race tires, so the SRT definitely won't outhandle it on street tires. Lower the SRT with some real rubber, and it will be super fast. Even with just a set of race tires, in stock form, it wil be competitive in G Stock.

Dodge is raising the HP rating on the 2004's to more accurately reflect the actual crank numbers. The newer ECU and bigger injectors are to give them more margin in hot weather, and allow more aftermarket power increases before new injectors are required. The engine won't be putting out more power, it is just a ratings game.

The 2003's stickered for $19,995 (with no options) and the 2004's will be at $20,995 (LSD standard, sunroof optional). If someone pays 23K for one, they are getting gouged by the dealer. Even fully equipped with the sunroof they will be under 22K.

Overall bang-for-your-buck, it rocks. A WRX will cost you several grand more for less straight-line speed. The EVO is a much better car, but it should be, for almost 10 grand more.

I have ridden in and driven Chris' car, and it pulls 3rd gear just as hard as my LS-1. We haven't had a chance to run them yet, but it would be interesting. From a stop, I would probably take him, but from a roll, it would be anybody's race. Overall, it is a blast to drive. The only thing it is missing is the LSD, which is standard on the 2004's

They are putting down mid-5 second 0-60 and 14-flat times stock. Chris is planning to run it at Cordova sometime this fall, so we will see what kind of numbers it can produce.

Marty