Neon SRT4, but its a neon! Options

[natedogg]

talking about the 04 SRT-4, I believe they are raising the horsepower numbers to reflect what they are putting out now. i have heard that some 03 SRT-4 are putting down horsepower numbers in hte 230 range.

Actually, if you read the article in SCC about the SRT-4 engine. They explain that the factory is putting larger injectors and changing the fuel/timing maps to further increase the power output especially in hot or high altitude conditions where the engine suffers hotter and/or less dense intake charges.

[Mike]

then the larger injectors and the new fuel map will even riase the HP higher then it is now. that is crazy for a stck car at $20K. I bet they do raise the price to about 23-24!

[Mike]

Ohh and welcome to the boards Jeremy, stlblkmsp!

[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

[natedogg]

That's some good info Marty. The article in SCC quoted some people from Dodge saying that the car should be putting out 15 more hp in hot or high altitude conditions and 5 more hp regularly in similar test conditions to what SCC put the 2003 through on the dyno. Not much, but something. I guess we'll have to wait til they're released and tested to know for sure.

[Mike]

That was some really good info marty! For the money I hear that it is not bad. I went and looked at the car and I think it sits kind of high and has really skinny tires. But an overall I give it two thumbs up for dodge bringing it out. To bad they used the Neon name though!

[RacerX11]

Actually, it doesn't have the name Neon anywhere on the car. It is just an "SRT-4". Granted, we all know it is still a Neon at the core. It is kinda like the EVO...I don't think it says Lancer anywhere, either, but it is still a humble little econobox before all the go-fast goodies get bolted on.

Marty

[akamiami]

unfortunately, it does say lancer abouve the evolution on the trunk lid.