Okay, folks, I just bought a 1997 Dodge Neon with a SOHC 2.0L in it.  Here's my question (preparing to be flamed...)

I mainly want the look, but I would like to increase performance slightly of my car.  Here's my problem -- money.  Now, my question is, do you think it would be worth the time, effort, and cash to take my dialy driven Neon (not a race car) and put eBay "performance" parts on it.  You know what ones I mean, the $20 coilovers, the $5 strut bars, etc.

Go ahead, flame me all you want, I'm ready for it.  haha.  

RICE! GET IT AWAY FROM ME! NOES!!

*dies*

You'll get no pity from us: the all-show-no-go idea is totally beyond us.  If you take our advice you'll end up with a daily driver that will scare girlfriends, neighbours, pedestrians and will most likeloy end up with you (in particular) dead somewhere.  

Youd have better luck at the Super Street boards, but even they'll tell you you're scum.  

Wow, I was expecting flame and here I go.

Except, see, there's one problem.  One slight misconception that I'd like to correct.  It's a 2.0L Dodge Neon.  All I want is to lower it an inch or two, put some new rims and tires on it.  Bam, done with it all.  But, with the prices on eBay, I considered a few other things, for the looks.  Now, the thing is... this is just a daily driver, also known as a "beater" until I get my Blazer project going.  See, if I want power, I'll wrap that money up in my soon to be v8 S-10 Blazer instead of blowing it on a car that would take thousands upon thousands of dollars to make the horsepower that my v8 could make with a few hundred.

Now, would you mind answering the question or must I further critique your choice of "performance" car?  You want flame, I sure as hell can flame, guy.  

My 18l. NA miata would smoke a neon anytime, and would beat your S-10 around a track anyday.  And its a daily driver.  Dont talk to me about performance.

If it's a 'beater' then you shouldnt modify the look of it unless you need to fix or replace something.  And if you're saving your money for a V8 S-10, then dont bother modifying the neon at all.  Its as simple as that.

Your choice of parts from e-bay is probably going to do more harm than good and cause more trouble (and cost more) in the long run.  Quality parts cost a fair bit sometimes, but thems the breaks.

And please, that wasnt flaming.  

0m3g4 my neon will smoke your *** and my exhust will throw you miata in a dumpster.
I dont care if you go 40 or 400 horsepower in your little miata ill still smoke the *** out of it. whats your miata have a 1.4L or 1.8L with a E-Turbo.

Dude dont talk *** about a neon until you know what can be done to one.

I get every issue of SCC, SS, Import Tuner, Ect....

So dont talk *** until you know what can be done.

As for ebay parts.

unless that are of good quality like name brand *** then dont mess with them.

As for some cheap wheels go to.

http://www.wheelsandspinners.com  

Sorry to say but no wonder the srt-4 neon is put down so bad.  

Do what you want too to your car.

Easy on the Uncle bens :P  

you want my opinion... you have some misconseptions about the level of engineering some 4cyls. have now. I can tell you watch powerblock on spike? VVT has revolutionized the industry so V8's secrve only one purpose to make old people feel young again. Please don't go for the look or the fake srt-4 body kit it looks dumb. Better yet sell your neon and pay the down on a used SRT-4 at a used car lot. 98 SRT-4 man what's eating you. Sure Omega can be annoying but he has a point to all his b.s. YOU CAN'T PASS OFF AS A WANABE. You got to prove your car and say that your car kicks-ass. That F&F's crap don't fly no more specially here. We are not 14 anymore drive, race, win and specially don't die.


Frosty's 95 dakota sport beat an acura w/ a hideous body kit and a coffee can muffler and a fake SE-R by about 15 ft and then they pulled off just cuz they wouldn't take a little jump on the road. You can't just park your car w/ no hood on the pizeria's parking lot and say that your car has been weight reduced. just pay the down for an SRT-4 and keep it stock.  

wow has this forum gone downhill.

If you want to do some work to your DD Neon, I would search ebay for cast off SRT4 parts. They will still be in good shape (usually), a lot cheaper than dealer prices, and of MUCH better quality than aftermarket.

I am doing the same with my Bimmer.. M3's make great donor cars for smaller engined bmws..

As for 98SRT-4. Stuff it man.. Around a track it takes a LOT of power, brakes, and handling to touch a lightly modded miata. They are GREAT track cars.. and unlike your neon, he can put the top down and get all the girls too. The female sex finds the little roadster irrestible.