Timing

I have heard of people advancing their timing to increase power. does anyone know how to do it on a 95 neon? will it help any?

I dont know of any way that is easy or low priced or gives definite results. The timing on the Neon is determined by the PCM based on its 'tuning table' settings & the input from several sensors, none of which are adjustable. With the PCM you would have to reprogram whatever item has the 'tuning tables' in it; probably a memory chip. If you have a business license, I think its a violation of U.S. federal law to make such a change to a car - unless it meets the same emissions rqmnts as the original car did. If you go to: www.megasquirt.info/ and read "What is megasquirt" you see that they sell you the parts, & you do the work on the car yourself. That way they arent violating U.S. Code. I dont -think- its illegal if the car's private owner does it on their own, but its been a long time since I spent time trying to understand the federal code & regulations. Megasquirt also uses the word 'experimental' - since it aint guaranteed to be everybodys solution. You can learn about prices by doing a search for 'Megasquirt' at ebay.com.
I know that getting more power from any engine always involves increasing the stress on it; and engine life and reliability Will Not increase.

I think the 2.0 SOHC engine is well optimized for power and reliability. I have been considering squeezing one into a 1950 Mercedes 170SV convertible that I have - to replace its original 37 bhp 1.7L flathead and make the car useable on modern roads. I would probably use a megasquirt system to run the new engine.