Worth racing an ACR Neon?

[DUBS TSR]

Plan on getting an 1998 manuel ACR Neon.

I know they are special additions and all. Anyone else ever mod'd one out and raced it? Lemme know how it went for you

[das2123]

Originally Posted by DUBS TSR

Plan on getting an 1998 manuel ACR Neon.

I know they are special additions and all. Anyone else ever mod'd one out and raced it? Lemme know how it went for you

Well the neon ACR only won 5 consecutive SCCA championships before they changed the rules

[DUBS TSR]

Yeah I figured they were perfect for what I'm looking for.

American made ricer killer minus all the muscle.



Just wanted to see what people had to say about them. Anyone who has mod'd one out before? Suggestions?

[das2123]

Originally Posted by DUBS TSR

Anyone who has mod'd one out before? Suggestions?

They are the same as other neons minus options and have better handling. The sedans are SOHC and the coupes are DOHC. www.modernperformance.com has all the parts you could want for your neon.

[MileHighMechanic]

Originally Posted by DUBS TSR

Lemme know how it went for you

I have a 1999 ACR that I bought with TONS of issues. A car most people wouldn't think twice about.

I've spend about 40 hours on it in about 3 days. We replaced the head and valve cover gaskets, the O2 sensor and EGR valve, the radiator, the alternator and LOTS of wiring. All that to just get it running.

Upon rebuild we put in about $3,000 of parts, so I've spent about $5,000 on this car from start to now. All of that parts and work I've done is easy, cheap, bolt on and street legal. Minus the Iceman CAI my motor looks stock, and I'm running stock muffler and pipes.

Stock suspension, wheels and tires, interior and exterior. No weight reduction minus result of high performance parts. Nothing that a weekend warrior (ME) couldn't do in a few days with a good amount of money.

Three run dyno before mods (7/11/2006) showed 119 hp to the wheels. Pulling very weak at high RPMs and 1/4th miling at 17's (estimated).

This morning I saw 147 HP to the wheels and I ran it with a 1/4th mile tester in my car - I'm seeing high 15's. I toasted a 6 cylinder mustand and a modified Camaro SS on the way home. Not to mention... I'm grabbing gears through 5th now. She screams at 4,000+, I LOVE it. Alot more fun than an angry WS6 or an unnoticable Saab 93t.

With bigger wheels and a stage I'm positive we're looking at 14's, easy.

Yes, modify CORRECTLY and love your ACR and you can have an "Oh-Shit" little car.

As for racing, we've seen ACRs running 11's on low PSI. Worth racing? Yeah you can make your Neon see 9's or lower if you really want. It's worth it. Parts are cheap as fuck, bragging rights all day when you dust a Lance Evo, and the DOHC is just begging for upgrades anyway.

Don't be silly though and rice your domestic. ACR is a helluva' sleeper so treat her that way.

[DUBS TSR]

Very encouraging words. You explain it as I expected and read it would be.

The ACR I am buying comes equip with a few mods out of my hair:

-Booger Bushings
-Short Throw Shifter
-Iceman Intake (and battery box)
-Auto Throttle Body
-Motor Mounts
-Solid Bobble Strut
-Short Tube Header
-2.5 inch catback exhaust
-Phantom Grip LSD (Tested in gravel)



Not a damn chance would I rice this car out. Kits, spoilers, neons, etc is a bunch of stupid shit if you ask me.

I plan on throwing on some Pulleys next, then possibly some new springs for suspension. Perhaps some blacked rims.

Eventually after the project is finished might consider throwing in a Hahn Turbo. (Your thoughts on this?)


Let me know what you think

[MileHighMechanic]

Originally Posted by DUBS TSR

I plan on throwing on some Pulleys next, then possibly some new springs for suspension.

Yeah definitely - Unorthodox has an underdrive pulley for about $225. Springs are always nice - Eibach makes a sweet set (and the Neon is 4 wheel MacPherson which is nice).

Eventually after the project is finished might consider throwing in a Hahn Turbo. (Your thoughts on this?)

A turbo is good but keep yourself to 8 psi-ish unless you add the camshafts, cam gears, and even pistons.

Very important with your turbo is upgrading the ignition system so don't get ahead of yourself.

Before you get to the turbo, considering the size, weight, and transmission on the Neon I'd consider a stage 3 clutch (Clutchmasters) and stage 2 axles... Neither are completely necessary, I'm sure - but a good investment before forced induction. The clutch setup is really important, too, if you are thinking about dragging or even if you're a hard shifter like me. I rode my OEM clutch out before I even started repairing the motor.

As for a boost controller - I like GReddy but they run top dollar. I'm still natually aspirated cause I wont go turbo until I can afford all the piggybacks.

[HPNOTIQracing]

milehigh you said you spent 3000 in parts. if the list you listed was the parts then you got robbed. also what do you mean bigger tires? try better rubber compounds.

[DUBS TSR]

Went and testdrove the car today. With the things already modified on it the car is damn quick. Love it - Can't wait til the muthatrucka is mine!!

[DUBS TSR]

Originally Posted by MileHighMechanic

Before you get to the turbo, considering the size, weight, and transmission on the Neon I'd consider a stage 3 clutch (Clutchmasters)

Yeah so I thought - But there is a fairly new clutch and flywheel in it already. Shifts nice and easy.

So that saves me some bucks.

[FemaleRacer]

I drag race my neon (have for a few years) I chose it because they're easy to get parts for and are light weight...great for drags. (And-of course I'd NEVER drive a ricer ) I've changed out just about everything and would be glad to give you more specific info if you're interested. Just message me.....

[maykelcj]

Originally Posted by HPNOTIQracing

milehigh you said you spent 3000 in parts. if the list you listed was the parts then you got robbed. also what do you mean bigger tires? try better rubber compounds.

agree!!! to move bigger tires you need more power.

[machete619]

Originally Posted by MileHighMechanic

I have a 1999 ACR that I bought with TONS of issues. A car most people wouldn't think twice about.

I've spend about 40 hours on it in about 3 days. We replaced the head and valve cover gaskets, the O2 sensor and EGR valve, the radiator, the alternator and LOTS of wiring. All that to just get it running.

Upon rebuild we put in about $3,000 of parts, so I've spent about $5,000 on this car from start to now. All of that parts and work I've done is easy, cheap, bolt on and street legal. Minus the Iceman CAI my motor looks stock, and I'm running stock muffler and pipes.

Stock suspension, wheels and tires, interior and exterior. No weight reduction minus result of high performance parts. Nothing that a weekend warrior (ME) couldn't do in a few days with a good amount of money.

Three run dyno before mods (7/11/2006) showed 119 hp to the wheels. Pulling very weak at high RPMs and 1/4th miling at 17's (estimated).

This morning I saw 147 HP to the wheels and I ran it with a 1/4th mile tester in my car - I'm seeing high 15's. I toasted a 6 cylinder mustand and a modified Camaro SS on the way home. Not to mention... I'm grabbing gears through 5th now. She screams at 4,000+, I LOVE it. Alot more fun than an angry WS6 or an unnoticable Saab 93t.

With bigger wheels and a stage I'm positive we're looking at 14's, easy.

Yes, modify CORRECTLY and love your ACR and you can have an "Oh-Shit" little car.

As for racing, we've seen ACRs running 11's on low PSI. Worth racing? Yeah you can make your Neon see 9's or lower if you really want. It's worth it. Parts are cheap as fuck, bragging rights all day when you dust a Lance Evo, and the DOHC is just begging for upgrades anyway.

Don't be silly though and rice your domestic. ACR is a helluva' sleeper so treat her that way.

u beat a mustang 2 today it as turbo charge i kno u guys wont belive me but my shit is like stock all i got is a exhaust and a intake i aslo beat a ae86, 02 civic, 96 civic, eclipse the neon is worth racing its a fun car ta drive it was funny tho when dat mustang after da race he turn away he didnt want ta keep goin at it lol but o well its a fun car

[das2123]

Originally Posted by machete619

u beat a mustang 2 today it as turbo charge i kno u guys wont belive me but my shit is like stock all i got is a exhaust and a intake

Are you saying you beat a turbocharged Mustang? How do you know it was turbo'd? There is no way you win that race unless the driver just sucked that bad!

[machete619]

Originally Posted by das2123

Are you saying you beat a turbocharged Mustang? How do you know it was turbo'd? There is no way you win that race unless the driver just sucked that bad!

cuz u can hear it when he shifted idk how i did it but i did lol i knew some1 wasnt gunna belive me