pimping a 96 neon

[ssjwizard]

ok so im debating wether i wana do some preformance work on my neon i recently acquired. its a 1996 neon with 81k miles. if i do it of course im going to redo the paint and probably put a body kit on(nothing to gaudy tho i like sleek streamline apearance) but before i do anything to the car i have to convince myself i can get the preformance id want if i were to make an investment. currently its got the 96 sohc with 4 spd auto. now 1 can this engine be turbo charged without an excessive amount of custom work. if not this engine is there one that would likely be redily avalible to fit this compartment that is. and of course preformance pistons rods and the like would be considered. id likely prefer to buy a whole new engine and rebuild that for preformance so i can use the car while i get the new engine ready to drop in. anyways all opinions are apreciated.

[SRT-Wannabe]

i'm with you with the engine thing, i want to buy a new engine and build it up, then install it.

[neon_rt]

In '96 the Neon did not come with a 4-speed auto, it is only a 3-speed.
The Sohc 2.0 doesn't turbocharge very well without a rebuild. The stock compression is 9.8 which is too high so start with if you are boosting.
You will need to change the pistons out for lower compression ones meant for boosting. A cheap way I've heard of is to get 2003-2005 Sohc replacement pistons from the Dodge Dealer. These are 9.3:1 and will handle mild boosting.
Another cheap way I've heard of is to swap the Sohc head for a Dohc head. The Dohc chamber is much bigger and reduces the compression to 9.2:1.
If you are serious about big power, you will need a total rebuild and turbo 8:1 pistons with heavy duty rods. Someone else on this Forum was wanting to do the same thing just a few days ago. Check it out. You will need some $$$.
You can easily spend more on the engine in a Neon than the cost of the car. Any mods you do will NOT increase the resale value. So you better enjoy the results because you will never get the money back!

[ssjwizard]

im not concerned with geting my money back i fully intend to keep the car for quite a while. i just want to make the car a little sweeter while i got it. ill probably drive it untill its done for. im considering a full motor swap the stock engine just realy doesnt seem like its got much goin for it in the way of preformance upgrades. i hear the PT turbo engine is a good choice cus it fits the compartment well. i was also thinking about maybe tring to find an SRT4 motor if i can. idk im still doing research.