Looking for some info/advice on a ~98 neon

[c0re]

I'm looking at getting a Neon, around a 1998 car (not the latest model I beleive?). I want a 2-door body style one, not a 4 door.

I haven't really been able to find out a whole lot of useful info on this car on the web, I am looking for basically the following info:

What model derivants were available in the US,
What engine type/size were available in each model,
What each model variant means, i.e if it's a sport model etc.

I'm looking to get something that has potential for performance upgrades too, I am guessing but I imagine some of the motors used give better power gains than others?

I really am starting out here clueless as to Dodge, it's not a marque I know anything about, but I'm looking for a fairly cheap but fun car with a bit of potential, and wanted to steer clear of the civics, accords etc etc etc. and go for something a bit different.

I realise this is a very large question to be asking here, but I've tried to do my own research and failed miserably

If anyone can spare a few minutes to give me some advice about what kind of neons I should be looking for, I'd really appreciate it,

thanks

[always420]

Check out neons.org the site will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about neons. Make sure headgasket has been replaced and timing belt must be replaced before 125 000 km. My neon is the most fun to drive car I've ever had, and like you mentioned who wants to add another Civic or Evo to the road.

[rolnaldo33]

i have a 98 rt (road/track) its a great little car, very reliable but still peppy when you wanna take a fast corner. if you can, try to get a sport/rt, i don't think they have as many gasket/belt problems plus, they are mostly dohc, which is cool. im not sure aobut the more basic models, but my rt came with roller rockers and tappets so the cams/valves will practicly never wear out from normal wear. the engines are actually made by mitsubishi so they are well engineered (except for some little ticks here and there of cource) but over all, i think adding a neon to ur garage is a good decision

[drag1320neon]

great neon sites include neonparts.net, blackdogmotorsports.com, modernperfomance.com, howellautomotive.com and ebay.

neons normally come with a 2.0sohc motor, with or without a/c, i think all come with power steering. some neons even come with a 2.0 dual which has 18 more horse power. and you can almost do anything to a neon that you can do to a honda. minus the supercharger, i havent seen one yet, but i dont like them anyway. neon motors have high potential, even more so does the 2.4ldohc from a stratus or minivan

[neonrcr95]

Ummm the neon motors are not and never were made my mitsu. If your looking for a neon i'd say go with a dohc mtx. Lots of potential. I'd say if you can go with an mtx. Hers the rating of how fast they are:

dohc mtx (fastest)
sohc mtx
sohc atx
dohc atx (slowest)

[rolnaldo33]

yeah the neon motors are made by mutsubishi, since the mid 90's. thats why on the underside of my hood it says "mitsubishi" as well in the sevice manual i bought, it also says made by mitsubishi. the dohc is the fastest too, by like 10hp

[neonrcr95]

Its been said time and time again that the neon morors are made by chrysler. Its been a common misconception that they are made by mitsu when infact chrysler made them. If you don't believe me heres what it says on neons.org in the FAQ's:

Q: Is the Neon's engine really a Mitsubishi product in disguise?

A: No! This is a persistent myth, particularly among DSM owners, founded on the history of cooperation between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. In fact, the naturally aspirated Eclipse 2.0 litre is based on the Neon engine, which was entirely developed by Chrysler. However, the head is reversed in the Eclipse installation, with the exhaust manifold facing front. The Mitsubishi turbo engines, on the other hand, were designed in Japan and do not have any common parts with the Chrysler product.