Neon FAQ

Introduction

Welcome to the Chrysler Neon Frequently Asked Questions!  This site is intended to be a source of information for anyone interested in the Neon, whether new owner, Enthusiast, commuter, or beginning racer.  Many of these topics appear in the Neon Mailing List and the Neons.org message boards on a recurring basis.  Hopefully, having this resource kept current will lower the volume of repeat discussions.

This FAQ has been substantially reorganized and updated since its origins in the early days of 1995.  There are now more than a million and a half Neons on the road, and thousands of Neon Enthusiasts.  The original FAQ was geared to introducing the car to the world at large.  For this version, the focus has changed toward the person who already owns (or is strongly considering) a Neon, and wants to find out specific details about the car.  Questions are answered in "technical laymanís" terms, with explanations wherever possible.  Emphasis has been placed on factual information; any opinions are clearly labeled as such.  Great care has been taken in choosing sources of opinion.

Information is provided with as much background as possible.  Consequently, there are very few one-liner answers.  If you do not see a specific question listed, try reading other answers that seem relevant.  Most likely, the information is contained under a slightly different topic somewhere.

Some of the information previously included in the How-To section of this site is incorporated here.  Also included are part numbers and other information that has been compiled, but has not yet found a good home.  Please see the credits below for more information.  There is also a revision history, which will highlight the changes.  New or substantially changed items appear in pink.

Thanks to all:

Table of Contents

1.0    Neon Models

1.1    Neon Base Sedan/Coupe

1.2    Neon Highline Sedan/Coupe

1.3    Neon Sport and Expresso Sedan/Coupe

1.4    Neon R/T Sedan/Coupe

1.5    Neon ACR Sedan/Coupe

1.6    Neon Model Questions and Answers

 
1.6.1    Which model Neon is better?
1.6.2    No.  Really, which one is better?
1.6.3    How can I identify an ACR?
1.6.4    Do the empty fog light holes cool the ACR's front brakes?
1.6.5   What's the story with door handle color?
1.6.6    OK, what is the deal with fascia color?
1.6.7    How about side moldings?
1.6.8    Hey.  They say my car is only available with the SOHC, but mine has a DOHC!
1.6.9    What does "R/T" stand for?
1.6.10  What is the size and spacing of the R/T stripes?  Can I complete them or install them myself?
1.6.11  What else is unique about the Style?

2.0    Neon Engines and Transmissions

2.1    SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)

2.2    DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam)

2.3    TLEV (Low Emissions)

2.4    Export (Single Overhead Cam)

2.5    Engine Questions and Answers

 
2.5.1    Which engine is better?
2.5.2    What are the different cam specs for the SOHC model years?
2.5.3    Why do the two engines have different octane recommendations?
2.5.4    What aftermarket hop-ups are available for each engine?
2.5.5    What oil should I use?  What about additives?
2.5.6    What oil filter should I use?
2.5.7    What spark plugs should I use?  What is the correct gap?
2.5.8    What are 'error codes'?
2.5.9    What is the significance of the timing belt?
2.5.10   What does the rev limiter do?  What does the speed limiter do?
2.5.11   Is there any parts interchangeability between SOHC and DOHC?
2.5.12   Will removing the intake snorkle give more power?
2.5.13   What does replacing the motor mount do?
2.5.14   What is a 'bobble strut'?
2.5.15   What is the DOHC 'oil restrictor'?
2.5.16   Is there a difference between the DOHC and SOHC controllers?  ATX and MTX?
2.5.17   Where is the PCV valve on my '95 SOHC?
2.5.18   How does the PCV relate to my cool new intake setup?
2.5.19   Is the Neon's engine really a Mitsubishi product in disguise?


2.6    ATX (Automatic Transmission)

2.7    MTX (Manual Transmission)

2.8    Transmission Questions and Answers

 
2.8.1    What automatic transmission fluid should I use?
2.8.2    How can I increase performance of my automatic transmission?
2.8.3    What are the shift points for the automatic transmission?
2.8.4    Why doesn't the Neon have a four speed automatic?
2.8.5    What is a modular clutch?
2.8.6    What kind of fluid should I use in the manual transmission?
2.8.7    What is the duty cycle of transmission fluid for each unit?


2.9    Performance Modifications Questions and Answers

 
2.9.1    Will aftermarket parts void my warranty?  What about Mopar Performance parts?
2.9.2    What is a basic plan for increasing SOHC performance?
2.9.3    What is a basic plan for increasing DOHC performance?
2.9.4    What is a K&N filter, and what will it do for performance?
2.9.5   How can I upgrade my exhaust piping and muffler?  Which muffler is best?
2.9.6    WWhat about a header and cat?
2.9.7    How can I upgrade my intake system?
2.9.8    Can I install a cold air intake if I have an automatic transmission?
2.9.9    Is water a problem for a cold air intake, or not?
2.9.10  What spark plugs and wires should I use?
2.9.11  What does an underdrive pulley do?
2.9.12  What aftermarket computers (or 'chips') are available?
2.9.13  Won't I get in trouble for switching the PCM?  I thought they tracked mileage or something.
2.9.14   What do 'porting', 'polishing' and 'headwork' mean?
2.9.15  What is the difference between the SOHC and DOHC intake manifolds?
2.9.16  What is the significance of the throttle body?  How do they differ between cars?
2.9.17  What do cam gears do?
2.9.18  Enough of this sissy crap.  I need boost!
2.9.19  Which is better, turbo- or supercharging?
2.9.20   What about nitrous oxide?

3.0    Neon Suspensions

3.1    Base (SDA)

3.2    Touring (SDC)

3.3    Sport (SDE)

3.4    Competition (SDK)

3.5    Export (SDF)

3.6    Suspension Questions and Answers

 
3.6.1    What are Camber, Caster, and Toe?
3.6.2    Why should I adjust camber?
3.6.3    How can I adjust camber on my ACR?
3.6.4    How can I adjust camber on my Neon?
3.6.5    What are suggested alignment settings?  Will they hurt my tires?
3.6.6    Are any other alignment adjustments possible?
3.6.7    How can I lower my Neon?
3.6.8    How can I improve handling of my Neon?
3.6.9    What are stock wheel/tire sizes?
3.6.10  What tires/wheels should I get?  I want to stay with the stock wheel size.
3.6.11  What tires/wheels should I get?  I want to move up in size.
3.6.12   I'm confused about all these tire designations...
3.6.13  What are the differences between the Arvin and Koni ACR struts?
3.6.14  What are swaybars and how do they improve handling?
3.6.15   Is there a difference in the springs between each suspension type?
3.6.16   My Koni struts have oil on them.  Are they leaking?
3.6.17   Why was the camber adjustment taken out of newer ACRs?
3.6.18   I'd like to hear some more discussion about toe-in versus toe-out.
3.6.19 The Mopar Performance catalog lists a 19mm rear swaybar.  Does it *really* exist?
3.6.20 What is a "trunk kit"?
3.6.21 Will wheels from any other Chrysler products fit the Neon?
3.6.22  What is the difference between the black and the yellow Koni struts?

4.0    Neon Brake Systems

4.1    Brake System Information

4.2    Brake System Questions and Answers

 
4.2.1    How have the brakes options changed over the years?
4.2.2    Are all the front disc systems the same?
4.2.3    What kind of brake fluid should I use?
4.2.4    Should I put on cross-drilled or slotted rotors?
4.2.5    Can I convert my rear drum brakes to discs?
4.2.6    What do stainless steel brake lines do?
4.2.7    Should I install high-performance brake pads?

5.0    Neon Miscellaneous Information

5.1    General Information
 
5.1.1    What are all these acronyms people use?
5.1.2    Here are some telephone numbers for Daimler-Chrysler.  Enjoy.
5.1.3    How do I get a Service Manual?
5.1.4    How do I find a good dealer in my area?
5.1.5    What is a TSB?
5.1.6    How can I find out information about a specific Neon?
5.1.7    What is 'Rice'?
5.1.8    Here is a veritable potpourri of Neon trivia.
5.1.9    Where can I get all those funky tools listed in the Service manual?
5.1.10   How do I decode my '95-'99 Neon's VIN?


5.2    Troubleshooting and Maintenance

 
5.2.1    Are headgaskets really a problem?
5.2.2    My engine's leaking oil, and  I'm scared.  Help!
5.2.3    My Neon gurgles when I turn it off...
5.2.4    My Neon whistles when I turn it off...
5.2.5    What is the deal with motor mount failures?
5.2.6    Why is my manual transmission getting hard to shift?
5.2.7    My clutch is making popping noises, or feels funny.
5.2.8    My Neon yelps or chirps when I shift hard, or when I go from 'R' to 'D'.
5.2.9    My Neon made a horrible noise when I hit some deep puddles, and I thought it was going to explode.
5.2.10  I changed my spark plugs, and the well was full of oil.  Is my head gasket shot?
5.2.11  Why does my gas mileage suck so bad?
5.2.12  My Check Engine Light is showing codes 12 and 21.  What's wrong?
5.2.13  My Check Engine Light is showing code 43.  What's wrong?
5.2.14  My spare tire well or my rear set foot well is wet!
5.2.15  My steering wheel shakes at 73 mph (or some particular speed) and it's driving me mad!
 
5.3    Some Longer Essays
 
5.3.1    A discussion of engine power, and the theory behind shifting.
5.3.2    We all know you should use Mopar body parts.  Here's why.
5.3.3    A few words about the problems involved with adding boost to the Neon.
5.3.4    A discussion of fuel injection control by the stock PCM.
5.3.5   Some important words about 0-60 acceleration times.
5.3.6   What is the theory behind header design?
5.3.7    How about that One Millionth Neon?!

Credits

The original FAQ was compiled and maintained by Susan Goetcheus in early 1995.  It was revised and expanded in 1996/97 by Patrick J. Hennessey.  This version is copyright 1998 and 1999 by Duke Wilford and Neons.org.  Anyone is invited to submit questions, factual answers, or editorial comments to the current FAQ editor, Duke Wilford <[email protected]>.

There have been many contributors to the FAQ over the years, and some have been forgotten.  Information used verbatim from other sources is quoted and credited; names of people who have furnished information appear in the answer text.  However, a few sources deserve extra thanks for the vast quantity of information they have provided:  Erich Heuschele, a Chrysler chassis engineer and prolific Neon racer, has been very generous with his knowledge and insight; Greg Smith, another Chrysler technical employee and racer, has spent untold amounts of time looking up specs, part numbers, production figures, and a million other facts.  Please note that any items from Chrysler employees included here have been provided on a strictly personal basis, and are not to be considered as official DaimlerChrysler Corporation information or opinion.

Much of the technical information in this FAQ was taken from another excellent source:  Grassroots Motorsports magazine; specifically the "Everything You Always Wanted To Know" Neon article in the July/August 1998 issue.  GRM is a small magazine of excellent quality, geared toward amateur racing, autocross, and modest-budget cars (and enthusiasts).  It can be found at Borders Books and other large newsstands, and is available by subscription.  See their website for subscription information.

Revision History

02/13/99:    Version 3.0 posted at the neons.org website.
04/23/99:    Version 3.1 added the Miscellaneous Information section, and additional questions to the Suspension and Drivetrain sections.  Expanded the Models section slightly; corrected information throughout the FAQ in response to feedback.
01/13/00:    Version 3.2 added the Performance Modifications section, and expanded the Troubleshooting and Maintenance section.  Additional information inserted for the Models section and the Longer Essays.  Various corrections and clarifications made throughout the FAQ.