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The
Plan:
Exhaust
header (manifold)
Exhaust Cat-back system
Cold-air Intake
Lowered Suspension
New Wheels and tires
New front facia
New hood (carbon fiber)
Rear spoiler
Body Kit
Sport seats
Indiglo gauges
custom paint job
graphics
Custom interior panels
Stereo system upgrade
Dodge Neon Dual Exhaust
and custom tail lights
and custom tail lights
Dodge Neon Projector headlight
Dodge Neon Projector HL at night
This is a photoshop rendering of the final look of what I am planning for the Dodge Neon
| Some Cool Neons simular in concept to my plans. The one on the right is one I changed in photoshop. | Popular Upgrades |
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This is a new project this is just getting started. This was my mother's car, a daily driver up until a few months ago. When I returned home to deal with Kidney Failure, I was without wheels since I had to give up my Chevrolet Xtreme S-10. Driving this car was only for traveling to and from my Renel Center (Dialysis), and then to and from work. I've come to really like this car. It's fast right out of the factory box. It's very light, and handles quite well for an ecomony car. At the 60,000 mile mark we've had some engine issues....the freeze plugs are leaking, and those have to be replaced. The car has been well maintained, except that now we suspect that "Reed Brother's Dodge" in Rockville, never did work that they charged for. A complaint is being filed with the BBB and other local jurisdictions. But this engine repair is the precipitous that now allows me to make some significant upgrades. Starting with the log bewlow, you can read the build-up of this car to something rather cool.
Log 02/25/2006:
It's Saturday, and I'm just review some ebay items I've sold to help pay for the upgrades I want to make to the Dodge Neon project I just started. Faced with engine freeze plug repair, I am taking advantage of the repair time to make some upgrades. I've already ordered a Pace Setter Exhaust manifold and exhaust system. Some spec highlights about this product can be found on the Spec Data page. My wish list and plans are to get this car looking sporty, and kinda as thought it was a special Shelby Edition. I will eventually use Shelby design ques and labeling to make it appear so, however, it will not be the real thing. The exhaust system should be ready for pick-up on Monday, installed by Wednesday, and tested on Thursday. The next update will probably be around next weekend.
Found these interesting shots of European Neons....badged under the Chrysler brand, not Dodge or Plymouth
Note the different tail lights and additional rear light reflectors
Log 03/04/2006:
As described, I am doing another log during the weekend. It's Saturday afternoon. I haven't done much today because the pain medicine I took is making me quite sleepy. Anyhow, I have done a lot with the car so far. I got the car back on Thursday, after some issues installing the exhaust system. The mechanics couldn't quite figure it out. Well they got it in, however, I've noticed it's not centered. I'll try to center it myself, but if I can't, it'll go back for some modification. It looks really good except for the centering problem. Nice chrome tips and sounds aggressive, without being whiny.
I also installed the cold-air intake from K&N. The Typhoon series does add power to the car. I notice a little bit more accelleration on the car, and the power feels like it comes on a little lower in RPM than before. Plus the air intake looks great. I've got to wash the car and clean the interior out before taking pictures.
The other things that were completed were: New Kenwood sterio head unit with CD player Sirius Satellite Ready and iPod accessible was installed. Also, I recieved both the spare instrument gauges and the Indiglo nite gauge overlay, which I modified and installed on the spare gauges, now I have to install them into the car.
I've purchased, but not installed yet, a remote starter for the car. Unfortuantely I don't have electic door locks to add to the remote system, but I might add that later.
Now, I'm in a waiting pattern. I have to keep some money in savings, so though I've order some great looking wheel rims, I'll have to wait to purchase the tires and lowering kit. It might be two or more weeks before that work is done.
Log 07/01/2007:
It's been well over a year. Not much has been added to the car. There was slight plan change, when I added a 1996 Dodge Caravan to the stable. The van was purchased for Storm Chasing and utility use for my mother and I. That took a bit a money away, and I've only lately been doing additional work to the Neon.
Last summer I purchased some 17" ADR Design wheels. However, Not untill last month did I find some cheap tires that I got installed on the wheels then mounted the wheels on the car. I also added a soft front hood protector (aka hood bra) to cover the never replaced/repaired dent in the front hood. That's the only upgrade so far.
I am close to getting a lowering kit, but I'm having a hard time finding a shop that will install it that I can trust. After the lowering kit, I undecided whether to go with custom projector headlights and tail lights, or go with a new front bumber/facia. I leaning toward the lights since I would like to put off any body stuff till I'm ready to pay for full body touch up and repaint of the entire car. There are lots of small dings and stuff in addition to having to paint any customer or replacement parts.
Log 07/13/2007:
Lowering the car still has not been done. However, I have found nice projector headlights with the BMW style running lights that circle around the headlight beam. These are not highend projectors, just typical aftermarket ones you can find on ebay for around $150 bucks. I also found really nice tail light replacements that have the dark/black/carbon fiber look. I can't stand the chrome style which is like 80% of the aftermarket options. You can see these in the pictures section of the website.
Log 09/27/2007
Well shortly after doing the various upgrades I decided to try and sell the car. Figured I might get a nice chunk of change for it. But after a potential buyer came along, I was hesitant to sell. But even after some mechanical repairs, they purchased the car (likely because it was such a good deal). I did put in the contract that I have the right to the first refusal. That means they cannot sell the car without first offering it to me for repurchase. I did allow for $500 over what they paid, in case they put money into the car. At this time I would take it back in a second (if it is still in the same condition I left it).
Log 07/09/2008:
Spotted the car a few times around the Germantown, Maryland area. Was quite dirty both times, but running good. Exhaust sound didn't seem as deep as before. Otherwise still looks good.