Over the weekend I connected my OBD2 laptop up to the Neon. All the sensors are operating normally, the car is not retarding timing or doing anything out of the ordinary. Next, I did a compression test while replacing the spark plugs. With the Neon, you pull the auto shut-down fuse or the coil pack and the fuel injectors. This stops fuel and spark from going into the cylinders. Then, one by one, you remove the spark plug and screw in the pressure gauge into each spark plug hole, crank the motor over for a few seconds (until the pressure peaks) then record the result. Wait a minute and see if the pressure drops (this would indicate a leaky valve or piston ring). This test will tell you very quickly if you have a serious engine problem. I was very pleased with the results: 1 = 200psi, 2 = 200psi, 3 = 198psi, 4 = 205psi. This means I still have a strong motor after five rallies and a season of rallycross events. Should these numbers differ more than 10% you have issues to resolve.

Other Stuff:
This weekend is the San Diego Rallycross! Here are all the details.
For Sale: 3 Hankook – Hard compound – 175/60-14″ used rally tires. They are in ‘fair’ condition. (tread blocks are chewed up, about 1/3 the tread left, sidwalls are fine, tire has been grooved) Great for your rallycross beater! Take all three for $50. I can bring these to the rallycross – for other arrangements contact me.