The Southern California chapter of Neon America had a meet on Saturday and we stopped by Tustin Dodge to attend. I will say that it was not exactly what I was expecting. For starters, they are really organized and we went over past and future events and club items. More like a board of directors meeting then a ‘parking lot gathering’. What can I say – I’m used to 200 people showing up to a park in CT and when the cops show up asking who’s in charge, they point at me… 
It’s a small family crew that was quite welcoming and made us feel right at home. After recording the minutes, we all strolled over to the cars to go grab some fast food in the area. That’s when the talk turned serious and I wanted to get some Neon owners opinions on my upgrade path.
So I’m looking for a fresh transmission from a sport model with the 3.94 final gear. I’m going to install a Phantom Grip with the diff saver brackets (mopar 05134957AA), and a fresh clutch. While I’m in there I’ll install the solid bobble strut and new shifter bushings. For the engine I’ll get an MSD coil pack for better spark and try to get my O2 in a place that the exhaust + skidplates won’t crush it. I’ve also ordered stainless steel braided brake lines finally. I need to get down to the salvage yard to grab some more rear trailing arms and other spare parts for the bin.
Sounds like a good time and a good plan, Kris. Additionally, you might consider an underdrive pulley for the crankshaft if Ze’Neon isn’t already equipped and the rules allow it. From what I hear in the 2GNT community, it’s one of the most noticeable mods you can install. Also worth mentioning, if you haven’t already heard, is the stock cam from a 95 SOHC 2.0L is considered a mild upgrade (about as mild as you can go). Finally, since I’m playing up the whole, maybe-if-it-came-stock-on-a-Neon-they-can-legally-use-it card, there seems to be some talk on the Neon board about the “Magnum” cam and intake manifold. No doubt this comes from the newer Neon modesl, but again, we’re talking stock Neon parts. It could be worth looking into, imo.
Latz
Looks good Kris. Cyndi and I are looking forward to the new year.
i found out that 1996 acr neon is a sohc 4door that cam with a tubular manifold from the factory it is also the one that came with the aluminum intake manifold if you get one of those headers and the 95 cam the mopar ecu will do wonders and also a atx trottle body those are 3 modes that are well proven to get hpand torq and are all stock to your yr of car. and they would be justas reliable as what you have or better .