Rallycross Neon: Part 1

"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures) 06/07/2018 at 13:00 • Filed to: None

0

18

Thankfully, the Neon I bought is in amazing condition. The only problem in the interior was that the rear-view mirror was in the center console, and not attached to the windshield. Excellent forward visibility, sure, but not ideal.

Voila! $7.00 and 10 minutes later and I can see behind me again. Nothing else that NEEDS fixing, but I swear if that damn Python alarm goes off again, I’m going to rip it out and smash it with a baseball bat.

On Sunday, I’m taking the Neon to autocross for an asphalt shakedown.

So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 14:23

1

Well I can tell it’s a 2nd gen but SXT?

SmugAardvark > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 14:42

2

You don’t need a rear view mirror to know that everyone else in the race is losing. :)

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky 06/07/2018 at 16:42

0

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/rallycross-1826636082

ACR

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > SmugAardvark 06/07/2018 at 17:03

1

Or, I don’t need it because everyone else is in front of me...

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 06/07/2018 at 17:04

1

Thanks

SmugAardvark > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 17:47

0

I’m an optimistic sort of guy, so I assumed you’d be winning.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 17:54

0

If you’re gonna rallycross the Neon I’d do a DIY cabin air filter as it does not have one. Under the cowl is a plastic grate for the cabin intake that you can cut a dryer vent filter to fit.

Just living on a dirt road without the filter was enough to fill my car with dust. The filter cut that down considerably.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 18:47

0

Do the second gens still have terrible timing belts? Even at your mileage, just due to age I would consider changing that out before really beating on it. That was the main limiting factor from trying to autocross the cheap beater 1st gen Neon RT I bought. I didnt want to do a timing belt job and it was likely to break if I raced it.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/07/2018 at 18:57

0

Thanks, I’m enjoying learning all of the quirks and features of this car. Ok, just quirks, I guess.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 06/07/2018 at 19:10

0

That sounds worthwhile. This car was below budget, so I want to do as much as possible to get it reliable.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 19:52

0

Neons should be pretty bulletproof otherwise. I mean they will always be garbage due to Chrysler problems but they are super cheap compared to a similar era Honda/Toyota. And have WAYYY more character! Given attentive mainteance, I would probably argue they can be just as reliable though.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 21:21

0

I DD’d one for a few years so I can answer most any question you have

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/07/2018 at 21:54

0

Did yours have a weird double-hinged gas pedal? I’ll probably make a separate post about it, but I thought it was broken when I first drove it. Upon further inspection, it seems intentional. I’m not a fan.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 22:04

0

I never investigated the pedal but I don’t remember it feeling weird or anything

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/07/2018 at 22:10

0

Wanna see something cool? Go out to the car and put the key in “on”. Next, hold the odometer reset button for a few seconds, and then while still holding it switch the key to “run”. Your gauges will light up and do a little happy dance for you.

So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 06/08/2018 at 07:53

0

Sweet! I’ve had a few Neons. My last one died by Impala

Fun fact: PT cruiser sway bars bolt right up and are thicker than even the Mopar upgraded ones for the SRT-4. Good luck and keep us posted.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 06/10/2018 at 13:30

0

Will you have to change classes for reliability mods? May be worthwhile down the line to switch to a timing chain or timing gears (because racecar) if not.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 06/10/2018 at 16:46

1

Not sure about a change like that. I’m not going to be too worried about classing until I start beating people.