To help quench the GT35-S equipped Neon's newfound lust for fuel, Stephen thoroughly upgraded the fuel system, starting in the tank with a Walbro 255 lph pump. Another Bosch pump is positioned upstream to provide additional fuel pressure, as needed. All fuel passes through an Aeromotive fuel filter and then into the polished LFS fuel rail, where it is metered by an Aeromotive pressure regulator. Four 880cc/min Precision fuel injectors dispense the high volume of fuel required at wide-open throttle. Additionally, all flexible underhood fuel lines were replaced with Aeroquip -6AN braided steel hose.
Overseeing this unruly mechanical mob is a DTA E48 Engine Management system. Installed and tuned by Wayne Seixas at TGP Products, Stephen credits the system with overcoming a number of shortcomings inherent with earlier setups on the car. To help ignite the freshly pressurized mixture, spark is distributed through Magnacore's 8.5mm wires to a set of NGK spark plugs.
Outrageous horsepower means nothing if you can't put it down to the ground reliably. With this in mind, the Neon's drivetrain underwent a transformation. Stephen replaced the flaccid stock clutch with a Clutchmasters Stage 4 Modular setup and lightweight flywheel. From there, power is transferred through the stock Neon gearbox to a lower 3.55:1 final drive. Making sure power is delivered proportionally to both drive wheels is the job of a simple Phantom Grip limited-slip conversion kit. To prevent the axles from twisting into pretzels, Driveshaft Shop Stage 3 axles were sourced. Booger shifter bushings were also installed, giving a crisper shift feel.
The heart of this car's dynamic ability comes from a set of Image Performance fully adjustable coilovers. With springs rated at 448 lbs/in up front and 336 lbs/in at the rear, these pieces allow Stephen to fine-tune ride height, corner weights and overall damping characteristics to suit the car's varied missions.
To provide a firm base for the control arms to work without unnecessary deflection, Schilling installed a set of Energy Suspension's Hyperflex bushings. Helping keep things on an even-keel are Hotchkis 29mm front and 24mm rear anti-roll bars-which also remove some understeer from the Neon's overall handling balance. Stephen banished the heavy battery to the trunk for better weight distribution as a final nod to the handling gods.
Even though brakes are important for a car with this much go, his current setup still relies primarily on stock components. Hawk pads squeeze the 9-inch front vented discs, while the original rear drums have been replaced with discs. Connecting everything to the road are Nitto NeoGen tires in a fairly conservative 215/40R-17 size, wrapped around a set of CAM Tuning's "Trophy" model wheels.
This car gets compared to a Dodge SRT-4 because it looks a whole lot like one. Except for the lightweight Image Performance carbon fiber vented hood and rear decklid, all other body mods came straight from the SRT4 parts bin.
Once the performance was reasonably close to where he wanted it and the exterior disguise was in place, Stephen turned his attention to occupant comfort and convenience. A pair of Corbeau's inexpensive Forza model seats and matching Corbeau three-point belts keep him and his front passenger firmly in place.
The bottom line? Despite problems with a cracking exhaust manifold, 1/4-mile times in the mid 11s and trap speeds over 120 mph have been recorded. A Neon that's quicker then a Corvette or Viper? THAT's different!
By Henry Z. Dekuyper
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