Richard Says
I'm from Quebec, Canada and want to show you my '98 Dodge Neon. First, I've got to say that the car burned last summer and was totaled, but I do think it deserves a place in your Readers' Rides special issue. I have been in the Neon scene since 2001, and I bought the car back in November of 2006. The plan was to build the baddest and cleanest neon here in the province of Quebec. After I found a really clean shell without any rust, I started the work. I'm a DIY'er so everything was done by me except for the short-block that was done by a shop in Ontario. This car was a lot of fun to drive and pulled very hard! After the car was totaled, I took some time to think about my next car. I eventually bought an '02 WRX in World Rally blue.
We Say
This could be one of the cleanest and most well-built first-gen Neons we've ever seen! It's a real shame that it burned to the ground. It looks like the WRX has been a welcome replacement-it screams rally to us. We bet it's a blast driving it through the icy backroads in Quebec.
Engine
2.0-liter D4RE, Wiseco forged pistons 8.8:1 CR .20 over with ceramic coat, Eagle forged rods, Moroso oil pan, Felpro head gasket, ARP head studs, '95-99 DSM valve cover, MSD coil pack, AMM short runner intake, MPX 60mm TB, SRT-4 Stage 1 injectors, SRT-4 turbo/manifold, Mopar wastegate Stage 2, Mopar BOV, 2.5" custom intercooler piping, Yanaka type 10 intercooler, C&R aluminium radiator, 3" downpipe w/ high-flow cat, 3" exhaust w/ Raven muffler
Drivetrain
SRT-4 clutch, Phantom Grip LSD, 3.55 transmission (SOHC), Energy Suspension motor mount insert
Wheels, Brakes, Suspension
BC type BR coilovers, Energy Suspension bushing, Mopar 22mm rear sway bar, OMP front strut bar and Ractive rear strut bar, Team dynamics pro race 1.2 15x7 +35 mm offset wheels, Falken Azenis RT 615 205/50R15 tires, Rays extended lug nuts, rear disc swap
Exterior
Civic EG front lip, Amber front turn signals, wingless trunk and painted door handles
Interior
AEM tru-boost and wideband, Auto Meter Phantom Gauges (fuel pressure, oil pressure, water temp), Sparco 345 steering wheel, NRG quick release, Sparco shift knob, Red Sparco REV seats, Autopower race rollcage, battery in the trunk