modifications
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IMAGE / LINK
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MODIFICATION
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TYPE
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PURPOSE
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Fuel Injectors
Bosch
24 lb./hr.
2012/08/15 @ 180,000 mi.
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Air and Fuel
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Going back to finish what we started on improving the fuel system, we installed a set of Bosch 24 lb/hr fuel injectors.
These injectors have the same four-hole outlet as the originals, for superior fuel atomization. They flow
a little more than stock, which means we can run ethanol blends without running too lean, and we can upgrade to a
slightly larger throttle body in the future.
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Ignition Wire Set
MSD Igntion
2012/08/01 @ 179,000 mi.
MSD_8229
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Ignition
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Last on the list for ignition system upgrades is a set of wires. The old wires still seemed to check out
okay, but with unknown miles on them, we didn't want to take a chance. Besides, these are red, and match the
MSD coil, so why not? With their huge 8.5mm core, ample EM suppression, and thick, durable coil tower boots,
they'll probably last longer than the rest of the car.
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Ignition Coil Pack
MSD Igntion
2012/07/15 @ 178,000 mi.
MSD_8229
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Ignition
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Since we just changed spark plugs, we thought we'd finish what we started in the ignition category,
so the next mod is a new performance coil pack from MSD. The red color of the unit fits right in, and it's completely plug-n-play (as long
as you remember that the plug style changed and to get the right one).
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Spark Plugs
NGK
V-Power
2012/07/01 @ 177,000 mi.
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Ignition
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Not knowing how long it had been since the last spark plug change, this really needed to go on the short list.
To do it right, we opted for spark plugs that have a proven track record of performance with us, and that's NGK's V-Power plugs.
They're more than adequate as OEM replacements, and they will make a good starting point for more ignition system upgrades as we fit them in.
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Shifter Bushings
Prothane
red polyurethane
2012/06/02 @ 176,000 mi.
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Engine & Transmission
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The OEM bushings were either badly worn or missing, so to tighten up shifting action, we opted for some new
bushings from Prothane. These bushings go on both ends of the shifter cables, and firm up shifting action, so
you don't miss a shift and grind gears or end up in the wrong gear. A must-have durability/longetivity item.
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Front Airdam
Deyeme Racing
Aluminum Alloy
2012/05/05 @ 175,000 mi.
DMR p/n PL1AIRDAM
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Body Exterior
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Our replacement airdam is slightly taller than OEM (4" tall), is constructed of aluminum alloy for better
rigidity, and bent forward slightly, to help redirect air up to the radiator instead of merely creating a "dead" airflow area in
front of the car. The result is improved cooling and better aerodynamics. The front airdam is a nice compliment
in form and function to our radiator brackets.
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AM/FM/Cass/CD Stereo
Chrysler OEM
2012/04/28 @ 174,250 mi.
Chrysler p/n 4704383AD
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Electrical
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The original AM/FM/Cassette player was no longer functional, and with a need for traffic and weather (and a desire
to listen to our tunes!) a replacement was on the short list. We purchased this AM/FM/Cass/CD unit used. It is original equipment
in the 1st generation Dodge Durango, and was a direct fit. It's a nice upgrade from the cassette deck the car originally came with, without
the aftermarket appearance.
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Gauge Cluster w/ Tach
Chrysler OEM
2012/04/28 @ 174,250 mi.
Chrysler p/n 4713495
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Electrical
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Even though this Neon has a manual transmission, the gauge cluster did not include a tachometer from the factory, which is crucial
to monitoring vehicle performance. Rectifying that
oversite was easy, since the tach signal already gets to the plug behind the cluster. The solution was to simply swap in
the same model cluster, but with the tachometer.
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Radiator Brackets
Deyeme Racing
2012/04/21 @ 173,750 mi.
DMR p/n PL1RadBkt
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Chassis
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We decided to turn our attention to aerodynamics and cooling for the next few performance mods.
Our brushed aluminum radiator brackets are LASER-cut, and include polyurethane bushings.
We painted these "anodized red" for this install, and used red attaching hardware to match. We also installed
foam insulation strips between the condensor and cross brace. The brackets and foam close the gap between the upper
brace and the radiator, for more effective cooling. To further enhance aerodynamics, foam was added between the facia and upper grille bar,
forcing some air to be redirected around the sides of the car.
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Air Filter
K & N
2012/04/14 @ 173,500 mi.
K&N p/n 33-2087
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Air and Fuel
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Getting back on track with improvements, the next step was a K & N drop-in air filter. This
filter is washable, so its initial cost will be offset over time. It also flows better than stock, freeing up
much-needed power and efficiency. We may look into a fresh air intake tube for the airbox at a later date, but
this mod creates an instant improvement, and satisfies a much-needed maintenance item.
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Fuel Tank, Straps, & Pump
Spectra Premium
2012/04/07 @ 173,250 mi.
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Air and Fuel
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After an issue that was likely fuel related- and almost left us stranded- we pushed up plans of starting on the fuel system.
To eliminate variables, we opted to install a new pump into a new tank. Having done this before on our turbo
Spirit, we had a good idea what we were in for. The tank was degreased and painted hi-temp black. New straps were coated with heat
shrink tubing for additional rust protection. The new fuel pump was installed into the tank, and the tank replaced as a complete
assembly. To top it off, we plugged in a new fuel filter, and re-attached the filler tube with titanium worm-gear clamps, replacing the badly rusted steel ones.
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Engine & Trans Mounts
Deyeme Racing
Flex, Fast Red
2012/04/01 @ 173,000 mi.
PL1MntPkg:Flx:Red
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Chassis
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The OEM mounts in an old car are going to be bad, gauranteed, so this was a good place to start. We
replaced the old, busted OEM mounts with our signature product- a set of new solid polyurethane DMR mounts!
Since the car is a daily driver, we opted for FLEX hardness. These new mounts firm up the drivetrain, and help
avoid wheel hop and missed shifts. And with the miles on this Neon, they were desparately needed.
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