Segment:
Compact Sports Sedan / Performance Compact
Performance Focus:
The SRT-4 was Dodge's high-performance variant of the Neon, specifically engineered for enthusiasts seeking track-capable acceleration and handling in a compact package.
Key Competitors:
Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus SVT.
Engine Power:
Significant horsepower and torque increase over standard Neons due to the potent turbocharged engine.
Suspension Tuning:
Stiffer springs, performance-oriented dampers, and larger sway bars for improved cornering performance.
Aerodynamics:
Distinctive SRT-designed exterior enhancements including a large rear wing, front fascia with larger air intakes, and side skirts.
Interior Appointments:
Sport seats with enhanced bolstering, unique gauge cluster, and SRT badging.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing system, lubrication system, and cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Detailed coverage of the turbocharged 2.4L World Engine, including turbocharger system, intercooler, wastegate, boost control, fuel injection, ignition system, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Focus on the Getrag NV T850 5-speed manual transmission. Includes disassembly, repair, clutch service, and driveline components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnostics, repair, rotor and pad replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS system troubleshooting.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, steering rack and power steering system service.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery service, lighting systems, power windows, locks, mirrors, and instrument cluster diagnostics.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, blower motor, heater core, climate control module diagnostics.
Body And Chassis:
Door panel removal, interior trim, exterior panel alignment, bumper service, hinge and latch adjustments.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system on the vehicle, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for powertrain control module (PCM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and body control module (BCM) related issues.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, wear tolerances, and adjustment procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electronic system diagnostics and component-level repairs.
Engine Type:
Dodge World Engine (GEMA family)
Displacement:
2378 cc (2.4 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Turbocharger Model:
Garrett GT28RS (or similar variant)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 98.0 mm
Horsepower Gross:
230 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Gross:
250 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (with overboost function potentially increasing torque momentarily)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Pump:
High-pressure fuel pump designed for turbocharged applications
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
N/A (Only manual transmission offered for SRT-4)
Clutch:
Heavy-duty, performance-oriented clutch assembly.
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios optimized for performance driving (details in manual).
Final Drive Ratio:
Specific ratio for acceleration (details in manual).
Fluid Type:
Specific manual transmission fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for the 2000-2006 Neon generation, specific SRT-4 rating may vary slightly).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for the 2000-2006 Neon generation).
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Acceptable (for the 2000-2006 Neon generation).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS).
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist (BAS).
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional Side Curtain Airbags (may not be standard on all SRT-4s).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones designed for crash energy absorption.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving) or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving). Refer to manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection and driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles for high-performance iridium spark plugs (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years, depending on coolant type.
Timing Belt Inspection:
The 2.4L World Engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, eliminating this maintenance item.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API SM or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4.
Engine Mounts:
Factory engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration and potential engine movement.
Clutch Wear:
Given the performance nature, clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving.
Fuel Injector Clogging:
In some cases, fuel injectors may become clogged, affecting performance and fuel delivery.
Wastegate Actuator Issues:
The electronic wastegate actuator can sometimes fail or experience issues, leading to inconsistent boost pressure.
Dodge Performance Division:
The SRT (Street & Racing Technology) division was responsible for developing the high-performance variants of various Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge vehicles, including the Neon SRT-4.
Neon Generations:
The Neon was in its third generation (PG) for 2004, which saw significant platform and powertrain updates, paving the way for the SRT-4 variant.
Srt 4 Introduction:
The Neon SRT-4 was introduced for the 2003 model year and continued through 2005, quickly establishing itself as a formidable contender in the affordable performance car market.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
2003-2005 (for Neon SRT-4)