Positioning:
The Dodge SRT-4 (Street Racing Technology - 4-cylinder) was positioned as a high-performance, affordable tuner car, offering significant performance gains over standard compact sedans. It competed directly with vehicles like the Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and the Honda Civic Si.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus SVT.
Performance Focus:
Turbocharged engine, aggressive styling, sport-tuned suspension, performance-oriented interior, factory-backed performance modifications.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a potent and customizable performance vehicle at a competitive price point.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, exhaust system, turbocharger system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical, ignition system, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (Getrag NV T350), clutch system, drive axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Complete vehicle electrical system, wiring diagrams, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, climate control, airbags (SRS), security system.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seals, bumpers, hood, trunk, underbody.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid), filter replacements, inspections.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, turbocharger service, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), PCM scan tool procedures, wiring harness testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component clearances, diagnostic data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures for complex electrical and mechanical systems. Essential for independent mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged, Intercooled
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Turbocharger:
Garrett T3/T04E (or similar OEM equivalent), with intercooler
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 RPM (2003-2004), 215 hp @ 5200 RPM (2005)
Torque:
240 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (2003-2004), 245 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (2005)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI), Turbocharged
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Approximately 49-58 PSI (3.4-4.0 Bar)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Model:
Getrag NV T350
Transmission Options:
No automatic transmission option available
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Gear Ratios Approximate:
1st: 3.93, 2nd: 2.14, 3rd: 1.36, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.79, Reverse: 3.75
Length:
174.7 inches (4437 mm)
Width:
67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches (2669 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (1360-1406 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 3800 lbs (1724 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 12.4 cubic feet (351 liters)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3 out of 5 stars (2003)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not rated (vehicle class and era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models/trims
Brake Bias:
Adjustable proportioning valve for front/rear brake bias
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with premium speaker options (Infinity).
Display:
Digital clock, odometer, trip computer integrated into the instrument cluster.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Gauge Cluster:
Performance-oriented with boost gauge, tachometer, speedometer.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard, aftermarket solutions available.
OBD Ii Port:
Standard OBD-II port for diagnostic scanning.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 3-6 months), depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for exact recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type used). Check manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
The GEMA engine uses a timing chain, not a belt. This is a significant advantage for longevity.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified) - Synthetic recommended for turbo applications.
Coolant:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 3 (shared reservoir with brake fluid in some configurations)
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent, e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-3/GL-4)
Turbo Lag Or Failure:
Early models could experience turbocharger issues due to heat or oiling problems. Proper maintenance is crucial.
Clutch Wear:
Aggressive driving can lead to premature clutch wear.
Engine Mounts:
Performance engine mounts can wear out, leading to vibration and noise.
Fuel Injectors:
Some units may experience clogged or failing fuel injectors.
Suspension Components:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, affecting handling.
Dodge Performance:
Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, from muscle cars of the 60s and 70s to modern performance divisions like SRT (Street Racing Technology).
Neon Foundation:
The SRT-4 is a high-performance variant of the Dodge Neon, a compact car produced by Chrysler. The Neon itself was known for its sporty handling and affordable pricing.
Srt Development:
The SRT-4 was developed by Chrysler's in-house performance division, SRT, which focused on extracting maximum performance from existing platforms. They significantly upgraded the Neon's engine, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics.
Production Years:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Car And Driver Ten Best:
While not directly winning, the SRT-4 was often mentioned in the context of performance bargains competing with cars that made the Ten Best list.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its incredible performance-to-dollar ratio and agile handling. Often cited as a great platform for tuning and modification.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed reliability ratings; typical for performance vehicles of this era, with specific known issues often highlighted.