Niche:
Performance compact sedan, high-output turbocharged engine for its class.
Competitors:
Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (though often in a slightly higher performance tier), Honda Civic Si, Ford Focus SVT.
Performance Focus:
SRT (Street and Racing Technology) performance package.
Turbocharged Engine:
Significant power increase over standard Neon models.
Handling Enhancements:
Stiffer suspension, larger brakes, performance tires.
Engine:
2.4L DOHC Turbocharged (GEMA engine family)
Transmission:
Getrag NV1500 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Differential, Axles, CV Joints
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Independent Multilink
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs with Dual-Piston Calipers, Rear Solid Discs
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Audio System
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection, Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Turbocharger System
Exhaust System:
Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Turbocharger Exhaust Housing
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Exterior Trim
Interior:
Seats, Dashboard, Center Console, Interior Trim Panels, Restraint Systems (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Spark Plug Service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures, Wiring Diagrams
Repair:
Engine Component Rebuilds (Turbocharger, Cylinder Head), Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Installation:
Accessory Installation (e.g., stereo upgrades), Component Replacement Procedures
Specifications:
Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Clearance Measurements, Alignment Specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical system schematics for all major components and systems.
Emissions Control:
Information on emission control systems, diagnostic procedures for related DTCs.
Depth:
Comprehensive (A-Z), covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced diagnostics and electrical system repairs.
Engine Code:
GEMA (related to Chrysler's World Engine family)
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2378 cc)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Horsepower:
230-231 hp @ 5800 rpm (depending on year/spec)
Torque:
250-255 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (depending on year/spec)
Boost Pressure:
Approximately 15-17 psi (stock)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Turbocharger Manufacturer:
Garrett (e.g., GT2554R or similar)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (2003 model year, specific SRT-4 data may vary slightly from standard Neon)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (2003 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often standard or available.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (often optional)
Seatbelts:
3-Point Seat Belts with Pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with premium speaker options.
Instrumentation:
Sport-oriented gauge cluster including boost gauge, tachometer, speedometer.
Cruise Control:
Standard feature.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors often standard on SRT-4.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil recommended for turbo engines).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (iridium recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, for increased durability.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic (API SN or newer recommended for turbo)
Coolant:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific Getrag NV1500 spec).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Turbocharger Wear:
Potential for wastegate rattle, bearing wear with high mileage or poor maintenance.
Clutch Wear:
Can be prone to wear with aggressive driving.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn bushings can lead to clunks and affect handling.
Oil Sludge:
Can occur with infrequent oil changes, especially in turbo engines.
