The Dodge Neon SRT-4 is a compact sports car that boasts quick times from its four cylinder engine thanks to its attached turbocharger. If a stock SRT-4 isn't quick enough already, plenty of modifications can bring the car up to your liking. Depending on the amount of money you want to put into the project, you can go from to 215 horsepower (HP) of a stock SRT-4 to nearly 400 HP.
Step 1
Figure out how much you want to invest and how much HP you are realistically looking to gain. With a budget and expectations in mind, start the parts search.
Step 2
Upgrade the intake system. This is possibly the cheapest and easiest upgrade with fair results. K&N is a popular brand to look into.
Step 3
Upgrade the exhaust. Go for the real thing, all the way from the exhaust manifold at the engine all the way back to the rear of the car. With this purchase, be conscious of who will be riding with you. Noise tolerance varies from person to person, and this upgrade will make the most difference with noise.
Step 4
Consider a boost controller. Boost controllers monitor the performance and timing of the turbocharger and help find optimal gains.
Step 5
Look into Mopar's Stage One, Stage Two or Stage Three upgrade kits. These will be the priciest options, but they are proven to work when looking to increase HP.
Step 6
Spend the money on a professional tuning. A tuning session will help you get the most out of each of your new parts as well as keep you up to date on the performance.
Tip
Read reviews before purchasing parts. Several people have gone before you when upgrading their SRT-4. Use their experiences and knowledge. Always consider purchasing from vendors or authorized resellers to save yourself some money. As with any HP increasing modifications, consider upgrading the motor mounts for increased stability. Even though suspension and brakes have nothing to do with increasing HP, keep these modifications in mind as well, for your safety as well as the safety and performance of the car.
Warning
Do not perform any of the upgrades yourself unless you are experienced and feel comfortable. An upgrade is only as good as the person installing it, and a good mechanic is worth the money.