How to Increase Horsepower in a 2002 Dodge Neon SXT
- 1). Replace the restrictive stock exhaust with a more free-flowing exhaust. The quicker spent exhaust gasses can exit the motor, the more efficiently the car can run and, in turn, make more power. Tubular performance headers that replace the Neon's restrictive stock manifold are available from Race Pages (see Resources). At the same time that you install the headers, have a muffler shop install a larger-diameter exhaust from the headers back to complete the exhaust setup.
- 2). Install a cold air intake (see Resources). The stock intake and air box on a Neon SXT is relatively restrictive, so complement your performance exhaust with a cone filter and cold air intake. The more cold, dense air your engine gets, the more potential horsepower it can make. Plus, a cold air intake is relatively easy to install for the amateur mechanic.
- 3). Upgrade the stock computer chip with a performance chip (see Resources). The electronic chip on a Neon's engine controls how much air, fuel and spark the engine gets. A performance chip reprograms these settings to allow the engine to make more horsepower and is one of the most common ways to increase the performance of an SXT.
- 4). Install underdrive pulleys for the belt-driven components in the engine bay, such as the alternator and power steering. The smaller pulleys will free up rotational mass and allow the motor to rev quicker and produce more power.
- 5). Supercharge or turbocharge the motor. This is one of the most expensive but also one of the most effective ways to get big horsepower gains out of the motor. Both methods rely on forced induction, which literally forces more air into the motor via compressors that are located on the intake side of the motor (supercharging) or the exhaust side (turbocharging). These conversions should be performed by a professional shop for the best results.
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