In the beginning. . . .

Dodge built Neons. Light, cheap, and almost quick, they sold a lot of them, despite an annoying ad campaign (Beep Beep, Hi!), and a head gasket recall the first year. Lots of performance parts, and because they are American built, almost no resale value. But you can make that work for you.

Enter the Wife Beater. We needed a car that no one would steal, got good mileage, and was cheap. So we got this. Less than $1k, and it included a pocketbike. Note the cut out bumper, and stickers. This used to be a low 12-second street car.

I think the hood may be worth more than the car, but I am not sure. Also the black SOHC bumper is nice. I could have had a Wings West bumper, but I said no thank you.

Ahh, junkyard engines. I had to swap this in, as the last engine was dead. All included in the purchase price. It also has a bored out throttle body, an Iceman CAI, and from the sounds of it, a hollowed out cat. Best guess this car puts out around 120-130 hp to the ground. But with the solid engine and tranny mounts, it'll chirp third. Go beater go!!

I was poking around under the hood, checking for mice, and I realized that there was some room behind the engine. Lots, actually. Maybe even enough for. . .

A turbo!

It just so happens that I have a spare log manifold and turbo from a SRT-4. And those just happen to bolt right up to the 2.0 DOHC engine. I also have an intercooler somewhere in my garage. Now I just have to fab up some oil and coolant lines. And I need a bigger fuel pump. And a rising rate fuel pressure regulator. Or I could use a Megasquirt. . . . .

To be continued. . . .