If you were doing a rwd install which engine would you use? Love the hp the Caliber engine has stock but i have a feeling that the electronics for the Caliber are much more complicated than the Neon motor.

 

Which engine? The 2.0/2.4 engine, of course! Why pay more for an engine that isn't as robust and doesn't make as much power? The 2.4 is tried and true; many TD'ers run them and they prove to be reliable and most importantly, CHEAP! You can MegaSquirt it fairly easily, just as Una, who posted above /\.

I don't believe there are any RWD 2.4 (New World Design) applications, but I believe a certain year of Supra trans can be mated to a 2.2/2.4 engine - other members would have to chime in on the specifics of that.

Cheers, TheCanadian

 

The Caliber engine from the 08 09 turbo are rated at 285 hp that is above the neon srt specs if i am correct. Plus the Caliber engine is aluminum block so the weight savings would good. I am not sure the megasquirt could address the variable valve timing.

 

The aftermarket support is immensely wider for the Neon 2.4 than the Caliber 2.4 and the biggest factor is cost. How many wrecked SRT-4 Calibers are you going to find and how much would the powertrain cost? Neon SRT-4 is far more cost effective and a better built engine, bar none.

 

Ok guys thanks for the input and that was the direction i was leaning. Looks like the search is on for a donor engine in the Michigan area. This will be in a custom chassis with four wheel independent suspension on ridetech air spring shocks with 1927 ford track T body weighing about 1500-1800 pounds. wheel base about 100 inches or so. Using a Stealth irs center section for the rear end. Basically a go cart on steroids.