3 replies to this topic

[Gary Watier Jr.]

I drive a dodge stratus with a 2.4l dohc engine at a local track. I would like some ideas on what to do to get more hoursepower. I can't seem to find anybody to flash the computer, they all say that they don't have the software. So with that said i need to rebuild the engine.

[dana44]

Nice to see someone racing a Mopar, so with that, the best things to do in getting more power out of an engine without too much support is to port the head and raise the compression. Since it sounds like you are keeping the electronics, these two things can be done without altering the inputs, possibly a couple pounds larger injectors to help on the top end. As far as the breathing, the heads flow plenty, there are just some restrictions at the intake port and width of the bowls and short side turn, so compression is your power friend, exhaust ports can be increased, too. In the combustion chamber, clean around the valve seat area, there are lip steps that mess up flow, so get rid of them, and the intake manifold made of aluminum, restriction is around the injector bung, it is probably the biggest restriction location. I ported a Stratus 2.4 and intake for a member after Christmas, there is room for good improvement, especially when high rpm is needed.

[ImperialCrown]

It is more than a PCM flash, you can buy blank programmable PCMs that you can configure with a laptop and software and you can experiment with mixture/advance settings. It helps to learn from someone who has done this before. Basics are still important and this is the new 21st century method of horsepower.
There are turbo-intercooled versions of the 2.4L in the Neon SRT-4, PT GT turbo and Stratus R/T. They may be hard to find but if you happen to come across a junked donor car, consider buying it for the electrical and hardware swap. The engineers have already done the horsepower tweaks for you.
Nitrous Oxide is good bang for the buck, but only really comes into play at full throttle.

Edited by ImperialCrown, February 3, 2012 at 06:48 am.

[dana44]

So, the even bigger question is, what mods can you legally do in the race program you are in? Some don't allow anything at all, others are limited, and more are whatever you can do will be OK. What are you allowed to do in your class, then we can possibly go from there?