The Dodge Daytona and Chrysler Laser Written by Keith Knuth. 1969-70 Dodge Charger Daytona | 2006+ Dodge Charger Daytona

General Dodge Daytona history

The Dodge Daytona first debuted in 1984, along with the similar Chrysler Laser. The cars were largely based on the Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries, and shared their 2.2 liter, four-cylinder engine.

The “G body” Laser and Daytona used an extended K-frame; like the “K cars,” they had front wheel drive. The Dodge Daytona would become the first American-made front-drive sports car with a turbocharged engine, when the turbo 2.2 was installed.

This 1979 electric car created by GE and Chrysler may have been a “sneak” concept for the future Dodge Daytona.

The Dodge Daytona was a three-door (two plus hatch) four-seater, but the rear seats are small, with its 97” wheel base. Stock performance with the 2.2 was not up to the Daytona’s looks, but Dodge relied on the turbocharged cars and sporty looks; few automakers made a fast, affordable sporty car at the time, and the 2.2 was not sluggish when connected with the five-speed manual transmission. The car was moderately aerodynamic, with a respectable drag coefficient (cD) of 0.34 when launched.

The Laser was aimed at older drivers who appreciated a plusher vehicle, with more luxury options and a softened ride.

These were some of the first cars from any manufacturer to extensively use computer aided design (CAD) in their development.

The cars first appeared as the G-24 Super Sports Car in 1982-83. The G-24 had remnants of the body styling from the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona that swept NASCAR, and from which the Dodge Daytona got its name; the clearest link was the front clip, with its aero-tilted covered headlights. The rear spoiler was, however, several feet shorter than that of the Dodge Charger Daytona.

The 1984 Daytona models had a length of 175 inches (on a 97 inch wheelbase), a width of 69 inches, and a height of 50 inches.

In October 1982, Motor Trend wrote that the 1984 "Chrysler G-24" would have four bucket seats, be a hatchback, and stand on the K-car platform but share no body panels with any other Chrysler product. They noted the fuel-injected 2.2 as the base engine, saying there would be an optional turbo 2.2, but spent more time on the interior, "definitely sportier" than other Chrysler vehicles, with "restyled analog instruments and a few digital items." (Thanks, NDNRacer)

The side louvers were made of ABS plastic, while the rear deck louvers were powder-coated aluminum (Bob O’Neill’s 1986 Turbo Z with T-tops came with the rear louvers, but not the side louvers).

Lotus engineer Michael Royce wrote that, in 1985, Lotus Engineering was asked to create a 16-valve version of the 2.5 liter engine, and to set up a four wheel drive Daytona Turbo:

In the fall of 1986, the [naturally aspirated 16-valve] 2.5L Program was cancelled due to engineering budget constraints. The unusual combination of a long stroke (104 mm) with the 16 valve head fixed the 2.5L's breathing problems, and gave a nice smooth engine that would rev easily up to about 7500 rpm. It gave about the same performance in a vehicle as a Turbo I (~150 hp, also similar to the 3-liter V6).

The 4WD G-24 program was cancelled in November 1987, again due to budget constraints, just as we were getting the car to perform and handle as well as the Audi Quattro, the target vehicle. John Miles, from Lotus, was leading the chassis development.

---

Relevant Allpar links

Year by year Dodge Daytona history

1984	Daytona, Daytona Turbo, Daytona Turbo Z, Laser, Laser XE, Laser XT
	Engines:   2.2 Liter 93hp 4cyl (Base)  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 142hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)

• Chrysler introduces the Daytona and Laser on October 1, 1983.
• Car and Driver listed the Turbo Z model as one of the ten most wanted production cars in the country along with the Camaro Z28, Datsun 280ZX turbo, Mustang GT, Porsche 944, and Dodge Shelby Charger. The turbocharged engine squeezed out 142 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque, using a Garret AiResearch turbocharger with 7.5 pounds of boost at the 6000 rpm redline.  There was little turbo lag.  Zero to sixty times were in the 8 to 9 second range with the turbo, very good for the time.

• The turbocharged engine used bigger rods to handle the extra power, and had a multiple-port injection system engineered and built at Chrysler’s Huntsville plant.
• An optional handling package used Goodyear Eagle GT P195/60R15 tires on the 'Swiss-cheese' wheels, with higher spring rates, better stabilizer bars/bushings, gas filled struts and shocks, and progressive jounce bumpers.
• Popular Mechanics called the car's electronics "Space Shuttle" like. (2) 
• A loaded model went for around $11,000, which was about one and a half times the cost of a stripped Omni.  You could tack on options like leather, T-tops, power windows, and power locks. 

1985	Daytona, Daytona Turbo, Daytona Turbo Z, Laser, Laser XE, Laser XT
	Engines:   1.  2.2 Liter 93hp 4cyl (Base Engine)  2.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 142hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)

• Generally identical to the 1984 production year

1986	Daytona, Daytona Turbo Z (opt. C/S), Laser, Laser XE, Laser XT
	Engines:   1.  2.2 Liter 93hp 4cyl (Base Engine)  2.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 146hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  2.5 Liter 96hp 4 cyl

• This was the last year for the Laser; Plymouth picked up the name in 1990 for their Mistsubishi Eclipse variant. Chrysler customers were expected to migrate to the Lebaron coupe.
• The 2.5 liter four cylinder engine became available, with 96 HP (eventually reaching 100) and single-point fuel injection.
• The 2.2 Turbo I generated 146 hp at 5,200 rpm and 170 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm, according to Chrysler’s September-1985 press release.
• Head bolts on all engines went from 10mm to a stronger 11mm.
• Styling changes included modified front and rear fascias, new nerf extensions, and integrated body side moldings.
• The Dodge Daytona Turbo Z had wrap-around front and rear fascias which extended to the wheel openings; accent tape striping; and Turbo Z nameplates on the tail lamp lenses. Tinted glass and new 14-inch cast aluminum wheels were standard, and a new center brake light was integrated into the rear spoiler.

• New standard features included an AM stereo/FM stereo with six speakers; four-way adjustable head restraints (standard on Turbo, optional on base with low-back seats); low travel switches in the optional power locks, power windows, rear defogger, and a new fixed intermittent rear wiper/washer system.
• The 2.2 engine was updated with a new fast-burn (“swirl-head”) combustion chamber and low-pressure, single-point fuel injection for better emissions and slightly more torque; compression ratio went from 9:1 to 9.5:1 in the standard engines.
• In the Turbo I, a newly engineered set of dished pistons were used to keep the compression ratio at 8.1:1; and the enlarged rods introduced in 1984 were replaced with lighter, forged rods; these were strong, but the lighter weight reduced drag on the engine, increasing its net output.
• 1986 was the first year to offer the C/S (Carroll Shelby Competition Series) package on the Turbo Z model. This car is hard to identify from the exterior and only had small CS badges on the fenders behind the front wheels. Carroll was not directly involved in the design of this package. It was called "Porsche-like" due to a 220 lb weight savings and Dodge's 'Maximum Performance' suspension package, which for $183 increased front and rear suspension roll rates by 10% and reduced roll angle in cornering by 10%. The package included:
  1. Performance gas shocks/struts
  2. Thicker anti-sway bar (32mm compared to 27mm)
  3. Solid rear bar (28mm)
  4. New wheels (6.5") with 225/50VR-15 unidirectional Goodyear Gatorback tires mounted on unique 15 x 6.5 inch cast aluminum wheels

1987	Daytona, Daytona Shelby, Daytona Pacifica
	Engines:   1.  2.2 Liter 93hp 4cyl   2.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 142hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  2.5 Liter 96hp 4 cyl (Base Production Engine)  4.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter Intercooled 174hp 4cyl (Turbo II)

 

• This year brought new body styling; the front end got pop-up headlights, making it look more like its 1969 namesake. A new rear spoiler was optional, the taillights became wrap arounds, and other options were also added.  The interior was changed slightly for a more modern look and feel.
• The sportier looking Shelby Z edition was offered also, with the turbocharger intercooled for 174 hp (the Turbo II). A deep chin spoiler and 225/50-15 tires outwardly identifies this model. Top speed was somewhere around the 130s and 0-60 was a quite good 7.2-8.0 sec.  This was the performance Daytona of the 80s.
  • To handle the power, the Turbo II had a stronger bottom end with a cross-drilled block, forged crankshaft, the larger 1984-85 turbo rods, stronger bearing caps and full-floating pins, and Mahle cast pistons.
• The base engine changed that year to the 2.5 liter, from the 2.2.
• The Pacifica model entered the lineup with the turbo engine standard and a common option group: a front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler, power windows and locks, digital dash, enthusiast seats, sport suspension, Pacifica wheels, and 205/60-15 tires.
• The C/S package was dropped.

1988	Daytona, Daytona Shelby Z, Daytona Pacifica
	Engines:   1.  2.2 Liter 93hp 4cyl   2.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 142hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  2.5 Liter 96hp 4 cyl (Base Production Engine)  4.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter Intercooled 174hp 4cyl (Turbo II)

 

• This was the last year for the 'Z' model.
• Chrysler started offering the powerful, highly rated Infinity stereo systems as an option.
• A driver’s side airbag became optional.
• The C/S package was back for this year and would be offered until 1991.  Even better, it was only available on base models, making it rare.   There were two versions:

  C/S AGB	C/S AGS
  2.2 Turbo 1 5 speed manual (auto was an option) 15" "Snowflake" wheels with 205/60 tires Performance Handling Suspension (identical to that used on the Daytona ES Turbo) Ultra High Performance brakes (from the Daytona Shelby) High Performance exhaust system Boost gauge Exterior toys included a rear spoiler, turbo bulge hood, and CS badges behind the front tires.	Everything in the AGB package plus.... 2.2 Turbo II (Until 1991 when it was replaced by the T1) 225/50VR-15 Goodyear Gatorback tires 'Intercooled Turbo' hood decal Maximum Performance Suspension (same as Shelby model) Performance seats No auto tranny allowed!

• Otherwise the year's options were similar to 1987.

1989	Daytona, Daytona ES (w/wo Turbo), Daytona Shelby
	Engines:   1.  2.2 Liter 93hp 4cyl   2.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 142hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  2.5 Liter 100hp 4 cyl (Base Production Engine)  4.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter Intercooled 174hp 4cyl (Turbo II)  5.  Turbocharged 2.5 Liter 150hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)

• The 1989 model year brought a new turbo powered 2.5 liter 4 with 150 HP as an option. Although the 2.5 was physically bigger and had more horsepower it did not sell as well as its little brother, the 2.2.
• The Pacifica model became the ES. This model got new ground effects, rear bumper and spoiler.  This all added to a newer and sportier look. The Turbo option included a 'turbo bulge' on the hood which makes these cars much easier to recognize.  These cars had the 2.5L Turbo engine standard.
• New alloy wheels were available.
• Last year for T-tops and you also got a new sunshade with them.
• Driver's side air bag became an option, but last year for the digital dash.
• The Shelby model got 5 spoke 'star' type wheels which most admire as the nicest looking wheels placed on any Daytona model.  The trip computer and digital dash also became an option on this model.
• This was the sales peak for the Daytona. Despite the Turbo IV and V6 options to come in 1990, sales would drop dramatically; and by 1991, few Daytonas were leaving the showrooms.

1990	Daytona, Daytona ES (w/wo Turbo), Daytona Shelby
	Engines:   1.  2.2 Liter 93hp 4cyl   2.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 142hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  2.5 Liter 100hp 4 cyl (Base Production Engine)  4.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter Intercooled 174hp 4cyl (Turbo II)  5.  Turbocharged 2.5 Liter 152hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  6.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter VNT 174hp 4cyl (Turbo IV)  7.  3.0 Liter 141hp SOHC V6

 

• 1990 brought the choice of the popular 3.0 SOHC V-6 engine from Mitsubishi.  Customers liked the idea of having a V6 engine in a smaller car, even if it didn't have the horsepower of the turbo engines (which required premium fuel and more frequent oil changes); it was smooth and quiet and, aside from valve guides, durable.
• A sophisticated new variable-nozzle turbo (VNT) intercooled 2.2 liter engine pumping out 174 HP was brought out; its basic design would become de rigeur in diesel turbochargers. Zero to sixty times were just over 7 seconds, with better driveability due to reduced turbo lag. This engine was quickly dropped by Chrysler, citing turbo problems (we were told that a small number of defective turbochargers were made early on). The VNTs are a rare find. This engine included balanced shafts and was offered with the manual transmision only - as was the later Turbo III. The turbocharger was developed by Garrett, using - according to Bob Sheaves - technology from Chrysler’s turbine program.

• The manual transmission was upgraded for smoother shifting.
• A standard driver's side airbag was added.
• An electronically controlled suspension apparently became available, but we have no evidence it was actually produced.  Chrysler photos showed it with three buttons on the center console.  Let us know if you ever find one.
• ABS was offered on ES and Shelby models. Foglights were fitted into the front air dam on ES and Shelby models.
• The interior was completely changed to a cockpit wraparound style, with accented door panels. Cruise controls were located to the steering wheel and boost gauge was integrated into the tachometer.  Customers and dealers alike loved it, with possible exclusion of the seats, which were not up to par with those of the 1980s.
• The Daytona body style is used for the first time in I.R.O.C. races, with 355 cid V8 engines.

1991	Daytona, Daytona ES, Daytona Shelby, Daytona IROC
	Engines:   1.  2.5 Liter 100hp 4 cyl (Base Production Engine)  2.  Turbocharged 2.5 Liter 152hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  3.0 Liter 141hp SOHC V6

 

• The long lived 2.2 liter TBI powerplant was no longer available, but the 2.5 had about the same gas mileage, with more power and less noise, and was more appropriate for the car.
• The Shelby model was killed off in favor of the IROC, halfway through the year. The IROC was only available with the 2.5L Turbo or the V6.
• Last year for the C/S package.
• Sales plummeted from already-lower 1990 levels. Not even 20,000 Daytonas were sold.

1992	Daytona, Daytona ES, Daytona IROC, Daytona IROC R/T
	Engines:   1.  2.5 Liter 100hp 4 cyl (Base Production Engine)  2.  Turbocharged 2.5 Liter 152hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  3.0 Liter 141hp SOHC V6  4.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 224hp 4cyl (Turbo III)

 

• The second and final major exterior facelift for the Daytona. The pop-up headlights became a now more stylish (and probably cheaper) wraparound version, the tail lights were redone slightly, new ground effects were used, and the new Dodge 'bulls-eye' grill was added.
• Anti-lock brakes became available on ES and IROC models.
• The IROC came with the 3.0L V6 standard and 2.5L Turbo (rare!) as an option. The Dodge Daytona R/T was the real performer, with a 224 HP intercooled twin cam 2.2 Turbo III engine only; this engine was shared only with the Spirit R/T in the US. Speed topped out at around 150 and 0-60 in around 6 seconds.
  • About 250-300 R/Ts were made in 1992. About 50% Red, 25% Black, 25% White.
  • Centerlining the Turbo III camshaft.
• The Daytona IROC racing bodies were well liked by the IROC drivers; they had 355 cubic inch V-8 engines.
• Despite the power and speed of Daytona R/T, which was barely marketed and remains almost unknown outside hard-core Mopar circles - sales dropped about as far as they could. Fewer than 11,000 Daytonas were sold, and they could hardly have been profitable with so many options and varieties at that level of production.
  

1993	Daytona, Daytona ES (w/wo Turbo), Daytona IROC, Daytona IROC R/T
	Engines:   1.  2.5 Liter 100hp 4 cyl (Base Production Engine)  2.  Turbocharged 2.5 Liter 152hp 4cyl (Turbo 1)  3.  3.0 Liter 141hp SOHC V6  4.  Turbocharged 2.2 Liter 224hp 4cyl (Turbo III)

 

• ABS became available on the base model, and air conditioning became standard. The base IROC model with turbo was no longer available.
• The IROC R/T came in Emerald Green and Electric Blue; less than ten were made in electric blue! Only about 180 R/Ts were made in 1993, the last year the Daytona was used in I.R.O.C. races.
• The Mitsubishi-designed Dodge Avenger replaced the Daytona; though also a very low seller, the Avenger at least beat the Daytona’s final 9,062 sales figure, and the line was shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse. With just over nine thousand Daytonas sold, and so many versions, one wonders how much Chrysler was losing on each one.

---

Dodge Daytona handling

Typical front wheel drive handling problems (torque steer, understeer) were countered with better than average success for the time. The stiffer suspension assemblies in the C/S and Shelby editions were a large improvement (at the expense of ride). If you can locate these as parts cars, they are a real find. [Added by webmaster] Bob O'Neil wrote: "Energy Suspensions offer urethane bushings for the Daytona as well as other cars. These are very low cost."

The rigid rear axle means that at higher speeds the rear end will tend to become light and hard to control (about 61/39 weight distribution depending on engine). The Dodge Daytona frame was never updated but owners can increase its rigidity. Steering is quite good, and the later version of the steering was used in the development of the Prowler.

Also see

• Suspension changes for racing cars on road courses and circle tracks,
• FWD car handling modifications,
• Dodge Daytona performance upgrades

---

Dodge Daytona maintenance and repairs

Turbo engines require more maintenance; the 2.2 blocks themselves were extremely solid. Good sources of info are:

• Troubleshooting: see the Allpar repairs section.
• Technical Service Bulletins: These are Chrysler bulletins that warn and instruct mechanics of common problems when working on specific vehicles. They are available to the public and are extremely helpful to the backyard mechanic.
• Computer Codes: Turn the ignition ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON within 5 seconds (do not start the engine) and the engine light will light for 2 seconds and then start flashing 2 digit engine codes. See what the codes mean.
• Chrysler Manuals: Chrysler service manuals, training videos, Technical Service Bulletins, supplemental manuals, and owner's manuals are available from Chrysler's publisher, Tech Authority. They can be reached at 1-800-626-1523 and have reasonable prices. For example, I bought a full Chrysler shop supplement manual for disassembling a 3.0L V6 for under $10.
• Also: 1-800-890-4038 for Chrysler service manuals and 1-800-346-4696 for the Chrysler Catalog Center (other docs)

---

Movies and TV

The Wraith featured Dodge Daytonas; the Blair Witch Project featured a Daytona; and Frank Sinatra passed a Corvette at over 120 mph using a Daytona or Laser in Cannonball Run. Tom Powell wrote that, on Hunter (TV), DeeDee McCall drives several Dodge Daytonas, which were modified through the series. In later years she had a red Daytona Shelby Z with t-tops and black rims (not factory); and one car has the Shelby Z body, with Turbo Z seats and door panels; it was probably made by Chrysler before the final changes. In later episodes, the car is correctly badged and optioned.

Buying and Pricing

The V6 models typically command a higher price. The IROC R/T (with 2.2 Turbo III) and Turbo IV (VNT) models are both rare. The base IROC model is nothing but a sticker package, don't be fooled!

---

Pictures and Graphics

This section will be integrated into the page eventually.

Laser: 1985 Turbo  1988 Dodge Daytona Pacifica  ES/Sport Daytona: 1990 w/Sport Package  IROC Daytona: 92 Iroc (Red)  IROC R/T Daytona:91 Red Iroc R/T  C/S, Shelby, Shelby Z, and Turbo Z Daytona:  1988 Daytona C/S  1985 Turbo Z and its Dash  1987 Shelby Z  1988 Shelby Z  2 1989? Shelby Z's (Red and White)  1990 Shelby  1990 Shelby VNT  1988? Shelby Z? (White)

Engines: Iroc R/T 2.2 | 3.0L V6  Wheels  84-85 'Pizza' or 'Swiss Cheese Rims"  84-85 4 lug 16 hole (5 lug on 84-86s)  85-86 15" Laser XE and XT Windmill Rims  87-88 Pacifica Rims  86-90 Shelby/CS 'Crab Rims'  89-90 ES/CS Snowflake Rims  89-91 15" Shelby 'Pumper' Rims  89-91 16" CS 'Pumper' Rims  91-93 15" 'Star' Rims  92-93 16" IROC 'Ninja' Rims  Chrysler Ads 1992 Factory Options  1984 Turbo Chrysler Catalog Ad  1984 Turbo Chrysler Catalog Ad (2pg)

Reference Material / Credits

• (1)"Dodge Daytona Turbo Z", by Don Sherman, Car and Driver, 9/83
• (2)"Dodge's sporty new coupe...", Popular Mechanics, 7/93
• "G-24 Super Sports Car", Popular Mechanics, Pg. 65, 2/83
• "Chrysler G-24 Turbo", Road & Track, 12/82
• "Dodge Daytona rewrites performance-car theory", Popular Science, 7/93
• "Dodge Daytona ES; The back-road brawler becomes a boulevard cruiser", by Nicholas Bissoon-Dath, Car and Driver, Pg 123-127, 8/90
• "Dodge Daytona Shelby," Road & Track, 41:pg 82-86
• "Dodge Daytona with the Shelby Touch", Design News, 10/5/87, pg 78-9
• "Dodge Daytona IROC R/T, A Rough and Tumble Thumper", by Daniel Charles Ross, Motor Trend, 2/93, Pg. 62-5, 67-68
• Mopar Performance 1997 Catalog, Catalog No. P4876297

---

Forum || General History || By Year || Handling || Recalls || Performance || Maintenance || Buying || Car Specifications || VIN Decoding || Resources || Photo Gallery || Turbo Engine Rebuild/Upgrade
Dodge Daytona Racing Team

---

---