Quote:
Originally posted by fastball
Your girlfriend's car just a Neon or an SRT4? I'd believe it if it were SRT4, but you also are not comparing apples to apples. Notice I said if Dodge had to do it without a turbo they would be miffed. Take away the turbo and other negligable factory mods and its a ho-hum Detroit 4 banger which couldn't get out of its own way no matter how much you modify it. America is still in the dark ages when it comes to inline four cylinder engines compared to most German companies and for sure Honda and Toyota. And, you really need to make sure that turbo is well cared for. The last time Chrysler Corp. used extensive turbos with the K-cars they lasted about 60k. Now, I'm sure this go around they aren't as bad, but I would not abuse it very much. Turbos are a touchy thing (unlike VTEC, which is pretty much change the oil...... and play all you want. Nearly indestructable.)
|
I think that argument is pretty lame, take away the turbo argument. It's like saying take away the WRX turbo or the evo's turbo. If you take the turbo out of a turboed car, the engine would be crap for NA. Because it wasn't design for NA. The SRT-4 isn't anywhere near it's limit either. Mopar is supposed to have the 3 stages of turbo upgrades and the first two are factory warranty. I mean w/ stage 2, it's 300HP and 300ft-lb of tq. Also, Dodge has a 100k miles warranty so you should be worried about the engine breaking down @ 60k anymore.
Any car if not well cared for will break down just the same. But if you follow the factory service schedule, I don't see how it can break down on you. Turbos are touchy things if you didn't install it properly, but factory turbo isn't too bad if it's installed properly. Just look at MR-2 turbo, supra turbo, wrx, evo, and the list goes on. VTEC has it's bad side too. I.E. burning oil and burning rings. I don't know about your car but my GS-R, if I stay in VTEC for the whole tank, I get around 16MPG. That's really bad for a 1.8L I4. Mind you my mileage normally is 23 city and 27 highway.