Dodge SRT-4: SportCompactCar of the year
- Thread starter Frustrated Palm
- 206 comments
- 21,685 views
Thanks Misnblu!!
Sparco's sound like a great idea!
OK, so tonight I finally had some time to play. Wow!! I'm really impressed. This thing will out-drag almost anything from a rolling start!
I claimed my first victim - and it was a good one too!! A brand spanking new Infinity G35 Coupe. Unfortunately, the bonehead who bought it obviously didn't know how to drive a stick, because HE BOUGHT AN AUTOMATIC!!!!! Who in their right mind would buy an exquisite piece of automotive wonder and disgrace himself with an AUTOMATIC!!!! Nevertheless, it really wasn't close at all. I think at about 65 he was 2 to 3 car-lengths behind me. Wish it was the manual!! It would have been a good run...
Well, now that I'm pumped and ready to take on anything with an engine in it, I can't wait to go to work in the morning!!!
I'm sure the feeling will go away as soon as I get my doors blown off by some kid in his 1992 civic with 400 bhp! By then, it will be time for stage II. Can't wait!!!
Sparco's sound like a great idea!
OK, so tonight I finally had some time to play. Wow!! I'm really impressed. This thing will out-drag almost anything from a rolling start!
I claimed my first victim - and it was a good one too!! A brand spanking new Infinity G35 Coupe. Unfortunately, the bonehead who bought it obviously didn't know how to drive a stick, because HE BOUGHT AN AUTOMATIC!!!!! Who in their right mind would buy an exquisite piece of automotive wonder and disgrace himself with an AUTOMATIC!!!! Nevertheless, it really wasn't close at all. I think at about 65 he was 2 to 3 car-lengths behind me. Wish it was the manual!! It would have been a good run...
Well, now that I'm pumped and ready to take on anything with an engine in it, I can't wait to go to work in the morning!!!
I'm sure the feeling will go away as soon as I get my doors blown off by some kid in his 1992 civic with 400 bhp! By then, it will be time for stage II. Can't wait!!!
Don't knock it unless you're sure of what you're talking about.
Infiniti G35:
- On the base models, the auto is standard. He probably didn't opt for it.
- The auto has manual shift capabilities, and is one of the best manu-matic transmissions there is.
- Your car has better power/weight. The G35 coupe is heavy. I'd expect you to beat a manual, too.
Agreed!! However, the only "non manual" transmissions that I would rate as superior are Toyota's SMT and BMW's SMG transmissions.
FYI... If the salesman at the Dodge dealership didn't convince me to test drive the SRT-4, I would be traipsing around in a G35 Coupe 6M!!
The SRT-4 was a lot more fun to drive than the G35 Coupe and quite a bit softer on the wallet. Don't get me wrong... I think the G35 is a beautiful piece of machinery - I just think the SRT-4 as a 4th vehicle is much more fun...
FYI... If the salesman at the Dodge dealership didn't convince me to test drive the SRT-4, I would be traipsing around in a G35 Coupe 6M!!
The SRT-4 was a lot more fun to drive than the G35 Coupe and quite a bit softer on the wallet. Don't get me wrong... I think the G35 is a beautiful piece of machinery - I just think the SRT-4 as a 4th vehicle is much more fun...
- 4,473
I'd gladely give you a ride Misnblu if I lived near you ...
...
- 4,473
I might keep my SRT afterall. Unc's willing to help me with it. Wow. Hope wings west has some good styling kits (small ones) that will help make this car look really nice (even though it already is). But first, some interior. I dont want to mess with the suspension yet, as it is tuned pretty well IMO at the moment. I might take her out to the strip during the summer and see what I can run I guess. Or Better yet, out to Virginia Internation Raceway
.
- 4,473
Here is a pic of the engine (thought I should show)...
- 4,473
- 2,734
- AndrewPaul
I like the car a lot. I especially like the gauges. But you know, about the seats...racing seats are expensive. Especially the ones with the reclining feature, which I just need flat out. Im sure others are comfortable, but I just don't like the idea of not being able to recline...seems too restricting. At an auto show that included imports recently I saw a Civic (or maybe Neon) that had the back seats taken out and replaced with racing seats, making the car have four racing seats. He must have had quite a bit of cash.
- 4,473
There not that expensive actually. I can get a pair of Sparco's (I forgot the name) for around $400...
- 4,473
:lol NP. Try www.sparcousa.com Im getting their pedals and wheel sometime soon...
- 4,473
Or I might go with Momo racing wheel and pedals, still not sure...
Greetings all -
I'm also the proud owner of a sRT-4, in silver. I test drove one at a Dodge dealer here who had one in each color, and I actually liked the silver color best. The red and yellow are too "fast and furious" for me, and the black would be too hard to keep clean. The wife has a '02 Saturn LW300 in black, and that car is never clean, at least to my standards, lol!
I've had the car about three weeks, and put 1500 miles on it. The only negative thing I have to say about it is the StarGuard anti-theft device. There's been several times when I've gone to start the car, and it won't turn over. I take the key out of the ignition, remove the StarGuard key, make sure the car's in gear, put the keys back in, depress the clutch pedal all the way, and it will usually start up. Might have to take it to the dealer if it keeps happening.
Other than that, the car's been an absolute blast to drive! I sold one of my Moto Guzzi motorcycles and traded in my Mazda B3000 pickup to get it, and it was worth it. I told my wife that if I was getting rid of one of my bikes, the vehicle I wind up with would have to give me the same grin factor that the bike did. In that respect, the SRT-4 is a winner, no doubt about it!
The car is also very practical for me. I'm in my early 40's, college grad, married, two grade-school kids, full-time employee for a local City finance dept, Major in the Air National Guard, motorcycle rider, etc. It's got plenty of room for my kids and their school backpacks and sports bags. The seats hold you firmly in place, the gauges are easy to read and right where they need to be, the trans feels very sturdy and shifts crisply, ride is stiff but keeps the car planted in the twisties, exhaust note is music to my ears without being ricey or annoying, rear wing actually doesn't obstruct the rear view as much as one of the shorter wings off a Neon R/T or SXT would, stops on a dime and gives you change, LOTS of torque, etc.
I'm not planning on doing a whole lot of things to this car. Dodge got this one pretty much right the first time. I want to replace the stock air filter with either a K&N or Uni foam filter. I might also route a cold air hose into the box from the fenderwell, but I'll have to see where I can have the hose opening mounted. Also on my list is a strut tower bar for the engine compartment.
A definite must-have is different wheels. Those stock 17x6s just look too small on that car. I already tried a set of ADR Deep 6s in 17x7 w/40mm offset, and they rubbed the front calipers. I think this was due mainly to the wheel design, and ADR has a couple of other wheel styles that I think will work, and will look terrific on the car (Cypher-5 and Sokudo 10). Look at the wheels on this link and you'll get an idea of what I mean:
http://www.adrwheels.com/sfm.cgi?sn=0WJ550|t=d/tuner
I might get the windows tinted, with the back being limo-dark and the sides just lightly tinted to take the edge off the glare. All in all, not too many things a person wouldn't do to any other kind of car. But at least I don't have to mess with the really expensive stuff, like turbo, intercooler, seats, suspension, rotors, calipers, exhaust, etc. Dodge was kind enough to do all that for me!
I'm also the proud owner of a sRT-4, in silver. I test drove one at a Dodge dealer here who had one in each color, and I actually liked the silver color best. The red and yellow are too "fast and furious" for me, and the black would be too hard to keep clean. The wife has a '02 Saturn LW300 in black, and that car is never clean, at least to my standards, lol!
I've had the car about three weeks, and put 1500 miles on it. The only negative thing I have to say about it is the StarGuard anti-theft device. There's been several times when I've gone to start the car, and it won't turn over. I take the key out of the ignition, remove the StarGuard key, make sure the car's in gear, put the keys back in, depress the clutch pedal all the way, and it will usually start up. Might have to take it to the dealer if it keeps happening.
Other than that, the car's been an absolute blast to drive! I sold one of my Moto Guzzi motorcycles and traded in my Mazda B3000 pickup to get it, and it was worth it. I told my wife that if I was getting rid of one of my bikes, the vehicle I wind up with would have to give me the same grin factor that the bike did. In that respect, the SRT-4 is a winner, no doubt about it!
The car is also very practical for me. I'm in my early 40's, college grad, married, two grade-school kids, full-time employee for a local City finance dept, Major in the Air National Guard, motorcycle rider, etc. It's got plenty of room for my kids and their school backpacks and sports bags. The seats hold you firmly in place, the gauges are easy to read and right where they need to be, the trans feels very sturdy and shifts crisply, ride is stiff but keeps the car planted in the twisties, exhaust note is music to my ears without being ricey or annoying, rear wing actually doesn't obstruct the rear view as much as one of the shorter wings off a Neon R/T or SXT would, stops on a dime and gives you change, LOTS of torque, etc.
I'm not planning on doing a whole lot of things to this car. Dodge got this one pretty much right the first time. I want to replace the stock air filter with either a K&N or Uni foam filter. I might also route a cold air hose into the box from the fenderwell, but I'll have to see where I can have the hose opening mounted. Also on my list is a strut tower bar for the engine compartment.
A definite must-have is different wheels. Those stock 17x6s just look too small on that car. I already tried a set of ADR Deep 6s in 17x7 w/40mm offset, and they rubbed the front calipers. I think this was due mainly to the wheel design, and ADR has a couple of other wheel styles that I think will work, and will look terrific on the car (Cypher-5 and Sokudo 10). Look at the wheels on this link and you'll get an idea of what I mean:
http://www.adrwheels.com/sfm.cgi?sn=0WJ550|t=d/tuner
I might get the windows tinted, with the back being limo-dark and the sides just lightly tinted to take the edge off the glare. All in all, not too many things a person wouldn't do to any other kind of car. But at least I don't have to mess with the really expensive stuff, like turbo, intercooler, seats, suspension, rotors, calipers, exhaust, etc. Dodge was kind enough to do all that for me!
- 4,473
Congrats Man 👍. Person #3 to have one in this forum . Im getting Momo Pedals next week. Then I might do what you did, K&N air filter. I might keep the wheels atm, they look ok. So far I got alot of thumbs up from people. Someone in a Celica tried to race us but he wasnt a match for my dad (who was driving and it was only up to the speedlimit). Right now Im looking for another car to use in the winter (dont want to get it rusty) and for big road trips (dont want too many miles too quickly) . Mine is in Yellow (I personally like it). If you race someone tell them they got beat by a Neon lol...
. Im getting Momo Pedals next week. Then I might do what you did, K&N air filter. I might keep the wheels atm, they look ok. So far I got alot of thumbs up from people. Someone in a Celica tried to race us but he wasnt a match for my dad (who was driving and it was only up to the speedlimit). Right now Im looking for another car to use in the winter (dont want to get it rusty) and for big road trips (dont want too many miles too quickly) . Mine is in Yellow (I personally like it). If you race someone tell them they got beat by a Neon lol...
"
- 2,312
- Misnblu
- Misnblu
You guys make me sick, and envious. 
Welcome Socalsrt4 to the forums and GTPlanet.
Nice to hear of other 40 something ppl on the board.
I'm 43 myself and wish for the srt but am happy with the two Z24 Cavaliers which will be on the heels of the srt's before long, all motor too.
Take care of the cars and keep them for long term. They will be worth money down the road as a catalyst (beginning) for the horsepower revolution. *yay*
Misnblu
Welcome Socalsrt4 to the forums and GTPlanet.
Nice to hear of other 40 something ppl on the board.
I'm 43 myself and wish for the srt but am happy with the two Z24 Cavaliers which will be on the heels of the srt's before long, all motor too.
Take care of the cars and keep them for long term. They will be worth money down the road as a catalyst (beginning) for the horsepower revolution. *yay*
Misnblu
I don't usually buy cars or motorcycles for investments, so my SRT-4 will see some miles before I give it up, or it gives up on me! At least it won't be abused a la "fast and furious".
Dodge got so much right with this car, I'm probably going to leave it pretty much stock. As I mentioned, a few things that are on my wishlist are changing out the air filter; routing a cold air hose into the airbox; installing a strut tower bar; replacing the stock wheels with something like the Centerline Excels (http://www.centerlinewheels.com/sub_wheel.php?mw_id=4) or ADR Cypher-5s or Sokudo 10s (http://www.adrwheels.com/sfm.cgi?sn=0WJ550|t=d/tuner); and cross-drilled brake rotors. With wheels like those Centerlines or ADRs, a nice set of cross-drilled rotors would make the car look sharp, not to mention increase it's braking ability as well. In keeping with the Made in America theme, I think the Centerlines would be my first choice. Not only would the wheel/rotor combo look good, they'd be functional as well. Talk about your "win-win" situation!
I truly think the SRT-4 threw the gauntlet down at the other cars in its class, and by that I mean compact 4-door sedans under $20K MSRP. Some folks keep comparing the SRT-4 to the WRX and EVO VIII. Apples and oranges if you ask me. If you're going to do that, then compare an SRT-4 with at least the Stage II kit, and see how well it stacks up against the AWD WRX and EVO, which have MSRPs anywhere from $5K - $8K more! The existing competition isn't up to it yet, so it'll be interesting to see how the other manufacturers react. The Saturn ION Redline is supposed to be coming out, which should give the SRT-4 a run for the money. But if you ask me, I think the SRT-4 will be the king of this class for a long time. Gotta love American muscle!
Dodge got so much right with this car, I'm probably going to leave it pretty much stock. As I mentioned, a few things that are on my wishlist are changing out the air filter; routing a cold air hose into the airbox; installing a strut tower bar; replacing the stock wheels with something like the Centerline Excels (http://www.centerlinewheels.com/sub_wheel.php?mw_id=4) or ADR Cypher-5s or Sokudo 10s (http://www.adrwheels.com/sfm.cgi?sn=0WJ550|t=d/tuner); and cross-drilled brake rotors. With wheels like those Centerlines or ADRs, a nice set of cross-drilled rotors would make the car look sharp, not to mention increase it's braking ability as well. In keeping with the Made in America theme, I think the Centerlines would be my first choice. Not only would the wheel/rotor combo look good, they'd be functional as well. Talk about your "win-win" situation!
I truly think the SRT-4 threw the gauntlet down at the other cars in its class, and by that I mean compact 4-door sedans under $20K MSRP. Some folks keep comparing the SRT-4 to the WRX and EVO VIII. Apples and oranges if you ask me. If you're going to do that, then compare an SRT-4 with at least the Stage II kit, and see how well it stacks up against the AWD WRX and EVO, which have MSRPs anywhere from $5K - $8K more! The existing competition isn't up to it yet, so it'll be interesting to see how the other manufacturers react. The Saturn ION Redline is supposed to be coming out, which should give the SRT-4 a run for the money. But if you ask me, I think the SRT-4 will be the king of this class for a long time. Gotta love American muscle!
-Dodge won't let you test drive 'em...
-Does anybody know if Maza will let you test drive those?
SRV:
+ More Power, looks like there are mods available already (Ram Air, other turbo packages up to 300 hp... )
- Cornering? -.85 G? -Isn't the Protoge up near 1.0 ?
Protoge:
+ Cornering... I have an older Protoge, and I know that this car bites the road with Steel teeth... Motor Trend has affirmed this in recent tests...
-HP. It has a 2.0 vs. the SR4's 2.4, and I do not have a comparison on the turbos. - If you put the same mods in both cars, the extra displacement will put you on top, all other things being equal...
-Questions I have before I make my decision:
1. What is the weight of the Protoge?
2. Has anybody had any experience with the 2.0 in the protoge? How will it handle extra pressure/heat? (If you mod the heck out of it... )-My protoge has a 1.8, and I have SERIOUSLY overheated that engine, when it had 160,000 Miles... No discernible damage...
3. Is either engine an interference engine?
4. How much/How easily can you adjust the suspension in the SRT-4 to get better cornering?
Here's some comparison info from the test that C&D did:
SRT-4: 2,920 lbs; 215 hp @ 5400 rpms; 245 ft-lbs torque @ 3200 rpms; 0-60 in 5.6 sec; 0-100 in 14.0 sec; .85g; 64/36 balance
Mazdaspeed Protege: 2,820 lbs; 170 hp @ 6000 rpms; 160 ft-lbs torque @ 3500 rpms; 0-60 in 7.1 sec; 0-100 in 21.1 sec; .89g; 60/40 balance
I test drove a Protege 5 before I bought the SRT-4. The non-turbo Protege, as expected, was WAY down on power and torque. You really had to rev that engine to get it to go anywhere. I checked out a Protege 5 forum, and they were saying the 2.0 engine wasn't designed to handle more than 200hp.
I didn't test drive a Mazdaspeed Protege, because my mind was already made up to get the SRT-4. If the numbers are any indication, the Mazdaspeed Protege has SLIGHTLY better handing as far as g's go. I've been told MOPAR has parts available to tweak an SRT-4, but I haven't confirmed that yet. I know they make the Stage I / II / III kits, but it's doubtful I'd put those in my SRT-4. I'm more of a strut tower brace, lowering springs kinda guy! The car's plenty fast as it is, and it handles great. With the Michelin Pilot Sport tires the factory put on there, it would be hard to improve the handling without greatly sacrificing ride quality. The SRT-4 has a heavy-duty trans, upgraded brakes, rotors, springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, and suspension knuckles over the "regular" Neons, so those items are already done by the factory.
Dodge got just about everything right with the SRT-4, and I'm enjoying the heck out of driving it!
Robert
Robert
SRT-4: 2,920 lbs; 215 hp @ 5400 rpms; 245 ft-lbs torque @ 3200 rpms; 0-60 in 5.6 sec; 0-100 in 14.0 sec; .85g; 64/36 balance
Mazdaspeed Protege: 2,820 lbs; 170 hp @ 6000 rpms; 160 ft-lbs torque @ 3500 rpms; 0-60 in 7.1 sec; 0-100 in 21.1 sec; .89g; 60/40 balance
I test drove a Protege 5 before I bought the SRT-4. The non-turbo Protege, as expected, was WAY down on power and torque. You really had to rev that engine to get it to go anywhere. I checked out a Protege 5 forum, and they were saying the 2.0 engine wasn't designed to handle more than 200hp.
I didn't test drive a Mazdaspeed Protege, because my mind was already made up to get the SRT-4. If the numbers are any indication, the Mazdaspeed Protege has SLIGHTLY better handing as far as g's go. I've been told MOPAR has parts available to tweak an SRT-4, but I haven't confirmed that yet. I know they make the Stage I / II / III kits, but it's doubtful I'd put those in my SRT-4. I'm more of a strut tower brace, lowering springs kinda guy! The car's plenty fast as it is, and it handles great. With the Michelin Pilot Sport tires the factory put on there, it would be hard to improve the handling without greatly sacrificing ride quality. The SRT-4 has a heavy-duty trans, upgraded brakes, rotors, springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, and suspension knuckles over the "regular" Neons, so those items are already done by the factory.
Dodge got just about everything right with the SRT-4, and I'm enjoying the heck out of driving it!
Robert
Robert
Just bought an SRT-4 polo shirt off eBay, and the seller contacted me with some interesting news. Apparently the Stage I kit is supposed to be available, and he thought they were going to be around $400 for a new computer, fuel injectors, and gaskets. Good for 30 more hp so he says. Gave me the name and number of a Dodge dealer to contact in Daytona, and I'd have to supply the VIN of my SRT-4 in order to get the kit. Hopefully it doesn't sacrifice too much mpg for that kind of hp gain.
Heck, $400 in parts to gain 30 hp? That's a no brainer! And it sounds simple enough for a "shadetree" mechanic to install the parts, unless of course there's some computer-related work that has to be done by the dealer (OBD-II?). An added plus is since they're Mopar parts, they won't void the warranty!
Been making a little progress in my search for aftermarket wheels. The ones at the top of my list are the 17x7 Centerline RPMs in black pearl. They weigh only 13.5 lbs each, which is over 10 lbs less each than the Motegi MR7s I was considering. Saving over 40 lbs in unsprung weight on that car should definitely increase it's acceleration and handling. Supposed to equate to 120 lbs in sprung weight once the car is moving, and you'd gain a hp or two with that kind of weight savings. At $340 a wheel retail, I'd have to give it some serious thought. But not only would those wheels look great on my silver SRT-4, they'd also increase performance. Definitely do NOT want chromed or polished bling-blings on my car!
The combo of a Stage I kit and those wheels would be awesome. At $1500, seems that it would be money well-spent. The ricers would spend that much just on a body kit and matching paint job, and here I am getting 30 more hp and shedding 40 lbs!
Gotta love the Dodge SRT folks and Mopar!
Heck, $400 in parts to gain 30 hp? That's a no brainer! And it sounds simple enough for a "shadetree" mechanic to install the parts, unless of course there's some computer-related work that has to be done by the dealer (OBD-II?). An added plus is since they're Mopar parts, they won't void the warranty!
Been making a little progress in my search for aftermarket wheels. The ones at the top of my list are the 17x7 Centerline RPMs in black pearl. They weigh only 13.5 lbs each, which is over 10 lbs less each than the Motegi MR7s I was considering. Saving over 40 lbs in unsprung weight on that car should definitely increase it's acceleration and handling. Supposed to equate to 120 lbs in sprung weight once the car is moving, and you'd gain a hp or two with that kind of weight savings. At $340 a wheel retail, I'd have to give it some serious thought. But not only would those wheels look great on my silver SRT-4, they'd also increase performance. Definitely do NOT want chromed or polished bling-blings on my car!
The combo of a Stage I kit and those wheels would be awesome. At $1500, seems that it would be money well-spent. The ricers would spend that much just on a body kit and matching paint job, and here I am getting 30 more hp and shedding 40 lbs!
Gotta love the Dodge SRT folks and Mopar!
- 2,312
- Misnblu
- Misnblu
Checkout some information on the Sport Compact Car website for more information.
I think they do a head to head comparison of the different cars including the MazdaSpeed Protege and Srt.
The Protoge has the SRT beat in the handling department but the SRT has it hands down in the power department.
The MazdaSpeed Protoge can be equaled with the power with a few mods and should then run rings around the SRT as far as handling and build quality.
Here is the site.
Misnblu
I think they do a head to head comparison of the different cars including the MazdaSpeed Protege and Srt.
The Protoge has the SRT beat in the handling department but the SRT has it hands down in the power department.
The MazdaSpeed Protoge can be equaled with the power with a few mods and should then run rings around the SRT as far as handling and build quality.
Here is the site.
Misnblu
- 24,344
- Midlantic Area
- GTP_Duke
This is Sport Compact Honda we're talking about...
For the price of the power mods you'd need to add to bring the Mazda up to speed, you can buy the cool double-adjustable Dynamic Suspension struts and springs from the second-gen Neon ACR, which should bring the SRT's handling up to racing specs without a big loss of ride quality. They're also available through the MP catalog.
socal, if you are interested in Ma Mopar parts, call Bob Kise at Forum Dodge in Michigan. He's happy to mailorder, and last I bought stuff from him he was dealing 15-30% off of list with no markup on the actual shipping costs.
Forum Motors Group
Parts Manager: Bob Kise
15123 North Road
Fenton, MI 48430
(810-714-3300)
(810-714-5013) FAX
For the price of the power mods you'd need to add to bring the Mazda up to speed, you can buy the cool double-adjustable Dynamic Suspension struts and springs from the second-gen Neon ACR, which should bring the SRT's handling up to racing specs without a big loss of ride quality. They're also available through the MP catalog.
socal, if you are interested in Ma Mopar parts, call Bob Kise at Forum Dodge in Michigan. He's happy to mailorder, and last I bought stuff from him he was dealing 15-30% off of list with no markup on the actual shipping costs.
Forum Motors Group
Parts Manager: Bob Kise
15123 North Road
Fenton, MI 48430
(810-714-3300)
(810-714-5013) FAX
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