2002 Dodge Neon Turbo

A few years ago, Dodge ran an advertising campaign to convince the masses that it was "different." Apple Computers? Absolutely. Dodge? Not so much. But Stephen Schilling's particular Dodge is. It looks like an SRT-4, due to bodywork modifications, and it certainly goes like an SRT-4. But this car was once just a plain-Jane, base-model 2002 Neon.

For a hard-core enthusiast, the mind numbingly slow stock car was not going to work. Despite college expenses, Stephen managed to scrounge up enough money to purchase simple bolt-ons before the ink was dry on the dealer paperwork. Initially, these modifications and a 75-hp shot of nitrous were enough to satisfy his appetite. But after an impromptu stoplight drag with a friend's SRT-4 ended in a dead heat, the ever-competitive Schilling decided that nitrous alone wouldn't cut it, so he made plans to turbocharge his engine.

For the rest of the story, along with technical specifications, photos, and more, pick up the March 2006 issue of Sport Compact Car Magazine, on news stands now!