The project begins!
When Kevin and Jake approached us they had been warned about building their first rally car. If possible it’s often best to find a car, ready to run, for the money. After searching for several months they discovered a lack of entry level production rally cars on the used market. This would have forced them into a more powerful car, or having to take a G2 or G5 car and putting it back to showroom stock.
The first thing we did is sit down and go over a budget with them. We talked about their goals and what experience we had to offer. With our Dodge Neon club contacts, we were able to find a suitable donor car fast. A one owner base model ‘plum purple’ 4 door was located and purchased for $600. The engine had coughed out a timing belt and a black widow had taken up residence in the battery tray. Other then that the car was clean. A California car with no rust and no damage was exactly what we wanted. “We love it! Let’s gut it!”
The Neon was promptly gutted and the engine sent out to a machine shop. Stritctly to spec the engine was cleaned, repaired and will be rebuilt in our shop. Watch for that soon. The car is ready for a cage and that’s where we’ll pick up next time! 