Neon head hybrid

[ShelbyCSX432]

i'm wanting to do a neon head swap, DOHC, and i've researched it to death. only thing is, what head are you guys using? the 2.0L or 2.4L head? or are they the same thing?

[TurboGLH]

Heads are mostly the same. 2001+ (maybe 2000+) uses a different intake manifold bolt pattern and a different shaped exhaust port. 2.4 and 2.0 cams are different but both have been used with no issues.

[ShelbyCSX432]

so whats the ideal head? i mean, does it matter? whats everyone on here using?

[TurboGLH]

I would imagine that most people are using the pre-2001 heads, simply due to the fact that they're more readily available.

The later heads flow better on the exhaust side, even with the smaller valves they use due to the revised port shape, so if your looking for the best then it would be the head off a GT-Cruiser/SRT-4 better head design with upgraded valves vs the N/A heads and no provisions for EGR.

I would also pick up a pair of 2.0 and 2.4 cams, Russ Jerome was having good luck mixing cams, but I'm not sure on what worked best for him so hopefully he'll see this and post or you can try searching over on TD.

[Russ Jerome]

2000 and earlier DOHC (both 2.0/2.4) are realy cheap, the
2.0's have better cams for higher rpm. Depending on your
turbo and/or comp ratio you end up with you "may" want
to try a 2.0 IN and 2.4 EX cam setup for quicker spoolup.
Stock 2.0 cams on neons.org ship for $40 at times if you
get a good deal on a 2.4 head.

Not real up on the 2001+ heads, they are said to flow better
but when you look at the actual flow numbers the early heads
are about all ya need. I would look to parts availability like
intake/exhaust and cams before making a judgment. Old heads
sell for as little as $50 complete at some yards, do some price
shopping in your area. Its a wash, my local yards have tons of
broken down 2.0/2.4 early cars at this time but little to no late
models.