A lot of interest has been generated by a recent article in one of the Mopar magazines regarding an upgrade to the Neon DOHC's valve train. The 2.0L DOHC engine suffers from oil aeration issues that adversely affect engine performance. The 2.0L OEM lifters trap this aerated oil and fail to pump up properly negatively affecting engine performance at high RPM usage. The 2.0L OEM rocker arms also tend to develop longitudinal cracks at speeds at or above 7400 RPM. This usually isn't an issue until a missed shift occurs or an aftermarket computer is installed.
The good news is that the current OEM 2.4L/2.7L DOHC valve train components offer a direct swap for Neon 2.0L DOHC motors. The latest 2.4L/2.7L DOHC valve train incorporates bleed holes in the lifters for the aerated oil and also incorporates a stronger rocker arm design. These parts are also superceded in service channels making these upgrades legal for stock class competition like SCCA showroom stock club racing or Solo II. The old 2.0L DOHC valve train is no longer available for purchase.
The list price on the parts amounts to over $400.00. Fenton offers wholesale pricing on these parts to make the upgrade economical. Sixteen rocker arms (04792295AB) and sixteen hydraulic lash adjusters (04777976AA) are required for the upgrade. The price breakdown is as follows:
16 Rocker Arms (04792295AB) = $138.92
4 Packages of Lash Adjusters (P5007440)* = $90.64
Rocker Arm and Lasher Adjuster Upgrade Package = $229.56
Click here to see pictures of the OEM 2.0L and OEM 2.4L/2.7L valve train components.
Warning: The OEM DOHC valve cover gasket may be damaged during removal. The gasket is sealed in three locations with Engine RTV Sealer - Gen II (04883971) at the factory. A new valve cover gasket (04667421) is only $9.37.