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Re: non-stock M3 LTW...?

To: "Mark J. Andy" <marka@telerama.com>,
Subject: Re: non-stock M3 LTW...?
From: "Justin Hughes" <ka1ult@channel1.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 16:40:03 -0400
> Are you sure you aren't some automated software package designed to
> irritate me?

No, I'm a real live human being whose sole purpose in life is to irritate
you. :)

> Lesse.  In the early years the differences between the ACR and the regular
> DOHC neon were:
> struts (slotted for camber and different valving),
> slightly thicker hubs (no performance advantage),
> non-speed limited computer (removed the 116mph speed limit),
> different roll bars, stiffer springs,
> different final drive (3.94 from 3.52 I think?)
>
> In the later years it was just the struts and hubs, except the struts were
> now rebound adjustable as well.

Cool - so now we have "shopping lists" for both the souped up Neon and M3.

> So you could pretty much convert any neon to the "full on racecar" specs
> in an afternoon.  And, of course, anyone that wanted one could
> order it.
> Compare that the the M3 Lightweight that dropped the ride height, had AL
> body skins, had aero aids added, had a _hand picked_ motor, came with
> parts that if installed voided the factory warranty, etc.  Oh, and had
> less than 200 made.

Oh, you wouldn't call a Neon's spoiler an aero aid? :)  I know, not
adjustable, and non-ACRs come with them.  Plus, despite the experiences
reported by some people in the midwest, the ACR is far more easily
available - never mind affordable.

> How you could compare the two boggles the mind.

I'm not so much comparing the two (hmmm, M3 vs. Neon, who's going to win...)
as I am wondering where one draws the line with these factory
prepped-for-racing cars.  The M3 Lightweight, with its rather extensive
mods, shouldn't be in stock, nor is it.  The Neon ACR's tweaks are
significant, but not nearly as extensive.  Yet it's pretty much the
dominiant car in its class.  How much better is the ACR than its non-ACR
siblings?

    - Justin



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