Turbo Idle Quality

[sca037]

OK, I did a search but didn't find an answer to this [:I]
Compared to our '01 Limited, this '03 GT's idle is much rougher. Where the '01 (NA) had a smooth 800 or so rpm idle, the '03 (turbo) is running great otherwise but you can really feel the vibration from the engine while stopped. Is this normal for a 2.4L Turbo, or do I need to look into this a bit further?

Brian
(the car truly runs like a raped ape otherwise [8)] )

[quicksilverdon]

My daughter has an '03 GT, and idle is fine. Suggest plugs and wires and gap plugs 0.038 - 0.042.
Don't use stock wires - suggest Cranes from RaceAndStreet.Com, and they say not to use platinum plugs in turbo....

[Gary04GT]

I have owned both an 03 and 04GT turbo. Both have maintained a smooth idle. After the initial start-up (when engine is cold), the idle is around 850-950rpm. As soon as the engine warms to normal operating temperature the idle drops down to somewhere between 600-700rpm.

[sca037]

Thanks guys, I've got some fresh Champion RE14MCC5's ready to install (+ Crane wires on order from Race&Street) so will report back if they smooth out the idle. It's still running great with no 'missing' and the last tank averaged 23mpg, so I'm hoping a simple plug & wire change does the trick [8D]

Brian

[blackboosty]

Not just plugs and wires, regap them plugs too. The stock gap is too large. go with an .038 gap.

[SteelBlueGT]

My idle is now silky smooth with my new MOPAR wires and NGK Iridium, plugs gaped at the factory settings.

[kennybopaloo]

On my wifes 03, all I did so far was change the plugs at 32.000, and her idle is just fine........... Nothing else done so far......



[8D]

[Mr.2U]

Love my sun grounding kit, motor runs much smooooother.
Plugs and wires are good, but the grounding kit is great..

[kennybopaloo]

Tell us a little about that SUN kit, and what does it do........

[sca037]

OK, here's an update.......

I first removed the original plugs (which looked pretty good and were gapped at .040"), then replaced them with new Champion Copper Plus' which I gapped @ .038". This made no discernable difference in idle quality, and the car continued to run just fine otherwise.
Next, I swapped in some Crane 8.5mm FireWires which resulted in a slight improvement in idle quality but some vibration is still present.
Are there any other things that effect the warm idle quality of these venerable 2.4L motors?
I know from previous Shelby Dodge experience that some folks actually removed the counter-rotating balance shafts on the 2.5L turbo cars to free up a few ponies, so I can't help but wonder if this could be done on the PTGT & SRT4's?
We bought it from a dealer as a Certified Used Car & I kinda doubt this is the case, so I'm looking for more suggestions from this learned collective
It's otherwise running very well (and returning good MPG numbers) but I would still like to get to the type of smooth idle our '01 had....and that you fellow Turbo guys apparently are enjoying [8)]

Brian