Question: 180HP turbo vs GT

[SuGamer]

I think Mike hit it on the button. Why would DC make 3 version's of our beloved 2.4L? One version for the n/a PT's, one version for the PT GT's and the Neon SRT-4's, and another version for the turbo lite's? Doesn't make financial sense to me when you can just make two versions of the engine; one for the n/a PT's, and the other for all the turbo's and SRT-4 models. Plus why would you be able to upgrade a turbo lite to stage 1 and get the same hp and torque ratings as a GT upgrade to stage 1 would? People, the turbo lite and the HO turbo (GT engine) are one in the same; the only difference is in the programing, same as the difference (in the '04 model) between stage 0 and stage 1.

[hoopdiewagon]

^ because believe it or not, some people think the HO version is too much for them, yet the NA is too slow. Remember the Cruiser isnt aimed at the afterburning boy racer crowd and they need to provide options to the older group that they are catering to. I think it makes perfect sense for them to provide different options such as engines..keep in mind that the PT Cruiser was one of the most highly anticipated cars to debut and sold more than expected. Keep the pattern going by offering options. Also, the Dodge Magnum has 3 different engine options. Im sure DCX has a pretty good idea what they are doing.

[SuGamer]

I know what you mean Hoopie, but I guess you didn't understand me. I think it would be more feasible for DC to make an engine for the n/a's and one for the turbo's. The PCM would then be programed to either a turbo lite or a GT. Nowadays, you can limit or increase power, torque and speed limits thru software. It's not like when I first started working on cars, where computers in car didn't exist and to make more power meant bigger beefed up engines. One model could easily have a range of engines from a small block to a big block. Think about it, wouldn't it be easier to built only one engine for all the pt turbo's and the srt-4's and just program the PCM's differently for the different turbo's? Isn't your SRT-4's engine the same as you GT's, but the programming is different? This would help DC save money in engine building and designing. Plus the same engine could be dropped in any of the PT turbos, GT's or SRT-4's, and just program the PCM for that particular car. Easier and more cost efficent.

[hoopdiewagon]

To everyone else it probably does make sense to do what you are saying. However, a major player in the automotive industry has, I will bet, done thier research and has thier own reasons. Remember, we (enthusiasts) are the minority, of course that stuff makes sense to us. But if you can get the same results from a Lite and a HO by adding S1...arent those two the same anyway (minus the ECU)? Then, they already do have one for the NA and one for the turbos. I think your reasoning is right, but Im usre there are financial decisions that we dont see that make thier decisions for them.

[SuGamer]

OK. I thought that was DC's logic since the part numbers on the turbo lites and the GTs are the same except for the tranny. [:I]

[GR8FLPT]

The SRT, t-lite & GT all share the same block. The srt has different stroke compared to the GT. The t-lite & GT are close but PCM programing & tranny are the main differences.
DC was trying to fill in a gap between N/A & GT (HO). hence the t-lite. It was to help round out the line without adding too much. Besides. they sell more autos than manual trannies anyway.
cost differnce between the two puts the t-lite smack dab in the middle.

Of course I think they over did it & have way too many versions out there;
Base
touring
limited
t-lite
GT
convert
dream
& every flavor of of each type in between.

If they want to impress the young crowd, they need a stripped down version of a GT.
Base GT, no extras to start with... then add a full stage 1 kit!!!
Coilovers
sway bars
ECU
air intake
Exhaust
make it a 5-speed like the SRT-4...
Then do some real track times & post it...
that will get their attention...[8)]

[PTurbed]

quote:
If they want to impress the young crowd, they need a stripped down version of a GT.
Base GT, no extras to start with... then add a full stage 1 kit!!!
Coilovers
sway bars
ECU
air intake
Exhaust
make it a 5-speed like the SRT-4...
Then do some real track times & post it...
that will get their attention...[8)]

Add the Beep-Beep horn & ressurrect the Roadrunner Name!! [?]