If I remember the SRT-4's were rated at 235-240 hp. I am not real up to date on those cars. What was the actual output?

 

The original SRT4s were rated at 215 horsepower, but actually had at least 240. In 2003 the advertized rating then went to 235 because of larger fuel injectors, but it was over 250.

Go with the Stage 1 package from Mopar, and the "claim" was 240 horsepower, but it raised horsepower by at least 20 horsepower over stock. Stage 2 was advertized at 280 horses. Stage 3 was advertized at 355 horses.

All those numbers are based on the advertized stock horsepower number, so you can do the math.

SRT4 horsepower numbers that Chrysler claimed against what those horsepower numbers actually were is akin to saying a thermalnuclear bomb ignited a few feet outside your bedroom window might actually crack your window.

Like the LS1 Camaros & Firebirds (which were 10-15% underrated versus at least 20% for early SRT4s) SRT4s weren't simply underrated.... those power numbers were blantant lies.

 

Looks like I need to find one for a daily driver. I am seriosly considering a Cobalt SS, HHR SS, or Caliber SRT-4 for a daily vehicle when my 1998 Regal GS finally gives up.

 

Well you will be able to find them dirt cheap the only problem will be findingone that hasn't been ragged out. Just looking back to the original SRT-4 Neon's it's impossible to find one not beat up and or heavily modded, and that car was built to handle abuse better than the Cobalt and HHR. On a positive note though my Cobalt SS has never avg'd less than 24mpg combined with mostly city stop and go traffic and idling. If you do find a unicorn SRT-4 Neon get it, I did a little test with mine a few years back and when I drove it like a baby not getting into boost for a week I got 32mpg in city driving. I had a theory that if I had filled the car with 87 octane and driven the same way I would have actually gotten better mileage since the high octane is only needed when you go boost and the SRT-4 had low compression of like 8 something which 87 would be better for.