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Get the very most out of you neon (secrets?) - Posted: 12-21-2005, 04:34 AM
Post #1
Stage One -- The BasicsNeons ('95-'99) suffer from a poorly designed, from a performance standpoint, air intake system. Performance, for a relatively small amount of money, can be improved by installing a K&N Filter. They are available both from Mopar Performance and your local auto parts store. Usually found for about $30, its worth about a 3-4 hp improvement over the paper filter. Owners have reported an "aggressive" sound coming from the engine (by removing the top of the air box on 2000-up Neon). If you are thinking about any modifications, you should start here first. (Note: for '97-'99 owners, I would not remove the intake scoop from the engine compartment of your Neon, unless you like that "open element" filter noise. You don't gain any performance from removing it, only a filter that gets dirty faster)
For a 2nd generation Neon, the air intake resonator should be removed at this time. It doesn't hurt performance or cause anything to happen. Its main function is to reduce intake noise for non-enthusiast. If you're reading this page, you don't need it. I have personally gained 3hp over stock with a K&N filter and the resonator removed.
If your Neon has more than 60,000 miles, then you should also replace your plugs and plug wires. Stock OEM wires are 7mm, which isn't bad. You can replace them for around $25, but for a little more MP 7.5mm competition wires are a better choice:
P4876511 All 2.0L DOHC
Magnecor wires are considered by many to be the best ignition wire you can buy. I would consider these if you don't mind paying a little more money:
PN#40223 - 1995-1998 SOHC (#45223 for 8.5mm)
PN#40381 -- 1999-2001 SOHC (#45381 for 8.5mm)
PN#40231 -- 1995-1999 DOHC (#45231 for 8.5mm)
Crane, MSD, Accel and Moroso are available for both SOHC and DOHC engines. Check with the manufacturer for availability.
There have been many debates over the years about which spark plugs work best in Neon engines. I suggest the OEM Champions (RC9YC) for anything but the highest boosted or nitrous injected engine. NGK FR series plugs seem to work well also, but tend to "die" quicker and need repeated changing. Good for boosted cars and nitrous oxide however.
For those that have a little more money to burn, the best upgrade so far dollar for dollar, is a CAI (short for Cold Air Intake). These are the best available on the market:
ICEMAN Competition Intake (All years)
AEM Competition Intake (All years and SRT-4)
Mopar Performance Cold Air Intake (ICEMAN, '95-'99 only)
K&N Generation 2 FPK kit ('95-'99 SOHC only)
Volant Cold Air Intake (2000-up)
Injen Racing Division Intake (2000-up)
All these intakes carry a CARB E.O number, which makes them legal for use on smog control vehicles. There are some others out there such as the Kirk that requires the relocation of your stock battery and doesn't carry a CARB number.
*If you're serious about performance stay away from those chrome-plated "hot air" intakes
SOHC owners, you can add about 8-10hp from changing your muffler to a high-flow unit. Straight-though type mufflers work well for this application. This muffler design produces the best hp and torque numbers. It shouldn't cost more than $120-$140 installed. Also make sure your muffler size is around 24" or roughly the size of your stock muffler. This will keep the sound low enough for you to enjoy your exhaust without the police ruining your fun. If you live in an area where you get a lot of snow and salt on the road, I would really consider a stainless steel muffler from Dynomax (Ultra-flow), Magnaflow or Edelbrock (RPM series). Those that live in a more weather friendly part of the US , I would also consider the Flowmaster (PN#42452) or any other high performance BRAND NAME muffler.
I suspect that an even bigger improvement can be gained from installing a high-flow muffler on 2000-up standard Neon. The factory reduced exhaust pipe diameter from 2.25 inches on 95-99 cars to 2.0 inches on 2000-up basic Neon models. This change was made in an effort to make the current Neon appear more mature than the previous generation (i.e. quieter).
Instead of running down to your local muffler shop, you can always order a simple bolt-on rear section exhaust. 15-20 minutes and you're done!
1995-1999 (SOHC/DOHC)Thermal R&D (PN#M501)
Ravin (PN#VP1706)
Borla (PN#14856)
Brospeed (PN#248-315)
Genie (PN#413194)
Vibrant (PN#1706)
Mopar Performance (PN#5249861)
2000-up SOHC (not including RT/ACR models)Ravin (PN#VP1718)
Brospeed (PN#112-262)
Vibrant (PN#1718)
Mopar Performance (PN#5007559)
* Thermal R&D, Pacesetter and Borla (also offered though Mopar) make a cat-back exhaust for 2000-up Neon. They all feature new 2.25 piping. R/T and ACR Neon already have a 2.25 exhaust system. ÊThermal & Borla (though Mopar as well) have rear section systems for these cars.
The reason I left DOHC owners out of this is because you already have a nice muffler from the factory; thank Dodge for wanting a good exhaust system for the stock classes in SCCA Showroom Stock competition. If you can find one, cheap, it's a nice upgrade for SOHC Neon also. DOHC owners should move on to Stage 2 upgrades before changing the exhaust.
For weekend warriors that drag race, Neons are known for suffering from wheel-hop during hard acceleration from a standing start. If you want to knock-off about .2-.3 tenths off your ET and another .3 tenths off your 60 ft. times, try the MP Motor mount (P5007027-All) and Bobble Strut (P5007028-All).
The new motor mount is stiffer than the OEM unit, but still can suffer from tearing. To combat this and to further stiffen your engine mounts you can install these inserts:
Prothane Motor Mount Inserts (The mounts are available in red or black):
PN#4-501 Front mount
PN#4-502 Right mount
PN#4-503 Rear mount
PN#4-1901 All three mounts
Engine mount inserts are also available from:
Energy Suspension
Rex Inserts
Your final option is to fill your mount(s) with various hard compounds. Click here to visit his instructions. Deyeme Racing makes filled motor mounts in varies stages of stiffness.
2000-up Neons don't suffer as badly as 1st generation Neons do. You can still get some wheel hop. To prevent this Energy Suspension and REX inserts are available.
This is by far the best low cost modification you can make to your Neon. Wheel hop is prevented and the stiffer mounts allow smoother, crisper shifting. You also gain a more "solid" feel under braking and cornering. The additional vibration is well worth the improvement in performance.
With these modifications, I've seen many SOHC and DOHC Neons in the low 15's in the 1/4 for less than $500!
Not bad, huh? Now go scare some 4.6L SOHC Automatic Mustangs ('97-'98) and some of those pesky imports! Up next is part two.
Stage 2 - bolt-on modificationsWith the stage one completed, you should be making around 118+hp at the wheels with the SOHC ('96-'99 will make slightly less in some RPM ranges do to the camshaft change after the '95 model year) and around 122+hp at the wheels with the DOHC. More importantly your torque should be over 120lbs at the wheels.
These modifications are a little more involved, but not beyond a good novice mechanic:
Adding a larger throttle-body from an automatic transmission Neon (52mm vs. 49mm) or boring your stock throttle body out will help boost output on a DOHC Neon by about 5 hp or more across the whole RPM range. RC Engineering and Howell Automotive can bore your stock throttle body out to about 57mm. You can also purchase billet throttle bodies from Modern Performance up to 60mm. Having a throttle body too big can hurt overall performance, so unless you seriously changed the air flow characteristics inside your engine, I wouldn't use anything bigger than 55mm throttle body.
Gary Howell wrote:
"49mm TB flows 252 cfm
52mm TB flows 283 cfm
55mm TB flows 317 cfm
60mm TB flows 377 cfm
At 8200 RPM a 122 cubic inch engine will need 290 cfm at 100% volumetric effiency, using the formula ((Max RPM/2)*Displacement)/1728. Rule of thumb is to go 10% over because a naturally aspirated engine can go above 100% volumetric efficiency because of cam overlap, header design, etc. Go above that and you kill low end because of reduced velocity, go below that you starve the engine for air at top end. 110% is volumetric efficiency is 319 cfm."
Based on this, 55 mm does seem to be the option for naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engines.
As for automatic Neon throttle bodies, you can find them easily at most junkyards for around $70 or less. When you perform this swap be sure to replace the new throttle body's sensors and cams with the ones from your stock unit, if you want to retain stock drivability. You also want to pay attention to placement of the throttle-body on the manifold. You might gain a little more if you push it closer toward the center of the intake manifold. Make sure you port-match the throttle body to your intake manifold for best performance.
In the past I have stated that this modification helps DOHC owners the most and should really be avoided by SOHC owners. I have recently learned that a 57 mm throttle body on a mostly stock SOHC Neon gained about 5hp overall. Again, you really need to port-match throttle body to the intake manifold for best performance. That seemed to make the difference from before when the average was about 1hp over stock.
*A full story and dynojet results are available at Sport Compact Car magazine
Under drive pulleys have been used on V8s with success for many years. No reason why it wouldn't also work on a Neon right? Using one of these releases drag causes by your water pump and other accessories. By slowing down your accessories you gain hp and torque. It's really noticeable off the line. The increase in horsepower and torque is dependant on how much power the engine was making in the first place. The more power you have, the more effective the pulley. On mostly stock SOHC or DOHC engines however, the increase is about 5-7hp depending on model year
Here are some under drive pulleys on the market:
Unorthodox Racing
TTI Racing
Mopar Performance
RVM Performance Products
Auto Specialties Performance
For serious racers some of these pulleys are available for single belt use, which would only turn the alt. For those that want the best of both worlds can get an Unorthodox Racing convertible Street/Race pulley (PN#30100100). The center pulley comes off for racing and can be re-installed when you're ready to drive home.
Another area that can be addressed on the DOHC engine is cam timing. Seldom does the factory use the optimum centerline the cam(s) need when building the engines. You can index them yourself for next to no money with a simple degree wheel, but I've found that cam sprockets make life a lot easier. They are marked clearly and are easy to adjust quickly, unlike the factory cam sprockets.
Here are the available cam sprockets: (The SOHC sprockets work on 2000-up Neons)
Unorthodox Racing
Fidanza Flywheels
Speed Lab Racing
(Again for serious racers Unorthodox makes a lighter version of their sprocket)
AEM has tested their cam sprockets on a DOHC Neon, which also had the AEM cold air intake and a prototype of then new Mopar Performance exhaust system. Before the cam sprockets, this DOHC Neon made 124+hp at the wheels. After the sprockets were adjusted for 4 degrees retarded (on both cams), the Neon responded with 131+hp. But that's not all...
The DOHC engine instead of falling on its face after 6500 rpm pulls up to Redline strong! With this setting it made more power from 4750 to redline than the stock cam timing did. You might not get the same gains on your Neon, but it's worth looking into.
With your Stage One modifications and the few upgrades here, your DOHC Neon should be in the 130+ area and maybe as high as 140 hp at the wheels. That's about 150 hp, the factory rating.
*DOHC owners - Want 12hp the easy way? All you need is a stock automatic Neon throttle body and some elbow grease.
Starting with only new plugs and a K&N drop-in filter -- 114hp and 111ft of torque
We added the automatic throttle body and got -- 120hp and 113ft of torque
Finally we removed the AC/PS drive belt from the stock pulley. Result -- 126hp and 117ft of torque
If you gasket-match the throttle body to the intake manifold, you'll gain a bit more. See how easy that was?
*These are repeatable results and done in the heat of the day at SHO Shop in Huntington Beach , CA over 4 years ago.
I haven't forgotten about you SOHC owners... Being one myself (four times over), I searched for some easy and cheap gains for us too.
Installing a cam sprocket is only worthwhile if your stock cam timing wasn't correct to begin with. It should be set at 110 degrees straight up. The DOHC engine is more sensitive to cam timing. You might want to check to see if your OEM cam sprocket has skipped a tooth. I would only do this if I were going to replace the timing belt (DC recommends 100,000 miles).
Adding a header is the next logical step and is worth about 4-6 hp. Most of this power is added to the mid-range and top end of the rev range. Currently the only CARB legal headers on the market come from Mopar Performance (street header- P5249856 SOHC, P5249973 DOHC) Borla (2000-up) and Hedman (uncoated PN#36050-DOHC #36060-SOHC). Pacesetter also makes a header, but is not smog legal in some states. Check with your local smog inspection station before purchasing this header.
Most of these headers require a minor modification to the exhaust pipe, but can still be installed in about 3-4 hours.
A few Neon owners have opted to have their header ceramic coated by Jet-Hot or HPC, it's a worthwhile investment that saves headers from rusting and improves there performance. Hedman and Pacesetter also offer coated versions of their headers.
To take full advantage of your Stage 1 and 2 modifications, pickup a Mopar Performance PCM for about $200. These replace your OEM power train module, are emissions exempt in all 50 states and require the use of 92-93-octane premium fuel. The rev-limit is moved up (about 7200 in the SOHC and 7400 in the DOHC engine), along with more advanced timing that improves low-end torque and throttle response.
SOHC Manual Transmission P5007033 1995, P5007035 1996, P5007037 1997-99
DOHC Manual Transmission P5007034 1995, P5007036 1996, P5007038 1997-99
Kenne-Bell offers reprogramming of 2000-up Power train Modules for $395
*One 2nd Gen Neon owner has complained of not getting what he wanted for the price he paid. Kenne-Bell offers a money-back guarantee. But you should be COMPLETELY clear about the changes you are requesting. So changes may require the car to be present during reprogramming. If you want just a basic upgrade, I recommend you request the fuel curve modified, bump the rev-limiter to 7200rpm and adjust the timing for 91-93 octane fuel, depending where you live.
A/FX Manufacturing also sells reprogrammed PCMs for all years, except 1995. They are available at Howell Automotive, but are not smog-legal. It gives you all the features of the Mopar units and produces a little more hp in upper rpm range (mainly from even more timing advance). There are race only versions available with more advanced timing and ignition curves. They are available for '96-99 DOHC and SOHC Neons. The Race version is just that because it allows you to remove your catalytic converter and requires the use of a header for best results. Some people with the "street" A/FX computer say they have passes smog with the unit installed, but I don't think the extra 2-3hp the A/FX makes over the Mopar is worth the additional cost. But it's up to you .
*It is rumored that A/FX will release reprogrammed PCM for 2000 models only
All of these modifications could be installed in less than an afternoon. At this point SOHC powered Neons should fall around 125-130hp and DOHC Neons should fall between 130-135hp at the wheels. With some minor weight reduction and drag radials high 14's are not out of the question for DOHC Neon. For SOHC Neon however, you need a little more help.
The next roundFor your next round of modifications if you own a DOHC or '96 SOHC with an aluminum intake manifold, I would recommend having your cast intake manifold modified by GUDE/Bullfrog Racing or any competent cylinder head service. It should run around $200 for port-matching and smoothing out the casting as much as possible without cutting the manifold. If you haven't got your throttle body done yet, then you can get it bored and port-matched to the intake for an additional cost. This is good for those handy with a Dremel or similar tool and for those on a limited budget. You can also make some of the same modifications to the composite (plastic) SOHC intake manifold with less dramatic results.
The Extrude Hone process works great on cast aluminum Neon intake manifolds. Air flow testing of a stock intake should be around 810 cfm. That's with most of the casting "flash" taken out by hand. After the Extrude Hone process, that same intake pushed out 1013 cfm. What's so great about the EH process is that it can do what human hands can't, which is port/polish the entire intake manifold's upper runners and make air flow in each runner as even as possible. Before EH process, the manifold showed various cfm readings from each intake runner. Each runner varied as much as 10%. After the EH process, all runners where within 2-3cfm of each other or less than 2%.
Both types of modifications made to these manifolds give you much improved low-end torque and throttle response and allows more power (the hand ported manifold to a lesser degree of course) to be made beyond the original 6500rpm "flat spot" in DOHC Neons. With either manifold, the torque band was much wider and flatter. The DOHC engine now wants to scream on the top-end! You get strong pull right up to the fuel cut-off (7200 rpm). This is a very worth while modification for any DOHC Neon. A few cars with this and some of the modifications listed earlier are making well over 130 hp or 150+ hp at the flywheel (most falls into the 132hp -138hp area at the wheels).
This IS the "real" bottle-neck in the prevention of gaining additional hp from the DOHC engine. Combining Extrude Hone with traditional hand porting works even better!
The next roundThis is where the gains from bolt-on performance stop. Some of the parts or modifications mentioned here might be beyond the novice enthusiasts but are still considered Stage 2 modifications.
Changing the camshaft(s) is the next step. Stock Neon camshafts are very mild when compared to other engines in its class. More aggressive cam timing is needed to take full advantage of the 420a's well-designed DOHC cylinder head.
Crane makes excellent camshafts for both engines.
For internally stock engines I would recommend:
PN#158-0010 for SOHC engines
PN#180-0010 for DOHC engines
Crower makes excellent camshafts, but for DOHC engines only.
I would recommend this grind for internally stock engines:
The other grinds require increased compression and additional work on the cylinder head. If you don't plan on any further modifications to your engine I would stick to these camshafts.
SOHC owners might be lured by the turbo grind specs. Please read this very carefully --
The SOHC engine makes most of its power between 4000 and 5600 rpm. The stock camshaft makes peak power around 5500-5600rpm and then falls rapidly. Crane's non-turbo cam adds power across the rev range and extends power pass the stock peak. It also makes more power from 5500 to 6500rpm where the engine needs it most. Even with the rev- range allowed by the Mopar or A/FX PCM, the turbo grind makes most of its power well pass 6500rpm where the cylinder head doesn't offer any additional flow. It's simply the wrong choice for your application.
DOHC owners have another option here. If you plan on using nitrous oxide injection, I recommend Crane's: PN#180-0012 or Crower's: PN#64451.
Both these camshafts require upgraded valve springs due to higher lift. I don't recommend Mopar Performance Springs for aftermarket camshafts. They are great for stock or mild aftermarket cams, but once you setup to more serious camshaft, heavier springs are needed. Both Crower and Crane make upgraded valve springs. This would also be a good time to upgrade the entire DOHC valve train with PT Cruiser spec replacement parts. These lashes and roller rockers are much stronger than what came in DOHC engines during its production run in the Neon. If you upgrade your camshafts, do this FIRST.
We are now running into the limits of the stock cylinder head, intake manifold and short-tube headers. SOHC engines at this point should be around 135-140hp with DOHC engines checking in around 140-145hp. You can pick up some additional power by cleaning and balancing your fuel injectors. This process will allow each cylinder to produce the most horsepower by equalizing fuel flow.
For East Coast Neon owners -- Marren Motor Sports
For West Coast Neon owners -- RC Engineering
You can pick up 4-5hp for about $100. Not bad!
Neons are tuned to run conservative for non-enthusiasts. To get the most out of your modifications, you need some control over fuel flow and ignition timing. Aftermarket PCMs are tuned more aggressively than stock, yet still aren't tailor made for your car and the changes you have made. You need the power of these tuning tools to get the most out your changes.
Adding a Crane or MSD ignition will increase ignition output, but you cannot advance the ignition timing beyond what the PCM will also. MSD also makes a programmable version of the DIS-2 with fully programmable ignition curves, but you're still limited by the PCM. The stock ignition will do fine with internally stock engines. Installing an ignition amplifier will increase power between 3-4hp overall, allow the engine to run smoother and use a wide spark plug gap.
*For drag racing and Solo 1/2 both basic ignitions offer Stage 2 rev control for better launches.
Adjusting fuel flow can increase power by decreasing or leaning out the fuel mixture. This can be done two ways -
Manually with a fuel pressure regulator
Electronically with a fuel management computer
Using a fuel management computer like the Apex'i Super AFC, HKS Super AFR or Split Second ARC1, you have far more control over tuning that what an adjustable fuel pressure regulator will give you. On average you can pickup 6-8 additional horsepower using one of these devices. It also leaves the door open for any modifications you might make later.
You can also use a piggy-back engine control unit such as the Perfect Power SMT-6, UNICHIP, or Split Second FTC-1. These offer MUCH more control than a simple Super AFC does and adds the power of full ignition control, within the parameters of the PCM. You won't have the 2 stage rev-limit of a MSD or Crane ignition, but you gain more tuning power. [Note: Mariano Torres wrote that the Greddy E-Manage did not do much for spark control and could do some damage.]
Kenne-Bell can not only re-flash 2000-up Neon PCM, but also 97-up Neon as well. ASE replaces your soldered e-prom with socket version and can program ANY parameter you see fit into the PCM. This might be a good option for those that aren't looking to make a lot of changes later to their engine. Some tuning from either company might require the car to be at these locations. Plan on spending some time on a dyno near your home town and phone calls between you can KB or ASE if you want your car tuned correctly. Or expect you spend your PCM back at least once for an adjustment. Tuning with the factory PCM can be a pain in the ass at times. But if you gotten this far maybe you should forget this and consider what's next.
Stage 3 - Advanced Engine PerformanceWith both engines were at the crossroads of performance...
Monitoring engine performance becomes more critical at this point. You're tuning closer and closer to the edge of detonation to squeeze the last ounce of power from your engine. There a few ways to monitor what's going on while the hood is closed.
If you haven't installed at least Water Temp, Oil Pressure & Fuel Pressure gauge you're asking for trouble. You need the proper gauges to aid in tuning and to let you know of a potential problem with your engine.
Auto Meter
That's not the only way you can monitor your engine and its many sensors. The age of mini-computing has allowed us to leave the laptop computer at home and give a PDA another use outside the office. Since all Neons are OBD-2 compliant, you can use OBD-2 monitoring software. Several are available for downloading and you only need to purchase a cable for under $70 in some cases.
Here are some of the available programs:
EASE Diagnostics
Virtual Dashboard
Auto Tap
CJ-2 (Package Includes a Handspring PDA with software pre-installed)
This is the most advance way for you to monitor your engine function and sensors. It allows you to data-log your PCM while on the race track, dyno and erase codes that might come up during the installation of aftermarket parts. By knowing what code comes up, you can easily solve the problem. These have become very valuable tools in high performance tuning. I highly recommend using this type of software.
Programmable Engine Management:To get the most out of any modification you for here on, you need control of the ignition and fuel systems. For some of the heavy modifications, it might be best to step beyond the piggy-back systems that I listed earlier. While you can almost totally override control of the stock or modified PCM with piggy-back units or even go as far as having a new e-prom burned for the PCM. You'll end up spending more money and still not have the amount of tuning power available in units such as Electromotive's TEC-3. These should be considered if you're looking to make the most horsepower possible and yet still have reliable transportation. However in the process, you might loose several functions of the factory PCM. If you don't mind loosing such functions, then using one of these units will reward you handsomely.
The TEC-3 is one of several units available. Choice should be based on which unit your tuner prefers or what functions you're looking for. I recommend the following ECUs *
DTA (TTI Racing is SUPPOSE to have a direct-plug version available)
Naturally Aspirated:
Blueprinting alone will pick up a few more ponies, but with the additional cost of machine work, I don't think it's worth it alone. I would do this in addition to what other changes that would be made to the engine while it was apart.
Depending on how far you go, you might be reaching the point where your OEM fuel injectors are not supplying enough fuel. If you have installed a fuel computer to help dial-in your bolt-ons from Stage 2/3, then you can also use larger injectors and not cause a "rich" tuning condition. The biggest injectors any factory or aftermarket PCM are 24lbs or about 270cc.
You need to increase your compression ratio to run any of the "hotter" camshafts that Crane and Crower (for DOHC Neons) offer. Increasing compression is also a fairly cheap modification and is usually a win-win proposition. The only downside to higher compression is using higher-octane fuel. The stock compression ratio in the SOHC engine is 9.8:1 and it's 9.2:1 in the DOHC. 11:1 is a good compression ratio for either engine if you plan on running it mostly on pump gas. You might need to install an MSD or Crane ignition if you haven't already. Detonation is bad for any engine. Even a bad tank of gas can spell doom for your modified engine. These ignitions can prevent this by allowing you to retard the timing a few degrees. In most cases you'll only retard after 4000rpm in both engines and only about 2-3 degrees at the most. Using a Piggy-back control system or Stand-Alone engine management will give you more tuning options. You can always leave the Crane or MSD box for its 2 Step function.
For a really hot street engine, 12:1 compression is ideal. At this point I would consider replacing your stock pistons with better units from KB. Hypereutectic pistons are stronger and lighter than cast pistons, although not as strong as forged pistons. They also cost less than forged pistons or brand new replacement pistons from the dealer. This can provide a solid foundation for your high output engine. You also don't have to mill your head any further than .050 with a 10.8:1 piston. This will achieve close to 12:1 compression. You will now need either programmable engine management or an aftermarket ignition to fire your high compression engine. You'll have to run about 5-6 degrees of retard to keep your engine together, but for the money it's a solid power increase. Forged Pistons can be used also, but are a bit "loud" during cold start up and tend to burn more oil than cast or hypereutectic pistons. If you don't plan on turning your Neon into a track-only car, the KB's will do the job.
ÊElectromotive's Neon TPK system is no longer available. But you don't need individual throttle bodies anymore to get max power on the street. INDY Cylinder Head of Indianapolis , IN has come to the rescue of Neon owners everywhere and provides the final piece in the puzzle to ultimate Honda kill 'in horsepower. This brand new cast manifold fixes EVERY problem with factory Neon intake manifolds, short of the Magnum intake available with '01-03 Neon R/T and '01-'02 Neon ACR. You loose nothing with this intake and the only thing better is individual throttle bodies, which aren't really meant for the street anyway. Combined with a 60mm throttle body, I think you'll be hard pressed to find something that would outflow this combo. The best part this manifold is affordable! If you're serious about getting BIG power numbers get this intake! More details about this manifold in the next update as all versions are not available just yet.
SOHC Owners -
Once considered the "redheaded" stepchild in the world of Neons. The SOHC engine has had the last laugh. Besides the new SRT-4 turbocharged Neon, the SOHC engine is the only other engine available. The DOHC was axed for budgetary reasons. I've been trying to tell people for years that everything being equal, the SOHC can provide just as much power as the DOHC engine. The parts are now available to make 180-190hp without any additional machine work or cylinder head porting.
180+hp SOHC Recipe *
11:1 or 12:1 compression (aftermarket pistons needed)
Magnum SOHC Cylinder Head or Ported standard SOHC head
Crane 0014 or 0016 camshaft & matching valve springs
INDY Intake manifold or Magnum Intake manifold
Long tube header (Phatridz, Blackdog or Hytech)
Stage 1 and 2 modifications
Reprogrammed PCM combined with Piggy-back engine control or Stand-Alone engine management
More power is possible. On record there are at least 3-4 daily driven SOHC Neon making over 180hp at the wheels. I have seen only one dyno sheets to prove this, but Nate Greer has blasted 13.6@102! Very few DOHC have run faster trap speeds. This truly impressive and we have only just started to see the full potential of this engine. The revenge of the SOHC is on!
DOHC Owners -
DOHC Neon on the other hand doesn't really need a ported head to reach 180hp. Running 12:1 compression, Crane/Crower cams, INDY intake manifold and some tuning are all that are needed. You can reach 200hp a lot easier now that the INDY intake has come on the scene. You might need additional cylinder head work to get up to 200hp, but it can be done and still be very streetable.
*For the 2003 season Scot Mohler is a member of Darrell Cox Racing and Team Mopar! He took the 2002 NOPI Pro Stock title, finished 4th in the NHRA Pro Stock class and ran a limited schedule in IDRC and IDRA ( Battle of the Imports). He managed to win for the 2nd year in a row at the IDRC event in San Antonio . His Neon now features a custom Individual Throttle Bodies, Cold-Air induction, 2.7L DOHC DCR engine, alcohol injection, special Crane race grinds and a lighten chassis. His Neon is still overweight for the class by about 200lbs but an all-new car is coming sometime this season. Stay tuned because Scott is heading for the 9 second zone. Bow down to the World's Fastest and Quickest N/A Neon!
Exhaust Systems -Short-tube headers are not great horsepower producers. The Neon engine needs a real header. A properly designed long tube header for either the SOHC or DOHC engine is worth over 12hp on an otherwise stock engine. There are two on the market current. The Kirk Racing header is an older design but still produces good power numbers. However the Phatridz and Hytech header are the best choice.
*Some of maybe think, "How come you didn't suggest this earlier?" It's because NONE of these headers are smog legal and to get the most out of them, you really need to use some bigger camshafts and ported cylinder head. These are purely racing headers.
This is also where your stock 2.25" exhaust piping becomes an obstacle in the quest for horsepower. There are a couple of cat-back exhaust systems for Neons available.
Unfortunately, these exhaust system come with outdated turbo style mufflers. The Dynomax cat-back is by far the most popular exhaust for Neons and uses I think the best of the turbo style mufflers (Super Turbo) but if you were serious about power output, I would use the piping (2.5) and use a better muffler like a Dynomax Ultra-flow, Edelbrock, Magnaflow or some other type of straight-though muffler.
For more information on building a high horsepower SOHC or DOHC engine --
Neon Specific Tuners:
CNNP Racing
Howell Automotive
Forward Motion
Modern Performance
Turbochargers -
There are a few Neon turbo kits available now. They are available for both SOHC and DOHC engines from -
Hahn Racecraft (95-99, 2000-up coming soon)
Turbo Performance (95-up)
Blue Ribbon (95-up)
CNNP Racing (95-up)
Turbo manifolds are available from Turbo Performance, CNNP and TTI Racing if you want to design your own turbo system.
You can run between 8-12psi on a stock Neon engine if the proper precautions are taken. If you buy one of these kits, slap it on your Neon and run 12psi, you'll sure to break something sooner if not later. At the VERY minimum, this is what I would add to my turbo system --
MSD or Crane ignition (to retard the timing under higher boost levels)
Electronic boost Control unit (Blitz, HKS, Apex'i or Greddy)
Clutchmasters Stage 3 clutch or something similar
Driveshaft Shop Stage 2 axles (Drag racing? Get Stage 3's!)
Dynomax cat-back intermediate pipe and straight-though muffler ('95-'99 Neons only)
Upgrade your blow-off valve if you're using a Hahn kit
Adding these will add to the life and performance of your turbocharged Neon.
Len Ayala's (first) Neon is one of the fastest in the world with a top time of 9.55@150 He still uses the same exhaust manifold from the Hahn kit only with a 20G turbocharger on his 2.4L DOHC engine. His Neon also features a unique induction/intercooler system. Now that his first Neon is no longer a street car, he purchased another Dodge Neon for street duty. After putting the finishing touched on his new street Neon he took it out to a local Import War event. He made it all the way to the final round. His best ET of the day was 11.97@121 making his new car one of the fastest street-driven Neon in the country! Great Work Len and Hahn Racecraft!
Darrel Cox currently owns the fastest and quickest Neon in the world driven by Mike Crawford at 8.56@163mph. He built the 2.4L DOHC turbocharged engine at his own shop, Darrell Cox Racing. The engine is controlled by F.A.S.T engine management system. He also built the 2.4L turbocharged engine found in former Ford Focus racer Shawn Carlson's New Mopar Dodge Neon.
Team Mopar is poised to BIG things this season. They will be running the whole NHRA schedule, so look for them at a track near you!
Nitrous Oxide -
Many people think using nitrous oxide as cheating. While I won't jump on my soapbox about this, I will say that more and more Neon owners are looking toward the "throttle in a bottle" for cheap performance. You can run anywhere from 50hp-100hp on a stock Neon engine in good running condition.
A 50hp shot on a 5spd stock SOHC or DOHC Neon will run high to mid 14's on street tires easy. If you could use it in first gear, you should be able to get low 14's. To do that, you need slicks. On a '96 and later Neon you'll need to upgrade the clutch to use slicks and nitrous together (when using more than a 75hp shot).
With only Stage 1 modifications and a 75hp kick from nitrous oxide, you can have a very quick car for less than $1,000 invested.
ÊJust to show you how effective Nitrous can be, Scott Kornish with an internally stock 2.4L DOHC engine, Stage 2 type modifications and Crane cams, makes about 160hp at the wheels and runs mid 14's at around 93-94mph in the &Mac185; mile. Add some slicks, Nitrous Express Maximizer progressive nitrous control unit and a 100hp shot of nitrous oxide, the results? 12.4@108mph. Not many turbo Neon run that quickly and just goes to prove that nitrous-oxide can be the answer in your quest for big horsepower.
Nitrous kits range from $400-$1300 and they come complete. But you need to add a couple of options to have a safe, yet very quick system. A Neon Nitrous FAQ is being constructed and will be available soon.
There are four Neon-specific nitrous-oxide kits available -
Nitrous Express Neon EFI kit
Nitrous Works Neon EFI
Nitrous Oxide Systems Neon EFI kit
Venom VNC-1000 and 2000
All things nitrous-related can be found here -- http://www.n20.org/
*Both of the world's fastest Neons use turbo charging and nitrous injection
Going 2.4L!Everybody thought it was possible. Everybody said it could be done, but nobody has tried to until about 8 months ago. Now it's one of the hottest topics on neons.org. Yes! You can swap a 2.4L DOHC cam engine into the Neon. What are the advantages? More cubic inches, more torque and almost all the 2.0L DOHC parts work making it one of the easiest engine swaps around. One of the best ways to get more power is to increase engine size. By adding almost half a liter to the 2.0L DOHC engine, it gained over 30 addition pound feet of torque and only lowered the rev-limit by a little.
Swapping in just a 2.4L DOHC engine into DOHC Neons will drop your ET's into the low 15-second area. All of the performance modifications that work in the 2.0L work even better in the 2.4L engine.
The 2.4L is also ideal for racing. Darrell Cox's 8-second turbo Neon uses a 2.4L engine. Scott Mohler uses a bored 2.4L DOHC engine in his ACR this season and with further tuning and changes from last year makes almost 300hp at the wheels.
Swapping the 2.4L is still fairly new, so if you're considering this swap, Dodge Specialist makes a kit making installation a snap. TTI Racing also offers the special passenger mount spacer needed to install the engine. Currently this swap only works in '95-'99 Neon with the DOHC engine. SOHC owners can make this swap also, but you need to find a DOHC PCM and all the other necessary bits needed to make the swap possible.
The 2.4L engine bolts right into the PL2000 (2000-up) Neon chassis! Just go to your local Dodge/Chrysler dealer and request a full set of Neon SRT-4 engine mounts. Then compare them with your current 2.0L SOHC mounts. Change what's needed and a PT style engine should fit without any problems. However, the new problem is how to control your new engine. You might be able to use a PCM from the same year PT Cruiser. This is still being researched. When a full answer is known, I'll post an update ASAP. I'm sure some would still rather opt for 2.4L DOHC power over the underdog SOHC engine. But given the extra weight Neons picked up with the 2000 year model change, it's understandable.
If you have any of these modifications, we would like to hear from you and so would many other readers of this page. You can contact either the Webmaster or me. So far I'm very disappointed. Nobody has sent in any suggestions or comments about the changes they have made with their car and share them with others. Please if you have done some of the things listed on this site, we would like to hear from you.
Next update I'll finally add that Suspension Tuning Guide I have been promising for awhile now. I might also be able to give you a look into what it takes to make a Dodge/Plymouth Neon competitive in Street Touring auto-cross Neon. I'll also add that Automatic Transmission build up guide. A lot of things have changed since I have started writing this page. I have had 3 Neons since then and I am currently without Neon again. Don't worry, though a final decision hasn't been made, there's a strong chance I'll be getting yet another Dodge Neon. I won't tell you what model or what year though.
Illustrationsallowen.gif shows Owen's DOHC ACR after all the mods listed on the dyno sheet
barryrun.gif shows the gain with the under drive pulley
scottsrun.gif is his first run (222 hp)
scottsrun3.gif is the 228hp run
Linkshttp://www.turbosystem.com/Neon/World_s_Quickest/world_s_quickest.html - Neon turbocharger kit
Swain Tech High Performance coatings
Jet Hot High Performance header coatings
Other Neon links with more performance info - investigate before you upgrade!
NavigationReturn to the Neon Page
Neon IRC (chat) page
Parma Heights, Ohio
2002 Durango 4x4, 4.7 w/tornado, K+N, 3.92 gears LSD, T/S lift of 2.5 inches. R\T rims Cooper tires.
2005 Neon Electric Blue w/SRT sway bars tint on front and side widows. 2 Rockford Fosgate 12 inch subs fiberglassed in the spare tire holder. JL Audio 6x9 in rear deck, Cadence 6.5 3 inch voice coils in front doors. Three separat apms for each pair of speakers. Fully insulated body with Rubberized under coating, Rammat and insolight. 149.8 SPL. Two 1200 Kinetic capacitor batteries.
2005 neon Flame Red w/tint on side
I also work full time with the state of Ohio Department of Transportation.
Posted: 12-21-2005, 05:33 AM
Post #2
Ummm, a link to www.allpar.com/neon/performance.html would have been sufficient. A link to http://pages.cthome.net/rader/disclaimer.html would be better (even though it needs even more updating than Anthony Thomas' version)
Posted: 12-21-2005, 01:08 PM
Post #3
I give n-gin mad props for his time and shit that he spent to help out some of the less Educated people on here.( Newbies that is). Most of us already have most of the bolt on's already and know where to go next but that is some god info non the less.
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/show...p?t=100535]God Squad member #53 [/url]
04 Neon SRT-4
98 Neon ACR-2.4 swaped with goodies
Posted: 12-21-2005, 04:57 PM
Post #4
'97 Neon DOHC MTX - Sold
'98 Neon DOHC MTX Turbo - Sold
'99 Neon DOHC MTX - The project begins...
Posted: 12-21-2005, 05:42 PM
Post #5
Whp rates look way low!
Look wrong to me. But hey Im prob wrong!
2001 Chrysler Neon SE.
Performance Mods:
Pedders Sports Ryder Lowered springs, CSA "Velocity" 15 inch alloy wheels & Toyo T1R-D low profile tyres, 2.5 inch cat back Lukey Turboflow exhaust, Highflow cat, Comp 200 Grind Camshaft, Race Spec P & P Cylinder Head with 3 Angle Valve Job & Decked 20 thou, Universal Polished Chrome Oil Catch Can connected to pcv valve, MPX 60mm polished aluminium throttlebody, Cold air intake, Cquence Motorsport Cross Drilled / Slotted Front Brake Rotors, Racing pod air filter, Quick / short shifter, Custom mid / long tube headers, Megan Racing underdrive pulley, Top Gun 8.0 high temp spark plug cables, NGK spark plugs, SPW Billet aluminium front strut brace, over bored 40 thou with 10:5.1 high comp pistons, lightened machined crankshaft, new conrods, ACL race spec bearing / rings kit, Fuelstar Fuel Catalyst, Nolathane front control arm bushes, Gripforce Sach Stage.1 racing clutch, Sparco fuel pressure gauge under the hood, Bendix "Ultimate" brake pads, dyno tuned with a Unichip piggyback ecu.
Future Mods:
Custom Box Style Intake Manifold & a Crane 14 camshaft / magnum valve springs.
External / Internal Mods:
Full viper body kit (As sold in Australia), Chrome mesh intake grille inserts, Sirius Plus 2000 55 watt driving lights, SCA Shift 55 watt spot lights, Boschmann 550 watt 6x9s, Roar RX-8 250 watt sub / amp cannon, Crack Hi / Low RCA Converter, Full tint, Autotechnica "Monza" leather gear shift, Isotta Taladega Race / Sports seats, 2x SRT4 turbo gauge pods with Splitfire oil pressure & air / fuel gauges, Splitfire volts & oil temp gauges mounted under the radio, Gold painted calipers, And a mighty MOPAR sticker!!
Posted: 12-22-2005, 03:07 AM
Post #6
I never thought one time that they were low.
You have to remember this. Your peak HP at the peak RPM isn't were most mods are going to put EXTRA HP. 125 ish to the wheels sounds kinda high to me for a stock car.My car came stock with 150 hp dohc mtx.(said so on window sticker) it also said that 93 octane or higher had to be used to obtain the whole 150 HP.Wish I could find that. It was the original dealer window sticker the one with the list of options/gas mileage and what not.PRICE TAG
BEFORE I am Hounded I know the 150 hp was to the FW.
Anyhow take the % of drivetrain loss and figure it out. 150 HP X some % or however the hell you do that shit.
Most modifications are just putting the horespower you already have to better use. They add hp to different rpms alittle here a little there, some does go to the peak but most of it is just helping you to get there faster.
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/show...p?t=100535]God Squad member #53 [/url]
04 Neon SRT-4
98 Neon ACR-2.4 swaped with goodies
Posted: 12-22-2005, 04:15 AM
Post #7
That is an allpar site I got that from. I didnt see it mentioned in previous posts so I just thought I would hang it out there .
I've been browsing and you guys have done a lot to your cars. They look good too. I just bought my first neon 2 months ago. I'm looking for places to buy seats from a R/T, but no luck so far. If you guys have any ideas let me know.
Parma Heights, Ohio
2002 Durango 4x4, 4.7 w/tornado, K+N, 3.92 gears LSD, T/S lift of 2.5 inches. R\T rims Cooper tires.
2005 Neon Electric Blue w/SRT sway bars tint on front and side widows. 2 Rockford Fosgate 12 inch subs fiberglassed in the spare tire holder. JL Audio 6x9 in rear deck, Cadence 6.5 3 inch voice coils in front doors. Three separat apms for each pair of speakers. Fully insulated body with Rubberized under coating, Rammat and insolight. 149.8 SPL. Two 1200 Kinetic capacitor batteries.
2005 neon Flame Red w/tint on side
I also work full time with the state of Ohio Department of Transportation.
Posted: 12-22-2005, 12:08 PM
Post #8
N-GIN, Im not sure but NEons are all over the place they are everywhere, This leads me to believe that they should be in junk yards crashed just about everywhere.
Im not sure if the R/T's seats are like the ACR's or not but I like my ACR seats. Good luck finding an ACR in the junk yard tho. LOL
I don't know if your complementing my Car too or not but thanks for the props.
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/show...p?t=100535]God Squad member #53 [/url]
04 Neon SRT-4
98 Neon ACR-2.4 swaped with goodies
Posted: 12-22-2005, 09:02 PM
Post #9
DodgeneonACR98 - I'm going by the drivetrain loss as quoted by RADAR, 15%. That leaves you with 85% of your advertised HP hitting the ground. 150 (peak HP) X 0.85 (85%) = 127.5 ... MORE than 125. I just said 125 because most engines lose a couple HP over the years (2-5HP, depending on how it was maintained). So 120-125 HP would seem to be a very realistic dyno result on a stock DOHC neon, assuming Radar is correct on the 15% drivetrain loss.
Allpar says a DOHC neon will make 114hp and 111 lb/ft of TQ with new plugs and a new air filter (basically, a stock DOHC). That seems low to me, but they do have dyno charts to prove it. I'm just wondering if they were testing an ATX car.... (more drivetrain loss) or if neons have more than a 15% drivetrain loss, or if their particular car wasnt up to snuff.
'97 Neon DOHC MTX - Sold
'98 Neon DOHC MTX Turbo - Sold
'99 Neon DOHC MTX - The project begins...
Posted: 12-23-2005, 03:03 AM
Post #10
RICE-------I was too lazy to look up that POST! LMFAO maybe I shouldn't tell that MMMMMM well.
I think different years may have had a little to do with it, different cams,tranny,ect.
Hell I don't know. It's possible it was an ATX. They do have higher rate of loss.
Sounds like it's time for RADAR to give us a sceintific explanation of this....YET ANOTHER INFORMATION PACKED POST. FULL OF TID BITS OF BRIAN SWELLING, GEAR JAMMIN, EAR SLAMMIN,BRAIN FOOD THAT FUELS OUR FIRE. laTeR !
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/show...p?t=100535]God Squad member #53 [/url]
04 Neon SRT-4
98 Neon ACR-2.4 swaped with goodies
Posted: 12-23-2005, 09:46 PM
Post #11
Yeah... RADAR! enlighten us please! cuz, heck... 114whp is like 22% drivetrain loss... last time i checked neons werent AWD, LOL.
Posted: 12-25-2005, 04:43 AM
Post #12
Have to remember that the DOHC's were rated at 150 HP, but that doesn't mean they actually made 150 HP... Many had the cam gears set improperly from the factory and were coming off the line losing a good 5-10 HP because of it. Even then, 114 HP does seem a little low... Since most R/T's and DOHC ACR's were quite capable of running mid-15's off the showroom floor, I'd put them closer to the expected 125ish WHP range. 114 WHP on a loaded R/T would barely get it in the 15's... Don't know whose car Anthony was using on the dyno, all of his were SOHC's. My SOHC dynoed 111 HP to the wheels stock, right before putting on my first mod - a K&N FIPK. Last check (late 2004) was a little over 139 WHP on the best of 3 pulls, the other 2 were a smidge over 137 WHP, so that's what I go with.
AWD's can lose more than 22%... One of the guys up in NH got a new WRX, dynoed a little over 160 HP to the wheels bone stock, a good 15 Hp loss than his DOHC Neon at the time... That's closer to a 27% loss...
Posted: 12-27-2005, 04:09 PM
Post #13
114WHP sound more like SOHC territory to me...
BTW... If I got to a Dyno, could i degree the stock cam gears, or would i need to buy adjustable cam gears? Just wondering... I suppose i should try and find a Dyno around here first....
'97 Neon DOHC MTX - Sold
'98 Neon DOHC MTX Turbo - Sold
'99 Neon DOHC MTX - The project begins...
Posted: 12-28-2005, 10:50 AM
Post #14
You would need aftermarket cam gears, or you'd have to modify your stock ones (eliminate the key and slot the holes). Frankly, I'd rather go with aftermarket... and a modified timing belt cover...
Posted: 12-28-2005, 01:04 PM
Post #15
My budget isnt allowing aftermarket gears, and modifying the stock gears sounds like a pain... I think i'll just hope mine are set decently from the factory. I know, I know, the budget racer cant afford to be lazy... oh well. Thanks for the info though Radar.
'97 Neon DOHC MTX - Sold
'98 Neon DOHC MTX Turbo - Sold
'99 Neon DOHC MTX - The project begins...
Posted: 12-29-2005, 03:08 AM
Post #16
Hey: what Rice said in another post got me to thinking !!!!!!! YEAH OH BOY !
Thinking about the HP #'s. And WHY they seem low.
Didn't Radar say that the dynos were done with an ATX. Both sohc and dohc.
Didn't Rice say that the dohc mtx was at like 127. 15% of 150 right.
I think we can all agree that. The reason the Dyno's are so low on the for the dohc neon is becouse the ATX tranny is cutting it off well before PEAK hp is reached on the Dohc motor. 15-20 hp lossa depending.The motor is a 150 hp Dohc 2.0 but it cannot use the last 20 or so.Right Right???? So 114 hp to the ground on a Dohc ATX don't sound to far fetched does it. Makes secne to meeee. What do you ya'll think??
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/show...p?t=100535]God Squad member #53 [/url]
04 Neon SRT-4
98 Neon ACR-2.4 swaped with goodies
Posted: 12-29-2005, 03:53 AM
Post #17
I believe you can pick-up a set of off set keyways for $10. All the adjustable gears do is give you the option of adjusting on the fly to suit your needs.
Parma Heights, Ohio
2002 Durango 4x4, 4.7 w/tornado, K+N, 3.92 gears LSD, T/S lift of 2.5 inches. R\T rims Cooper tires.
2005 Neon Electric Blue w/SRT sway bars tint on front and side widows. 2 Rockford Fosgate 12 inch subs fiberglassed in the spare tire holder. JL Audio 6x9 in rear deck, Cadence 6.5 3 inch voice coils in front doors. Three separat apms for each pair of speakers. Fully insulated body with Rubberized under coating, Rammat and insolight. 149.8 SPL. Two 1200 Kinetic capacitor batteries.
2005 neon Flame Red w/tint on side
I also work full time with the state of Ohio Department of Transportation.
Posted: 12-29-2005, 07:35 AM
Post #18
Don't know if the cars dyno'd were ATX or MTX...
Posted: 12-29-2005, 11:31 AM
Post #19
Well if the cars were ATX's it would explain why the Dohc only made 114 hp to the wheels rather than the 125-130 that the MTX puts down.Just thought maybe I had an explanation for the seemingly low hp out put from Allpars tests.
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/show...p?t=100535]God Squad member #53 [/url]
04 Neon SRT-4
98 Neon ACR-2.4 swaped with goodies
Posted: 12-29-2005, 01:01 PM
Post #20
The cars were MTX and DOHC, i just checked the site. I know they are MTX cars because they list the ATX TB (52mm) as one of the mods. you wouldnt swap in an ATX TB if the car is already an ATX. and right above the paragraph it states, "DOHC owners, want 12hp the easy way"...
The only possible reason i can think of is that their cams were improperly set on the engine they tested and it was really humid the day they tested. (i think it says the tests were done in Huntington Beach, CA, so its possible) That combination is the only way I can see hp numbers being that low...
'97 Neon DOHC MTX - Sold
'98 Neon DOHC MTX Turbo - Sold
'99 Neon DOHC MTX - The project begins...
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@Edymnion: Honestly? I think clearing trash should be mandatory. Yeah, I'll get growled and snarled at for suggesting this, but sometimes it would definitely be better if, say, the boss would be invincible or not present until the trash up to it is clear. I know some, typically older-content bosses will cause all the trash to engage you if they get attacked (Selin Fireheart, for example. And I've abused Multishot on Pandamonius to get a screen full of arcing damage numbers on more than one occasion). I know we all want to clear content as quickly as possible, but... Well, skipping trash seems to reek of laziness to me. And typically causes more trouble than it's worth.
Couple of horror stories, both from End Time: I join a LFD group and at least half the existing group is dead in Obsidian Dragonshire. By the time I actually fiddle with the goddamn fiddly time-fiddler gate-fiddly-thing (They're unnecessarily fiddly) the rest of the group is DOA. I wait for everyone to get back in, and watch as they try again to sneak by the trash successfully (Though the healer dies in the magma, unbelievably). I whisper to one of DPSes what exactly happened and it turned out that they had wiped three times on the trash because the tank was adamant about skipping it. It's just that the time I was there they were actually successful. They could have killed all the trash and not had a DPS drop in the time it took them to sneak around.
The second one happened in everyone's favourite: Azure. DPS group leader ordered us to skip the trash, so instead of a five-minute killathon we wound up doing a ten minute hide-and-seek with the occasional killathon when the mage blinked into a pack. The first wipe happened when, while engaging one pack without issue the group leader stepped back and aggroed another pack. I was the first to notice, first to start CCing as much as I could and the damn mage jumped in and started AoEing everything. Second wipe happened while fighting Jaina; see if you can guess how exactly it happened?
Yeah, we all hate trash. Trash only exists to be hated, but the fact that killing trash helps everyone really needs to be hammered into the skulls of some group leaders.

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Catch up with all the news and commentary from Redmondmag.com and our sister sites that came out of Build:
Microsoft described improvements in its next-generation server technology, code-named "Windows Server 8," at its Build conference for developers today.
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living the LIFE..
following brain itches Theme by Adam Holwerda.
back again..
back in this position again.. feeling kinda lost, waking up asking yourself if what happened, really happened..
wondering what to do.. how to do it.. or even if you should do anything at all..
feeling low.. and wondering if it was you to blame.. and how you wished you could have changed things..
thinking to yourself.. are these same things going on in their mind.. or am I the only one feeling this way..
finally realizing that it is real.. and deciding whether to listen to your head and move on or listen to your heart and try your best to fix whats left of it..
knowing that your heart is really what you want to listen to cause you feel most passionate about what your heart is feeling..
Why are you so cute?
Oh wow, thank you soo much, you put a smile on my face! :D
Lucky March!
- better relationship
- school/great classes
- and finally I got a job!
Team Boiling Crab!
- training was overwhelming with all the information they were cramming on the new employees today but I can't wait to get the hang of things.
Why don't you all just make it official?
thats a good question, i really dont know.. i used to make a big deal about it cause i had some committment issues but now idk maybe we're just good this way so we don't care about the label..
i hate ralph. this is sean.
its okay i hate him too jk i love him
who is ur first love
Well my first love was in high school, his name was Ace but we just couldn't get along for anything so we drifted apart and now we're just two different people and could never be but i wish him the best.
who are you taken by??
well technically i dont have a BF but we're basically together with no label, and his name is Rafayel Rodriguez. :)


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In Reply: The State of Illinois remains steadfast in its desire to address the needs of mentally ill children. The funding for the state-operated hospital was transferred in whole to community mental health providers and to private hospital partners. The total amount transferred would now be greater than $50 million over the past five years, and the number of children served would tally in the thousands.
Ms. Holcomb, on behalf of the Mental Health Association of Illinois, makes a good point that private hospitals were rarely integrated into a coordinated system of care. One of the significant benefits of the experience in the Chicago area has been to greatly increase the participation of private-sector hospitals in a coordinated system of care. These hospitals, through increased collaboration with community mental health partners, have gained clinical experience and system management skills that greatly enhance their crafting of appropriate aftercare plans.
A cascading effect has been the improvement in private-sector hospital services to children who are wards of the state, forensic clients, and Medicaid clients not covered under the contract with the office of mental health of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). The role of the office of the inspector general of the Illinois DHS has been expanded, and these private hospitals are now required to follow the same procedures as state-operated hospitals with respect to incidents of potential abuse and neglect and violations of patients' rights.
The office of mental health of the Illinois DHS has provided ample evidence that Metropolitan Child and Adolescent Services has implemented a model that is efficient, consistent with the principles of the Child and Adolescent Service System Program, and fully within the tenets of the Olmstead decision. With the help of consumer organizations and advocacy groups like the Mental Health Association of Illinois, we will continue to be held to the highest standards.
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Most of our Fine Art photographic prints are available in larger sizes. Just ask!
Before production printing of posters can commence, printers' proofs are made and used to consider minor adjustments or alterations in the work before the production run is approved. Wolfgang's Vault contains a unique collection of original printers' proofs, untrimmed and with registration marks included, printed on fine quality proof stock.
The Allman Brothers Band,
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Second Coming


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ALERT: Gonorrhea may soon be untreatableMore than 700,000 people in the U.S. are infected each year with the STD
Scrunch your nose, curl your toes, and cross your legs--experts say that gonorrhea may soon be resistant to its only known treatment. Not good, considering the bacterial infection--which can be transmitted unknowingly through vaginal, oral, or anal sex--is estimated to infect more than 700,000 people in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"We could be facing the real possibility of untreatable gonorrhea [in the U.S.]," says Robert Kirkcaldy, M.D., M.P.H., medical epidemiologist and antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea expert at the CDC's Division of STD Prevention. "It's scary to think about."
In recent years, effective treatment options for the newest strain of drug-resistant gonorrhea have dwindled down to one: the injectable antibiotic cefriazoxone, recommended in conjunction with an oral antibiotic. That's because the bacteria that cause gonorrhea mutate quickly and develop resistance to antibiotics quite rapidly. "Antibiotic resistance is a very serious public health and medical problem that we are facing, and the bacteria that cause gonorrhea are among infections we're very worried about," says Kirkcaldy. (It's true, antiobiotic resistance is on the rise. Learn Why Antibiotics Won't Cure This Common Condition.)
It gets worse: the very real threat of a national health epidemic comes at a time when few new antibiotics are being developed.
So what now? According to Kirkcaldy, the CDC is urging drug companies to research new drugs, and new combinations of existing drugs to buy time, while an ongoing clinical trial is expected to provide some additional options, as well. In the meantime, your best line of defense: don't get gonorrhea.
Know Your Risk
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, women have a 60-80% risk of contracting the clap after just one one-night stand with a man who has it. While symptoms depend on which part of your body is infected--such as your lady parts, anus, eyes, mouth, or throat--pain when you pee or vaginal discharge are fairly common. That said, the infection is asymptomatic in 50% of female carriers, so it can easily be passed along unknowingly. Left untreated, the STI can trigger chronic pelvic pain, pregnancy complications, and even infertility in women--not to mention an increased risk of contracting HIV. Men are equally unlucky: common symptoms include uncomfortable urination and discharge from the penis--symptoms you won't necessarily know when you see. (Could you spot an STD? Learn The Symptoms of 5 Common STDs.)
Protect Yourself
The CDC says the best way to prevent the sexually transmitted infection is by--duh--not having sex. If that's not an option, using condoms correctly and consistently with a mutually monogamous, uninfected partner is a surefire way to stay gonorrhea-free. Additionally, the CDC recommends that at-risk, sexually active women (e.g., those with new or multiple sex partners) undergo annual screenings to detect (and prevent passing along) asymptomatic infections. (Preventative screenings aren't just for your sexual health: learn to spot early warning signs of serious conditions with The 10 Self-Checks Every Woman Should Do.)
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There's an agreement between the State and Vermont Yankee on how to close the nuclear power plant.
When it was announced in August that Vermont Yankee will be closing its doors, many questions were left unanswered about how the plant would be decommissioned. Under the plan announced Monday, Entergy will pay $10-million in economic development for the area, $5-million dollars to the state, and set aside another $25-million to pay for site restoration.
The State has agreed not to fight Entergy's continued operation through 2014. They also agreed to start decommissioning as soon as there is enough money to do so. The company has also agreed to move spent fuel pools into dry casks by 2021.
"What does that really mean? As we look forward we believe -- and we can't look into a crystal ball, anything can change -- but if you take the assumptions we all know, it should allows us to decommission the plant in the 2020 period," said Gov. Peter Shumlin.
"We believe this agreement is a good news story for our stakeholders, our owners, our employees, our customers and our communities. And I want to reaffirm what we said back in August, we intend to continue to be part of this community in Vermont," said Michael Twomey with Entergy Corp.
The agreement also dismisses all pending federal litigation between Entergy and the state. Up to 220 Vermonters could lose their jobs after the plant closes next year.
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Indian Music: A Connection to the Self
Influenced by this symbology, followers believe that God adores musical sounds and they should offer vibrations from musical instruments in temples as a part of their devotion. Offering music is comparable to offering food or voluntary services to the Personal God, all of which develop the same spiritual feel of surrender in the minds of devotees. In the presence of musical notes in the environment, followers try to remain in the perfected remembrance of the Divine. Eventually, they learn to forget themselves while playing and listening to their favorite instrument.
In contrast to devotees, who play for their Personal God, the non-dualist worshippers of music trigger their spiritual evolution by considering musical sound as God, a notion often described through the ancient phrase "Nada-Brahman." By experiencing the oneness of sound (Nada) and the Divine (Brahman), they too obtain the highest levels of ecstasy that are independent of musical factors like the mood of the composition, the complexity of note sequences, and the pace of rhythm.
When the musician recognizes this oneness, which occurs after all early levels of perfection in technique and expression have been transcended, music becomes joy, not the means for joy. At this point, the sound of a melody from a string instrument no longer appears sweeter than the stroke of a percussion instrument, for both are musical sounds and accordingly forms of the Divine. Preferences are present only until a duality in musical notes and God is present. When musical notes become Brahman and represent his sound, there is no other God to connect to.
At this stage in music, which appears plainly theoretical to most of us, one can say that perfection in music has been achieved. Just like the devotee musician who forgets oneself in the memory of the Lord while performing, the non-dualist worshipper of music forgets oneself in music to remember nothing but music. While one at this spiritual or musical plane may no longer be fit for entertaining fellow beings on a big podium, it fulfills what the Indian tradition anticipates from a 'seeker of music' as opposed to a 'learner' or 'creator' of music: finding God while finding music.
About the Writer
Dr. Mukul S. Goel is a spiritual writer and musician. His current areas of writing include Hindu spirituality, philosophy, classical music, and Vedic astrology.
Selfless Prayer: A Preparation for Bhakti
While asking God for monetary gains, a house, education, or a more healthy body is not unethical, we may be worshipping only a self-limiting aspect of the Divine if our mind is fastened to our own desires. As we create a wish list of finite objects while worshipping, we do not try to connect to the One Who is Absolute Truth, Consciousness, and Infinite Bliss but apply for the blessings of a finite potency that can fulfill our dreams.
In Hindu spirituality, this concept becomes explicit as certain expressions of divinity have become culturally associated with specific objects or gains that they can bestow upon us. While the principal forms of God, including Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva, are worshipped selflessly by followers as the manifestations of Brahman (the Absolute Reality), the lesser forms (demigods) are traditionally remembered only when their followers need a specific object in life. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna promises that whenever we desire something due to our ignorance and select a demigod to achieve it, He fixes our faith on the selected form so that our wishes may be easily fulfilled (VII: 20-21). Along these lines, the thousands of demigods in Hindu mythology, all elements of the same divinity, can also be understood as God's reciprocation to our own desires.
As we evolve and learn to connect, our wish list may expand to include goodness, some knowledge, some truthful fellow beings to interact with, some love in life, and some desires for "letting go". This would mean that we are getting closer to God and are on our way to meeting Him. Eventually, we may start requesting Him for realization and deliverance from the universe. But only when we approach God with an empty wish list, not desiring even liberation, can we actually sense the original inspirations within us that are a result of a two-way connection with the Almighty.
Similarly, we can worship the Divine Energy as the Mother for knowledge, wealth, and strength. But it is not until we take refuge in Her by transcending the short-term objectives of life that we worship the personification of the infinite source of universal energy and power. We need to learn to transfer the doership of all karma to Her and adore Her just for being there for us in order to realize that we all are Her favorite kids.
God, according to Hindu thought, is everywhere -- in you, in me, in all matter, and yet He is beyond the universe. Accordingly, His availability to the individual soul is never a constraint. Our aim is to surrender to God so that we can experience Him within ourselves or call Him for a visit in person. And when we remember God just to remember Him, we start surrendering to God. The lack of any material objective during remembrance indicates that the devotional foundation of trust, truth, contentment, and an earnest aspiration to meet God has been made. This is where pure love or Bhakti begins, for the love of God, to exist in the heart, requires a permanent erasure of all human inclinations towards scheming, passion, and slackness from the mind. On the other hand, whether we opt for the 'formless' God or a God with attributes, large amounts of worldly knowledge and information about the Lord may not be necessary to understand that God pervades us all.
Moving from duality to the non-dualist school of thought, where the individual soul and God are not really separate but appear to be separated due to our own ignorance, our desires remain as the only barrier in our connecting to our Self -- which is God. Because ignorance-borne selfish karma, laden with desires, are inept in destroying ignorance and cause repeated births in the world, any prayer to God solely for the fulfillment of our own desires does not contribute to our awakening. Through whichever yoga we choose, the introspective path of knowledge or the emotional path of pure love, when spirituality purges the difference between the individual soul and the Divine, ignorance, desires and the feel of separation -- all leave together.
In spite of the fact that our desires, which are present when we are spiritual beginners, prevent us from worshipping God in His entirety, every prayer slowly and steadily helps us build a platform for our inner rise due to the tiny bits of pure love that are often unknowingly present in our communications. Even the elementary prayers that are directed towards an object of the material world may strengthen our habit of applying for a connection to the Divine. And it may not be long before we turn to the selfless mode of praying to activate selfless karma. Once we are in love with God, we are all set; God remembrance with a feel of surrender can desert all our remaining passions to connect us to God eternally.
About the Writer
Dr. Mukul S. Goel is a spiritual writer. His current areas of writing include Hindu spirituality, philosophy, classical music, and Vedic astrology. He has recently published a book titled "Devotional Hinduism: Creating Impressions for God" through iUniverse.
A New Book on Hindu Spirituality
Devotional Hinduism, self-published through iUniverse, perceives the path of surrender as the continual formation of karmic impressions for God in our mind so that we may eventually be blessed with pure love to realize our eternal relationship with him. It is a journey to a new reality where God is the "real doer" who continually guides us towards himself.
While explicating Hindu beliefs, techniques for remembering the Personal God, and our relationship with Nature, Devotional Hinduism offers tips to college students and employees seeking to incorporate Eastern wisdom in their professional lives. This original presentation of Hindu spirituality, knowledge from the Gita, and commonly circulated thoughts from the Bhakti Saints also shares the author's personal beliefs.
Given below are some spiritual principles that have been touched upon in this book. Because Hinduism does not prescribe a standard set of beliefs, followers are free to choose the beliefs that attract them the most in Indian literature and culture and absorb them in their lives.
* Once we connect to God (through remembrance) even for a moment, we are connected forever.
* God incarnates on earth to spend time with his righteous devotees and guide humanity towards himself.
* Even though God transcends his universe, there is oneness in all creation; once we understand that Nature does everything, we transcend the world as well.
* With reincarnation in place, time is never a constraint in our spiritual journey.
* As we get closer to God, our levels of happiness increase but our individuality declines.
* As we reach the peak of devotion, we start loving our Personal God so much that we no longer desire liberation but aspire to love God forever.
* Because all thoughts are continually recorded in the human mind as karmic impressions, we should develop more and more impressions of love and surrender till God is reached and all our impressions become redundant.
(All these principles are supported by the Bhagavad Gita and the devotional saints of India.)
The book is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iUniverse (ISBN: 0-595-50524-4).


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2014 Toyota Yaris Delivers the Best in Liftback Versatility
March 10, 2014 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
TORRANCE, Calif., (Feb. 4, 2014) — The Toyota Yaris, the brand's fun, efficient compact model, offers the only choice of three-door or five-door liftback models in the segment. Both combine sporty styling with high value from a long roster of standard equipment and safety features, including nine airbags.
Can You Top This MPG? – Monitoring MPG is Easier in the 2015 RX 450h With New Standard Seven-Inch Display Audio
February 23, 2014 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
Drivers can have it all! With the fuel economy of a compact sedan, the power of a V8 engine, versatility, a bold exterior, and the comforts of a luxury vehicle, the 2015 RX 450h hybrid continues to be a leader in the segment it created more than 10 years ago.
Pickup sales may hit 2M units for first time since 2007
September 22, 2013 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Car Buying , Truck , Chevrolet , Ford , GMC , Honda , Nissan , Toyota , Ram Even as fuel prices creep back up, trucks are still a hot item among new-vehicle shoppers. To see how popular pickup trucks still are, you don't have to look any further than how much effort automakers put into the continual one-upmanship of their trucks. Backing this fact up, USA Today is reporting that the segment could top two million sales this year – a total not matched since 2007, though still far from the pre-recession, three-million-unit levels. Through August, the Ford F-Series continues to be the segment leader with almost 500,000 units sold, but the Chevy Silverado (328,269), Ram 1500 (234,642), GMC Sierra (122,232) and Toyota Tacoma (110,293) are all seeing at least 20-percent sales increases, helping to account for around 1.44 million truck sales so far this year – not including possible outliers like the Suzuki Equator and Chevy Avalanche . This year alone, General Motors has completely redesigned its fullsize trucks, Ram and Toyota have significantly updated their offerings, the next-gen Ford F-150 will be out next year and Nissan is promising an all-new Titan around the same time with an eventual Cummins diesel under the hood . It would seem, then, that truck sales are poised to continue their upward trend. Pickup sales may hit 2M units for first time since 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Sep 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Pricing Announced for 2014 Toyota Corolla
August 28, 2013 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
TORRANCE, Calif., August 27, 2013 – The all-new 2014 Corolla will offer its dramatically elevated design, efficiency and renowned Toyota quality, at an extremely attainable price. The world's most popular compact sedan will remain a legendary value in the segment.
Toyota Camry incentives and fleet sales cranked to keep sales crown, insiders worried
July 1, 2013 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Car Buying , Sedan , Toyota , Earnings/Financials We've been watching for some time now as Toyota has piled more incentives on the hood of its Camry sedan, and Automotive News reports that the we're not the only ones with raised eyebrows. The current Camry hasn't even been on the market for two years, but the family sedan segment is more hotly contested than it has been in years. It's that high level of competition that has led the automaker to uncharacteristically add more money on the hood in order to assure it maintains its long-held title of America's Best-Selling Car, a mantle it has owned for a dozen years. It's ramping up fleet sales, too. According to the analysts at TrueCar , Toyota has bumped incentives per unit every month this year, now totaling some $2,750 as of May, a 38-percent hike over this time last year. That's more spiff money than the segment's other best sellers, the Nissan Altima ($2,400), Ford Fusion ($2,300) and Honda Accord ($1,400), all of whom have actually decreased their incentive spend by 20- to 40-percent over the same period. The ramp up in incentive spending and fleet sales has analysts concerned that Toyota will tarnish the Camry's historically sterling resale value. ALG pegs the 2013 Camry's current 36-month residual value at 54.4 percent, well ahead of the segment average's 50.9 percent (but shy of the Accord's 55.6 percent). However, analysts are concerned that as the current generation ages, their resale values will eventually plummet if incentives continue to increase as Toyota looks to keep the Camry's best-selling car crown going forward. Automotive News cites R.L.
Altima, Fusion shaking up midsize sedan sales race
April 9, 2013 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Car Buying , Sedan , Chevrolet , Ford , Honda , Hyundai , Mazda , Nissan , Toyota When we first saw and drove new midsize sedans like the 2013 Nissan Altima and 2013 Ford Fusion , we had a feeling the Toyota Camry would eventually see a challenge for the top sales spot, but we had no idea things would move this quickly. Automotive News is reporting that the quarter tallies still show the Camry holding a sizable lead over its competition, but the Altima did manage to outsell the Toyota by 100 units last month. While a single month of not outselling the competition might not be enough to unseat the Camry from its 11-year sales throne, it goes to show how far recent competitors in the segment have come. The four best-selling cars in the midsize segment (in order) are the Camry, Honda Accord , Altima and Fusion , with each car boasting more than 80,000 units through the first three months of the year. Both the Accord and Fusion are seeing double-digit year-over-year sales increases while the Camry and Altima have dropped somewhat. And it wasn't just Camry that was losing ground. As we saw in the March 2013 By The Numbers post, Toyota sales as a whole were down slightly from 2012 while all of its key competitors ( Chevrolet , Ford , Honda and Nissan ) were in the green. After the top four sellers in the segment, the next closest midsizers are the Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata , but these cars are well off the competitive pace. Although the 2014 Mazda6 isn't expected to take too big of a bite out of the midsize market, its attractive design and available diesel engine could continue the shakeup of this once-predictable segment. Altima, Fusion shaking up midsize sedan sales race originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:44:00 EST.
Lexus Ranks Highest of Any Luxury Brand in 2013 J.D. Power and Associates CSI Study
March 14, 2013 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
TORRANCE, Calif. (March 13, 2013) – Lexus ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands in the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study SM for the fifth consecutive year.
Lexus Ranks Highest of Any Luxury Brand in 2012 J.D. Power and Associates CSI Study
March 14, 2012 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
TORRANCE, Calif. (March 14, 2012) – Lexus ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study SM for the fourth consecutive year. Lexus achieved an overall CSI score of 861 on a 1,000-point scale, 15 points above the segment average and the highest numerical score in the study, regardless of segment.
2012 Toyota Sienna Adds Comfort Enhancements in Second Year of Redesigned Model
October 6, 2011 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
The Toyota Sienna moves into its second year with a number of comfort and convenience enhancements. Toyota introduced the third-generation Sienna family van for 2011 model year with a sharper focus on comfort, versatility, style and fuel efficiency. The 2011 Sienna also introduced a four-cylinder engine choice and remains the only van in the segment to offer an all-wheel-drive option.
Lexus Earns Four Segment Awards in J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study
June 24, 2011 by ToyotaBloggers · Leave a Comment
TORRANCE, Calif., June 23, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., received a combined four segment awards in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS).


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Enjoy Allergy-Free Gardening
Experts offer sneeze-free gardening advice
By Jennifer Warner
Gardening is one of life's simple pleasures. But for the 35 million Americans who suffer from hay fever or seasonal allergies, having a green thumb means suffering from symptoms like a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Allergens, such as pollen and molds, peak in the warm weather months, but experts say allergies shouldn't keep you away from the pleasures of allergy-free gardening. Knowing what type of plants and trees are most likely to trigger allergies and planning gardening time strategically can help reduce sneezing and wheezing caused by seasonal allergies.
Mary Jelks, MD, author of Allergy Plants, says many people mistakenly think that plants with big, showy blossoms, like lilies, dahlias, and roses, are allergy triggers, but actually the opposite is true. Plants with small, insignificant flowers are most likely to produce large amounts of pollen that are released into the wind and can cause an allergic reaction.
"If you have plants that have pretty flowers, they attract butterflies and aren't as apt to create pollen because they are pollinated by insects," Jelks tells WebMD.
Other plants that produce flowers for allergy-free gardening include crocus, narcissus, snapdragon, daffodil, hyacinth, pansy, tulip, hydrangea, daisy, and sunflower.
Jelks says some people may be irritated by flowers that release a strong scent, but that type of reaction is not related to pollen or seasonal allergies and is caused by a reaction to the oils the blossom contains.
Horticulturist Tom Ogren, MS, author of Allergy-free Gardening, says another common gardening mistake is planting too much of one thing, known as monoculture gardening. If you have a tree, such as a flowering pear, a few might not be enough to cause a problem, but planting a whole row of them or using them over and over throughout a landscape accents their allergy-causing potential.
"It's better to have a diverse landscape, with many different kinds of plant materials, many different kinds of trees, flowers, and shrubs and ground cover," Ogren tells WebMD.
Ogren says monoculture gardening also makes your whole yard more attractive to the one pest that is attracted by that plant. Once that pest or insect starts to thrive, they will begin to secrete honeydew, and mold spores will grow and stick to it, creating another allergy trigger.
"Having a healthy garden, where things are well taken care of, well adapted, and not all buggy cuts way down on the mold count," says Ogren.
Both Jelks and Ogren advocate using plants that are native to your region for allergy-free gardening. They are easier to grow because they're already adapted to the climate and do not require extensive watering, fertilizer, or pesticides.
Ogren says that's important for reducing pollen because when a plant faces stress, such as adverse conditions or a lack of water, its natural reaction is to produce more pollen as a means of self-preservation.
Jelks says native plants also offer another bonus for gardeners.
"Some native plants make berries that feed local birds," says Jelks. "By catering to plants that the birds like, you can bring more aesthetic pleasures to your garden without allergy problems."
Attracting more butterflies, insects, and birds to your garden allows for more animal pollination and less air pollination -- a big boost for achieving allergy-free gardening.
The type of grass in your lawn can also make a big difference when it comes to triggering allergies. Lawns that require frequent mowing are more likely to stir up a lot of pollen and mold spores.
Ogren says certain grasses, such as bluegrass, tall fescue, or hybrid Bermudas, do not produce as much pollen as common Bermuda grasses. He also advises keeping lawns fairly tall. If lawns are mowed too short, they are prone to become stressed and produce more pollen.
"Lawns often get a bad rap," Ogren tells WebMD. "But a good thick lawn is one of the most effective pollen-trapping devices around. When pollen falls on a car or sidewalk, it flies off into the air again with the next breeze. But when pollen lands on thick lawn, after the next rain or watering it's knocked down into root system and taken out of the equation."
Experts say seasonal allergies can lead to other medical problems like asthma and should be taken seriously. To minimize exposure to potential allergy-causing pollens and molds, Ogren and Felks offer this allergy-free gardening advice:
Published May 22, 2003.
SOURCES: American Lung Association. American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology. Mary Jelks, MD, FAAAAI, author, Allergy Plants. Tom Ogren, MS, author, Allergy-free Gardening.
©1996-2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.


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Hand raised Rainbow Lorikeets at Morley
We at pet city Morley we have 3 beautiful hand raised Rainbow Lorikeets, all looking for their new forever homes. Each has their own personalities and would make great companions, They are $199.99 and will require a bird license, which you can apply for in store.
Morley Birds:
For more Birds available from our Morley Pet Store please contact us at:Pet City Morley
Phone: (08) 9276 5662
All Pet City Retail Pet Shops carry a complete range of Bird Products and accessories with a great range of bird products now also available online
Order bird products online
For The most recent list of birds birds for sale at all Pet City Pet Shops around Perth Click Here:Pet City Bird List
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
As I was reading about the death knight rotation, I started to wonder about maybe seperating out the blood shield and heal into two different attacks that used separate runes. Instead of making DKs bank runes to use their death strike at the right time, give them a choice to say, I want to use strike A for the bubble, and strike B for the heal. If you know a big hit would be coming you could try to pump up your bubble then try to heal up after the hit. Anyway, I'm not sure how it would work but it was a thought I had.


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Posted on October 10, 2013 – 6:12 pm | Author: chrisolds
Box Busters & Ripping Retail, MMA | 2013 Topps UFC Finest, 2013 UFC Finest, autographs, Box Break, Dana White, Miesha Tate, MMA, Rounda Rousey, Topps, UFC | Comments (0)
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should i do a 5x5 both days? cant do max effort b/c i have no one to give me a spot. also, what days? i was thinking saturday and thursday
should i do a 5x5 both days? cant do max effort b/c i have no one to give me a spot. also, what days? i was thinking saturday and thursday
Just do a different exercise. Close grip, incline, db press, etc...
You can stick with the 5x5 for both or try 3x8 or 3x10 on the second day.
Full Powerlifting
Squat - 595lbs -- 270kg -- Dec. 31, '09 (Provincial Record @100kg class)
Bench - 374lbs -- 170kg -- Dec 20, '08 (@100kg class)
Dead - 589lbs -- 267.5kg -- Dec 20, '08 (Provincial Record @100kg class)
Total: 1537lbs -- 697.5kg -- Dec 20, '08 (Provincial Record @ 100kg class)
Bench Only -- 358lbs -- 162.5kg -- Nov. 25, '07 (Provincial Record @ 90kg class)
Bench Only -- 376lbs -- 171kg -- Jan. 26, '08 (Provincial Record @ 100kg class)
You can still do 5x5 one day and have a DE day.
I agree that A chest workout does seem a bit unfinished if you don't have a spotter...maybe the OP can ask someone, or set his bench machine accordingly to hold the weights if he happens to drop it.
Even with Creatine I am sore for several days after each bench workout, and that's with only 3 working sets!
There are no stupid questions, just stupid people.
Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left.
Are you eating while you are reading this? You should be... --hrdgain81
Remember, kids, if you type well the Grammar Fairy will leave a quarter under your pillow. The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
Well, the Blog's (finally) back (again!): Love and Hope and Sex and Dreams Feel free to stop by and comment.
Here is my newly-created World of Warcraft Blog: BG's WoW Blog. Once again, feel free to stop by and comment.
lets say i wanna be a bodybuilder? should i do a 3x8 or 4x8 both days? also waiting on some dumbbells or a squat rack so i can start squatting again.
if you want to bench 2x per week, you will have to make adjustments to both workouts. one being a light day (DE) and the other heavy (ME). what is your goal for benching 2x per week? gain mass, strength, both?
thursday and saturday are too close to each other.
I recently went to twice a week for flat bench after doing it once a week for a year and a half. My flat bench was always progressing really slow. Now i seem to be able to increase the weight quicker every week.
On monday i do the whole normal flat, incline, and shoulder etc routine once a week but repeat just the flat bench only on Friday. I don't go light either.
Everyones different. Only you can find the best way.
Bench technique and propper form is everthing.
failed, I thought you were benching twice per week already? If you do a me and de day, I believe the recommendation is the DE day 72 hours after the ME day, right guys?
Last edited by joey54; 05-11-2008 at 08:44 AM.
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weighting 140 lbs isn't a reason that a DE day wouldn't benefit you, but experience could. you have no partners to lift with right now? are you lifting at a gym or at home?
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Just get under the bar!
I bench twice a week. One day heavy and one day light. I have pretty good size on me.
I do some variation of bench 3x a week and am making some pretty good gains. Different rep ranges on each day.
you could also, although a sometimes a pain to work out if you don't want to bench 3x a week, include ME RE and DE. I have great success with having DE once a week every week and then the second time I target the movement either do RE or ME. this way you can let your muscles rest for a decent amount of time. i think for an intermediate lifter 3x a week may get excessive really quick and with the aforementioned style (only 2x a week) you have potential for solid improvement with sufficient rest time.
also, don't be afraid of variations of the movements. if you feel like incline bench rather than flat for ME or RE, then do it. If you have a sticking point work on it with the variations. make use of all of the tools you can to get to your goal. it will keep you sane and improve GPP which not only is healthy but can aid your overall goals if planned for correctly (in the sense of diet and rest.)
Last edited by ZenMonkey; 05-12-2008 at 08:39 PM.
AtLarge Nutrition Supplements Get the best supplements and help support Wannabebig!
Just get under the bar!
There is no set number of days you should wait in between workouts. Do what your body tells you. If your going for purely mass, you should lift that same muscle group again the first day when it is not sore at all. Personally, if I workout hard while going for mass(low reps, heavy weight) I'm sore for at least 5 days(depending on muscle groups). So twice a week for me, would be a stretch but maybe 6 times in a 4 week period. I would tend to agree with who ever said "don't bench twice a week". Diet and rest are equally as important to a great workout and lifting 2wice a week with same muscle group and same intensity could take away from important rest(which is where the muscles actually grow). But maybe y'all are just built better than me.
Last edited by kramericaa; 06-03-2010 at 11:35 AM.