Mailbag
Our Readers Sound Off.
MOPAR® MUSCLE OF THE FUTURE?
We couldn’t take our eyes off this very cool Abarth version of the Fiat 500 at Detroit’s 2010 North American International Auto Show in January (the model standing next to it ain’t bad, either). We hear that it (the car) has a turbocharged 170-hp version of the 1.4L Fiat engine. Tell Chrysler we love it and can’t wait to buy one!
John & Renée Karas
Via e-mail
Thanks for sharing the photo, John and Renée. The new Fiat 500 Abarth has exceptional performance from the 16v turbocharged engine. And, standard equipment includes seven airbags for the safety-conscious driver.—Ed.
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD PROJECT CAR UPDATE
I really enjoyed the cover story in Mopar Magazine’s Jan/Feb 2010 issue showing all the cool stuff you guys had at the SEMA Show. Noticed you’re also working with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, the blues-rock guitarist, on some sort of joint car project ... what can you tell me about the vehicle?
Crystal Porter
Via-email
The vehicle, a Dodge A330, was located by Tom Owen from Goodmark Industries in a barn in rural North Carolina. Originally sold in California, the vehicle was transported to Lawrenceville, Ga., at Goodmark’s Georgia facility (Goodmark is a co-sponsor of the build along with Prefix, Arrow Racing and Mopar). By the time this issue goes to press the vehicle is scheduled to be at Prefix in Auburn Hills, Mich. It’s kind of cool that the car started as a California car and will ultimately return there since that’s Kenny’s home base now.
The planned powertrain—a new Mopar aluminum 426 HEMI®—is currently being built at Arrow Racing. Stay tuned for an in-depth feature story on this entire car project in an upcoming issue of MM.—Ed.
ALUMINUM SLANT SIX
I enjoyed the article on the Hyper-Pak slant six engines. Seems many over look these great little engines. I run a small salvage yard here in southwest Virginia and I have a question about a “find” that I discovered a few years ago. I came upon an aluminum block slant six. Can you tell me anything about this engine? I’ve never found anything on it anywhere else. Keep the Mopar Magazines coming. I read them from cover to cover. Especially the Heritage articles (the first read most times).
Harold Galyean
Via e-mail
Check out www.allpar.com/slant6.html. It states on this page that there was an “A826, 1961: die-cast aluminum 225 RG engine (sold from ‘61 – early ‘63).” The alphanumeric designation “A826” is the Chrysler-assigned product development code number. It looks as if you have one of those, but read the page and follow the links for more info. There might be more information there—or you can contact one of the people listed.—Ed.
MOPAR ACCESSORY HEADQUARTERS
Please send me an e-mail address that I can direct questions about Mopar’s Accessory Coupon Program.
Dave Simmons
Via e-mail
Please direct questions about the coupon program—or any Accessories by Mopar—to Mopar Accessory Headquarters at moparAHQ@chrysler.com or visit mopar.com >ACCESSORIES.—Ed.
ENJOY THE MAGAZINE
We really enjoy the magazine and look forward to the new issues and what interesting stories will be inside. Thank you for keeping the MOPAR heritage alive!
Heidi Stender
Via e-mail
Thank you for the correspondence and interest in Mopar Magazine, Heidi. We value any MM comments, questions or constructive criticisms.—Ed.
NEON TRANS LUBRICANT
I own a 2000 Dodge Neon with manual transaxle. What is the correct lubricant and capacity for this trans?
F.W. Famularo
Via e-mail
According to the 2000 Dodge Neon Service Manual, the NV T350 (A-578) manual transaxle requires Mopar Manual Transaxle Lubricant, Part No. 04874465 meeting MS-9417. Do not use hypoid gear lube, engine oil, and/or automatic transmission fluid—hard shifting effort, bearing, gear, and/or synchronizer failure may occur if an incorrect fluid is used. The lubricant capacity is approximately 4.6 pts.—Ed.
