Going from LSJ to LNF Need some Opinions on MODs!!
I always love how the LSJ guys will fight tooth and nail to prove we are the best. LNF is defiantly more practical for the 300whp goal. Who cares when your spool is loud as **** with the BW turbos.
Both of the guys that have said LSJ>LNF in this thread are over 400whp turbo LSJs, Im just giving you all **** anyways. I would buy an LNF if they werent so expensive, they are nice DDs, but my next turbo car will be an Evo
OP good luck with your purchase, lets get some pics of it when you have time
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lol, BW S366 powered LSJ here, 300whp wasnt a goal, its at almost 450whp currently on pump, 850whp is the goal, LNF cant do that (yet)
Both of the guys that have said LSJ>LNF in this thread are over 400whp turbo LSJs, Im just giving you all **** anyways. I would buy an LNF if they werent so expensive, they are nice DDs, but my next turbo car will be an Evo
OP good luck with your purchase, lets get some pics of it when you have time
Both of the guys that have said LSJ>LNF in this thread are over 400whp turbo LSJs, Im just giving you all **** anyways. I would buy an LNF if they werent so expensive, they are nice DDs, but my next turbo car will be an Evo
OP good luck with your purchase, lets get some pics of it when you have time
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From: Kathmandu
Oh boy..............here we go. 
The only thing better on the LSJ is the fuel system and transmission. If you're not talking about making the most power, the LNF owns the LSJ.
Oh NO I DIDN'T JUST!!
The only thing better on the LSJ is the fuel system and transmission. If you're not talking about making the most power, the LNF owns the LSJ.
Oh NO I DIDN'T JUST!!
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From: Pottstown, PA
Oh Boy look what I just started! Lol Thanks for everyones Imput, So why is the LSJ's Fuel system better and the LSJ Turbo can make more power than an LNF?
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From: Kathmandu
The LNF has no aftermarket higher-output direct-injectors, so like the Grand Nationals, our only current choice is to install another injector (see ZZP's fifth injector) when we need more fuel for the bigger turbos. The LNF also has a mechanical fuel pump, used for the direct injection, that limits the amount of fuel we can deliver without increasing the size of the fuel pump lobe on the cam. The LSJ's are not direct-injected and don't have this to worry about. For most on this board, like me, who are never going to make more than 400hp, the LNF is the better car. The suspension, brakes, axles, etc., are all improved on the LNF.
I had buyers remorse when I traded my LSJ for my LNF at first . I too miss the whine a lot. The LNF is great when it's tuned but my car stock felt slower than my bolted GM stage 2 w 2.9..... it got better after the first 1500 miles but still wouldn't have taken my modded SS/SC.
Unless you do track days or AutoX you will not notice any real braking difference between the two , you can notice an improvement in handling but it's not huge .... the ss/sc handles great too.
The two biggest things I noticed were the improvement in the front end ..... no wheel hop to speak of ....I was always worried about cracking the tranny on my LSJ so the LNF really put my mind at ease about that issue. Second was the gear ratio difference made 1st gear usable plus fixed the gap in ratios between 1st and 2nd to make that shift much better .
All the remorse went away after my LNF was tuned thou .... 300whp and 330-340 wtq are a hoot in this car lol..... 2nd gear rolling burnouts are a fricken blast . If your LSJ had less miles on it I would say go turbo or tvs but your SS/SC will have 100K on it before you know it so it's a smart move.
Unless you do track days or AutoX you will not notice any real braking difference between the two , you can notice an improvement in handling but it's not huge .... the ss/sc handles great too.
The two biggest things I noticed were the improvement in the front end ..... no wheel hop to speak of ....I was always worried about cracking the tranny on my LSJ so the LNF really put my mind at ease about that issue. Second was the gear ratio difference made 1st gear usable plus fixed the gap in ratios between 1st and 2nd to make that shift much better .
All the remorse went away after my LNF was tuned thou .... 300whp and 330-340 wtq are a hoot in this car lol..... 2nd gear rolling burnouts are a fricken blast . If your LSJ had less miles on it I would say go turbo or tvs but your SS/SC will have 100K on it before you know it so it's a smart move.
Also the LNF has been limited on how far they can rev which keeps them from getting full use of cams or uprgraded valve springs etc.
The LNF cars are great cars and as I said I would own one if the price was right but I prefer my turbo LSJ over the LNFs Ive been in.
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From: Pottstown, PA
The LNF has no aftermarket higher-output direct-injectors, so like the Grand Nationals, our only current choice is to install another injector (see ZZP's fifth injector) when we need more fuel for the bigger turbos. The LNF also has a mechanical fuel pump, used for the direct injection, that limits the amount of fuel we can deliver without increasing the size of the fuel pump lobe on the cam. The LSJ's are not direct-injected and don't have this to worry about. For most on this board, like me, who are never going to make more than 400hp, the LNF is the better car. The suspension, brakes, axles, etc., are all improved on the LNF.
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Joined: 12-30-07
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From: NEPA
I had buyers remorse when I traded my LSJ for my LNF at first . I too miss the whine a lot. The LNF is great when it's tuned but my car stock felt slower than my bolted GM stage 2 w 2.9..... it got better after the first 1500 miles but still wouldn't have taken my modded SS/SC.
Unless you do track days or AutoX you will not notice any real braking difference between the two , you can notice an improvement in handling but it's not huge .... the ss/sc handles great too.
The two biggest things I noticed were the improvement in the front end ..... no wheel hop to speak of ....I was always worried about cracking the tranny on my LSJ so the LNF really put my mind at ease about that issue. Second was the gear ratio difference made 1st gear usable plus fixed the gap in ratios between 1st and 2nd to make that shift much better .
All the remorse went away after my LNF was tuned thou .... 300whp and 330-340 wtq are a hoot in this car lol..... 2nd gear rolling burnouts are a fricken blast . If your LSJ had less miles on it I would say go turbo or tvs but your SS/SC will have 100K on it before you know it so it's a smart move.
Unless you do track days or AutoX you will not notice any real braking difference between the two , you can notice an improvement in handling but it's not huge .... the ss/sc handles great too.
The two biggest things I noticed were the improvement in the front end ..... no wheel hop to speak of ....I was always worried about cracking the tranny on my LSJ so the LNF really put my mind at ease about that issue. Second was the gear ratio difference made 1st gear usable plus fixed the gap in ratios between 1st and 2nd to make that shift much better .
All the remorse went away after my LNF was tuned thou .... 300whp and 330-340 wtq are a hoot in this car lol..... 2nd gear rolling burnouts are a fricken blast . If your LSJ had less miles on it I would say go turbo or tvs but your SS/SC will have 100K on it before you know it so it's a smart move.
Very good/unbiased review.
im sure it has been done but ill go ahead and throw this out there anyways.
Has nobody talked to a place that specializes in diesel injectors to possibly help out? Im sure they could do something to make them flow more fuel.
Has nobody talked to a place that specializes in diesel injectors to possibly help out? Im sure they could do something to make them flow more fuel.
Understood, Makes sense....Ok so I know this might sound wierd but how does the LNF Bolted and Tuned with the K & N SRI and a BPV Sound compared to say my LSJ with my MOD's? I guess what I'm saying is which one sounds better? I'm afraid that I'm gonna miss that Loud A** Whine once I trade for the LNF, That being said I'm supposed to do the deal today so I'll keep you guys posted and once again try and upload some pic's of it, But dont hold your breath on the pic's since every time I try to do it it NEVER WORKS! Haha
HahaIf your comparing the engine sounds .....there is no comparison IMHO .... an SS/SC with a 2.7 and CAI sounds like a pissed off banshee ......compared to the little sneeze my LNF makes with a forge and K&N @24 psi lol.
THX Staged!
Last edited by rukkee; Apr 30, 2012 at 10:31 AM.
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From: Pottstown, PA
Can you get a Louder "Sneeze Sound" with the Turbo? Like a BOV?
A lot of people go with a forge bypass valve instead of messing with a true BOV . Mine is pretty loud with the K&N SRI ...loud enough to were people will turn around and look when it pops.
Last edited by rukkee; Apr 30, 2012 at 11:11 AM.
Understood, Makes sense....Ok so I know this might sound wierd but how does the LNF Bolted and Tuned with the K & N SRI and a BPV Sound compared to say my LSJ with my MOD's? I guess what I'm saying is which one sounds better? I'm afraid that I'm gonna miss that Loud A** Whine once I trade for the LNF, That being said I'm supposed to do the deal today so I'll keep you guys posted and once again try and upload some pic's of it, But dont hold your breath on the pic's since every time I try to do it it NEVER WORKS! Haha
HahaThe Sneezing Baby Panda - YouTube
The exhaust tone due to the turbo is way the hell better. I think that is whats most important about car noises since thats what most people evaluate when they see your car. Its the first thing they hear and if it sounds like ****, you get that sour first experience. I dont care who you are, everyone judges a book by its cover
You see a beat up old civic and you immediately start mentally bashing it. lol. Hearing the exhaust sound like a WWII biplane helps label it.
Last edited by Staged07SS; May 1, 2012 at 07:12 AM.
looking at the 2 designs next to each other (diesel & DI gas). They are majorly different. Possibly not much if any thing that they can share. Now there are a few things they can help with. The Cummins 4cyl uses a belt driven fuel pump that could be retrofitted to a cobalt and increase the fuel pressure 6x. Dont know how useful that would/could be but would definitely give you enough fuel pressure to where you would never need more.
looking at the 2 designs next to each other (diesel & DI gas). They are majorly different. Possibly not much if any thing that they can share. Now there are a few things they can help with. The Cummins 4cyl uses a belt driven fuel pump that could be retrofitted to a cobalt and increase the fuel pressure 6x. Dont know how useful that would/could be but would definitely give you enough fuel pressure to where you would never need more.
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I had buyers remorse when I traded my LSJ for my LNF at first . I too miss the whine a lot. The LNF is great when it's tuned but my car stock felt slower than my bolted GM stage 2 w 2.9..... it got better after the first 1500 miles but still wouldn't have taken my modded SS/SC.
Unless you do track days or AutoX you will not notice any real braking difference between the two , you can notice an improvement in handling but it's not huge .... the ss/sc handles great too.
The two biggest things I noticed were the improvement in the front end ..... no wheel hop to speak of ....I was always worried about cracking the tranny on my LSJ so the LNF really put my mind at ease about that issue. Second was the gear ratio difference made 1st gear usable plus fixed the gap in ratios between 1st and 2nd to make that shift much better .
All the remorse went away after my LNF was tuned thou .... 300whp and 330-340 wtq are a hoot in this car lol..... 2nd gear rolling burnouts are a fricken blast . If your LSJ had less miles on it I would say go turbo or tvs but your SS/SC will have 100K on it before you know it so it's a smart move.
Unless you do track days or AutoX you will not notice any real braking difference between the two , you can notice an improvement in handling but it's not huge .... the ss/sc handles great too.
The two biggest things I noticed were the improvement in the front end ..... no wheel hop to speak of ....I was always worried about cracking the tranny on my LSJ so the LNF really put my mind at ease about that issue. Second was the gear ratio difference made 1st gear usable plus fixed the gap in ratios between 1st and 2nd to make that shift much better .
All the remorse went away after my LNF was tuned thou .... 300whp and 330-340 wtq are a hoot in this car lol..... 2nd gear rolling burnouts are a fricken blast . If your LSJ had less miles on it I would say go turbo or tvs but your SS/SC will have 100K on it before you know it so it's a smart move.
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From: NEPA
Soooo, I have an update: The Guy came into my work yesterday to have me Appraise his 2009 Cobalt SS t/c and hopefully make a deal so I could buy this thing, Well I wasent too Impressed to say the least. 1st off the car looked some what beat up for only having 35,000 miles on it, The Tires were Bridgestones(which were nice) but they all were a bit dry rotted and I would have to replace them within 6 months, Also the clutch just felt really squishy to me, Now I guess we gotta remember I have a GMPP Clutch in my car now so maybe thats why it felt really weak to me, I couldn't tell if it was slipping or just weaker than mine, The other big thing was it was considerably slower than my car and i knew that going into this but just was a little shocked that my car would be that much faster. It also needed front brakes and the charge piping had a bunch of scratches on them and lastly he had a ZZP straight pipe for the exhaust(No Muffler) which I didn't really care for and won't pass Inspection in my state, So I would have to remove it to get it Re- Inspected next year and put on a Cat-Back with a Muffler, I still have another one to look at and the other SS t/c is the same year(2009) and is Red with a Trifecta 21PSI Tune and ZZP 3" Down Pipe and the rest is stock, Also Has 41,000 Miles on it. Thinking I can get this one for around the same price, What do you guys think?
I would never purchase a previously modded Cobalt SS unless I personally knew the owner. There are too many young kids that don't know what they are doing with these cars, and who knows the abuse it might have seen.
If it were me, I would try to track down a bone stock SS/TC.
I would never purchase a previously modded Cobalt SS unless I personally knew the owner. There are too many young kids that don't know what they are doing with these cars, and who knows the abuse it might have seen.
I would never purchase a previously modded Cobalt SS unless I personally knew the owner. There are too many young kids that don't know what they are doing with these cars, and who knows the abuse it might have seen.
Soooo, I have an update: The Guy came into my work yesterday to have me Appraise his 2009 Cobalt SS t/c and hopefully make a deal so I could buy this thing, Well I wasent too Impressed to say the least. 1st off the car looked some what beat up for only having 35,000 miles on it, The Tires were Bridgestones(which were nice) but they all were a bit dry rotted and I would have to replace them within 6 months, Also the clutch just felt really squishy to me, Now I guess we gotta remember I have a GMPP Clutch in my car now so maybe thats why it felt really weak to me, I couldn't tell if it was slipping or just weaker than mine, The other big thing was it was considerably slower than my car and i knew that going into this but just was a little shocked that my car would be that much faster. It also needed front brakes and the charge piping had a bunch of scratches on them and lastly he had a ZZP straight pipe for the exhaust(No Muffler) which I didn't really care for and won't pass Inspection in my state, So I would have to remove it to get it Re- Inspected next year and put on a Cat-Back with a Muffler, I still have another one to look at and the other SS t/c is the same year(2009) and is Red with a Trifecta 21PSI Tune and ZZP 3" Down Pipe and the rest is stock, Also Has 41,000 Miles on it. Thinking I can get this one for around the same price, What do you guys think?
Sounds like the first time I drove an LNF lol......thats when I realized how biased magazines are towards turbo cars....... It kinda pissed me off back then because the car wasn't this huge leap forward compared to the SS/SC .....but the press/mags really jumped on the band wagon once GM went turbo...... the turbo fanboys they are . GM could have ductaped a turbo on the LSJ and prolly got the same publicity from the press back in 05 ....but since they didnt the SS/SC got shafted . Sry...end rant/
I totally forgot to mention the clutch hehe ....they are really light compared to the LSJ....its weird at first. I agree with Staged about trying to find a stock one ....but with you being in the car bussiness I'm sure you have your eyes out for any signs of abuse ...plus IIRC the powertrain warranty does transfer to the 2nd owner right?
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Sounds like the first time I drove an LNF lol......thats when I realized how biased magazines are towards turbo cars....... It kinda pissed me off back then because the car wasn't this huge leap forward compared to the SS/SC .....but the press/mags really jumped on the band wagon once GM went turbo...... the turbo fanboys they are . GM could have ductaped a turbo on the LSJ and prolly got the same publicity from the press back in 05 ....but since they didnt the SS/SC got shafted . Sry...end rant/
I totally forgot to mention the clutch hehe ....they are really light compared to the LSJ....its weird at first. I agree with Staged about trying to find a stock one ....but with you being in the car bussiness I'm sure you have your eyes out for any signs of abuse ...plus IIRC the powertrain warranty does transfer to the 2nd owner right?
I totally forgot to mention the clutch hehe ....they are really light compared to the LSJ....its weird at first. I agree with Staged about trying to find a stock one ....but with you being in the car bussiness I'm sure you have your eyes out for any signs of abuse ...plus IIRC the powertrain warranty does transfer to the 2nd owner right?