LNF Swap in LSJ Cobalt
#52
New Member
Thread Starter
UPDATE:
Powell has put me in touch with somebody that knows this swap better than anyone. I'm still gathering the necessary information before I decide to go through with it but I'll keep this thread updated.
It looks like my panel is full so I'll need to make a sub-panel so that I can supply the 240V necessary for the lift and welder in my garage.
ALSO...I have a decision to make. In order to make a 2 post lift work in my garage (safely), I'll need to jack hammer the cement where the posts will be and pour about 2 ft deep there to ensure the structural integrity of the lift. The cement will need to cure for at least a month before I can even attach the lift.
There is a quicker option though...
MSC-6K Mobile Single Column Lift | North American Auto Equipment
It looks scary but I spoke to 2 different companies and they said that everyone that buys these will also use Underhoist Stands in the beginning but become more comfortable with it as they actually work under it.
FUN FACT
Looking at this picture. The CobaltSS is in fact longer than the NSRT-4, and it is...
2005 Cobalt GVWR=3870
2005 Neon SRT4 GVWR=3868
Anyway, thanks for reading my thread this far. I have no idea what will become of it but for some reason I find myself attracted to the Cobalt SS. We must make it a little faster than the SRT.
Powell has put me in touch with somebody that knows this swap better than anyone. I'm still gathering the necessary information before I decide to go through with it but I'll keep this thread updated.
It looks like my panel is full so I'll need to make a sub-panel so that I can supply the 240V necessary for the lift and welder in my garage.
ALSO...I have a decision to make. In order to make a 2 post lift work in my garage (safely), I'll need to jack hammer the cement where the posts will be and pour about 2 ft deep there to ensure the structural integrity of the lift. The cement will need to cure for at least a month before I can even attach the lift.
There is a quicker option though...
MSC-6K Mobile Single Column Lift | North American Auto Equipment
It looks scary but I spoke to 2 different companies and they said that everyone that buys these will also use Underhoist Stands in the beginning but become more comfortable with it as they actually work under it.
FUN FACT
Looking at this picture. The CobaltSS is in fact longer than the NSRT-4, and it is...
2005 Cobalt GVWR=3870
2005 Neon SRT4 GVWR=3868
Anyway, thanks for reading my thread this far. I have no idea what will become of it but for some reason I find myself attracted to the Cobalt SS. We must make it a little faster than the SRT.
#53
New Member
Thread Starter
Well,
I've had no response from anyone so this is beginning to look less likely to happen.
I'm going to tear the LSJ down this weekend and see how bad it really is and go from there.
I've had no response from anyone so this is beginning to look less likely to happen.
I'm going to tear the LSJ down this weekend and see how bad it really is and go from there.
#55
New Member
Thread Starter
I know man but I REALLY wanted to make it work. This LNF has no miles on it...lol..
I'll probably strip it to a long block and Ebay it for $1500. A virtually new LB LNF for $1500. Almost every LNF on Ebay right now looks like **** and is double that..
Maybe I'll keep the TVS now too. ****!!!! I bought the ZZP LNF intercooler package and tons of other **** too.. FML!
I'll probably strip it to a long block and Ebay it for $1500. A virtually new LB LNF for $1500. Almost every LNF on Ebay right now looks like **** and is double that..
Maybe I'll keep the TVS now too. ****!!!! I bought the ZZP LNF intercooler package and tons of other **** too.. FML!
#58
New Member
Thread Starter
The LSD tranny is geared for a turbo though so I may stick to that. Most people would prefer a LSD when buying these cars so that and the fact that the car is in really good condition should be an easy sell once it's running.
#59
New Member
Thread Starter
Well, I found some time today so I pulled the head. Took me two fracking hours...Much longer than I anticipated but I did it all with my 1/4" 19.2V impact gun and your basic hand tools.. I haven't wired my garage yet, so no air. It was pretty easy actually but my lame ass Haynes manual doesn't really tell me ****...lol..That damn lower bolt on the intake manifold stole 20 minutes of my time. To add insult to injury, internet was down today so I was on my own..
The moment I have waiting 18 months for is now over. I know what I did to my car. As you can see every intake valve is bent.
The valves left marks on the pistons but they didn't crack. The engine was cold and never ran when the valve-train interference happened.
So what do you guys think? Head saveable or not worth the risk?
The moment I have waiting 18 months for is now over. I know what I did to my car. As you can see every intake valve is bent.
The valves left marks on the pistons but they didn't crack. The engine was cold and never ran when the valve-train interference happened.
So what do you guys think? Head saveable or not worth the risk?
#61
New Member
Thread Starter
I decided not to risk the head or valve-train so I purchased a replacement from another forum member for like $250 shipped.
All four pistons have marks in them though so I'm going to replace those too. Maybe go a little higher compression. Now that I'm working on the car, I don't know if I really want to sell it.
#64
New Member
Thread Starter
How much WHP were you getting before your motor blew up? I've conversed with LSJ member in the past that have blown up theirs with the TVS too which is why I'm curious.
#65
Got Bewst?
iTrader: (8)
A 400whp turbo car is nice for sure. But one of the reasons why I haven't gone turbo is I love the powerband of a supercharger. So much fun. I was around 330whp with my car. The key to your motor lasting is all in the tune. Has nothing to do with having a supercharger or turbo.
#67
New Member
Thread Starter
#68
New Member
Thread Starter
How was your traction or lack of in second gear @ 330WHP on street tires?
#69
New Member
Thread Starter
Can the LNF intake manifold be used?
I promised my fiance I'd make a decision on the car by the first of the year. I have 12 days left...lol..
#70
Got Bewst?
iTrader: (8)
In 2nd doing a 40mph roll on it would blow the tires off if you just punched it. Kinda learnt to roll into the gas if you want traction in 2nd haha.
Last edited by Bluelightning; 12-20-2012 at 12:57 PM.
#71
Senior Member
A 400whp turbo car is nice for sure. But one of the reasons why I haven't gone turbo is I love the powerband of a supercharger. So much fun. I was around 330whp with my car. The key to your motor lasting is all in the tune. Has nothing to do with having a supercharger or turbo.
#72
New Member
Thread Starter
Pistons for sure are the weak link. The stock head bolts are actually pretty stout. I was making 26 psi without issues. They are just a one time use.
In 2nd doing a 40mph roll on it would blow the tires off if you just punched it. Kinda learnt to roll into the gas if you want traction in 2nd haha.
In 2nd doing a 40mph roll on it would blow the tires off if you just punched it. Kinda learnt to roll into the gas if you want traction in 2nd haha.
Now can you image if you were at 26 PSI on a turbo instead? I keep the SRT conservative at 22 PSI and put down 400WHP but plan to get some time-slips next year and then turn it up. I should have the SS going by then to take to the track as well.
Yesterday I was selling the SRT and keeping the Cobalt but today I'm selling both and buying a Z06. lol
I was thinking about the TVS again but I probably wouldn't make any more money selling the Cobalt with it versus selling it as new. And then there's the fact that the G85 trans I have is for an LNF so I'm not sure how that final drive gearing would be with the TVS. And then I still have all of that brand new LNF stuff to consider too..lol.
What about the LSJ sleeves? Are the stockers OK? ZZP doesn't seem to be offering their girdled block anymore on the website in case tomorrow I decide to keep the Cobalt...lol..
#74
New Member
Thread Starter
I'm ready to move on. I will always respect the Cobalt SS. I spent a year trying to find my car. I could have financed the 09 with the factory tune or go with the 05 for 12K less and I chose the latter. My car put down 228WHP with just an airbox delete with K&N and I welded up a flowmaster to replace that ridiculous stock muffler.
I bought all of the stuff to support the TVS because I wanted to keep the Cobalt supercharged but then I bought this SRT-4 and realized that TVS was never going to get me where I wanted to be.
Good luck with your car man. I'm going to test drive this on Saturday...