Z-king1

Now I don't even have a cobalt but out of all the cars I stumbled across the Cobalt SS seemed the most interesting.

I'm new to the forms and i have two questions really. Its not trying to figure out what engine is better. My questions are simply to find out what is going to be best in my favor. I would like to when the time comes to try and get around 350-375 HP. And I just want to know what engine will get me there cheapest. (most likely be a daily driver and I'm currently going to college for auto tech)

My first question here is would it be worth buying a LSJ cobalt SS and changing it from SC to a TC. Now i know there is a lot more than just throwing a tubo into it. My main question is how much power can a stock LSJ handle before having to changing the internals to run at a level of reliability. And the cost of how much it would cost to do this swap.

Second question is would it just be cheaper (in the long run) to find a 08+ cobalt ss (LNF) and just tune it properly. Because i read around on the forms that they could probably go up to 350-375 HP while still not straining the engine. (Not sure if this is accurate)

Hopefully this wasn't to confusing to understand and hard respond to. I'm not trying to start a war between what engine is better just what should I start off with.

Thanks

taintedred07

iTrader: (1)

Here we go...

riceburner

iTrader: (66)

Both can handle that kind of power on stock internals but either one you'll be pushing it a good bit. Good turbo swap throws the lsj right towards those kind of levels

tc is overall a nicer car, but obviously a good bit more expensive than an lsj.

However if you factor in a turbo swap on an lsj it might put you in the same price range as a stock tc

Olybaltss

Welcome man, the people here are way helpful, just don't be surprised if you get trolled by half of them at the same time.

I'm not the pro, but out of my daily reading on here, SC with the M62 (stock supercharger) can hit 300-350ish, but it's stretching depending on who you ask and how you drive it. If you go SC and upgrade the blower to a TVS, you can hit those #'s alot more easily.

the TC is likely the easiest to make 350 on, as it already starts about 60 HP over the SC

I love my SC, it's essentially stock, but its fun as hell, these are definitely awesome ass cars.

574

iTrader: (5)

PLEASE please God make this thread turn out to be everything I hope it to be

First of all, they are the same engine, 2.0 liters

For a low power (under 400hp) daily I recommend the LNF.

Lsj can be converted to turbo and yes it is bad ass but it will be a lot more work.

Stock block can handle 500hp with the right tooner

taintedred07

iTrader: (1)

Do you have cash or are you financing? IMO, Lsjs are going to be alot cheaper, if you have cash you can throw a tvs on there or do a small turbo swap. If you're financing I'd suggest the lnf because it doesn't take much to get to your power goals, but it's going to cost a lot more overall.

riceburner

iTrader: (66)

And ps 300-350 is more than enough for any fwd car lol

taintedred07

iTrader: (1)

Stock blower all out power barely gets over 300whp

574

iTrader: (5)

I want what your smokin

bmxracerchamp12

iTrader: (5)

which is why you will be in the back next to the honda's

taintedred07

iTrader: (1)

kzak104

iTrader: (1)

if you want cheap power get a tc, for what you can buy them for now you have to be stupid to get a sc.

Downpipe, tune, intercooler (for reliability) and intake and youll be happy for a while. then if you get bored spend $1800 on a zfr from zzp and get 400whp/

user 72239

iTrader: (4)

This

LNF can hit 350-375 whp with E85 and stock turbo. FBO's and Tune will run you around 2000

LSJ can do that with turbo swap or TVS supercharger.
FBO's and TVS will run you around 3500 and Turbo kits are 4-5k

LSJ is better for all out power and cheaper. Better trans

LNF is a better daily driver, better looking rims but harder to tune if you dont know what you are doing

Both Cars are awesome. I've had both and would of kept my LSJ if i wanted to go higher power.

(This is all my opinion)

Z-king1

Wow a lot of fast reply's. My goal would probably be to T/C the LSJ i have cash but depending on what i find it really depends on what comes up.

But from what iv seen it seems for what i want that LSJ with a swap would be cheaper but more work and the LNF would get me to where i want to be for less work but a little more expensive.

The hardest thing so far has been find that car for a deal.

Thanks btw for every one being quick and helpful so far.

kzak104

iTrader: (1)

tc are newer and will generaly be in better shape and have lower miles, better seats better breaks, just food for thought. unless your shooting for 600whp, lnf is the best route.

574

iTrader: (5)

If all you want is 400 hp I would really recommend an LNF. You'll do a lot of bullshit to the lsj just to have 400hp and you'll still have an older car. But if you have plans later on to go for more power then get the lsj

iToastie

iTrader: (4)

After buying an LSJ and putting full boltons on it... buy an LNF.

Nicer, smoother, already turbo'd.

Z-king1

Alright perfect info. It sucks right when Cobalt ss's hit there stride it seems they got leveled.

And because of that it makes the newer LNF's harder to find and a few grand more. That's why I'm considering the LSJ because i know it can handle it but it will take more and wont have some the of features of the 08+ models.

This would be my first car over even 200 HP but the heart wants what the heart wants.

AHelm3

iTrader: (7)

Another thing to consider is that the average TC is newer, and more likely it will have less miles than the average LSJ. Hard to believe that the first Cobalts are almost a decade old already.

EDIT: Ninja'd because I left my computer for 15 mins haha

Z-king1

From what you all are saying I should get the LNF. Im not going to be going past 350-375 HP. But

"LNF can hit 350-375 whp with E85 and stock turbo. FBO's and Tune will run you around 2000"

Seems a little hard reached. But i am new and it was just an opinion.

m33pm33p

Id suggest starting with a tc as its already above the power you have had in the past and a tc has everything stock that you would need to upgrade on an lsj. Brakes suspension seats handling. To get a tc to 350hp cost less than a g. For an lsj your looking at triple that and even before that you will need axles a tranny and clutch

kzak104

iTrader: (1)

not to mention youll have to fix a bunch of **** considering there molested thoroughly.

THEMISSLE

iTrader: (1)

It depends on your budget if you ask me. I own one of each so i get to compare all the time. The LSJ's are nice, and with bolt ons and tunes can be over 300. But i think the LNF's are the way to go. Much easier to make hp. I maybe have 2k into upgrades and make just over 400hp at the crank on E-85. Good tunes and your BPU's and youll have a sleeper. But they are more expensive initially.

Z-king1

I'm liking that out of the box thinking. I didn't consider that.

I'm glad I made an account and made this thread.

Lino

Give it a bit. You might regret saying that.