V1 BUILD PROCESS

How To Build A Kit Car: Goblin V1

If you are searching for an easy kit car to build, this is it. The Goblin V1 uses a Chevrolet Cobalt donor and a comprehensive kit that focuses on assembly, not fabrication. Most first-time builders go from donor teardown to first drive in months using common hand tools in their home garage.

Chevrolet Cobalt donor car in a shop bay with front bumper removed

BUY A DONOR

Single Donor Build

The Goblin V1 is a single-donor kit. You obtain one Chevrolet Cobalt or Pontiac G5 and reuse the powertrain, wiring, pedal box, cluster, and hubs in the Goblin chassis.

Base donors are inexpensive and common, and even stock power feels quick thanks to the Goblin’s low weight. SS donors add serious performance and respond well to tuning.

Finding a donor is straightforward. Search local classifieds or online salvage auctions. Many builders offset cost by reselling leftover body parts and interior pieces.

Compatible Donors

Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 donors are compatible with the Goblin V1.

Where To Buy

Look on Copart, IAA, and local classifieds like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

More Donor Info
Fully stripped Cobalt donor on jack stands with donor parts removed

STRIP THE DONOR

Strip The Donor

Remove the engine, transaxle, front subframe, and front suspension as a unit, then pull the wiring, ECU, pedal box, cluster, and hubs. Our videos show each step.

Many builders finish donor teardown over one or two weekends using common hand tools and a rented hoist or engine crane.

When finished, sell leftover parts and recycle the shell to recover costs.

Tools You’ll Use

  • Metric socket and wrench set
  • Impact wrench to make things easier
  • Jack, stands, engine hoist or lift

See It Done

Follow our complete Cobalt donor stripping series on YouTube.

Cobalt Stripping Videos
Goblin V1 chassis with engine, transmission, and subframe installed on stands

ASSEMBLE STAGE 1

Stage 1: Get The Motor Running

Stage 1 installs the donor powertrain and core systems to get the engine running for the first time.

  • Mount engine, transaxle, and subframe into the Goblin chassis
  • Install the fuel tank and plumbing
  • Route wiring and connect control modules

Once fuel and wiring are connected, you are ready for first startup.

What’s In Stage 1

Chassis, fuel system, cooling components, sheet-metal panels, brake lines, mounts, and hardware to install and run the donor powertrain.

Typical Cost

Varies by donor trim and options. After the deposit, many Stage 1 builds land between $5,000 and $6,000.

Goblin V1 Assembly Videos
Rolling Goblin V1 chassis with suspension, steering, and brakes installed

ASSEMBLE STAGE 2

Stage 2: Get The Car Rolling

Stage 2 adds suspension, steering, and brakes so the Goblin sits on its wheels.

  • Install front control arms and coilovers
  • Use donor rear struts, install rotors and calipers
  • Install the steering column, tires and wheels

The car can move under its own power now, but wait to drive it on the street until Stage 3 is complete.

What’s In Stage 2

Components required to get the chassis rolling with working brakes and steering.

Typical Cost

Depends on donor trim and options. Base builds start around $5,000 and go up with upper level trims.

Finished DF Goblin V1 with red and silver body panels parked by a brick wall

ASSEMBLE STAGE 3

Stage 3: Finish The Car

Choose parts based on your goals. Street builds typically add body panels, lighting, mirrors, and comfort items. Track or autocross builds might skip the lights and focus on performance upgrades.

  • Fit hood and side panels, install headlights and taillights
  • Add mirrors, windscreen, and interior touches as desired
  • Final torque checks and shakedown

What’s In Stage 3

Body panels, lights, and optional equipment to complete a street or track build.

Typical Cost

Varies by options. Many full street builds with hood, side panels, windscreen, and lights are about $2,000 for Stage 3 parts.

Goblin V1 Specs V1 Order Page

Build Process FAQ

Yes. The Goblin V1 focuses on assembly, not fabrication. Panels are pre-drilled, brake lines are pre-bent, and hardware bags are labeled. Most first-time builders finish a driving car in months with common tools. See the step-by-step stages above.

The process is three steps: buy a donor, strip the donor, then assemble Stages 1 to 3. Stage 1 gets the motor running, Stage 2 gets the car rolling, and Stage 3 finishes it for street or track. Watch our assembly videos.

Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 donors are compatible with the Goblin V1. See donor details.

An average home mechanic set works. You will use metric sockets and wrenches, allen keys, a jack and stands, a torque wrench, and an engine hoist or lift for the donor.

Timelines vary by schedule and options, but many first-time builders reach first drive in a few months. Working nights and weekends, plan donor teardown over one or two weekends, then complete Stages 1 to 3 at your pace.

Stage 1 includes components to mount and run the donor powertrain. Stage 2 adds suspension, brakes, and steering to get the car rolling. Stage 3 completes the car with body panels, lights, and optional equipment. See the details above.
Line of DF Goblins parked under trees at GoblinFest 2022

Ordering Info

Ready to make your Goblin truly your own? From exterior customizations like body panels to performance upgrades like the rear coilover kit, there are plenty of ways to tailor your build.

The order page lets you pick and choose the options that suit your vision, and the Order FAQ page has more details to help guide your decisions.

V1 Order Page Ordering FAQs

  • Ordering Process

  • 1. Obtain your donor

    Your Goblin kit will match your donor so get the donor first so that we can pack your Goblin kit to match what you've got.

  • 2. Order your kit online

    Select the options you want to get with your kit on our order page. There are many options to choose from to make your Goblin the way you want it.

  • 3. Receive the kit

    You can receive the kit all at once or broken up into 3 stages. It just depends on if you want to pay and receive the kit all at once.