A few questions before purchasing/starting build

[Lewbird007]

Hello everyone I recently fell in the rabbit hole and came across the DF Goblin. Needless to say, it was a good find. I am now looking to purchase one in about a year and would like to get a budget in mind. (Yes, I do realize the website has a budget estimator, just would like to get a “actual” final cost.) I do currently have a 09 Cobalt SS/TC that is my “summer car” and I do not really want to make that my donor car. I was told it was 1 of 3 for the year (can not confirm) it’s also a really clean car. I have a few questions in mind that I have listed below. I apologize if these are repeat questions and have been answered. Any help is really appreciated.
- I am 100% set on Supercharged/turbocharged platform
- Too save some money I plan on purchasing the hood, headlights, taillights, mirrors, and side panels. I may hold off on seats and use the SS seats.
- Has anyone bought a car from copart? If so, what were the final cost/fees?
- What was the complete final cost? Car, frame, all miscellaneous parts/expenses?
- I do not see a selection for spoiler, what is the cost on that?
- Has anyone shipped the frame?
- Advantage to having track or city frame?Thinking track because of safety, and possibility of running a storage tote/rack.
- I am from Michigan, curious if anyone else is from Michigan. If so how did registration process, and insurance go? I currently have State Farm.
- Wheels and tires. What size wheels and offset? Using 5x110 (possibly having wheels re-drilled?) bolt pattern or swapping hubs and using 5x114.3 hubs?

 

[JeffsGoblin]

I'll take a stab at answering some of your questions. I'm on video 17 of my slow build, so I'm about half way experienced.

- I am 100% set on Supercharged/turbocharged platform
Good call, but there are a couple of builds with naturally aspirated manual transmissions and later added turbos or superchargers.
- Too save some money I plan on purchasing the hood, headlights, taillights, mirrors, and side panels. I may hold off on seats and use the SS seats.
Any where you can save money will help and you can always add better items later if desired
- Has anyone bought a car from copart? If so, what were the final cost/fees?
Many have bought from copart. Won my bid at $1,200 and price ended up at $1,680 with fees. Fees will depend on the state you are in.
- What was the complete final cost? Car, frame, all miscellaneous parts/expenses?
Depends... some builds don't do anything to their engine, others tear it completely down and spend $1,000 to $6,000 on the engine build alone. Quite a few have purchased crate engines along with a donor car. I have the SS/SC and replaced the valve seals $30, valve springs $50, rockers $60, lash adjusters $100, timing set $120, balance shaft set $95, water pump$40 , shaft seals $20 and gaskets $150 = $665 total. I haven't even touched the supercharger which I want to rebuild / port and add the LS4 throttle body. I need a new clutch and flywheel too at $600. I would add $3,000 to $8,000 on top of what the estimate calculator gives you because there is always something you want to change or upgrade. There are also tools, paint, tape, fluids, filters, etc.. all have to be replaced or purchased.
- I do not see a selection for spoiler, what is the cost on that?
DF took it off their web site. They are trying to source the spoiler from another vendor. Lots of talk about this. Just look under "wing options".
- Has anyone shipped the frame?
My quote was $500 for stage 1 only to Ohio. DF can provide you with an estimate.
- Advantage to having track or city frame?Thinking track because of safety, and possibility of running a storage tote/rack.
Track frame seems safer and you can put a roof on it easily. Most like the look of the city frame better. All personal preference. Most builders say go with the extended version for the added room.
- I am from Michigan, curious if anyone else is from Michigan. If so how did registration process, and insurance go? I currently have State Farm.
There are some builders from that state up north on the forum, but I can't say or type the name since against my team's religion. Insurance will vary depending on each person's situation.
- Wheels and tires. What size wheels and offset? Using 5x110 (possibly having wheels re-drilled?) bolt pattern or swapping hubs and using 5x114.3 hubs?
I created the Wheels, Tires and Seats list, but I haven't updated in a while. I've been too busy on my build. I would go with 4x100 or 5x114.3 unless you already have a set of 5x110 you really like. Some builders put 4x100 on the front and 5x114.3 on the back even. Off sets range depending on the look you want.

http://dfkitcar.com/forum/index.php?threads/wheels-tires-and-seats-list.521/

Hope this helps. I'm sure others will chime in. Good luck with the build!

 

[Lewbird007]

Hey thanks for the help Jeff! I see what you did there with “The state up north.” I think those are all good answers to my questions. Plan is to hopefully get the ball rolling next year. I would like to get it started right away, but with a wedding coming up, I need to be a responsible adult and put it on hold.

 

[IDRVSLO]

I'm into my build right around 23k.

 

[Lewbird007]

IDRVSLO I just started following you in instagram. I’m really digging the color combo. The wheels are nice too! I see you are in Washington, did u have your frame shipped?

 

[IDRVSLO]

IDRVSLO I just started following you in instagram. I’m really digging the color combo. The wheels are nice too! I see you are in Washington, did u have your frame shipped?

Thanks! I did have it shipped yes.

Where are you located?

 

[Lewbird007]

Thanks! I did have it shipped yes.

Where are you located?

I’m located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. To pick up the frame would be about 15-16hrs one way. I have a feeling it would be cheaper to have it shipped, rather than driving, because I would have to rent a truck.

 

[Tinkles]

Jeffery Reiland sells full sets of hubs redrilled to 5x114. You can find him on the Cobalt/Ecotec facebook groups.