V1 Brett W’s City Goblin – 09 SS Donor #229 v2.0 - Registered

[Brett]

Another Goblin article by my neighbor on my autocross experience:

Project Goblin: "Miata Is Always The Answer," except when it's not - Hagerty Media

Project Goblin heads to the track, where its practitioner never for a moment wishes he were driving a certain Japanese roadster.

www.hagerty.com

 

[Gtstorey]

Press him to discuss with someone at Hagerty their apparent refusal to insure Turbo Goblins (at least that seems to be the ones that are always rejected).

 

[Rttoys]

Press him to discuss with someone at Hagerty their apparent refusal to insure Turbo Goblins (at least that seems to be the ones that are always rejected).

I had that discussion with him the first time I met him at Brett’s. Since he was writing about Brett’s journey and was asking me questions, I told him I wasn’t answering anything until hagerty starts to insure us.

When I was talking to him at autocross, I was much nicer, but he still knows how I feel about it. That’s probably why he mentioned I won my class, but I was the only one in it, instead of wording it differently, to make it sound cooler.

He’s a really nice guy and I don’t blame him for anything hagerty does, but I do find it hypocritical they want to write about our cars, but not insure them.

 

[Brett]

Press him to discuss with someone at Hagerty their apparent refusal to insure Turbo Goblins (at least that seems to be the ones that are always rejected).

I had a very lengthy discussion with an underwriter at Hagerty about this issue.

Insuring Goblin's directly with Hagerty, in Texas, for street use, is not possible. There might be some Goblin's insured with Hagerty in Texas, maybe with track insurance, maybe some other way. However, Hagerty currently does not have a product offering for Goblin's, for street use in Texas. This varies by state based on the state's various insurance requirements. Your mileage may vary.

Also, some insurer's will provide a product to insure Goblins and underwrite it with Hagerty. I believe Progressive does this and, again, this will vary by state. The originating insurer creates the policy while the underwriting company provides the financial backing.

I am not an insurance guru and probably have some of these terms mixed up.

I had my reservations about my neighbor doing these articles due to the insurance issues with Hagerty and Goblins. However, I believe that the benefit to DF and the exposure of the Goblin to more drivers far outweighs the insurance issue.

DF went above and beyond for me and I am back on the road due to their help (and an outstanding orthopedic surgeon). The least I can do is return the favor anyway that I can, even if it is with articles published on Hagerty's media site.

Brett

 

[JBINTX]

I had a very lengthy discussion with an underwriter at Hagerty about this issue.

Insuring Goblin's directly with Hagerty, in Texas, for street use, is not possible. There might be some Goblin's insured with Hagerty in Texas, maybe with track insurance, maybe some other way. However, Hagerty currently does not have a product offering for Goblin's, for street use in Texas. This varies by state based on the state's various insurance requirements. Your mileage may vary.

Also, some insurer's will provide a product to insure Goblins and underwrite it with Hagerty. I believe Progressive does this and, again, this will vary by state. The originating insurer creates the policy while the underwriting company provides the financial backing.

I am not an insurance guru and probably have some of these terms mixed up.

I had my reservations about my neighbor doing these articles due to the insurance issues with Hagerty and Goblins. However, I believe that the benefit to DF and the exposure of the Goblin to more drivers far outweighs the insurance issue.

DF went above and beyond for me and I am back on the road due to their help (and an outstanding orthopedic surgeon). The least I can do is return the favor anyway that I can, even if it is with articles published on Hagerty's media site.

Brett

You will need to invite him back out for a follow up article when we can get the whole Goblin gaggle of a gang at the next event.
The building experience is a great phase. Heck, some have gone back a second time to do it again and build a second one. But, the next phase of enjoying the finished vehicle is exhilarating!!!!

 

[Brett]

You will need to invite him back out for a follow up article when we can get the whole Goblin gaggle of a gang at the next event.
The building experience is a great phase. Heck, some have gone back a second time to do it again and build a second one. But, the next phase of enjoying the finished vehicle is exhilarating!!!!

Oh, I plan on it!

 

[Ghostknife]

I have Farm Bureau and they told me they can underwrite the goblin through Hagerty but as you said depends on state. I will find out in a few short months

 

[PaulPerger]

I have finally been able to get back to the Goblin after dealing with family issues for most of January.

Got some random items completed. The car starts reliably after replacing the clutch switch and Rotty running a calibration on it.

Also resolved the cooling fan not coming on. Had a bad electrical connection and now it works reliably.

Changed out my 3rd brake light. While the previous one worked, I just wasn't happy with it. Used an LED brake light and got some brackets from speedway (or was that summit) that worked well.

Also, trimmed the back end off the side panels, added rivnuts and painted them with Herculiner bed liner. Also, added some foam tape between the panels and the frame. I think they turned out well.

Russel (Rotty) also came by and helped align the car. Then we went for a drive around the hood to make sure nothing fell off. Seemed solid.

Headed out for the March 6th autocross. Thank you JBINTX for the trailer loan and Rotty for towing it.

View attachment 30950View attachment 30951View attachment 30952View attachment 30953View attachment 30954View attachment 30955

What wing are you running? I like that...

 

[Brett]

What wing are you running? I like that...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NGZAKRA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

It came from amazon. It is the same wing that JBINTX used.

I did not use any of the hardware that came with the wing, only the DF supplied hardware.

I had my powder coater finish it. Otherwise, it is any color you want as long as its black.

 

[Brett]

I have had one hang up prior to moving forward with the registration process. My brake lights would be on when I turn the car on and, when I push the brake pedal down, the lights would go off then on. Everything online indicated that I needed to calibrate the brake pedal position switch with a Tech2.

Russell (rttoys) came by while back with his tech2 and we tried calibration and it kept failing with "Device Control Not Allowed" and we were unable to get the switch to calibrate.

I decided to get a vx nano and run Tech2 on a laptop, that took more time to get working than it should have but if anyone needs input on running the vx nano with windows 10, give me a shout.

Just to be sure, I replaced the switch with a new AC Delco switch, looking at my parts bin and it looks like this is the third one on the car. Oh well, they are cheap.

I found a random forum post on a Corvette forum that mentioned that, when calibrating the brake pedal position switch with a Tech2 and you get the Device Control Not Allowed, to check and make sure that the Parking brake switch works.

After determining that pin 14 (light blue wire), on the x1 connector (lower horizontal connector on the bcm) is the parking brake wire, I shorted it to ground and was able to complete the calibration.

Note, that this might not apply to early model cobalts.

I think I have more time spent figuring out this issue than assembling the car a second time.

Hopefully, this information will help someone out there.

Also, got some grip tape installed on the BCM cover, and, just for Russell, I tightened up my parking brake .

Now its time to navigate the registration process, then start making a few modifications and finish the hood.

Brett

 

[Brett]

Ok, so what I have I been up to since my update from last April:

I added a windshield and wind wing thingy's:

\

Installed the footwell cover and put some 2 inch foam across the top to prevent airflow:



Installed the most ridiculously loud muffler. Put the DF one back on since I value my sanity. Kept the "race" muffler. Might put it on for autocross or when I want to piss off the neighborhood.



Installed a splitter that one of Rttoys friends built. 1/4" aluminum. Thing is built like a brick poophouse. Adds almost 20 pounds to the front end. Also, added some spacers at the front so that it cleared the hood and I can removed the hood without removing the splitter. I have about 4" of ground clearance.



Oh, and it's registered with the state. Just waiting on my hard plates. Not sure why the tax office didn't give me a set for the thousands they had in the office but oh well. At least I can legally drive it on the street.



Now, hopefully we get some days where the temp is below 1 billion degrees F and I will get it out for a cruise. Gotta go terrorize all the local Goblin builders. Might be a good use of the race muffler.

Next up:

hood wrap - design picked out and working with wrap shop to get it in
license plate frame / mount when permanent plate arrives.
Grill - material on the way
map sensors / tune - have just need to do it.
headlight swap - have some 5.75 led lights and baskets to install
Slicks - friend runs a NASA car and has a set of Toyo slicks for me, about 50% used. Will be perfect for autocross. Already have a set of spare wheels.
Control arm bushings - have the zzp leading control arm bushings to install. Not a priority. I know the second I put them on, Lonny will have the rear suspension upgrade completed.

I plan on making it to Goblin Fest (Oct 5-9 for me) and hope to have the hood wrapped, plate mounted, and the grill installed before I depart. Everything else can wait to after Goblin Fest.

Brett

 

[Joebob]

Now, hopefully we get some days where the temp is below 1 billion degrees F and I will get it out for a cruise. Gotta go terrorize all the local Goblin builders. Might be a good use of the race muffler.

Next up:

hood wrap - design picked out and working with wrap shop to get it in
license plate frame / mount when permanent plate arrives.
Grill - material on the way
map sensors / tune - have just need to do it.
headlight swap - have some 5.75 led lights and baskets to install
Slicks - friend runs a NASA car and has a set of Toyo slicks for me, about 50% used. Will be perfect for autocross. Already have a set of spare wheels.
Control arm bushings - have the zzp leading control arm bushings to install. Not a priority. I know the second I put them on, Lonny will have the rear suspension upgrade completed.

I plan on making it to Goblin Fest (Oct 5-9 for me) and hope to have the hood wrapped, plate mounted, and the grill installed before I depart. Everything else can wait to after Goblin Fest.

Brett
[/QUOTE]
Your welcome to buzz by anytime! Congratulations!!!

Joe

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

That Dynomax muffler looks familiar you could install a vortex cone in it and it should be slightly less obnoxious.

ZZP has a stainless steel one that is less expensive than the Dynomax ones. Welds in easily.

 

[jayrolls]

Ok, so what I have I been up to since my update from last April:

I added a windshield and wind wing thingy's:

View attachment 35801View attachment 35802View attachment 35803\

Installed the footwell cover and put some 2 inch foam across the top to prevent airflow:

View attachment 35804

Installed the most ridiculously loud muffler. Put the DF one back on since I value my sanity. Kept the "race" muffler. Might put it on for autocross or when I want to piss off the neighborhood.

View attachment 35805

Installed a splitter that one of Rttoys friends built. 1/4" aluminum. Thing is built like a brick poophouse. Adds almost 20 pounds to the front end. Also, added some spacers at the front so that it cleared the hood and I can removed the hood without removing the splitter. I have about 4" of ground clearance.

View attachment 35806View attachment 35807

Oh, and it's registered with the state. Just waiting on my hard plates. Not sure why the tax office didn't give me a set for the thousands they had in the office but oh well. At least I can legally drive it on the street.

View attachment 35808View attachment 35809

Now, hopefully we get some days where the temp is below 1 billion degrees F and I will get it out for a cruise. Gotta go terrorize all the local Goblin builders. Might be a good use of the race muffler.

Next up:

hood wrap - design picked out and working with wrap shop to get it in
license plate frame / mount when permanent plate arrives.
Grill - material on the way
map sensors / tune - have just need to do it.
headlight swap - have some 5.75 led lights and baskets to install
Slicks - friend runs a NASA car and has a set of Toyo slicks for me, about 50% used. Will be perfect for autocross. Already have a set of spare wheels.
Control arm bushings - have the zzp leading control arm bushings to install. Not a priority. I know the second I put them on, Lonny will have the rear suspension upgrade completed.

I plan on making it to Goblin Fest (Oct 5-9 for me) and hope to have the hood wrapped, plate mounted, and the grill installed before I depart. Everything else can wait to after Goblin Fest.

Brett

Any info on if the person that made the front splitter? It looks pretty good. I could use one.

 

[Brett]

Any info on if the person that made the front splitter? It looks pretty good. I could use one.

Reach out to @Rttoys, he has more info and I believe had a couple of extras made up.

Rttoys’s track- ‘06 ss/sc #184

I can see the splitter doing a lot of good for airflow management on that light a front end. The rear has so much weight on it that not much if any aero aids should be needed for that end of the Goblin. But dang they look at home with a spoiler lol. Im wondering if deeper fins on the...

dfkitcar.com

 

[Goblinfanclub1234]

I like that cheap footwell foam idea $3 at Lowes, I am going to copy you.

 

[Brett]

I like that cheap footwell foam idea $3 at Lowes, I am going to copy you.

I used some gorilla double stick tape to put it down. Once help in place by the hood for awhile and it feels like it is really stuck.

 

[Sluggonaut]

My footwell cover project is slated for the off-season and I was planning on doing the same thing.

I was wondering where all the hot air goes once this is installed, especially if you have a front spoiler installed that seals off the bottom of the front end - Does it just work itself out under the edges of the hood? Do you install hood vents?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

All the hot air should exit at the open sides, between the a-arm mounts, in front of the side panel forward edge - if you are closed off top and bottom.

 

[Brett]

The front of the goblin has plenty of space for the air to vent.