V1 Chassis 387 SC But now I want to go TC

[RobC76]

So I really didn’t want to make this post but here it goes lol.
I purchased new from DF chassis 387 as a SS/SC Build with a F35 trans.
I would now like to use an LNF Donor that I recently purchased. I have scoured the forum but have been unsuccessful as to which parts came with kit that would now be different for the TC donor. I realize the fuel tank and cooler is most likely different but does anyone have parts list for each donor type. Curious if it even makes sense or if I should just order another kit and sell the one I have? Seems like the extreme but with no data I’m not sure how to approach it. Also would probably go F40 as I have 4 new ones on the shelf and the LNF in my donor is making 472hp at the wheels. My understanding is that the F40 is a bit stronger?
sorry for all the questions
It’s been a while since I’ve posted and received my kit. Had some life challenges that I have overcome

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Ah, the dreaded F40 discussion. Use the search and read up on the F40, there are about 4 different posting discussions about it, and my build log. Please take the inevitable advice/opinions that will be coming your way with this subject with a grain of salt. And do what you think is best for your wants, needs and budget as far as a transmission goes.

There are wiring differences - engine harness, dash harness - and the ECM is a different model along with its interface with the BCM. The suspension arms, ball joints and hubs are different too. If your ambicious, a SC could be converted to a TC, but it would be much simpler to turbocharge the SC/LSJ. Several builders on the forum have accomplished this.

If it were me and I had the resources, I would build a TC Goblin with the donor and pieces you seem to have available and possibly sell the SC Goblin. But this is just my opinion, you do what you want and make yourself happy.

 

[RobC76]

Thank you
I’m anticipating some colorful responses lol. To be clear I have a complete LNF car I just would be missing the parts that come from DF particular to the LNF because my kit came with the parts particular to the LSJ. I would like to identify which DF kit parts I’d be missing.
Thanks Again

 

[Sebnuts]

If I did it over again, I think I would go with SS/SC over the TC - mostly to get rid of the direct injection setup on the LNF.

 

[RobC76]

I have a tuned LNF that is flawless. It’s a ZZP forged long block, ported head with opel injectors, 5th injector and Z54 turbo built by them, installed in car by them and tuned by them. It runs flawless and is a blast to drive even in a cobalt lol. I have an LSJ ZZP forged shortblock along with a new TVS and a catv ported head but the only harness I have for that is a stand-alone. Just thought the LNF would be easier in the Goblin because I have a complete running cobalt LNF. I’m listening though, you guys have all been through a build and in the guy sitting here with zero accomplished.
Thank you

 

[Ross]

The turbo cars get a water pump to circulate the intercooler coolant. You can just use the one that is on the LSJ.
They also get an air to water intercooler, and some intake tubing and silicon corners.
DF supplys a 3" exhaust for the turbo, while the supercharged gets a 2.5" exhaust.
The gas tank in the turbo has a cutout for the 8 bolt fuel pump, while the SC car has a 5 bolt fuel pump cutout.
Not sure if how DF mounts the turbo cars RPD (reconfigurable performance display) on the dash.
I think the engine mounts are the same but not 100% sure.
The turbo has the bigger axles, but I think that the DF frame doesn't change because of that.
The F40 is a DF modified frame, to give extra clearance to fit the bigger F40.
Probably some other changes.... this is just a brain dump of what I remember.

 

[comegetjoe]

Not sure if how DF mounts the turbo cars RPD (reconfigurable performance display) on the dash.

Thats if they have it. It was an option in '09 and standard in '10. My '09 only has a simple signal-fed boost guage, no actual vacuum line.
Heat exchanger, fan at the front of the chassis and hardlines that run through the center tunnel.

 

[RobC76]

The turbo cars get a water pump to circulate the intercooler coolant. You can just use the one that is on the LSJ.
They also get an air to water intercooler, and some intake tubing and silicon corners.
DF supplys a 3" exhaust for the turbo, while the supercharged gets a 2.5" exhaust.
The gas tank in the turbo has a cutout for the 8 bolt fuel pump, while the SC car has a 5 bolt fuel pump cutout.
Not sure if how DF mounts the turbo cars RPD (reconfigurable performance display) on the dash.
I think the engine mounts are the same but not 100% sure.
The turbo has the bigger axles, but I think that the DF frame doesn't change because of that.
The F40 is a DF modified frame, to give extra clearance to fit the bigger F40.
Probably some other changes.... this is just a brain dump of what I remember.

Thanks Ross, lots in your brain.
appreciate the info.

 

[RobC76]

Thats if they have it. It was an option in '09 and standard in '10. My '09 only has a simple signal-fed boost guage, no actual vacuum line.
Heat exchanger, fan at the front of the chassis and hardlines that run through the center tunnel.

My car only has the simple gauge in the a pillar, the cluster looks identical to an 07 SC car. I’ll do some digging on those hard lines. Thank you

 

[escapepilot]

To clarify, is your SC Goblin built or are you wanting to change to the TC before you start? The F40 change requires chassis mods to fit so that may be reason enough to order a new chassis. If you haven't started the build, call DF and ask what it would take to switch to the TC version.

 

[RobC76]

To clarify, is your SC Goblin built or are you wanting to change to the TC before you start? The F40 change requires chassis mods to fit so that may be reason enough to order a new chassis. If you haven't started the build, call DF and ask what it would take to switch to the TC version.

Goblin not started yet. I do have a brand new F35 with LSD but I was wondering if it would hold up to the horsepower and torque of the LNF I would like to put in it. ZZP’s Dyno it made 472hp and 373 Tq. I’m going to email DF right now on the parts that are different between the two kits. Thank you

 

[Scott #321]

I purchased my TC kit without the DF supplied intercooler / heat exchanger / exhaust as I was wanting to end up with higher HP levels than the stock DF inter could support. You may want to consider this and start with a larger intercooler setup from the start if you go this route. As for the transmission discussion that one comes down to personal preference IMHO. I believe the F40 to be a solid choice but has costs associated with frame mods and duel mass flywheel. F35 seems to have problems handling excess torque when you upgrade the engine and is hard to come by replacement parts. F23 seems to be better with torque than the 35 and is available in multiple FD ratios if you go used but only 1 I'm aware of new and it is a cheaper option. It does not come factory with LSD so that is something that would need to be added. Each build is different with different expectations and long term plans so you must weigh your options according to your expectations and budget.
FWIW if I were to build another I would likely go with a LE5 or LT and add forced induction during the build process.

 

[Ross]

Since the goblin is half the weight or the Cobalt, it is a lot easier on the transmission. The tires act like a fuse, only allowing so much torque to be transferred to the drivetrain before they break loose. They F35 will work fine, although some builders complain it shifts kind of clunky. Some racers are running the F23, as they say it shifts better. I replaced my original high mileage F35, as the old one had worn out syncros, and it wouldn't let me shift into 2nd above 4K RPM. The new F35 works great, and that Quaife differential is a big improvement over the open diff.

 

[duthehustle93]

DF lists an inventory comparison of their kits here: https://www.dfkitcar.com/kit.php

I'm in a similar boat since my second-hand old kit is missing most of the parts that make it unique from SC and base options. Generally speaking though, it's nothing major... exhaust, an intercooler setup, and a fuel tank. All of which can be DIY'd or purchased separately.

-my SS/TC tank doesn't have a pump in it now, so let me know if you'd be interested in some rough dimensions/pics. If your tank is metal you should have some good options to safely modify the tank to accept the higher pressure pump.
-#05 came with a bunch of tubing and an a2a intercooler... the PO said that's what DF sent him, but some research shows that DF only provided a2w intercoolers... so I'm not really sure. Either way, depending on your goals, you can DIY an a2a setup, or purchase DF's a2w intercooler.

 

[RobC76]

DF lists an inventory comparison of their kits here: https://www.dfkitcar.com/kit.php

I'm in a similar boat since my second-hand old kit is missing most of the parts that make it unique from SC and base options. Generally speaking though, it's nothing major... exhaust, an intercooler setup, and a fuel tank. All of which can be DIY'd or purchased separately.

-my SS/TC tank doesn't have a pump in it now, so let me know if you'd be interested in some rough dimensions/pics. If your tank is metal you should have some good options to safely modify the tank to accept the higher pressure pump.
-#05 came with a bunch of tubing and an a2a intercooler... the PO said that's what DF sent him, but some research shows that DF only provided a2w intercoolers... so I'm not really sure. Either way, depending on your goals, you can DIY an a2a setup, or purchase DF's a2w intercooler.

I’m going TC for sure, someone posted an aluminum tank cad file for a general idea of the tank needed for an aftermarket fuel pump gauge assembly which I think is the direction I will go so I can install rollover valve and quality pump. I may order another chassis however for the F40 fitment. I’ll most likely cut the top half off my 387 chassis refabricate top half and use it for a Ferrari Dino “Kelmark kit” originally designed to go on a vw chassis that I’m also building. I think it’s a good staring point for that car as I’m going to use an LSJ with a TVS charger in that car with an F35. Thanks for reply, gives me the rest of the open questions I had of missing components. Hopefully Lonny will just sell me another chassis. I’ll play with the ordering tool and see if I can accomplish it. Thanks again