Donor Opinions / Questions

[Ross]

I would guess the LNF will go for 1-$3K, but I'm not up to date on your area. Both should work well with a goblin. The LNF is more power off the start, but the LSJ has equal potential if modding the engine. The LNF will make carbon deposits on the back of the valves, until you add a 5th injector... the LSJ has that supercharger sound. I like them both! Good luck

 

[Sebnuts]

I think the LSJ is a better platform overall if you're into modding. If you want to keep it bone stock, LNF is probably a bit better IMO.

 

[Rttoys]

LSJ, especially if already modified. It’s more than enough for a goblin.

 

[Traé]

LSJ, especially if already modified. It’s more than enough for a goblin.

Might be a silly question but what all does the tune and 60# injectors gain?

 

[Rttoys]

Should be smaller charger pulley, injectors and tune, which will give you 30? Extra hp. Should be around 250hp Range.

those mods alone are worth about $1k

 

[Sebnuts]

MOAR

Might be a silly question but what all does the tune and 60# injectors gain?

 

[Traé]

Should be smaller charger pulley, injectors and tune, which will give you 30? Extra hp. Should be around 250hp Range.

those mods alone are worth about $1k

Is it common for further tuning to be needed once installed in the goblin?

 

[ah.b.normal]

I would have to add that the one you can test drive is worth a little more.

 

[Robinjo]

Might be a silly question but what all does the tune and 60# injectors gain?

It really depends on what you want. Do you want instant power and response but a little lower power ceiling? If yes the the Supercharged (SC) LSJ is your jam. Do you want almost unlimited power potential but are willing to have a 'little' boost lag? If yes the Turbo (TC) LNF is right. Sounds like the LSJ already has HP Tuner (or some other tuning software). That's only a $200-300 gain and nice that it's there already, but it's possible the LNF has it too (just unknown). I can tell you, whatever power output that my LSJ is making is ridiculously fast as a Goblin. Also, I personally like the SC sounds more than the TC sounds but that is just personal preference. Not to say I don't love TC noises but just love the SC ones more.

In the end, which vehicle are YOU more comfortable with? Which platform do YOU want to be working around? Both platforms have their Pros and Cons, so it up to you to understand these both and make an informed decision.

 

[ah.b.normal]

Is it common for further tuning to be needed once installed in the goblin?

I'd have to say that the odds of any donor proving 100% satisfactory in your application initially would prolly be about +90%. But then you'll drive it a while and I'm betting you'll want "more". Maybe "not a lot more" but "MORE IS MORE!" It is your toy!, further tuning will be done, needed or not. Either choice will be an excellent foundation to build on. Or may be "just enough" for you? For a while? (Maybe it's just me but no matter if it's cars or tacos the MORE is always out there!)

 

[Ark :D]

Is it common for further tuning to be needed once installed in the goblin?

Needed, no, unless you want to do big performance upgrades to the motor; then you must tune it.

Desirable? Certainly.

My LNF donor came with the 3-bar MAP sensors and the 290-hp GM Performance factory tune, but I still picked up a used MPVI2 and a mild tune file that was originally done by ZZP. The tune file didn't change the power output of my motor much, but it did uncap the boost and it did make the engine run better than it did previously, in the Goblin. I sold off the MPVI2 so my only investment into this was $100 for the credits.

But the Goblin ran fine before the tune.

 

[Gtstorey]

I think all goblins will likely benefit from MAF tuning, especially the LNF which relies on the MAF for it's primary fuel stratgey.

 

[Traé]

Well, as Ross predicted the LNF sold for $2,100…LSJ it is. Should be going Saturday morning to pick it up. I am 100% new to these engines but through research so far I have learned to listen for timing chain chatter and an abnormal idle ( high or surging idle). He did confirm that he has NOT done a timing chain service or upgraded the guide bolt to the Dorman. I plan to do a full refresh of all timing components so I’m not too worried.

Anything else important to check out before handing over the cash?

Car has been owned by the seller since 2018. He has put more than half of the miles on it himself. Maintenance is thorough, or so I’m told.

 

[Ross]

My usual engine inspection will involve using my finger in the valve cover, and seeing if I can find any sludge, carbon deposits or metal sparkles.
Listen to tell if the engine sounds good. Run the transmission thru the gears. My old F35 transmission wouldn't let me shift from 1st to 2nd gear if I was above 4000 rpm, as the syncro was worn out.

 

[Rttoys]

Is it common for further tuning to be needed once installed in the goblin?

Yes and no. If it’s been tuned for the mods “it’ll be fine” in the goblin. If you want every ounce of power, you’ll need to tune it to the goblin, due to having half the weight of the cobalt, it’ll change some settings.

 

[Rttoys]

Yep, normal stuff you look over when buying a used car. Don’t tell them you are going to tear it down for a project, just nitpick it as if you are going to daily drive it and haggle it down.

 

[Sluggonaut]

If it has timing chain noise, use that as leverage in your offer. Timing chain replacement is not very expensive and is easy to do with the motor not in a car.

 

[Traé]

LSJ fell through, never got a message back from the guy.

looking to buy the original car I posted (06 2.4l). Am I able to add a supercharger to this engine? Or is it a huge pain?

i have seen SCs added to the 2.2l but can’t find a thread for the 2.4l.

 

[jirwin]

Yes, supercharger on a 2.4 will work fine. My late model 2.2L LAP acrually has a 2.4L LE5 head. GM just slapped an LE5 head on the L61 and made my engine. It will absolutely work. Pretty easy install imo

Please see my classifieds post if you want to buy a supercharger kit. I'm a few hours north of you in Michigan.

https://dfkitcar.com/forum/index.php?threads/2-2-2-4-supercharger-kit-aem-methanol-injection-kit-various-other-parts.4734/#post-95510

 

[Joebob]

LSJ fell through, never got a message back from the guy.

looking to buy the original car I posted (06 2.4l). Am I able to add a supercharger to this engine? Or is it a huge pain?

i have seen SCs added to the 2.2l but can’t find a thread for the 2.4l.

I am in the process of putting a SC on a 2.4L Auto Goblin. The 2.2 and 2.4 are the same externally and both need the same tuning to work. The biggest change is that for the Auto, the engine sits 1" closer to the gas tank which made everything harder. A lot has to change and get modified to work from injectors, wiring, plumbing, brackets, grinding, and finally tuning. If you can build a Goblin, you can modify a Goblin. The 2.4L was plenty potent (0-60 in 4.7) but I love tweaking so have spent the last 9 months researching, collecting parts, and the last 2 months making the physical change in time for the Southern driving season.

Go fast table

Stock 2.4L

Neekid engine

Built back up better

Gratuitous overhead shot

Just have a touch of wiring and lots of tuning to do left.

Joe