V1 Good idea? Any experiences? New engine

[scaredsilly]

Hello all. I've been hanging around for quite a while and am getting closer to ordering my kit. I've recently acquired a 2007 Cobalt (2.2L) but it has a blown engine, so I'm looking at replacement options. I came across these guys, and was wondering if anyone has had any experinece with them, or have thoughts on if that price is reasonable.

GM 2.2L L61 Ecotec Engine Long Block 2007-2008 Cobalt HHR 19177026

www.bishopenginereplacementparts.com

My cobalt has an automatic transmission, but I'd like to go manual, so I was also thinking of getting the F23 manual that offered by DFKitCar. I assume I should be able to use the wiring harness and ECM from my current car...

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

 

[Rauq]

I'm not well experienced with automatics but I'd want to be sure that not having the auto trans hooked up doesn't throw the engine computer for a loop. I think theoretically it's as straightforward as making sure you get vehicle speed and the reverse switch data out of the trans and generally swapping the shifter-in-park signal for a clutch switch, but I'll defer to you and others for confirmation.

You'll also need (at least) a Cobalt clutch pedal (not sure if the pedal box is otherwise the same), master cylinder and reservoir. You'll probably want to buy the DF shifter rather than sourcing Cobalt shifter parts.

I don't have any experience with that company, but the price seems good if that's a new motor.

On the other hand... if you want to build a manual trans Goblin, it might be cheaper (and would probably be easier) to start with a running manual trans Cobalt? I'm not sure it'd be worth it to me to get half of what you need out of that donor.

 

[Ross]

Well your current donor has a subframe and a steering rack that could be used for your goblin. Building a goblin by buying parts usually more expensive than buying a good donor. Take your time and find a Cobalt donor that has a working engine, and a manual transmission. Unless you want a much bigger project, buying an HHR and a wrong Cobalt is not the easy path to a running goblin.

 

[scaredsilly]

You guys make good points about getting a running donor with a manual transmission, and that was my original plan. The donor I currently have came to me for free, so I couldn't pass it up at that price point. Having said that, I wouldn't be out anything if I needed a different donor, especially if this is harder than I originally anticipated to switch to manual.

 

[ah.b.normal]

You guys make good points about getting a running donor with a manual transmission, and that was my original plan. The donor I currently have came to me for free, so I couldn't pass it up at that price point. Having said that, I wouldn't be out anything if I needed a different donor, especially if this is harder than I originally anticipated to switch to manual.

There is quite a bit of stuff you will need from a manual car that buying a manual donor is a very good idea. Since you can use a cobalt in very poor health it could be super cheap, find a manuasl car in a similar year to your free donor, something with a dead engine or even high mile. Rust could be a problem though. The BIG differences in Cobalts is a split/changes in many subsystems, the most obvious tell is the change to a three spoke steering wheel, I believe started in 07. Apparently 4 and 5 bolt road wheel types were all used throughout the 5 years of production. In the 05/06 types I have taken an Automatic harness, weeded out the transmission specific wires and TCM rerouted some wires(soldering and shortening a few) to make a manual engine harness. Other small wiring mods are required as the speed sensor is now relocated and may have a different plug style. But it can be done. I believe the engine harness and the trans harness were built together simply to make the car easier to factory build. They could have been 2 separate harnesses but the builder(GM) wanted to build the "power train" as a module that they mount on a K member/sub-frame that they then "plug into"(bolt to) the "body module" on an assembly line. Their goal was speed/volume. Your goal is FUN.
Please contact me if you have more questions, I'd be happy to help with my experience with the Cobalt things I have built.

 

[ah.b.normal]

Don't buy a Saturn Ion or an HHR for your donor unless you are just sourcing big pieces! Subframe and spindles are the same, engine and trans some times interchange?(07 newer engines have individual spark plug coils.) Their wiring is very different!, Computers may be different also, I've not looked. I had an 08 HHR to scrap, engine and trans were useful, subframe and front suspension too. So far I've used an HHR, 2 cobalt sedans and 3 Cobalt coupes and a piece of a Goblin donor (rusty SS coupe). (I think you can use Ion and SAAB 9.3 front seats, not HHR) The rest is similar, but have many small differences. ******* Another Good Donor is the Pontiac G5 also called the Pursuit in Canada. Respect the split!, as 07 and newer have many aspects not on early cars.(VVT, ABS, etc) Visit my build on this Forum in "Other Builds" GOB-BALT. I hope all this is helping?

 

[AMCAMX1969]

Where are you located? I have at least 2 manual transmission pedal box's they are out of a 2006 SS and a 2009 SS. I am using a Tilton pedal setup in mine. If you end up needing one you can have it (just pay the shipping).

 

[scaredsilly]

Sorry everyone, lots going on.. I appreciate all the input. I didn't realize there were so many differences. I've thought on it a bit more and I might just stick with the auto tranny since that's what I've got. But when I actaully get ready to order the kit, I'll make a final decision.

 

[ah.b.normal]

Sorry everyone, lots going on.. I appreciate all the input. I didn't realize there were so many differences. I've thought on it a bit more and I might just stick with the auto tranny since that's what I've got. But when I actaully get ready to order the kit, I'll make a final decision.

I would like to clarify an earlier statement of mine. The Pontiac G5/Pursuit is probably the closest to a Cobalt. The differences are mostly cosmetic like different color gauge faces and lighting, bumper covers/grill and tail lamps. Slightly better interior fabrics? I don't know if they offered the S/C motor in the G5. Mostly automatics. They make excellent Goblin donors as so much of the car is the same as a Cobalt.