k.rollin
Goblin Guru
I've been following the progression of the Goblin for quite a while, and weighing it against something like a Midlana. In the end, I decided to build a Goblin first, because it seemed like the option more likely to be completed, as they seem to go together quickly and I already have enough other projects competing for my time (gunsmithing, motorcycling, a protracted house remodeling project, etc). All the time spent lurking here led to a few impulsive bids on Copart, and last week, I unexpectedly bought my donor (I didn't expect to win). With all that said, I guess it's time that I start a build thread of my own, now that my donor has been delivered and I've placed my deposit.
My donor is a 2008 LT with 98,564 miles that I purchased from the Copart yard in Graham, WA for $175. After $200 for transport to my place in Arlington, WA and the other buyer fees, I'm into my donor for $520 and change. It was delivered yesterday, and it appears to be in good condition aside from where the previous owner introduced the driver's side B pillar to a tree.
Of course, the battery was dead and the key was stuck in the ignition at the accessory position, so those were the first things to take care of. Dealer service for an ignition switch recall wasn't likely, so I fixed it with zip ties and now I can remove the key with the transaxle in gear (neat party trick). The fix involves looping a zip tie around the white plastic unit in the picture to keep the plunger in the depressed state, for those wondering.
When I went to pull the battery to charge it, I found an unopened box of Ritz crackers in the trunk (in addition to the missing headlight and hubcap); bonus snacks! With a charged battery, the donor starts easily and seems to run and drive well around the yard.
Right now, I intend to use the Goblin on both the street and autocross or road course. I may have done myself a disservice in the latter two applications by choosing an automatic and being stuck with an open differential, but I'm trying to keep this as budget friendly as possible, and the automatic will be nicer when I inevitably decide to commute up and down I-5 anywhere south of Marysville because traffic. Future plans may involve supercharging, but I'd like to get the base experience first and plan modifications accordingly.
My donor is a 2008 LT with 98,564 miles that I purchased from the Copart yard in Graham, WA for $175. After $200 for transport to my place in Arlington, WA and the other buyer fees, I'm into my donor for $520 and change. It was delivered yesterday, and it appears to be in good condition aside from where the previous owner introduced the driver's side B pillar to a tree.
Of course, the battery was dead and the key was stuck in the ignition at the accessory position, so those were the first things to take care of. Dealer service for an ignition switch recall wasn't likely, so I fixed it with zip ties and now I can remove the key with the transaxle in gear (neat party trick). The fix involves looping a zip tie around the white plastic unit in the picture to keep the plunger in the depressed state, for those wondering.
When I went to pull the battery to charge it, I found an unopened box of Ritz crackers in the trunk (in addition to the missing headlight and hubcap); bonus snacks! With a charged battery, the donor starts easily and seems to run and drive well around the yard.
Right now, I intend to use the Goblin on both the street and autocross or road course. I may have done myself a disservice in the latter two applications by choosing an automatic and being stuck with an open differential, but I'm trying to keep this as budget friendly as possible, and the automatic will be nicer when I inevitably decide to commute up and down I-5 anywhere south of Marysville because traffic. Future plans may involve supercharging, but I'd like to get the base experience first and plan modifications accordingly.