V1 AMCAMX1969's Extended Track Goblin #289 - 06 SS/NA automatic, 06 SS/SC, 09 SS/TC Donor

[AMCAMX1969]

Figured I'd officially start a build thread.

Just got word from R+L Carriers that my new ATK LNF engine will be delivered on Friday.

Will be cleaning up the shop to make room for donor and probably start dismantling it this weekend.

Received confirmation email stating that my official chassis number is 289 and an estimate of 12 to 13 weeks until ready for pick up or delivery.

Still up in the air about either getting a SS/TC Donor to simplify things. I would guess that I could get a stand alone transmission controller and use the SS/TC wiring harness/computer for the motor/chassis - Going to need to do some more research.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

The less complicated way is to get the SS/TC donor. I contemplated going the no donor route or a NA donor, but in the end I held out for the TC donor and I'm glad I did. When all was done I had all of the parts I needed for my build and made money parting out the donor.

 

[AMCAMX1969]

I just got off the phone with Swap Specialties about a stand alone harness, for just under a grand they will make a stand alone harness for the LNF with an automatic. It includes everything required (ECM, auto trans controller, fan relays, etc) basically hook up a power wire and the motor will run.

Really am leaning toward to doing it this way (already have the NA donor for all of the mechanical parts and transmission)

Doing it this way I could use a very generic wiring harness for the rest of the car and use a tablet/gages for the dashboard.

Still have a few months to figure out which route I take and will be keeping my eye out for a TC donor just in case however this would still require a stand alone transmission controller.

GM EcoTec Standalone Harness – Swap Specialties

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Keep in mind if you go with the LNF crate engine, you will need the TC fuel pump - or an aftermarket one like some others have done - which will add $$. Also depending upon which of the factory suspension parts you were planning to use, the bearing hubs, ball joints, axles and aluminum uprights may need to be changed.

 

[AMCAMX1969]

If I don't come up with a turbo donor, new AC Delco pumps are about 300 dollars. I would probably put a new one in even if I got a donor unless it was real low mileage - I've been stuck on the side of the road a couple of times with a bad fuel pump

 

[AMCAMX1969]

I'm going to use all the suspension parts from the NA SS donor along with the auto trans so everything should match. I am ordering the coil overs with the goblin - I don't think there is any difference in those (I will have to check)

 

[AMCAMX1969]

BTW, thank you very much for your suggestions/comments and I will definitely take them into account as I make my final decisions and I probably will have a bunch of questions once I get it and start putting it together. This forum is one of the deciding factors in choosing a Goblin - lots of great info.

 

[Ark :D]

I'm going to use all the suspension parts from the NA SS donor along with the auto trans so everything should match. I am ordering the coil overs with the goblin - I don't think there is any difference in those (I will have to check)

Are you ordering your entire kit all at once? If not, make sure to remember later, that you're using the parts from a non-SS/TC. It makes a difference in determining which rear brake parts you should receive. I forgot to note to Adam that I had used the knuckles, hubs, and axles from a SS/SC, and I received rear brake parts that did not fit my kit.

 

[Anks329]

This sounds like an interesting build! I’d love to understand a little more on what you’re using from which donor vs new (crate engine, stand alone harness, etc.).

 

[AMCAMX1969]

Right now I am planning on using the NA 2006 SS automatic as the donor for suspension and driveline parts just as if I was using that as the sole donor.

I will not use the wiring harness or motor, will use stand alone harness for motor/transmission (this harness includes throttle pedal, charging system and fuel pump wiring) - everything needed to make it run and shift.
Wiring the rest of the car will be done using a generic wiring harness (possibly from Painless Wiring) - not much really to wire on the Goblin other than lights, turn signals, etc.

Dash, gages, etc will be all aftermarket along with possibly an OBD2 app on a tablet

Overcame the 1st hurdle (hopefully) which was the automatic flex plate for the LNF (GM doesn't make it anymore), found a seller on Ebay that has three of them and I went ahead and ordered one (supposed to be factory GM) - will see when it gets here.

Genuine GM Drive Plate 12589349 | eBay

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Right now I am planning on using the NA 2006 SS automatic as the donor for suspension and driveline parts just as if I was using that as the sole donor.

I will not use the wiring harness or motor, will use stand alone harness for motor/transmission (this harness includes throttle pedal, charging system and fuel pump wiring) - everything needed to make it run and shift.
Wiring the rest of the car will be done using a generic wiring harness (possibly from Painless Wiring) - not much really to wire on the Goblin other than lights, turn signals, etc.

Dash, gages, etc will be all aftermarket along with possibly an OBD2 app on a tablet

Overcame the 1st hurdle (hopefully) which was the automatic flex plate for the LNF (GM doesn't make it anymore), found a seller on Ebay that has three of them and I went ahead and ordered one (supposed to be factory GM) - will see when it gets here.

Genuine GM Drive Plate 12589349 | eBay

Wished you would have said you needed this earlier, since I will be replacing the brand new flex plate with a flywheel on my crate LNF. If you are getting a crate LNF it too will likely come with a flex plate.

 

[AMCAMX1969]

Didn't know that, guess I should have looked closer at the picture. Now I feel like a moron

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Too late to cancel? You could always return it?

 

[AMCAMX1969]

And so it begins...

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

I spy a flex plate on your new motor. Good that it's there already, - sure is nice to have shiny new stuff!!!

 

[AMCAMX1969]

I guess two flex plates is better than none, I'm sure someone on here will be looking for one sooner or later or I'll put it back on Ebay - still can't believe I didn't notice it in the pictures.

Motor sure is nice, hate to have to paint it but don't want let it start to corrode. Has anybody had any luck with just shooting some clear on one?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

I was debating high temp clear versus bright aluminum. I'm still a ways away from that point, guess I will have to see how yours turns out.

 

[Ross]

I put clear on the DF billet aluminum parts in the front spindles, and aluminum/silver on the engine. I think the clear won't last as long, as UV will break it down quicker, but it is holding up for now. My new shiny F35 transmission is still raw aluminum.... I think it will get silver paint, as it will match the engine color.

 

[AMCAMX1969]

Been doing a little more preparation and research for the Goblin

Got a second parts car, a 2006 SS/SC and tore it completely apart

Bought an equinox steering column and a power steering controller

Researching stand alone harnesses I am down to two companies CBM motorsports (expensive but good reviews) and Swap Specialties (about half the cost but I've seen some sketchy reviews) any thoughts on these two companies?

 

[AMCAMX1969]

Is there a set number for how many donors you buy before it becomes a sickness?

Picked up another one (09 SS/TC) yesterday, so this is number 3, I guess this is what happens when waiting for the kit to show up.