Improving performance

[jennam]

So I've been kicking around the idea of adding some ponies to my Goblin. Looking at the cost of some of the aftermarket performance parts, I'm starting to wonder if it might be cheaper/easier to find an SC or TC donor and harvest the engine/bcm/wiring/etc and do a transplant.

What do y'all think?

 

[Karter2026]

So I've been kicking around the idea of adding some ponies to my Goblin. Looking at the cost of some of the aftermarket performance parts, I'm starting to wonder if it might be cheaper/easier to find an SC or TC donor and harvest the engine/bcm/wiring/etc and do a transplant.

What do y'all think?

If you could find one for a steal it may be worth it.

 

[Tinkles]

Swapping the supercharger system onto an non boosted Ecotec is very simple and the M62 will not make enough power to hurt a stock engine(provided that the tune is good). I have done a few installs and it can be done in a weekend by yourself or 1 afternoon with a few helping hands.

Plus the N/A Ecotecs have a higher compression ratio than the boosted ones so it will allow you to make alittle more power.

My buddy put this together. It is for Cavaliers/Sunfires, but 85-90% of the info will be accurate for Cobalts/Goblins.

The Ultimate M62 Guide - Boost Forum - j-body.org - The J-Body Organization

The J-Body Organization, j-body.org, is the worlds largest automotive enthusiast group exclusively geared towards the General Motors GM J-car platform including the Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire, Pontiac Sunbird, Pontiac J 2000, Oldsmobile Firenza, Buick SkyHawk and Cadillac Cimarron.

www.j-body.org

 

[jennam]

Another reason I'm leaning toward doing a transplant is I'd really like to get cruise control. I'd also like to pull up some additional 12v lines and pull the factory stereo power lines up to my new dash as well. I know I can pull some of those pins out of the BCM and run wires off of them, but that won't solve for the cruise thing.

Originally, I never thought I'd ever want cruise; however, after logging a few thousand miles this summer, I'm regretting that decision........

 

[jennam]

@Tinkles The swap is tempting too, however, I haven't seen a M62 sell for less than $600 recently by itself. One would need a number of other bits on top of the M62.

 

[Tinkles]

M62s are $200-$300 all day. $600 should get your a pretty complete kit. I paid $2k for my kit 10 years ago so prices have tanked. Jeff Reiland(Facebook) parts out Ecotecs all of the time and usually has most of the S/C swap parts in stock. Installing a M62 on your current engine will be the cheapest and easiest option. But I don't know about Cruise Control as I have never messed with a Cobalt PCM/BCM.

 

[jennam]

Interesting. I'm not having any luck finding them that cheap. they are $5-800 on ebay and the full kit from ZZP is $1700+

 

[Tinkles]

You still need the Idler pulley, belt tensioner, and alternator spacer bracket, but this is a good start.

Cobalt SS LSJ Supercharger kit 2.0 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cobalt SS LSJ Supercharger kit 2.0 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

That seller is Jeff Reiland. He is the go to for used Ecotec parts. Look through his inventory and see if there is a kit that you like.

 

[jennam]

You still need the Idler puller, belt tensioner, and alternator spacer bracket, but this is a good start.

Cobalt SS LSJ Supercharger kit 2.0 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cobalt SS LSJ Supercharger kit 2.0 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

That seller is Jeff Reiland. He is the go to for used Ecotec parts. Look through his inventory and see if there is a kit that you like.

Cool. I'll have to check that out.

 

[Ross]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cobalt-SS-...678162?hash=item1ced154412:g:sYwAAOSw2bhdFlk9

 

[ctuinstra]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cobalt-SS-...678162?hash=item1ced154412:g:sYwAAOSw2bhdFlk9

Anyone notice the pulley on this one! 2.9! perfect before you have to do internals. Assuming the rotors are still in good shape.

 

[Karter2026]

@Tinkles The swap is tempting too, however, I haven't seen a M62 sell for less than $600 recently by itself. One would need a number of other bits on top of the M62.

I got all of my stuff for the swap piece by piece for about $800 total. I actually ended up with two intake manifolds.

 

[Karter2026]

You still need the Idler pulley, belt tensioner, and alternator spacer bracket, but this is a good start.

I built a Idler pulley bracket for mine so I did not have to run the gutted A/C compressor. And just running a 5 rib belt so I did not have to change alternator and crank pulley.