VVT Donor first build

[Batmonkey]

Hey
I am selecting my donor for my first build. Should I be looking for the cobalt SS with variable valve timing?

 

[JeffsGoblin]

You have three choices for the stock SS model:
1 Turbocharged at 260HP which has variable valve timing (2008 to 2010); known as the LNF
2. Supercharged at 205HP (2005 to 2007); known as the LSJ
3. Naturally Aspirated at 171HP which has variable valve timing (~2006); known as the LE5

More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Cobalt_SS

 

[Batmonkey]

Yes, but is it better to get a donor that has VVT? what are the advantages of using a donor with VVT?

 

[Fozda]

Yes, but is it better to get a donor that has VVT? what are the advantages of using a donor with VVT?

Are you doing an N/A build?

 

[George]

VVT gives a broader power range.

Brad

 

[JeffsGoblin]

Yes, but is it better to get a donor that has VVT? what are the advantages of using a donor with VVT?

Since the Turbo LNF provides the most stock horsepower and Brad added the broader power range, I think that would be your answer. More power baby! Also more info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_valve_timing

 

[Batmonkey]

Are you doing an N/A build?

If you mean North American, yes

 

[Batmonkey]

I have two 2006 cobalt SS for decent price I can get with fairly low KM. But there are so basic stock ones I can get for 500$ with no VVT. Ill be building an off road model.

 

[Karter2026]

If you mean North American, yes

N/A === Naturally Aspirated

 

[Ross]

The off-road Goblin AT kit is an automatic transmission, because of the lower differential gear ratio which works well with the bigger off road tires.
So you probably want the automatic tranny for the lower gear ratio, which I think limits you to the 2.2L standard engine, and maybe the LE5.

These engines can be modified to higher HP, if you are willing to make changes to them... like adding the supercharger kit or turbo kit to the 2.2L.

 

[Batmonkey]

The off-road Goblin AT kit is an automatic transmission, because of the lower differential gear ratio which works well with the bigger off road tires.
So you probably want the automatic tranny for the lower gear ratio, which I think limits you to the 2.2L standard engine, and maybe the LE5.

oh hmm your right, thank you I just checked this now, ah decisions decisions now

 

[JeffsGoblin]

Very cool! I wish the All Terrain (AT) version was an option when I started this project. Lonny and Adam requires an automatic transmission for the AT version. So as Ross said above you really only have three choices... the L61, LAP, LE5 (see below) and I think all come with VVT. It looks like if you can find a LE5, you'll get the most HP out of the gate. LSJ and LNF are strictly manual transmissions.

 

[Batmonkey]

thats actually what I was looking at the 2006 Cobalt SS still has VVT

 

[Ross]

thats actually what I was looking at the 2006 Cobalt SS still has VVT

2006 had 2 different SS Cobalts. The NA 2.4L engine (LE5) and the supercharged 2.0L engine (LSJ). The LSJ doesn't have VVT, (this is my engine)... but that isn't a big deal to me, as you get lots of power of a LSJ by modifying it (Justin Reed runs his Goblin LSJ at 585HP to the wheels)

 

[Brian74]

The 2.4 prior to 2007 is supposedly built with forged components.

 

[Batmonkey]

And it begins 2010 LT 102,000 KM, 66,000 miles.

 

[JBINTX]

Alright! A fellow four door Cobalt killer!!!!........
Welcome aboard!