Travis B's Track goblin #479 - 08 SS

[WA08TC]

How's it going everyone, been lurking and planning for a few months now, picked up my 08 SS donor last month and put down my Stage 1 deposit last week. Should see if shipping fairly soon. I am in Pasco, WA and since the snow has mostly subsided I claimed the garage. We had a roll-off dumpster at our house for a day and was able to clean out the garage in prep for stripping the donor, which will get started on a few days. The 4hr drive from the sellers house to mine the car drove and shifted well but does have 155k on the clock.
Car has a stage 1 per the seller and the map sensors appear to be stage 1. Compression came out 125-130 across all 4 cylinders and when I pull the motor the LNF is going on a stand and getting regasketed. Also going to be stripping the head and doing new ZZP 82# valve springs and new valve seats while the head is getting cleaned up. Also a new KY clutch and possibly a turbo upgrade.
My last project car was a built motor SRT4 but that was back in 2013, excited to get back into the car scene. Will update as I go along with the stripping of the donor.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Since you will have the engine out and opened up, replacement of the timing set is highly recommended - based on the miles reported. Also be conservative on the amount of HP that will be added to a 'mature' engine. The stage 1 level on the LNF (300ish HP) is absolutely astounding performance in the Goblin. Most on the forum would probably recommend holding off on the HP upgrades and get to know your Goblin first - unless you are building a track focused car right off the bat?

 

[WA08TC]

Yeah the seller mentioned he did the timing kit and water pump recently which makes me think he knows what he is talking about since they are normally done together. So when it's opened up I am going to take a look at everything. The turbo will come later since it is easy to reach in the goblin. Going to enjoy it first for sure. Not going to rush into HP mods.

 

[Robinjo]

The stage 1 level on the LNF (300ish HP) is absolutely astounding performance in the Goblin. Most on the forum would probably recommend holding off on the HP upgrades and get to know your Goblin first - unless you are building a track focused car right off the bat?

I agree with this, on both points. I know my Stage 2 SC version is a riot to drive but it did take a bit to get used to. The acceleration is insane. The grip around a turn is even more so. The machine is much more capable than me, so no need to add more until I'm closer to it's potential.

 

[WA08TC]

3/1/23
Was able to work on the the car today, finished build videos 1-3 I'm just at the point where I need to pull the motor. Borrowing a friend's hoist sometime in the next few days. Feels good to see some progress.

 

[Rttoys]

I had that Jordan poster, back in the day.

no need for an engine hoist. Use a couple of jacks under the body of the car and lift the car off the engine/drivetrain.

 

[WA08TC]

My aunt gave it to me years ago, it's the 3rd house it's been in. Hoping to make more progress tomorrow. But I work tomorrow night just we will see what happens.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Or if the donor carcass is heading to the scrap yard, cut the front section of the frame off and roll the engine out of the front without needing to lift anything much.

 

[WA08TC]

3/2/2023
Was able to pull the motor today. Ended up going to Harbor Freight and getting a hoist, had a buddy swing by and def made stripping the motor and dropping it much easier. The engine is going to sit on the stand until I finish the teardown then I'll dig into the motor. Progress.

 

[WA08TC]

3/3
Working nights this week so I had between 12 and 330p to get some more stuff done, pulled out the interior and removed the dash. Have a couple more hours today going to try and get the harness out of the interior and tomorrow I'll try and strip the dash.

 

[Rttoys]

As we tell everyone, don’t forget the park brake handle and the tubes with the park brake cables.

 

[WA08TC]

3/6
Was able to tear out the interior wiring, remove all the E brake cables and lines, as well as the brake clips from the rear. Didn't remove the rear suspensions or brakes due to SS build and coilovers. Have a guy picking up the carcass tomorrow and hauling it away along with all the parts taken off to access everything. Ill take the dash assembly apart tomorrow. Was a good 4-5hrs today.

 

[jirwin]

That sick sound system making its way to the Goblin too?

 

[WA08TC]

Haha no I also found a little surprise while ripping up the carpet, but maybe the seller was diabetic.....

 

[Ark :D]

Don't forget to take out the e-brake tubes also.

 

[WA08TC]

Missed that. Got em.

 

[WA08TC]

3/7
Body got taken away, picked up some parts and gaskets for the motor. Going to wash the block and throw in some gaskets.l and make it look all purdy, Now just waiting for the kit.

 

[WA08TC]

3/26
Kit arrived, separating parts for powder coating, ordered the footwell cover as well but not sure I got it. Unless the footwell cover changed design, need help identifying the aluminum pieces for powdercoat.

 

[Ark :D]

The footwell cover is a molded fiberglass piece like the engine cover.

 

[WA08TC]

Ok I assumed so but wanted to double check. I'll also assume these pieces are all floor and rear firewall?. Overall really excited for the project to come together.