- Adam Administrator
Owner Info
| Name | Jarad Turpen |
|---|---|
| Location | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Goblin Year Model | 2022 |
| Build Log | Build Log - Goblin #441 |
Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a middle school counselor in Greenville SC, who loves wrenching on the weekend. I am 26, and married with two dogs. Cars have always been a passion of mine, and the Goblin has opened a whole new world of skills and experiences.
What drew you to the Goblin?
I finished my master's in 2022 and had planned on a graduation gift to myself. I wanted a C5 Vette, but the market made what was a 10k car, a 20k car. The Goblin has significantly more value per dollar, and I love a good project.
How does the Goblin fit into your lifestyle? (daily driver, weekend warrior, both)
Daily Driver
Tell us about your build. (who did you build it with? where did you build it?)
I placed my deposit in June of 2022 and had the car fully assembled with plates in April of 2023. All of the work was completed in my garage. Before the build, my mechanical experience was limited to brake pads and spark plugs. Despite my inexperience, I felt confident throughout the build. The videos and forum help you stay a few steps ahead. YouTube fills in the gaps. Since then, I have put about 5 thousand miles on the car.
What, if anything, have you modified on your Goblin that sets it apart from others?
A big WANG The hood is plasti-dipped. It's not a showroom finish by any means, but a cheap alternative until I have the funds to make it perfect. It has a colorshifting finish, with metal flakes. Three MEGABOOM 3 bluetooth speakers - they all sync together and sound great up to about 50 MPH. I used UTV mirrors with an integrated DRL and blinkers. Amazon special Other than that, very basic upgrades. - 2.9 Pulley, 60# injectors, Dual Pass Endplate, Option B kit, colder plugs, and tuning using HP Tuners (thanks to a fellow Goblin owner).
Do you have any memorable road trips, races or events you've attended in your Goblin?
In July I attended my very first Hillclimb racing event. It took place at the Tail of the Dragon and is unlike anything else I have done. I was terrified on my first run but gained confidence throughout the event. I finished 4th in my class, 35th overall. If you like adrenaline, this is a must-try! I also use the Goblin in local autocross events; a watered-down version of a Hillclimb. It provides a better place for a novice (like myself) to start, and helps you figure out what the "limit" feels like.
Is there a particular aspect of the Goblin—be it the design, performance, or community—that you appreciate the most?
First off, the community could not be better. Have an electrical gremlin you can't figure out? Post it in the forum/Facebook and you'll have 5+ owners commenting on the remedies they used on the same problem. Performance-wise, I love how cheap maintenance is on the car now that it is complete. You can buy a fully running donor for a few grand and have parts galore. It's also a bonus how happy it makes MOST people who see you drive by. When you pull into a car meet, you will have several approach you to check out the build before you have time to take your helmet off.
Finally, do you have any future plans for your Goblin—any upcoming modifications, trips, or events?
I hope to attend all three of the Hillclimb events in 2025, and attend autocross events more regularly. If I'm REALLY lucky, I hope to have completed the infamous LSJ turbo swap. The sound of the supercharger is intoxicating, but it can't compete with even an entry-level turbo swap kit.
