DF Goblin Build

[RockChucker]

It has been brutal. I had some time to work on it Saturday afternoon, but it was 110° in the garage, that wasn't happening.

Even this morning, I got a couple hours in on it before work, started at 5am, opened the garage door and it got "down" to 88° 🥵

Normally I'd just leave it until the weather cools off, but I really want it done for the fall driving weather.

I've got a cheapo box fan that does pretty good at keeping me comfortable when i'm working out there. I have a window shaker AC unit that I need to mount, but might be looking more at a swamper setup. My dad's neighbor has one in his garage and it works pretty good. Only concern is the humidity making everything rusty...

 

[Corban_White]

You are definitely motivated! If you still need a hand when it cools off (becomes bearable) count me in!

 

[zmotorsports]

Just saw this.

Great build.

You're going to love that power to weight ratio. My sandrail had about 360hp in a 1200 pound car and was an absolutle handful to drive but what a rush......

Mike

 

[benjy]

Just saw this.

Great build.

You're going to love that power to weight ratio. My sandrail had about 360hp in a 1200 pound car and was an absolutle handful to drive but what a rush......

Mike

I bet that was a handful!

 

[benjy]

Can any old machine shop redrill hubs to a new lug pattern? The factory pattern on an SS Cobalt is 5x110, and wheel options <18" aren't great, so I would like to drill them out to 5x114.3. The kit manufacturer will do it for $100, but I'm afraid I won't get the hubs back for 3 months

Otherwise I had a very productive weekend. Got her fired up for the first time. Funny story, I had been trying to chase down the reason it wouldn't crank on and off for a couple days. @Corban_White came over and had the issue nailed down within 10 minutes (it was a ground issue). We were also able to mount the subframe, assemble the front suspension, and resolve a motor mount issue.

It is very rewarding starting it up for the first time, especially after having the wiring harness in what looked like a rats nest a couple months ago.

 

[I Lean]

Can any old machine shop redrill hubs to a new lug pattern? The factory pattern on an SS Cobalt is 5x110, and wheel options <18" aren't great, so I would like to drill them out to 5x114.3. The kit manufacturer will do it for $100, but I'm afraid I won't get the hubs back for 3 months

Yes, any machine shop should be able to. Many won't want to though, they're more interested in production rather than one-off small jobs.
You might hit up @zmotorsports or @YROC FAB. and see if either of them would be willing? It would mean shipping, but....

Pretty awesome that it's running!

 

[benjy]

Progress has been steady on this thing. It has gone together as smoothly as I hoped. Last weekend I mounted and plumbed the heat exchanger, intercooler, air filter, wideband o2 sensor and some other miscellaneous electronics.

The punch list is definitely shrinking. Mount brakes, shifter, ebrake, bleed brake and clutch, lighting, body, and this thing will be ready to tear up StG. My hope is to have it licensed and driving in September. The thing is tiny in person, I think some guys on the builder forum take offense to the term "go kart", but it really does feel like an adult kart.

 

[benjy]

Been busy doing interview prep for a new gig so progress slowed a bit. However, when @Corban_White is in town and willing to wrench, you know work is going to get done.

Pulled off a first drive just before midnight

 

[UNSTUCK]

You can tell that thing just wants to rip!

 

[Gravy]

Roses are Red.
Violets are Blue.
Big turbos go "skotootoo!"

 

[Tonkaman]

I love the little giggles ha ha

 

[benjy]

Yessiree, registered and insured, the two possibly biggest hurdles for builders we’re pretty easy with no safety inspection and an insurance agent for a neighbor.

Still needs a few things before being “done”... vinyl wrap, air fuel ratio gauge installed, engine tuning (diy???), kick panel so gravy doesn’t destroy my bcm.

 

[kmboren]

This thing is so cool. So what are your future driving plans? Just a driver or some track days maybe?

 

[benjy]

This thing is so cool. So what are your future driving plans? Just a driver or some track days maybe?

I just took it to Home Depot...?

My original plan was a neat fair weather commuter. I used to have a 35 minute commute with some open stretches and windy sections. A week before this thing was registered I landed a new job that is 5 minutes from my house and includes a fringe benefit personal use truck (and it’s at a landfill, so if I drove it to work it would end up covered in compost soot).

I may do some auto cross events in Vegas... maybe some open track days... not really sure to be honest For now it’s a super fun errand runner.

 

[Coco]

Thats so sweet! Those Falken tires are awesome for these types of vehicles too.

 

[benjy]

Thats so sweet! Those Falken tires are awesome for these types of vehicles too.

Good eye! Most guys run the Toyo r888r. I wanted something a little more road friendly but could also be used on track, these seemed the perfect balance

 

[benjy]

Great date night car!