Quote:
Originally Posted by mhyatt89
so lets say i have a built LSJ out of a wrecked 06 cobalt ss. also lets say i find a solstice that is wrecked or has a blown 2.4 or 2.0. would it be possible to swap my LSJ into a solstice. what things should i be aware of? i need persuation into buying a solstice to do this swap or to buy another cobalt to swap into. Thanks
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There aren't very many Solstices that have blown engines since most are still under warranty for the engine. What's more, GM extended the power train warranty to 100K miles, so few if any Solstices have run out of power train warranty, so that's probably not an option.
Accident damaged solstices have occurred, but I'm not sure where you'd go to get one with a salvaged title. Then too, that's what you had with the Cobalt SS, so this probably isn't a win either. The truth is that when you buy a salvage vehicle, the asking price is darn close to the difference between the blue book and the cost to repair, so that's a wash as well--might as well just get a used Solstice that hasn't been in an accident that totaled it.
Regarding engine re-fits, well, there are numerous Solstice V8 conversions, so this is possible.
I guess the first question to ask is does your LSJ produce more power and torque than the GXP LNF engine? (260 HP / 260 FtLbs). Since the LSJ started at 205 HP / 200 FtLbs, you'd need to have increased it to somewhere north of 300 for this to make sense. If not, then this may be more of a personal quest to help your handywork on the LSJ live again. Nothing wrong with personal quests, but for the amount that you'd spend on the swap, you could easily stage the GXP's 2.0 up to 300 or more HP with torque to match.
One more thing to consider is that the 2.0 LNF had some very substantial re-design work done to strengthen the block, and improve the water jacket capacity over your older LSJ. Basically, the LNF was the next generation, 2 years later than the LSJ, and learned much from racing and experience with the LSJ. So again, the starting platform of an LNF is a better platform for intense modification--there are LNFs getting into the high 300's, and a few that are starting to knock on 400...
So, getting back to your question, perhaps an older Cobalt could be more easily re-fitted with your LSJ, and since they've been around for long enough to exceed their factory warranty on the power train, you might be able to find an older Cobalt with a blown motor. Also, since the Cobalt had a lower initial sticker than a Solstice, you'd be far more likely to find one with a straight body and a blown motor at an asking price that would make your project very much worth while.
If, on the other hand, you like the looks and ride of the Solstice (4 wheel fully independent, rear wheel drive, center mount limited slip differential with 4 wheel double A-Arm coil-over suspension on a hydroformed, fully boxed, ultra rigid frame) versus the Cobalt (front drive MacPherson strut suspension with a stamped beam LIVE AXEL in the back--not independent at all--in a unibody construction platform), then maybe the best solution is to sell the LSJ to a fellow Cobalt enthusiast, pick up a used GXP, and start a quest to amp up the newer, beefier LNF... You might even be able to get close to that magic 400 HP...
Best of luck with your project, and welcome to the forum.
I'm sure that Many Many others here will have vastly differing opinions, so fasten your seat belts--here we go!
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