03/04 cobra engine in 96
 

How hard is it going to be to put a 03/04 mustang cobra engine in a 96GT. I heard it slides right in but little things are what make it a difficult swap.
What are your guys thoughts on this.


Thanks,
MonroeGT

Re: 03/04 cobra engine in 96
 

The motor itself will bolt right in. On top of the motor here are the things I can think of off the top of my head you'd need to address to make it work:
-taller hood
-fuel system
-flywheel and clutch to make your tranny work or ideally a beefier tranny so it will last
-computer or at least a tune if the 96 gt ECU can do it
-probably want a boost gauge
-wiring
-headers if it doesn't come with the manifolds
-better radiator
-mounting heat exchanger

Unless you can find a used one or one out of a wrecked Cobra for a bargain it gets pricey. FRPP is asking $11k just for the complete engine assembly.

Re: 03/04 cobra engine in 96
 

Fuel system and the PCM will be big hurdles. You might be able to fudge a fuel system at the stock HP levels, but when you start getting boost crazy like the 03-04 Cobras seem to instill, you're gonna find yourself upgrading to the Cobra pumps & tank anyways. Don't forget to grab an FPDM off the Cobra too. If you switch the PCM, you'll need the entire wiring harness since the 96 is a DIS system rather than coil-on-plug. 03-04 had different style injectors too so you'll either have to swap the harness, or get the adapters, or change the injectors to the old style.

It can be done, but it's gonna be a project. Physically the motor will drop right it, but the 96GT is gonna fall short particularly in the fuel department if you just start plugging things in.

Re: 03/04 cobra engine in 96
 

Best way is definitely a donor 03-4 Cobra. That's how I did mine. There are some little things you'll need to fix in the wiring even with the 03-04 harnesses too. My fuel pump wouldn't come on and the radio and cruise control didn't work until we made some adjustments to the wiring.