4.6 vs 5.0 Cobra

98gt5sp · 09-06-2002, 04:05 AM

I have a 98 GT, and I am thinking of selling it and getting either a 94-95 Cobra or a 96-98. The main reason I am getting rid of my car for a cobra is that the heads and intake manifold are so crappy on the 98 GTs, and they cost a FORTUNE to replace. Replacing the intake manifold is necessary if I want to go the blower route, and I can't do a supercharger and heads together w/out a new short block because of compression issues. It might be nice to go with the 5.0L cobra, since the engine is much simpler, easier to work on, and since the car is much cheaper to mod. However, the 96-98 cobra has 65 more horsepower stock than the 5.0L (305 instead of 240), and the cylinder heads are much stronger than mine even though its 4.6L. Is the 65 extra horsepower and 13.99 stock 1/4 mile times (as opposed to 14.5 1/4 times for 94-95) worth the increased cost to mod the car and the increased difficulty in engine work? I know this is getting back to the huge question of which is better, 4.6L or 5.0L, but any advice/input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

-98gt5sp

surfbeast · 09-06-2002, 05:58 AM

Newer is better! Sure the parts are a bit more now but they are getting cheaper. Also, most of the older Cobras are high milage and used/abused. If you want the HP then you have to be willing to pay for it. You can make your 98 GT a monster if you pay the money. Look at Hammers car! Also, do a price comparison. If cost is your main objective then go with the best cost to HP ( cost of car divided by HP ) for you. But also look at the longevity of your car and the total dollars you need to spend to get to your goal.
The 96 - 98 cobra is a much better car just like a 99-02 cobra is better than that and the 03 Cobra kills them all! It all comes down to HOW MUCH MONEY YA GOT!!

tireburner163 · 09-06-2002, 08:09 AM

The 95 Cobra is under-rated, it pushed about 260hp.....talk StopLightWarrior, he's got a 95 Cobra.

Dark_5.0 · 09-06-2002, 10:01 AM

Go with the 94-95 cobra, change the computer and put in an agressive cam. Then throw in some gears and exhaust mods and you would be hauling @ss my friend.

My 5.0 has. Ported polished and milled stock heads........65mm TB....and an Explorer intake. Gears and exhaust and it is as fast as my 01 cobra.

JMO,

09-06-2002, 04:05 AM	#1
98gt5sp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Washington Posts: 40	4.6 vs 5.0 Cobra I have a 98 GT, and I am thinking of selling it and getting either a 94-95 Cobra or a 96-98. The main reason I am getting rid of my car for a cobra is that the heads and intake manifold are so crappy on the 98 GTs, and they cost a FORTUNE to replace. Replacing the intake manifold is necessary if I want to go the blower route, and I can't do a supercharger and heads together w/out a new short block because of compression issues. It might be nice to go with the 5.0L cobra, since the engine is much simpler, easier to work on, and since the car is much cheaper to mod. However, the 96-98 cobra has 65 more horsepower stock than the 5.0L (305 instead of 240), and the cylinder heads are much stronger than mine even though its 4.6L. Is the 65 extra horsepower and 13.99 stock 1/4 mile times (as opposed to 14.5 1/4 times for 94-95) worth the increased cost to mod the car and the increased difficulty in engine work? I know this is getting back to the huge question of which is better, 4.6L or 5.0L, but any advice/input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, -98gt5sp __________________ 1998 Silver Mustang GT 5sp My Mods My Web Page Rice Hater's Club - Member # 78

09-06-2002, 05:58 AM	#2
surfbeast Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Maryville,TN Posts: 415	Newer is better! Sure the parts are a bit more now but they are getting cheaper. Also, most of the older Cobras are high milage and used/abused. If you want the HP then you have to be willing to pay for it. You can make your 98 GT a monster if you pay the money. Look at Hammers car! Also, do a price comparison. If cost is your main objective then go with the best cost to HP ( cost of car divided by HP ) for you. But also look at the longevity of your car and the total dollars you need to spend to get to your goal. The 96 - 98 cobra is a much better car just like a 99-02 cobra is better than that and the 03 Cobra kills them all! It all comes down to HOW MUCH MONEY YA GOT!! __________________ 98 GT / convertable -98 Saleen engine, Saleen appearance pkg. SHM cams,P&P NPI heads, and so much more!

09-06-2002, 08:09 AM	#3
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	The 95 Cobra is under-rated, it pushed about 260hp.....talk StopLightWarrior, he's got a 95 Cobra. __________________ 1987 Buick T-type 1998 HD Electra Elide

09-06-2002, 10:01 AM	#4
Dark_5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Staging lane Posts: 4,337	Go with the 94-95 cobra, change the computer and put in an agressive cam. Then throw in some gears and exhaust mods and you would be hauling @ss my friend. My 5.0 has. Ported polished and milled stock heads........65mm TB....and an Explorer intake. Gears and exhaust and it is as fast as my 01 cobra. JMO, __________________ 92' LX-Big brakes, Lots and lots of suspension, GT40X heads, Ported cobra intake, stock cam, Vortech SC trim. 00' Lightning-Stock 88'CRX-13 second ego killer

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