Looking at a 1996 Cobra. What are the problem areas?

cobrayankee · 10-10-2003, 12:27 PM

I've been away from here for a while now. I had a 97, then moved into a 2001. But now I'm looking at a 1996 with 46,000 miles on it. I seem to remember some cooling issues with them. Can you guys give me some quick things to look out for when I'm driving it and looking it over? Thanks in advance,
Jeff

GodStang · 10-10-2003, 03:41 PM

I agree with the cooling. That has low miles so must stuff should be good. Why did you get rid of the 2001 Cobra? You may want to check the IMRC. They kept getting stuck open on my friends. If he ran at 3500 RPMS for a couple of mins and then slowed down the would stay open.

The Deuce · 10-11-2003, 10:24 AM

There is some issue with the radiator, but steeda has an aluminum, which I would drop in anyway.

WHITE_SVT_SNAKE · 10-14-2003, 02:46 PM

I have a 96 Cobra and it has 44k Miles on it and I have only had one problem with it... It Can get you in trouble with police... That might be because of my exhaust.... but who knows

.... Seriously though, I've never had one problem with it, Not one complaint of any kind... Its been the most trouble free car I have ever owned... especially considering I drive pretty aggressive and race every now and then.... Well I guess if u were going to do something stupid like one person who previously posted, Drive around for a coupla minutes at over 3,500.... Its not a race Car its an automobile for transporting people... Quickly

... And as to the posts about Over heating... I guess i got a good one because Its engine has never crested 180 degrees even in the DEAD HEAT of Georiga's Summers with 2million percent humidity... And I've done long distance trips as well as around town daily... As to the IMRC Actuator sticking, I've heard of this happening but it seems to be only with people who are supercharged, have Ported heads, a ported intake, or nitrous and have an adrenaline addiction problem

. Personally I have ported heads and a few smaller mods, and its yet to happen to me. plus I get around 25 MPG on the highway... and 15-18 around down depending how aggressive i drive... Its comfortable, got a good factory stereo, and awesome Air and Heating... Thats about all there is to say about that.... If you have any questions... let me know...

10-10-2003, 12:27 PM	#1
cobrayankee Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 516	Looking at a 1996 Cobra. What are the problem areas? I've been away from here for a while now. I had a 97, then moved into a 2001. But now I'm looking at a 1996 with 46,000 miles on it. I seem to remember some cooling issues with them. Can you guys give me some quick things to look out for when I'm driving it and looking it over? Thanks in advance, Jeff

10-10-2003, 03:41 PM	#2
GodStang College Stanger Join Date: May 1999 Location: Aiken,south carolina, usa Posts: 1,097	I agree with the cooling. That has low miles so must stuff should be good. Why did you get rid of the 2001 Cobra? You may want to check the IMRC. They kept getting stuck open on my friends. If he ran at 3500 RPMS for a couple of mins and then slowed down the would stay open. __________________ 2003 Sonic Blue Cobra

10-11-2003, 10:24 AM	#3
The Deuce Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,325	There is some issue with the radiator, but steeda has an aluminum, which I would drop in anyway. __________________ 1997 Mustang GT "The Freak" - 13.80 @ 101.70, 2.07 60' 1995 Honda VFR750 - not much @ really fast (actual data pending.) 1964.5 Mustang 289 Rice Haters Club Member #13

10-14-2003, 02:46 PM	#4
WHITE_SVT_SNAKE Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dublin, GA Posts: 29	I have a 96 Cobra I have a 96 Cobra and it has 44k Miles on it and I have only had one problem with it... It Can get you in trouble with police... That might be because of my exhaust.... but who knows .... Seriously though, I've never had one problem with it, Not one complaint of any kind... Its been the most trouble free car I have ever owned... especially considering I drive pretty aggressive and race every now and then.... Well I guess if u were going to do something stupid like one person who previously posted, Drive around for a coupla minutes at over 3,500.... Its not a race Car its an automobile for transporting people... Quickly ... And as to the posts about Over heating... I guess i got a good one because Its engine has never crested 180 degrees even in the DEAD HEAT of Georiga's Summers with 2million percent humidity... And I've done long distance trips as well as around town daily... As to the IMRC Actuator sticking, I've heard of this happening but it seems to be only with people who are supercharged, have Ported heads, a ported intake, or nitrous and have an adrenaline addiction problem . Personally I have ported heads and a few smaller mods, and its yet to happen to me. plus I get around 25 MPG on the highway... and 15-18 around down depending how aggressive i drive... Its comfortable, got a good factory stereo, and awesome Air and Heating... Thats about all there is to say about that.... If you have any questions... let me know... __________________ 1996 Mustang Cobra Ported Factory Heads, New Performance valvetrain , BBK 62MM TB, Sean Hyland Spec Stage One Cams, Dual Friction Centerforce Clutch, Steeda Tri-ax, Mac Cold Air, Saleen Wheels (18x9 & 18x10), Among other things... "I Like anything Fast Enough to Do Something Stupid In"

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