cobra or gt-40?

kystang86 · 10-10-2001, 02:58 PM

here's the deal. im building a motor,it will have a stock bottom,stock bore,e-303,gt-40 iron heads with a good port job, and a 65mm throttle body with stock mass-air meter. my question is which intake would be better to use with this combo??

------------------
86 gt 3.73's,underdrives, welds, pro-5.0 shifted, chip,autometers,flowmasters, k&n,2.5" cowl hood, new motor in the works..

89 Cobra LX · 10-10-2001, 03:18 PM

There's not much difference between the two. The GT-40 will outflow the Cobra a very little in the upper-RPMs. The two intakes share the same lower intake.

------------------
Eric - 89 Mustang LX coupe
302 - Cobra Intake - GT40p heads - TFS stage 1 cam - FRPP 1.6 roller rockers - Naturally Aspirated
3:73 gears - KYB shocks and struts - Eibach springs - HPM Mega-bite Jr lower control arms - HPM upper control arms

302 LX Eric · 10-10-2001, 04:14 PM

Ditto what 89 Cobra LX said.

Really, between those two, it just comes down to which looks better. I personally like the GT-40 better.

E

------------------
1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 38,000 miles

13.17 @ 106.14 mph w/ 2.138 60'

10-10-2001, 04:29 PM

I'd get the GT40's if I'd have to choose between the 2.

------------------
'90 LX 5.0;12K original miles;FMS 3.55 gears; March pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads;BBK 1 5/8" equal length shorties;MSD 6AL ignition w/ blaster 2 coil;FMS E303 cam;Pro-M 75mm MAF;BBK 70mm TB; Eibach drag-launch spring kit;Southside weld-on subs;9" K&N cone filter charger;Hurst shifter;Cervini 3" turbo hood;A/C delete;gutted cats;2 chamber Flomasters;Corbeau racing seats;FMS 30# injectors;JMS custom chip;Holley 190lb fp;TFS track heat intake (12.299 @ 113mph w/ a 1.78 60')
....soon to be b

exgmguy · 10-10-2001, 05:26 PM

They flow the same. The GT-40 does cool quicker at the track though....

------------------
1988 Mustang GT
11.8 @ 123 (7/14/01)
11.5 @ 120 (9/14/01)
1992 BadAzz Wrangler
1993 Explorer

See my car at: www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?179

Unit 5302 · 10-10-2001, 06:39 PM

Something else that may be important to you, you cannot port the upper on the GT-40. It's runner walls are too thin. The Cobra can be made to flow better than the GT-40 with porting. Stock, they flow almost exactly the same.

Now, do you want to know there is a 3rd intake that uses the same lower as the GT-40 and the Cobra?

Regardless, there is. It's the 5.0L Ford Explorer intake. Again, virtually identical to the GT-40 and Cobra in flow, and cheaper still.

stevstum · 10-12-2001, 01:41 PM

I could not find a price on the Explorer intake. What do they cost and where should I order for the best service?

------------------
Steve Stumbaugh

89 LX 5.0 5sp, Removed air silencer, Mac High Flow Air Filter, Motorcraft 8mm wires, Autolite platinum plugs, BBK O/R h-pipe, Flowmaster Amrican Thunder

Unit 5302 · 10-12-2001, 06:27 PM

Take a look on Ebay for the explorer intake. I know somebody else must sell them, I just haven't been looking though.

Mach 1 · 10-13-2001, 03:27 PM

I havent done any recent research on the explorer intake, but I dont recall it ever flowing as good as the cobra/gt40.

To the best of my knowledge, it flows considerably less, therefore, you should buy the cobra intake. Best bang for the buck.

------------------
1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT

Unit 5302 · 10-13-2001, 05:34 PM

Well then, take it from somebody who has. The GT-40, Cobra, and the Explorer all use the same lower. The uppers are all different, but not a whole lot different in overall flow.

The flowbench results I have seen have gone from the Explorer flowing 189 to the Cobra at 199 and the GT-40 at 200.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...on/index.shtml
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/F.../Explorer.html
http://www.ronmorrisperformance.com/06tech/

These three sites I pulled up in about 3 minutes of searching. The Explorer isn't much off, if any, from the GT-40 or Cobra.

Mach 1 · 10-13-2001, 10:03 PM

189 compared to 199. Sounds like a decent difference in performance to me.

Your own numbers agree with what I said. The explorer flows less than the cobra. 10 cfm is a considerable difference, and I would recommend buying the cobra for this reason.

have a nice day.

------------------
1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT

Unit 5302 · 10-13-2001, 11:21 PM

Question is, will the heads utilize the flow. The answer is no. btw, 10cfm up there is about 5%. For about $100-200 difference.

Like I said, virtually identical. From some flow numbers I have seen the actual flow varies quite a bit within the same intake, which may be why according to Ford Muscle the reports they have seen go from the Explorer being a little better to a little less. Or Ron Davis' site where he states the Explorer made just as much power if not more.

Bottom line is his intake will flow right with his heads, with the Explorer or the Cobra, or the GT-40.

Mach 1 · 10-14-2001, 12:10 PM

I think theres a good chance ported GT40 irons will flow more than the stock explorer can support. I guess it depends on how the poting goes and how much they flow after that, but I guess you know that already too.

Anyway, Im not disputing what intake will work best with his heads, but its clear we have a different definition of "virtually identical".

10 CFM, in my opinion, and many others Im sure, is not "virtually identical" when it comes to the world of airflow and manifolds and I thought kystang86 might be interested in this information before he decides to buy a explorer only to find out later it flows considerably less than the cobra.

I would let you slide on calling the cobra to the GT40 "virtually identical" being that they are around 1 cfm difference, but not the explorer to the cobra.

------------------
1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT

Unit 5302 · 10-14-2001, 02:43 PM

Could it be, have I riled Mach 1 out of his bomb shelter that he's been hiding in recently? LOL

I understand where you are coming from with the 10cfm, but according to the people talking dyno numbers the Explorer is right with the other two. I honestly am having a hard time believing there is as much difference between the manifolds as that flowdata is showing, but if that is the case, you are right. 10cfm is worth noting. That's a little less than the difference between those shitty Edelbrock heads and the kick *** Trick Flow's. HEHEHE. Just for some info, on average the stock intake flows 136. That's quite a bit less than the stock heads, but slapping just an intake onto a stock 5.0 won't do a whole lot for you. The GT-40 irons and P's flow right about the same on the intake side. Between 190-195cfm.

I may actually let you win this arguement.

84LX89GT · 10-14-2001, 03:28 PM

I'm surprised no one mentioned the prices for these manifolds:
Explorer upper/lower - around $300 or less
(you have to modify this one because it doesn't come with an ECT sensor bung in it so you have to drill and tap a fitting for it)
Cobra upper/lower - $400 most places
GT40 upper/lower - $600
If money isn't an object a GT40 is the best way to go, but i personally wouldn't buy it for that price because you can get basically any other manufacturers best manifold for quite a bit less than that. of course, this is just my opinion.

------------------
Mustang Parts Specialties ripped me off, it could happen to you as well.
'84 Mustang 5.0 LX
my LX
'89 Mustang GT
my GT

[This message has been edited by 84LX89GT (edited 10-14-2001).]

Mach 1 · 10-14-2001, 03:41 PM

Hey, thats not nice..

I bought edelbrock heads because they use quality components and fit my needs perfectly, not because they flow the best. Trick Flow made garbage heads at the time I bought mine, and if you like them so much, how come you dont have any? Cant figure out how to install them?

But I will give you this, considering the big difference in price, the 10 cfm might not be as important as the $200.00 to the buyer, just thought he should have good information, and not think the two are "identical".

------------------
1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT

kystang86 · 10-15-2001, 04:14 PM

Wow i didnt mean to get so tech. the gt-40 i,m looking at is 200.00 for upper and lower. so i guess it,s a done deal there. my other question is. it has some sort of plugs in the center of the lower and upper, whats the deal there?

------------------
86 gt 3.73's,underdrives, welds, pro-5.0 shifted, chip,autometers,flowmasters, k&n,2.5" cowl hood, new motor in the works..

302 LX Eric · 10-15-2001, 04:25 PM

Good choice.

BTW - with your combo, the "non-porting issue" of the upper GT-40 is not going to be a concern.

Take care,
E

------------------
1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 38,000 miles

13.17 @ 106.14 mph w/ 2.138 60'

10-10-2001, 02:58 PM	#1
kystang86 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: frankfort,ky Posts: 54	cobra or gt-40? here's the deal. im building a motor,it will have a stock bottom,stock bore,e-303,gt-40 iron heads with a good port job, and a 65mm throttle body with stock mass-air meter. my question is which intake would be better to use with this combo?? ------------------ 86 gt 3.73's,underdrives, welds, pro-5.0 shifted, chip,autometers,flowmasters, k&n,2.5" cowl hood, new motor in the works..

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10-10-2001, 03:18 PM	#2
89 Cobra LX Don Corlione Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Omaha NE USA Posts: 491	There's not much difference between the two. The GT-40 will outflow the Cobra a very little in the upper-RPMs. The two intakes share the same lower intake. ------------------ Eric - 89 Mustang LX coupe 302 - Cobra Intake - GT40p heads - TFS stage 1 cam - FRPP 1.6 roller rockers - Naturally Aspirated 3:73 gears - KYB shocks and struts - Eibach springs - HPM Mega-bite Jr lower control arms - HPM upper control arms

10-10-2001, 04:14 PM	#3
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Ditto what 89 Cobra LX said. Really, between those two, it just comes down to which looks better. I personally like the GT-40 better. E ------------------ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 38,000 miles 13.17 @ 106.14 mph w/ 2.138 60'

10-10-2001, 04:29 PM	#4
bada$$lx Guest Posts: n/a	I'd get the GT40's if I'd have to choose between the 2. ------------------ '90 LX 5.0;12K original miles;FMS 3.55 gears; March pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads;BBK 1 5/8" equal length shorties;MSD 6AL ignition w/ blaster 2 coil;FMS E303 cam;Pro-M 75mm MAF;BBK 70mm TB; Eibach drag-launch spring kit;Southside weld-on subs;9" K&N cone filter charger;Hurst shifter;Cervini 3" turbo hood;A/C delete;gutted cats;2 chamber Flomasters;Corbeau racing seats;FMS 30# injectors;JMS custom chip;Holley 190lb fp;TFS track heat intake (12.299 @ 113mph w/ a 1.78 60') ....soon to be b

10-10-2001, 05:26 PM	#5
exgmguy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Utica, Michigan Posts: 2,631	They flow the same. The GT-40 does cool quicker at the track though.... ------------------ 1988 Mustang GT 11.8 @ 123 (7/14/01) 11.5 @ 120 (9/14/01) 1992 BadAzz Wrangler 1993 Explorer See my car at: www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?179

10-10-2001, 06:39 PM	#6
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Something else that may be important to you, you cannot port the upper on the GT-40. It's runner walls are too thin. The Cobra can be made to flow better than the GT-40 with porting. Stock, they flow almost exactly the same. Now, do you want to know there is a 3rd intake that uses the same lower as the GT-40 and the Cobra? Regardless, there is. It's the 5.0L Ford Explorer intake. Again, virtually identical to the GT-40 and Cobra in flow, and cheaper still.

10-12-2001, 01:41 PM	#7
stevstum Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Salem, Or. USA Posts: 233	I could not find a price on the Explorer intake. What do they cost and where should I order for the best service? ------------------ Steve Stumbaugh 89 LX 5.0 5sp, Removed air silencer, Mac High Flow Air Filter, Motorcraft 8mm wires, Autolite platinum plugs, BBK O/R h-pipe, Flowmaster Amrican Thunder

10-12-2001, 06:27 PM	#8
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Take a look on Ebay for the explorer intake. I know somebody else must sell them, I just haven't been looking though.

10-13-2001, 03:27 PM	#9
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	I havent done any recent research on the explorer intake, but I dont recall it ever flowing as good as the cobra/gt40. To the best of my knowledge, it flows considerably less, therefore, you should buy the cobra intake. Best bang for the buck. ------------------ 1993 GT/AOD '93 Mustang GT

10-13-2001, 05:34 PM	#10
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Well then, take it from somebody who has. The GT-40, Cobra, and the Explorer all use the same lower. The uppers are all different, but not a whole lot different in overall flow. The flowbench results I have seen have gone from the Explorer flowing 189 to the Cobra at 199 and the GT-40 at 200. http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...on/index.shtml http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/F.../Explorer.html http://www.ronmorrisperformance.com/06tech/ These three sites I pulled up in about 3 minutes of searching. The Explorer isn't much off, if any, from the GT-40 or Cobra.

10-13-2001, 10:03 PM	#11
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	189 compared to 199. Sounds like a decent difference in performance to me. Your own numbers agree with what I said. The explorer flows less than the cobra. 10 cfm is a considerable difference, and I would recommend buying the cobra for this reason. have a nice day. ------------------ 1993 GT/AOD '93 Mustang GT

10-13-2001, 11:21 PM	#12
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Question is, will the heads utilize the flow. The answer is no. btw, 10cfm up there is about 5%. For about $100-200 difference. Like I said, virtually identical. From some flow numbers I have seen the actual flow varies quite a bit within the same intake, which may be why according to Ford Muscle the reports they have seen go from the Explorer being a little better to a little less. Or Ron Davis' site where he states the Explorer made just as much power if not more. Bottom line is his intake will flow right with his heads, with the Explorer or the Cobra, or the GT-40.

10-14-2001, 12:10 PM	#13
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	I think theres a good chance ported GT40 irons will flow more than the stock explorer can support. I guess it depends on how the poting goes and how much they flow after that, but I guess you know that already too. Anyway, Im not disputing what intake will work best with his heads, but its clear we have a different definition of "virtually identical". 10 CFM, in my opinion, and many others Im sure, is not "virtually identical" when it comes to the world of airflow and manifolds and I thought kystang86 might be interested in this information before he decides to buy a explorer only to find out later it flows considerably less than the cobra. I would let you slide on calling the cobra to the GT40 "virtually identical" being that they are around 1 cfm difference, but not the explorer to the cobra. ------------------ 1993 GT/AOD '93 Mustang GT

10-14-2001, 02:43 PM	#14
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Could it be, have I riled Mach 1 out of his bomb shelter that he's been hiding in recently? LOL I understand where you are coming from with the 10cfm, but according to the people talking dyno numbers the Explorer is right with the other two. I honestly am having a hard time believing there is as much difference between the manifolds as that flowdata is showing, but if that is the case, you are right. 10cfm is worth noting. That's a little less than the difference between those shitty Edelbrock heads and the kick *** Trick Flow's. HEHEHE. Just for some info, on average the stock intake flows 136. That's quite a bit less than the stock heads, but slapping just an intake onto a stock 5.0 won't do a whole lot for you. The GT-40 irons and P's flow right about the same on the intake side. Between 190-195cfm. I may actually let you win this arguement.

10-14-2001, 03:28 PM	#15
84LX89GT Mustangs Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,938	I'm surprised no one mentioned the prices for these manifolds: Explorer upper/lower - around $300 or less (you have to modify this one because it doesn't come with an ECT sensor bung in it so you have to drill and tap a fitting for it) Cobra upper/lower - $400 most places GT40 upper/lower - $600 If money isn't an object a GT40 is the best way to go, but i personally wouldn't buy it for that price because you can get basically any other manufacturers best manifold for quite a bit less than that. of course, this is just my opinion. ------------------ Mustang Parts Specialties ripped me off, it could happen to you as well. '84 Mustang 5.0 LX my LX '89 Mustang GT my GT [This message has been edited by 84LX89GT (edited 10-14-2001).]

10-14-2001, 03:41 PM	#16
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	Hey, thats not nice.. I bought edelbrock heads because they use quality components and fit my needs perfectly, not because they flow the best. Trick Flow made garbage heads at the time I bought mine, and if you like them so much, how come you dont have any? Cant figure out how to install them? But I will give you this, considering the big difference in price, the 10 cfm might not be as important as the $200.00 to the buyer, just thought he should have good information, and not think the two are "identical". ------------------ 1993 GT/AOD '93 Mustang GT

10-15-2001, 04:14 PM	#17
kystang86 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: frankfort,ky Posts: 54	Wow i didnt mean to get so tech. the gt-40 i,m looking at is 200.00 for upper and lower. so i guess it,s a done deal there. my other question is. it has some sort of plugs in the center of the lower and upper, whats the deal there? ------------------ 86 gt 3.73's,underdrives, welds, pro-5.0 shifted, chip,autometers,flowmasters, k&n,2.5" cowl hood, new motor in the works..

10-15-2001, 04:25 PM	#18
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Good choice. BTW - with your combo, the "non-porting issue" of the upper GT-40 is not going to be a concern. Take care, E ------------------ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 38,000 miles 13.17 @ 106.14 mph w/ 2.138 60'