[91LX2Bfast]

The '03 Cobra will be an untapped resource.
That motor will have SO MUCH untapped potential. There are several Lightnings running 11's with only bolt on's, and thats with 2V heads and weighing 4600+lbs. I expect to see some Cobra's running 10's with out opening the engine up. Put on a drag suspension, exhaust, gears, chip, and up the boost and that should do it IMO.
*Cast Iron block instead of aluminum to handle the power
*new aluminum heads that flow better on the exhaust side (exactly what SC engines need)
*carryover forged-steel crankshaft, which is fitted with new Manley forged "H-beam" connecting rods (the rods were the only "weak" point in the Lightning engines. Weak point I mean that they start to give out at over 500 HP. Apparently SVT is going to make sure this isn't a problem, although its something they didn't have to do.) Forged pistons similar to those in the SVT F-150 Lightning (8.5:1 cr,) and an aluminum flywheel similar to the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R’s.

So this thing has a fully built shortblock. It should handle 18+ lbs EASY, but I can see 20+ a possiblity. Power production will only be limited by the Eaton's efficiency. So expect Kenne Bell to step up with an aftermarket blower to pump 18 lbs into that engine.

So, my take on it is, YES, you should be able to hit 450RWHP if you buy a '03 Cobra. That's if the Eaton is up to it. A number of lightnings are putting down between 400-450 rwhp with bolt on's, and thats through the auto and big 9.75" rear. So take it how you want it.