Thinking about joining the family

[95mustanggt]

Originally posted by Traumatique
Just noticed something, everyone's saying 96-98, or '03. Why not 99? Something wrong with the 99 model Cobras? Just wanting to make sure before I find one and snag it.. and it ends up being a problem car or something of the sort.

The 99's had some power problems and did not deliver the promised power from the factory. The IRS was also introduced and in drag racing applications....really sucks. Of course your still starting with a Cobra and the IRS can be made stronger and you can still modify the 99 4.6 DOHC to produce more power.

The 96-98 Cobras have a solid rear axle. I am not aware of any differences between the 96 and 97 Cobras, I believe there are some minor changes in the 98 Cobra (nothing that affects power output).

The 2003 Cobra is rated at 390HP, comes with 3.55 gears, a factory supercharger and 6 speed transmission. It is a lot of car for the $$.

To work on getting a 96-98 Cobra (without reading Hammers FAQ) I would say:

-4.10 gears minimum (consider 4.30's or 4.56's)
-K&N Air filter
-Bigger MAF and TB
-Cold Air Kit
-Pulleys
-Headers, on or off road X-pipe, high flow cat-back
-A quality shifter
-Good sticky tires.

That should start your car towards the 12's.