Swapping Engines/Transmission

[LonnieD]

I don't know who told you that the 03 wouldn't bolt into your 96 Cobra but it will. You will need to fab up the trans mount. As for the EEC/PCMs, you can use your stock 96 and have it reflashed. I know, I've done this many times. The same for those wanting to swap a 5.4, that I've also done. What you will run into with the 03/04 Cobra swap is it has a few extra sensors and actuators. You don't need some of them but who ever you use for the tuning needs to know which ones you are using and they (if they know) will tell you which ones you have to keep. Also, you will have to come up with your own inner cooler circuit to run the pump. Most of the wiring is pretty straight forward but spend the extra time to purchase and go through a EVTM for both years so that you have everything covered for the wiring.

Now if you want you can go with the 03 wiring harness and EEC since it will pretty much drop right in to your 96. I would use all the 03 under hood fuse boxes to make things easier.