[TarPony]

I know that this has been asked in general before, but I have specific questions.
I have been casually searching for a IRS to swap for my 8.8 over the past several months. The answers could be deal busters or make my day. This seems like a straightforward swap except for component configuration and similarities/differences between the GT and a Cobra. It doesn't look like any welding or fabrication would need to take place and I have heard that the mounting points are the same. It alsmot seems like a weekend job. Answers and opinions would be greatly appreciated:
1) Are the cobra rear brakes the same as the GT or would I have to retrofit the fronts on my GT with Cobra's brakes to retain bias and match up. Are there differences in proportioning?
2) What about shocks, would I have to upgrade the front struts to cobra spec to maintain balance? Spring rates front (GT) rear(Cobra)
3) What about dimensions? Is the out to out width the same as the GT 8.8. I have some pretty wide Saleen Wheels and would have to fit these under the car after the swap.
4) What about Cobra exhaust, does it hook at the same points from the GT H Pipe as the Cobra H pipe?
5) Is there a difference between the Cobra drive shaft and the GT. What about length, pinion angle, u joint compatibility etc.
6 Is the ride height on the rear the same between the Cobra and GT?
7) Are there anyother differences that I am not seeing that would be a suprise?
Any help is appreciated,
Regards, Tarpony

[GTRaptor]

Originally posted by TarPony

1) Are the cobra rear brakes the same as the GT or would I have to retrofit the fronts on my GT with Cobra's brakes to retain bias and match up. Are there differences in proportioning?
2) What about shocks, would I have to upgrade the front struts to cobra spec to maintain balance? Spring rates front (GT) rear(Cobra)
3) What about dimensions? Is the out to out width the same as the GT 8.8. I have some pretty wide Saleen Wheels and would have to fit these under the car after the swap.
4) What about Cobra exhaust, does it hook at the same points from the GT H Pipe as the Cobra H pipe?
5) Is there a difference between the Cobra drive shaft and the GT. What about length, pinion angle, u joint compatibility etc.
6 Is the ride height on the rear the same between the Cobra and GT?
7) Are there anyother differences that I am not seeing that would be a suprise?
Any help is appreciated,
Regards, Tarpony

1) Theres a difference in proportioning, get an adj, prop valve.
2) No need to change struts, you most probably end up with a bit more understeer thanks to the IRS. So is up to you to upgrade to stiffer struts or springs depending on how the car handles.
3) The IRS is wider, i think more than an inch"
4) Will be a close match, a muffler shop might be able to adapt it.
5) Will fit without a problem, same length.
6) I think it is the same...not 100%
7)....blank

[Mike Kievit]

Drive shafts are not the same length. GT is 45 1/2" Cobra is 44 1/2".

There are different rear Vert springs on both models. If you swap from a coupe to your car then the rear may sit lower.

That is all I can think of Raptor answered all but number 5 correctly. The driveshaft discussion could go on and on. It may fit on some models, and not on others. Factory IRS Cobra's came with 44 1/2" shafts so it's best to maintain that.

MK

[2003GT]

I remember when i dropped my driveshaft that there was a little room for play when I slid it back in which leads me to believe the driveshafts could be compatable. With the new rearend would it even affect the legnth between the diff and other end of the diveshaft? But if you want to be safe I would reccomend useing the driveshaft that matches the legnth.

[TarPony]

Thanks for the help guys!
TarPony