Hello,
I'm a retired mechanical engineer from near Martinsville, VA, and am in the latter stages of a full restoration towards a 94 Cobra Convertible.
The car started life as a GT with AODE. My wife has wanted a red Mustang Convertible for years, but has always insisted it had to have an automatic transmission. But I've always wanted a Cobra. Therefore, the opportunity came to buy the convertible off eBay. It had slight damage and required a new front bumper cover, etc. Naturally, it had to have a Cobra bumper cover, since we had to buy one anyway.
Well, soon it became obvious that there are a lot of other parts that differ between a GT and a Cobra. So, I sat out to find everything necessary to make a complete and total change from GT body parts to all Cobra specific pieces. Then the drivetrain had to be upgraded as well. So, all those pieces were found and purchased, i.e., GT40 heads, 94-95 Cobra upper & lower intake, 1.7 Crane/Ford Roller Rocker Arms, etc.
That left suspension and brakes that had to be upgraded. A complete new Cobra brake system was purchased, along with a complete Bullitt suspension kit. The rear axles got upgraded to 31 spline axles, trac Lok and 4.10 gear. It got an aluminum driveshaft. The AODE got an upgrade kit for strength and a shift kit, plus a 2800 RPM stall converter.
The matching numbers engine received a full race prep, new forged pistons, new forged rods, 7 quart road race oil pan, etc., with all the machine work to make all parts race ready. The GT40 heads got 1.94 intake & 1.60 exhaust SS valves, plus gasket matching at intake and exhaust. Same with the upper & lower intake... Gasket matched at all ports.
The car will look 100% stock Cobra except for the AODE
trans. The oil pan isn't that noticable, as it is painted engine color and the stock oil dip stick is retained. Although, it will have an 80mm MAF, a 75mm TB and 24lb injectors, but the stock air box is retained, plus all emissions systems are retained and connected.
The exhaust system is upgraded, as well. 2 1/2" pipe throughout with catted X-pipe, and aggressive mufflers. The headers look near stock, although are larger and not as restrictive. Ford pieces are used everywhere. Nothing aftermarket has been used, which would change the appearance of the car from factory.
There is still a ways to go with the restoration, but it is on the downhill run. This is not my first restoration. I have been involved with the restoration of a fair number of cars. My garage has two already. My personal car is a 67 Super Stock Hemi Plymouth GTX with 4 speed and Dana 60. That rarely moves, anymore, as its value is too much to rish driving it. But I have a very rare 73 Torino with all the factory Ford high performance pieces, like a solid lifter 4 bolt main block, 4V heads with big valves, aluminum intake, 780 CFM Holley, and extra heavy duty drivetrain, plus a shaker Ram Air system. All pieces are factory Ford on this matching numbers car. I can drive that on pump gas and it gets plenty of attention when I drive it. Runs good, too.
Well, I'm glad to find this forum and hope to enjoy it, learn from it, and take part.
1994 Mustang Cobra Restoration 
