[88redGT]

hey everyone,
I am thinking about getting a Cobra, and I am trying to decide which is best. I want something between 1995 and 1998. I want to spend $10,000 or less and want to know what I can get. Also, what kind of problems are common?

[Gary Paul]

'94 and '95 Cobras were the last years with 5.0L V8.
Same plain hood as Mustang GT and plain taillights.

'96 thru '98 Cobras got 305hp 4.6L aluminum DOHC.
Improved taillights and Cobra-specific dual-scoop hood.

Special limited-production collectible models include:
'94 Cobra rio red convertible pace car
'95 Cobra black convertible with removeable hardtop
'95 Cobra R white coupe with 351 Windsor + cowl hood
'96 Cobra coupe with Mystic color-shifting paint

[88redGT]

Thanks for the info. Which would I have to spend less for a turbo setup and which is faster stock between the 94-95 style and the 96-98?

[acmsheva7]

96-98 cobras stock are faster than the 94-95 cobras stock

[Jacobs97]

If you want something rare go with the 95 but if you want more bang for your buck go with the 96-98 i'm working on getting a 96 now

[Gary Paul]

In case anyone doesn't already know, the '97 (and subsequent '98) Cobras were cost-reduced several ways from the '96 model Cobra.

Strut tower brace and underhood light and honeycomb grille and separate clock pod were elimnated for cost savings. Thinner carpeting was used (I couldn't tell this just by looking but John Chlor at SVT admitted this to me). Rear seating surfaces were made in vinyl. The intake butterfly plates (for the secondary runners that open at 3200 rpms) were changed from machined aluminum to injection-molded plastic. Ford bragged in 1996 that "Teksid, the Italian company responsible for casting the Cobra's engine block and heads, also casts aluminum components for Ferrari road and Formula One cars."* Then Ford said nothing when it switched casting of the Cobra blocks to North America to save money.

* - source: 1996 Mustang Cobra brochure

[RedSnake]

Save your money and buy an 03 cobra. You will be glad you did. Best mustang made in the 40 year history up to 2003

[Flame]

I have a 96 Cobra, and I had a 95 Gt. The last of the 5 liter engines. I know there is no comparing the 2 but the 4.6 is such a better engine than the 5.0 as for a performance engine is concerned. The 96 does have some stuff the others dont have as mentioned above, but dont forget the overheating issue with the stock radiator on the 96.

[97 svt cobra]

just 96 or 97 and 98?

['97'Hulk]

thats funny cuz my 97 cobra has the clock, full leather, and tow brace.

[Mustang3GT07]

I would say either a 03-04 But since you cant afford it deff. do a 98.

[88redGT]

why the 98? I would like an 03/04 but unless someone who has no idea about what they have is selling one for 12,000 or less, it wont happen. I want the 96 i think. Also, how many miles can the car run fine with? What is too much? How good is the borg-werner tranny?

[Denver cobra]

Originally Posted by 88redGT

why the 98? I would like an 03/04 but unless someone who has no idea about what they have is selling one for 12,000 or less, it wont happen. I want the 96 i think. Also, how many miles can the car run fine with? What is too much? How good is the borg-werner tranny?

The stock T-45 tranny is a POS.

[gandara]

Originally Posted by 88redGT

why the 98? I would like an 03/04 but unless someone who has no idea about what they have is selling one for 12,000 or less, it wont happen. I want the 96 i think. Also, how many miles can the car run fine with? What is too much? How good is the borg-werner tranny?

I'd read this thread with its current article links.
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...cobra-svt.html


You shouldn't have any problems finding a decent n/a cobra for about 12k.

[SVT1995]

If your going to turbo or supercharge it I'd go with a 96+. Because the 4.6L is a higher reving motor stock vs a 94-95 5.0L! Plus with 32 valves the motor love's to breath!!! But my 95 never had any troubles "besides the clutch"!!!