Hello all,
I am selling my 1989 Mustang GT and want to get a 1996,97,98, OR 99 Cobra SVT. Is it better just to get a regular Cobra? Can I please get some feedback on which is the best to get for the money. I live in Saint Petersburg, Florida and it is very hard to find an SVT. Thanks for the input..
I think there was a recall on some of the 99 cobras because they were down on advertised hp. Bye now this issue should have been taken care of on all the 99s.
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1990 Mustang gt
5-Speed
Flowtech headers
40 Series Flowmaster Mufflers
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All Mustang Cobras produced by Ford between 1993 and 2004 are SVT Cobras. There are no "regular Cobras".
The '96 thru '98 Cobras were the first to get the DOHC 4.6L aluminum V8 engine rated at 305 hp. However, 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. If you like the styling of the '96 thru '98 Cobras the '96 is the best.
The '99 Cobra was the first year of the "edgier" styling ('99 to '04). All '99 Cobras were recalled when they fell short of their claimed 320 hp rating. Intake manifolds (that would have been used for model year 2000 Cobra production - which was cancelled) were extrude honed and swapped out on the recalled '99s. The '01 Cobras were the full 320+ hp and didn't need rework, plus they look better than the '99s due to smoked headlight lenses, a better rear spoiler design, and a greatly improved interior (with two-tone smooth leather and alcantara suede and the embroidered Cobra emblem in the seatbacks). If you like the styling of the '99 and '01 Cobras the '01 is the better of the two.
However, your main factor with buying a used Cobra from any of these years may be finding one with reasonably low mileage. (A lower mileage '98 may be preferable to a much higher mileage '96, for instaqnce.)
* - source: 1996 Mustang Cobra brochure
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2008 Shelby GT500 torch red with black stripes + sequentials
2001 Cobra mineral grey with 2003 Mach 1 shaker hood
1996 Cobra color-shifting mystic paint + sequentials
Thanks for the replys. Gary, thanks for the info. I found a mystic cobra but it has a salvaged title and he wants $8500. It has 88,000 miles too. I may run from this one and just wait it out. Cobra SVT's are hard to find here in South Florida. I am really looking for a black on black SVT if anyone knows of one. Thanks again for the info...
Clay
All Mustang Cobras produced by Ford between 1993 and 2004 are SVT Cobras. There are no "regular Cobras".
The '96 thru '98 Cobras were the first to get the DOHC 4.6L aluminum V8 engine rated at 305 hp. However, 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. If you like the styling of the '96 thru '98 Cobras the '96 is the best.
The '99 Cobra was the first year of the "edgier" styling ('99 to '04). All '99 Cobras were recalled when they fell short of their claimed 320 hp rating. Intake manifolds (that would have been used for model year 2000 Cobra production - which was cancelled) were extrude honed and swapped out on the recalled '99s. The '01 Cobras were the full 320+ hp and didn't need rework, plus they look better than the '99s due to smoked headlight lenses, a better rear spoiler design, and a greatly improved interior (with two-tone smooth leather and alcantara suede and the embroidered Cobra emblem in the seatbacks). If you like the styling of the '99 and '01 Cobras the '01 is the better of the two.
However, your main factor with buying a used Cobra from any of these years may be finding one with reasonably low mileage. (A lower mileage '98 may be preferable to a much higher mileage '96, for instaqnce.)
* - source: 1996 Mustang Cobra brochure
Sorry to bring up such an old thread, but what you are saying is that the 97-98 cobras arent teksid?
"In 1998, Ford ended it's contract with Teksid and only had enough blocks for the 1999 production line. However, they started using the new "explorer" block in some cars and still had some Teksid available and decided to use them in the SVT cars since the block is good for about 1100 HP. For what I know, Ford used them from 1993-2001. Chances are that anything newer than 1999, has a WAP block in it, specially the 2001. A way you can tell is by identifying a big W on the sides of the block. The Windsor has been known for being weaker than the Teksid by almost a 200 HP difference. They are both Aluminum and that changed later with the 03-04 Termis when they went with Cast Iron to handle the Beast inside... "
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1995 Mustang GT-Heavily Modded-Sold 2003 Ford Lightning-Sold 1997 Saleen-5.4 conversion-Sold 2005 Mustang GT-Torch Red-Sold 2003 Mustang Cobra-Oxford White 2003 4Runner V8 Sport Edition 4X4
It's been coming more apparent that quite a lot of 01 Cobras came with Teksids, even months into the production run. Lots of 01 guys in forums have identified theirs as Teksids!
Regardless of the block, the shortcomings in any Cobra except terminator are the weak rods and pistons...not a problem if you stay stock, but add any big power adder and you will have to address the bottom end...there are tons of great Cobras on Ebay, you can literally buy the car and have it shipped door to door without leaving your computer...otherwise, you can buy it, fly out and inspect it and drive it back...my 150,000 mile 1996 cobra still runs great so don't let the miles be the only determining factor, maintanance and upgrades should be considered too...I live in Clearwater, there are Cobras around our area, you just need to keep your eyes peeled...have fun, good luck.
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"Goose, Hollywood's fine, I want Viper"
1995 Mustang GT Cnv 347(427 stroker being built!) almost done!
1996 Cobra with Kenne Bell 2.1 Supercharger and every other conceivable part you can bolt on it...650hp upgrade in the works
2003 Infiniti M45 V8 340 hp...a methadone treatment for reformed Mustang drivers
Another aspect no one has addressed is the rear end. If you want a drag car you might want to stay away from the 99 Cobra. They had the IRS which is known for wheelhop at higher rpm launches. I love road racing so the IRS is ideal for me. I love it. Don't let the recall scare you either. 99.9% of 99 Cobras had the recall completed and put out the advertised hp. And about all the parts Ford changed you're likely going to change anyway. Except maybe the intake. The recall included new exhaust, reworked intake, and retune. I may have missed one, but we all usually change exhaust and tune our cars anyway.
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C&L 80mm mass air and True Flow pipe, Mac CAI, BBK 65mm tb, Steeda non-piggy back ud pulleys, MGW shifter, RAM HD clutch and aluminum flywheel, 3:73 gears, 2.5" Dynomax o/r x pipe, 3" MAC cat back system w/ 3 1/2" tips, Kenny Brown(front and rear strut tower brace, caster plates, subframe connectors,extreme matrix brace,jacking rails, torque brace, lowering springs), Bilstein shocks, 03-04 Cobra(side scoops, rear bumper cover, top), 6pt roll cage, white FR500's, FMS 2000 Cobra R air dam.
That's correct, even the updated computer flash on the 99 was Crap, a custom tune should be the first order of business when buying this year Cobra as well as a MidPipe!
Hey claystang, you might want to look just a bit harder. I also live in FL (E-Coast) , but there are "Plenty" of Cobras here in sunny south Florida. Way more than you'll find in the Norhthern/Mid-West regions of the country. And "Rust-Free" which is always a +++ You defenitley need to check the Craigslist listings in the Tampa area. I remember about a month ago seeing a 97 w/80k going for $4900 ! ! ! The body was a bit rough, but what fair price it was.. Even check out autotrader.com
I would go with a 2001. It is N/A and has upgraded stuff the 99 never had. Like 31 Spline axels, better trans, two tone leather and swade seats. Polised wheels option, Cobra bumper, ect.......
They are almost the same price as the 99 but have a few better things.
I would go with a 2001. It is N/A and has upgraded stuff the 99 never had. Like 31 Spline axels, better trans, two tone leather and swade seats. Polised wheels option, Cobra bumper, ect.......
They are almost the same price as the 99 but have a few better things.
I personally prefer the T-45 over the 3650 Tranny!!
Best Year For Mustang Cobra Svt From 1996 To 1999 
