so i read on a website (forget which one) that the 03 04 cobras have a lot of problems
i guess ford even had a recall because the gas pedal stuck to the carpet during heavy throttling? how many people have had problems with their cobra? im going to buy one eventually regardless of the problems. you can always replace whatevers wrong with better parts. just curious.
95 Mustang Cobra
347 Stroker, Cobra Heads/Intake, Comp Cams Magnum 270 cam, Upper/Lower Control Arms, Subframe Connectors, Strange 10 Way Adjustable Struts/Shocks, Eibach Drag Launch Springs, MGW short throw shifter, O/R h pipe, SLP lm1 Catback, K&N big cone filter. Still running on the stock tune
I have owned an 03' Cobra for 3 years now and have put 35,000 greatly enjoyed miles on it. I have owned many Mustangs and the 03-04 Cobra is by far my favorite. It had a leaking rearend (no gasket just silicone) when I purchased it but the warranty covered the repair. The gas pedal sticking problem was a factory recall so no money for that fix (I never had any problems anyways). Other than that the only "problems" I have had is going through brakes and tires! I am at almost 60K on the odometer running original battery, alternator, clutch and all other parts except for the performance mods I've added. So, what are you waiting for? Go get you a Terminator!
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2003 Cobra-2.76 pulley, Stiegemier Stage IV port, Accufab Throttle Body, C&L Big Tube, K&N Filter, Steeda Short Throw
1989 Mustang GT-3.73 gears, Mac EL shorties, Mac OR H-pipe, Magnaflow Catback, CAI, subframe connectors Farewell 1998 Cobra-traded on a 2002 BMW X5. Sad day for me but at least the wife loves her new car.
Last edited by SVTorDeath; 11-29-2008 at 03:48 PM.
Reason: info in signature already
Some 03 cobras have the problem with the heads, that is a recall. I believe its the spark plugs not having enough thread and they blow. My buddies 00' lightening had that problem.
The head recall was a ticking issue due to the valve guides wearing out, cooling issue. also the 03's had a problem with the gas pedal getting stuck under a piece of the carpet and ford fixed it by putting a little hold down bracket thing so it wouldn't catch. some have experienced it but it's not alot.
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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
Some 03 cobras have the problem with the heads, that is a recall. I believe its the spark plugs not having enough thread and they blow. My buddies 00' lightening had that problem.
The head issue came about from a machine at the factory which wore out. The heads produced by that machine caused the recall.
The gas pedal fix is made by bending the gas pedal rod to the left.
The Lightnings had the spark plug blowing out issue. I've never heard of any Cobra's having that problem.
I had the gas pedal sticking issue recalled but never had the problem. The problems I had were carpet peeled up, Car stalled when i got on the brakes hard and the cd player hung up. I received new carpet, a new cd player and a retune which was later upgraded to a diablo sport tune. The car was the performance bargain of a lifetime. If you can get a low mileage example, get it. The folks who bought these weren't ignorant as to what they were getting. I think the headline I read was, If you were too young to get Boss 429, go out and an 03 Cobra because it will outrun the 429 and do it with ac, leather, and a CD player. I obliterated a heavily modded 70cuda 440 six pack car within a month of getting my car. What a ride.
Ford will fix the throttle sticking at no cost to you but waiting time. I do have a problem with the cd player. Anyone have a suggestion on a certain replacement or is everyone ok with theirs?
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2003 SVT Cobra vert. Tourch Red 458 rwhp at 474 rwtq. mods 2.810 pulley, steeda cold air, cat back - flowmaster exhaust, sct tune, 15.8 boost, boost overlay.
The head is not a recall. Ford will not fix it for free, Gas pedal recall yes. 16k on my 03. rear end leaks a little , But I think they all do
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1988 coupe race car 2700lbs 366rwhp
1965 2+2 fast back 4 speed tri power
1968 gt/cs 347 5 speed
1970 mach 1 428scj 4 speed v code 410 rwhp stock
1990 gt drag car 780hp on motor
1994 gt, 1998 svt cobra
2003 svt cobra 456rwhp
Dude i hope you did buy one...yes this post is old but had to answer it...My 03 is awsome,fast,and very reliable...I think I have honors for the highest mileage on one of this rides,,,today im 230,000+ and still on stock clutch,,,We drive ...its still stock and has track time..MY best at track was 12.9 at 114..with full tank of gas and groceries..those problems with recall/tsb are for dumb **** that almost any car has...if you dont beat the car it will hold up
Dude i hope you did buy one...yes this post is old but had to answer it...My 03 is awsome,fast,and very reliable...I think I have honors for the highest mileage on one of this rides,,,today im 230,000+ and still on stock clutch,,,We drive ...its still stock and has track time..MY best at track was 12.9 at 114..with full tank of gas and groceries..those problems with recall/tsb are for dumb **** that almost any car has...if you dont beat the car it will hold up
230K????? Wow, that is impressive. Makes me want one of these cars even more. haha
I have well over 150,000 miles on my 1996 cobra (odomoter dies awhile back), it runs better than new and I put a kenne bell supercharger on it this past summer...I do run Mobil 1 as a matter of precaution since I bought it ...the issues mine has are it seems to eat alternators and A/C compressors about every two years, besides that, it just hauls ass and looks great...
about 2003 and 2004 cobras. 
-traded on a 2002 BMW X5. Sad day for me but at least the wife loves her new car.
