i wasnt really sure what forums to put this in, so here it goes...
ok, this might seem like it is coming out of left field, but i am HIGHLY and STRONGLY considering selling my 07 v6 and buying a 94-98 Cobra, most likely a 96-98 cobra. but i found a few cobras around here on craigslist and cars.com, and i am going to be going out to look at these cars, and most likely test drive them. what i wanted to know from you guys is what should i be looking for? where and what do i look for to verify it is a real cobra? any tips? suggestions? prices i should expect to pay? most of the prices around here range from 5000-8000 for cars with about 70-90K on them. any help/suggestions would be great. thanks guys!
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2007 Satin silver 4.0-"Sadie"- Dual Pypes Violators, JLT CAI and 93 bama race tune, motive 4.10 gears and FRPP T Lok BEST E.T.- 14.485 AT 94.1
1985 Regatta Blue 'vert 5.0 LX-"Sally" 87 5.0 motor, Holley 600 4bbl carb, edelbrock high rise intake, MSD ignition, 1.7 Roller Rockers, underdrive pulleys, A/C and smog delete,BBK O/R H-pipe, flowmaster American thunders. transformed from a 3.8 to a 5.0!
Go for the 96-98 Cobra's. Engine will have a DOHC motor with a sig plaque on the (looking at it) left valve cover. Word Cobra on front brakes, Cobra on rear bumper, Cobra white speedo face, Cobra on center of steering wheel, Cobra side fender emblems. Run the vin with Ford. Def carfax the one you're thinking about buying.
I do like the 94-95 Cobra's but the DOHC has a better power plant to start with.
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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
Go for the 96-98 Cobra's. Engine will have a DOHC motor with a sig plaque on the (looking at it) left valve cover. Word Cobra on front brakes, Cobra on rear bumper, Cobra white speedo face, Cobra on center of steering wheel, Cobra side fender emblems. Run the vin with Ford. Def carfax the one you're thinking about buying.
I do like the 94-95 Cobra's but the DOHC has a better power plant to start with.
i just realized theres a cobra forums, DOH.
anyway, on the plaque, will there be some sort of production number with SVT on it or something?
i will probably end up going with the 96-98's because of the DOHC and the 305 hp, but if the opportunity arises for a better deal on the 94/95, i think i can "deal" with a 5.0!
what about test driving, never bought/test drove a manual tranny car, what should i be looking for?
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2007 Satin silver 4.0-"Sadie"- Dual Pypes Violators, JLT CAI and 93 bama race tune, motive 4.10 gears and FRPP T Lok BEST E.T.- 14.485 AT 94.1
1985 Regatta Blue 'vert 5.0 LX-"Sally" 87 5.0 motor, Holley 600 4bbl carb, edelbrock high rise intake, MSD ignition, 1.7 Roller Rockers, underdrive pulleys, A/C and smog delete,BBK O/R H-pipe, flowmaster American thunders. transformed from a 3.8 to a 5.0!
Cobras came with paperwork signifying their production number and such. A certificate of authenticity so to speak.
The left valve cover will have the Ford/SVT logo and will say, "Hand built with pride by: XXXXXX and XXXXXX."
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'01 Silver V6 5-Speed Show:17x8 Anthracite Bullitts w/Kumho 255-45s, spoiler, smoked headlights and fog lights, black LED 3rd brake light, Mach1 grill delete, Mach1 chin spoiler, splash guards, Hurst badge, chrome exhaust tips, carbon fiber bumper inserts, 8" antenna, black hood stripe, 232 badges, Ford Racing license plate frame (in the box: hood scoop, rocker stripes) Go: Divorced dual exhaust w/Original 40's, AM CAI, Hurst shifter, SCT 91+ Tuned
Just listen for odd noises or parts leaking. Ask if you can get on it too. See what is knowledge is on the car and how often did he do tune ups. Also ask if it would be cool, if you were to buy it, if you could take it to a shop to get looked over.
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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
Not sure on the 96-98 but the clutch on the 01 cobra I used to have had a smoother feel that my 2000 gt. Run through all the gears(especially reverse) to see how they engage. When stopped open the doors and listen as you put in all the gears to see if you can hear any noises. If the throw-out bearing is bad you should hear it. Check for clutch slippage too. If all else fails post picks of it here and we can help out with identification
It's easy to spot a real one...look for the 13 inch brake rotors and the HUGE engine in the compartment, also it is very likely the original SVT paperwork will be with the car...any Ford dealer can run the VIN to see what maintanence/service was done on the car...the engines are very solid, so don't worry too much about the mileage..my 96 has over 150K miles with original engine/trans, personally I'd look for one that has had alot of upgrades added, like suspension or supercharger...lastly don't believe anything that is not obvious or has substantial documentation like "rebuilt engine" "500 dyno hp" etc...
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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
Last edited by 2Manystangs; 09-18-2009 at 05:17 PM.
Reason: edit 3
The 8th didgit as it explains in the above link should be "V" or it is not a real cobra.
xxxxxxxVxxxxxxxxx
D = 1993 - 1995 Cobra (incl. 1993 R)
C = 1995 Cobra R
V = 1996 - 2001 Cobra
H = 2000 Cobra R
I need Cobra Help 
