[Motoracer971]

I recently purchased a low-mileage 1998 Cobra. The Cobra is stock, however I do have an SCT Livewire from my 2006 GT that, conveniently, is compatible with my Cobra. I have done a tune-up ( plugs, fuel filter, cleaned TB and MAF, air filter, PCV, cleaned IAC, changed all fluids to Mobil 1). I would like to get the most performance for my money... Theoretically I would like to start with the suspension and drivetrain to beef it up for SC horsepower (400-450RWHP)... I like the factory look of the SN-95 Cobra, with the exception of the excessive gap between the wheel and fenderwell. I like the Kenne Bell 2.1 supercharger for sure, I understand this supercharger adds some kick to the soft low rpm torque the car has stock. Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated

[johnnshepherd]

gears, cold air intake (if you don't get a s/c), cams, longtubes, etc. it's all about how much you wanna spend.

[Motoracer971]

I had a 2006 GT with Dynatech LT's, O/r X-pipe, Bassani Race cat-back, C & L 95mm CAI, SCT tune. I was very impressed with the reaction to the mods. My budget allows me to do a little at a time. I'd like to start with gears, differential, axles, driveshaft and clutch. My car is in need of shocks/struts right now so I was gonna go ahead and replace the springs and install camber plates. I'm hoping to get some good advice on here before making my purchases. I've pretty much decided on tokico blues, but I am lost on springs. I like Eibach, but there Pro kit isn't quite the ride height I'm looking for and the sportlines are a harsh ride ( I've tried them twice on 2 different cars with the same outcome).

[2Manystangs]

I hate to tell you this but for what you want and what you will spend you should sell the 98 and buy a Terminator, you cannot get to 450rwhp with a blower on the stock block, the heads and cams are not performance either, the suspension will need about $2500 in upgrades, you will need a full exhaust ($1500) and...now for KB blower/install/tuning that is about $6-7K, so for about $10000 you will be at about 350rwhp, to get to 450 will require a forged lower end, so add $2500+ for rebuild, can you see where I'm going here, you are now at $12500 in upgrades when I'm sure you could sell that 98 for $7500 ish add the $12.5K and now you have the money for a Terminator ($20K) which can easily put out 500hp and it has a 6spd and IRS...I know, I have all this stuff on my 96 and more but once I added it all up, I realized it's not worth it...if you love the car, sell the factory engine and swap in a Terminator engine (5000 ish) then mod the suspension and off you go...obviously I owned my car for years and just built it from the ground up, but in this day, the Terminator is almost always the better option if you really want big supercharged performance that will last without spending a mint.

[NOSty Pony]

go with Eibach Pro's and Steeda X2 ball joints. nice and low, with a good ride. on the caster/camber plates go with some that have urethane bushings. the plates that have the metal bearings make a lot of noise.

[2Manystangs]

I have matching Koni springs/struts/shocks...the yellow ones, nice ride, firm but not harsh with the perfect fender gap...I think they were a 60mm drop (about 2.5")

[Motoracer971]

2manystangs, I did regret not buying a used Terminator when I bought my new GT in '06. When my GT was totalled, I saw the opportunity present itself again... but "no car payments" won the battle. I'm not looking to create a fire breathing monster, just to have an all around nice ride. I shopped around for a while and did alot of research and figured that if I "made it big" this is one car I'd like to have in my collection...right next to a '93 Cobra, a Terminator and a Shelby GT 500. Nothing wrong with dreamin' right. BTW that Koni setup is sweet, I didn't even know they made springs much less an entire kit. I'd like to see a list of your setup on your '96, sounds sweet.

[Motoracer971]

Originally Posted by NOSty Pony

go with Eibach Pro's and Steeda X2 ball joints. nice and low, with a good ride. on the caster/camber plates go with some that have urethane bushings. the plates that have the metal bearings make a lot of noise.

Thanks for the advice...I was looking at the MM camber plates, but I think they are metal bearings...which would you suggest?

[Brutal Metal]

Welcome to the SVT community!!
Yes get the Maximum Motorsports 4 bolt CC Plates their the Best!
I'd rate Eibach springs as only decent, they've been known to sag after years on a car,I run the German Vogtlands!

[Motoracer971]

I've decided to go with the Vogtland shock/strut/spring kit. The price is good and the quality is there. Caster plates, still undecided. I really like the MM but they are a bearing style. Any suggestions on a polyurethane kit?? I've also decided on the Steeda ball-joints and Ford tubular sub-frame connectors. This should get me started. I'll update once installed

[Lopez16]

Originally Posted by 2Manystangs

I hate to tell you this but for what you want and what you will spend you should sell the 98 and buy a Terminator, you cannot get to 450rwhp with a blower on the stock block, the heads and cams are not performance either, the suspension will need about $2500 in upgrades, you will need a full exhaust ($1500) and...now for KB blower/install/tuning that is about $6-7K, so for about $10000 you will be at about 350rwhp, to get to 450 will require a forged lower end, so add $2500+ for rebuild, can you see where I'm going here, you are now at $12500 in upgrades when I'm sure you could sell that 98 for $7500 ish add the $12.5K and now you have the money for a Terminator ($20K) which can easily put out 500hp and it has a 6spd and IRS...I know, I have all this stuff on my 96 and more but once I added it all up, I realized it's not worth it...if you love the car, sell the factory engine and swap in a Terminator engine (5000 ish) then mod the suspension and off you go...obviously I owned my car for years and just built it from the ground up, but in this day, the Terminator is almost always the better option if you really want big supercharged performance that will last without spending a mint.

I disagree with you 2manystangs, with a bigger Cam,port and polished heads and bigger exhaust system he can easily gain over 100hp. Bigger throttle body, 4.10 gears are a must!! All for under $4,000. Remember he has 305hp stock already.

[Lopez16]

Originally Posted by Motoracer971

I recently purchased a low-mileage 1998 Cobra. The Cobra is stock, however I do have an SCT Livewire from my 2006 GT that, conveniently, is compatible with my Cobra. I have done a tune-up ( plugs, fuel filter, cleaned TB and MAF, air filter, PCV, cleaned IAC, changed all fluids to Mobil 1). I would like to get the most performance for my money... Theoretically I would like to start with the suspension and drivetrain to beef it up for SC horsepower (400-450RWHP)... I like the factory look of the SN-95 Cobra, with the exception of the excessive gap between the wheel and fenderwell. I like the Kenne Bell 2.1 supercharger for sure, I understand this supercharger adds some kick to the soft low rpm torque the car has stock. Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated

You bought an awesome ride. I own a 98 Cobra myself. Get an X-pipe first,CAI, 4.10 rear gears first to get you started and immediately you will feel a difference. Your take off will be faster but downside is it will wine out sooner than stock gears. I've ran my up to 145mph with no problem. In January im sending her to a HP Racing Shop to beef her up motor because I don't want to hurt her with a SC.