Is there a decent way to tell if the engine has received the recall work done to it (headers, exhaust, etc) that would return it to its advertised 320 hp?
Ford has a recall check feature (http://www.ford.com/en/vehicles/owne...ls/default.htm) that allows you to plug in a VIN and it will scan for any additional recall work that it needs done, and the Cobra that I am looking at returns 'no recalls listed'.
The description reads :
"Be advised that this system tracks safety and emission recalls for which vehicles are subject to repair in the United States. For more information on Ford Motor Company recalls or concerns you may be having with your vehicle, please contact your dealership directly."
I dont know if the engine work classifies as emissions or not.
Thanks in advance for any responses!
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First step in making my totally stock 96 mustang Auto 1337, Drop in K&N filter...
Monneh is a serious object that I do not have...(Yet)
Yes. Call SVT on the issue and give them your vin#. There is also either a blue, black, or green dot on the upper intake which verifies what kind of intake work was done. Also there will be a PCM reflash sticker under the hood verifying this too. Plus if that was done, the less restrictive catback was put on.
BTW that TSB, not a recall is ccommonly referred to as the "fix" and is no longer free as it is out of date.
Thanks for the info. Just got my 99 Cobra on ebay. So, if there's no dot on the intake, is it likely that no work was done? I haven't checked if mine has a dot or not, but I'll check tomorrow.
Also, I'm pretty new at chat talk. I know BTW= by the way. What is TSB?
And for that matter, PCM reflash sticker?
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1999 Cobra SVT
4.10 gears, K & N Cold Air Intake, Ford Motorsports Pulleys, Steeda springs,
X-pipe exhaust w/ Magnaflows, Tri-ax short throw shifter, Chromed '98 Cobra wheels,
Tires: Nitto NT Extreme 555ZR- 265/35/ZR18 in front, 285/35/ZR18 in back.
TSB is something like Techical Service Bullitin (or something similar). As for the PCM reflash sticker, it will be a label that is applied either to the bottom of the hood or somewhere visible around the engine grouped with the other information labels.
I havent seen one before, but it seems like the logical place to stick it. Dont quote me on that, because mechanics are wiley and do strange things...
And to BlackFang, would you be able to estimate the cost to have the 'fix' performed or would it just be a better idea to replace the components with aftermarket ones?
I have read in various places the extent of this 'problem' and it ranges from horsepower being as low as 260, to some places which just report it as being a straight 305 for all Cobras that are affected. I would like to debuff this 'myth' and learn the truth to this beast...
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First step in making my totally stock 96 mustang Auto 1337, Drop in K&N filter...
Monneh is a serious object that I do not have...(Yet)
OK. I finally looked in my engine compartment, and I found two dots- one black and one green. So what does this mean?
By the way, the marks are just plain permanent marker that someone put on there. I wasn't expecting it to just be marker. Does this mean the person I bought it from just "marked" it, or would the Ford dealership have used markers?
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1999 Cobra SVT
4.10 gears, K & N Cold Air Intake, Ford Motorsports Pulleys, Steeda springs,
X-pipe exhaust w/ Magnaflows, Tri-ax short throw shifter, Chromed '98 Cobra wheels,
Tires: Nitto NT Extreme 555ZR- 265/35/ZR18 in front, 285/35/ZR18 in back.
I had the work done on my cobra back in 2000. If I remember correctly, the green dot meant that Ford used the "acid drip" method on your manifold and either blue or black meant Ford used the "extrude honed" method. I do know that the vast majority of "fixes" by Ford was with the acid drip method. Only a few hundred cobras were lucky to get the extrude honed fix. Yes, the dealership should have put the PCM sticker with the fix on your computer. Mine is located in the right hand corner next to my radiator. Hope this helps.
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99 Cobra
1.7L Kenne Bell w 3.5" pulley
400+ RWHP
39 lb Injectors
Kenne Bell CAI
90mm MAF
FRP 4:10 gears
funny, I just came in here to post this kind of thread - also looking at 2 99 Cobras on EBay, thanks for the help. Was the problem only an issue for 1999, not 2000 & newer?
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I'm back - 2002 GT Convertible, auto: Continental Extreme Contacts, KYB GR-2 shocks/struts, Ford Racing "G" springs, Maximum Motorsports camber plates, 3 pc grill delete, Mach I chin spoiler.
Everything I've read says it was only the 1999 Cobra that was lacking the horsepower advertised. But I would say that the overwhelming majority of them were fixed as soon as Ford made the fix available. Who wouldn't have their 30 plus grand car upped in horsepower for free? I'd ask the sellers of cars you're looking at just to make sure...
BTW, Got mine for $15099. 26,102 original miles.
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1999 Cobra SVT
4.10 gears, K & N Cold Air Intake, Ford Motorsports Pulleys, Steeda springs,
X-pipe exhaust w/ Magnaflows, Tri-ax short throw shifter, Chromed '98 Cobra wheels,
Tires: Nitto NT Extreme 555ZR- 265/35/ZR18 in front, 285/35/ZR18 in back.
1999 Cobra SVT
4.10 gears, K & N Cold Air Intake, Ford Motorsports Pulleys, Steeda springs,
X-pipe exhaust w/ Magnaflows, Tri-ax short throw shifter, Chromed '98 Cobra wheels,
Tires: Nitto NT Extreme 555ZR- 265/35/ZR18 in front, 285/35/ZR18 in back.
I have a 99 cobra with the recall work done and added a BBK X-PIPE ,40 flowmasters and a K&N airfilter , now pushing 318hps. buy the 99 and with a little work and about $400 you will get your 320hps
Yes, the dealership should have put the PCM sticker with the fix on your computer. Mine is located in the right hand corner next to my radiator. Hope this helps.
its not required to stick a pcm reflash sticker on vehicles serviced in north america.
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Sr. Master Ford nerd.
saludos caballeros del ovalo azul
'99 Cobra engine recall work 
