Ok I am looking to get weekend driver and was thinkinng about 99-04 cobras. I have a 99 cobra in mind but have been warned about several recalls, intake issue, cat/exhaust recall and now a piston skirt issue, if that is true my supercharger may be out the door with the car. Was planning on getting this car Monday but this is a concern that the 01's on supposedly do not have since Ford changed the guts but used the same blocks. I noted a couple of 99 cobras already have newer model engines. Any thoughts or experience out there with this?? Thanks -Edward
I have read several (reputable) reports about how the 99 Cobras were built very poorly and did not have anywhere near the advertised horsepower. Ford came out with a bandaid solution with some bolt-on parts. That is why there is no 2000 Cobra, they were fixing the issues and came back strong with the 2001. I would stay away from the 99.
have heard about the new intakes and exhaust to "fix' 99's but am learning they did not use forged rods/pistons in the 99 cobras. I was told that a supercharger would have to be reduced 1-2 psi or I may blow the engine. I have heard they fixed that in 2001 and of course for the stock supercharged models as well. I left the 99 supercharger idea behind over this.
have heard about the new intakes and exhaust to "fix' 99's but am learning they did not use forged rods/pistons in the 99 cobras. I was told that a supercharger would have to be reduced 1-2 psi or I may blow the engine. I have heard they fixed that in 2001 and of course for the stock supercharged models as well. I left the 99 supercharger idea behind over this.
Ford did not use forged internals until the 03-04 cobras. 99 and 01 cobras are not forged.
if at all possible i would spend the extra money on an 03-04 cobra. forged internals, supercharged, 6 speed tranny, responds amazingly well to mods. 500rwhp is easily attainable and very affordable, not to mention dependable
My son has a '99-can't remember who he called to check if the "band aid" fix had been done but will find out if you want.He seems happy /proud/glad to have what he's got..If you like the car,get it and enjoy owning one of the few...Supercharger?Got no idea on how it would hold on the '99
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well preserved body,but rather to skid in broadside,thoroughly used up,totally worn out and loudly proclaiming.....WOW!.....What a ride!
"As you grow older,don't slow down,speed up-there's less time left"--over 45 and just now realizing how much I don't know
Ok I am looking to get weekend driver and was thinkinng about 99-04 cobras. I have a 99 cobra in mind but have been warned about several recalls, intake issue, cat/exhaust recall and now a piston skirt issue, if that is true my supercharger may be out the door with the car. Was planning on getting this car Monday but this is a concern that the 01's on supposedly do not have since Ford changed the guts but used the same blocks. I noted a couple of 99 cobras already have newer model engines. Any thoughts or experience out there with this?? Thanks -Edward
Hello Knightnsd the 99 cobra did have a recall do to less power. When I first got minds I was excited. and yes it did not have the power ford said it should It was only giving me( 268hps ) as suppose to the 320 hps. Took it in for the recall , Ford replaced the lower intake and the exhause. Took it out 2 days later and had it dynod, The Hps increased (290hps) still 30hps below rated. I was satified but still a little upset, The motor broke in about 10,000 miles, added a BBK X-PIPE and KN air filter horses went to 318hps. Before you buy the 99cobra check to see if it went in for the recall and if it did'nt Ford will do the work for free. So have this done,add the BBK-XPIPE ($250.00)and the K&N Air filter ($150.00)and if it have over 10,000mile on the motor it should be already broke in. BUY THE 99 COBRA WITH A LITTLE WORK AND ABOUT $400.00 you will get your 320hps.
I have the 99 Cobra. You get what you pay for. In my opinion it is well worth the money you spend but it depends on what you plan to do with the car. If you're going to track it you will have some work and mods to do to get it where you want it. All equals dollars. The 03/04 are awesome vehicles then again you are going to pay. Guess it's all a matter of how much hands on you are wanting to do. I am a hands on guy and I want to know whats going in and see whats coming out...
thanks guys, spent the money on a new motor for my fastback. patience paid off and am using the money for my 428 build and then car paint. I just figured I would really finish my fastback rather than fill garage with 2 cars that I will be constantly tweeking.
My son has a '99-can't remember who he called to check if the "band aid" fix had been done but will find out if you want.He seems happy /proud/glad to have what he's got..If you like the car,get it and enjoy owning one of the few...Supercharger?Got no idea on how it would hold on the '99
I like that saying.....
"Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well preserved body,but rather to skid in broadside,thoroughly used up,totally worn out and loudly proclaiming.....WOW!.....What a ride!
"As you grow older,don't slow down,speed up-there's less time left"--over 45 and just now realizing how much I don't know
99 cobra recalls and engine issues 
Hello 
