Before I buy a 96 Cobra...Help (tick)

crash13 · December 11th, 2010, 10:34 AM

I'm going to look at a 96 Cobra with 125,000 miles on the clock. The only mods include MGW shifter, Flowmaster Catback, and Eibach springs. The current owner claims a "small exhaust leak on the passenger side, along with an intermittent ticking sound at low RPMs from the passenger side head."

What are the causes of "the tick" in older Cobras? Is this car worth looking at? Am I going to have issues in the future with this head? Am I setting myself up for a big repair bill? Does "the tick" affect the longevity and performance of the engine?

I'm new to the mod motor world and have done some research on the "head tick" issue. I've searched this forum and it seems more prevalent with the 03 - 04 Cobras.

Thank you in advance for your wisdom!

1999cobra92 · December 12th, 2010, 11:49 AM

dont buy it keep on looking

Thumbie · December 13th, 2010, 03:41 AM

Yeah there are a fair amount of cobras out there. might as well get one that runs good.

you picked a good car though, you'll enjoy the one you get!!

crash13 · December 15th, 2010, 01:30 PM

After a test drive and an engine diagnostic test (IDS) the car turned out to be in great shape and well cared for. The "ticking" sound occured when at WOT at super low RPM's in 5th gear. It was the engine trying to keep up revs in such a high gear at full throttle. Why anyone would do this is beyond me.

Anyway, I got a great deal on the Cobra and will be picking it up tomorrow.

Thanks for the replys! I'm excited to join the 4v family.

December 11th, 2010, 10:34 AM	#1
crash13 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2 iTrader: 0 reviews	Before I buy a 96 Cobra...Help (tick) I'm going to look at a 96 Cobra with 125,000 miles on the clock. The only mods include MGW shifter, Flowmaster Catback, and Eibach springs. The current owner claims a "small exhaust leak on the passenger side, along with an intermittent ticking sound at low RPMs from the passenger side head." What are the causes of "the tick" in older Cobras? Is this car worth looking at? Am I going to have issues in the future with this head? Am I setting myself up for a big repair bill? Does "the tick" affect the longevity and performance of the engine? I'm new to the mod motor world and have done some research on the "head tick" issue. I've searched this forum and it seems more prevalent with the 03 - 04 Cobras. Thank you in advance for your wisdom!

December 12th, 2010, 11:49 AM	#2
1999cobra92 Enthusiast 1999 mustang cobra Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Los Angeles, Ca Posts: 882 iTrader: 1 reviews	dont buy it keep on looking __________________ Black and White Crew Crew Member # 5 Check garage for mods and pics if you Los Angeles and want to ride send me a text (323) 270-6827 0% Wheel hop, 0% broken parts, 100% wheel spin

December 13th, 2010, 03:41 AM	#3
Thumbie Hardcore Enthusiast 2001 Cobra 14.2@102 (I suck) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,621 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yeah there are a fair amount of cobras out there. might as well get one that runs good. you picked a good car though, you'll enjoy the one you get!! __________________ 2001 Cobra with SRA swap, modded for twisties MM Cobra Club Member #76

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December 15th, 2010, 01:30 PM	#4
crash13 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2 iTrader: 0 reviews	After a test drive and an engine diagnostic test (IDS) the car turned out to be in great shape and well cared for. The "ticking" sound occured when at WOT at super low RPM's in 5th gear. It was the engine trying to keep up revs in such a high gear at full throttle. Why anyone would do this is beyond me. Anyway, I got a great deal on the Cobra and will be picking it up tomorrow. Thanks for the replys! I'm excited to join the 4v family.

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