[fast5.0lx]

that is a damn good looking cobra

[ReverendDexter]

well, the 99s are heavier and handle better due to the IRS; the first year IRS has known issues with weak half shafts, but you can upgrade those easy enough.

I have a 98 and love it, but 96-98's are considered "Slowbras" due to their relative lack of low-end grunt. It's a driver's race between a 96-98 Cobra and a 99-04 GT in a 1/4mile, after the 1/4 the Cobra will absolutely destroy the GT.

The 96-98 aluminum blocks are the italian blocks, and are considered to be superior to the later aluminum blocks. The heads are the earlier design which flow "too well"; this kills port velocity (and thus torque) at low rpm. However, it's my understanding that this also causes the earlier heads to respond better to boost.

If drag racing is your thing, the 98 will be a better platform to start with, as you'll already have the straight axle.

If handling is your thing, the IRS will be far superior; even with the added weight, it's on the "right end" for balance, also you won't have the axle float and corresponding snap oversteer of the live axle.


Heh - mine looks almost identical to the one you show. Only diff is I have a black FR500 steering wheel (HIGHLY recommended!), and the Bullitt pedal covers. Mine's got a few more scratches, too.

[Dansby]

Honestly, you can find a 99 cobra for that same price, and in my opinion, look better. I prefer the 00-04 body style over MOST other mustang body styles. Altough, I would take a 96-98 cobra over my 6er! haha. But hey, you work with what ya got.

I say look around and you can find a 99-01 cobra for a good price and good milege, and in my opinion, is the better buy.

[drazga97]

weigh the differences to your personal preference with your goals for the car. if its a daily driver id personally do the 99 cobra and just do minor bolt ons and then down the road forge the internals, build the rear end, and slap a kenne bell on there. but if you are only going to drive it a few times a week and want a track monster or something to destroy everyone on the highway id go with the 96-98 and just go all out on the engine. thats just my opinion.

[SHOman]

Originally Posted by jdansby1 Honestly, you can find a 99 cobra for that same price, and in my opinion, look better. I prefer the 00-04 body style over MOST other mustang body styles. Altough, I would take a 96-98 cobra over my 6er! haha. But hey, you work with what ya got. I say look around and you can find a 99-01 cobra for a good price and good milege, and in my opinion, is the better buy.

Hey...all input is valued, thanks. Seems like from what I've found so far there are mostly 96-98...and then 2001's. Not a bunch of 99's...but I've found several...and basically no 2000's.



With the 98 Cobra I posted above...it's noted that the original owner swapped out the rear end and put in 373 gears. What is the stock gear ratio? I'm assuming 400+?

What positives and negatives would this 373 gear ratio bring?

[drazga97]

yeah good point jdansby1. someone was recently talking about mach 1s going for about 13,000. also the non supercharged 99-04 cobras (99 and 2001) arent that expensive any more.

[SHOman]

Originally Posted by drazga97 weigh the differences to your personal preference with your goals for the car. if its a daily driver id personally do the 99 cobra and just do minor bolt ons and then down the road forge the internals, build the rear end, and slap a kenne bell on there. but if you are only going to drive it a few times a week and want a track monster or something to destroy everyone on the highway id go with the 96-98 and just go all out on the engine. thats just my opinion.

Not really a daily driver. I wouldn't be looking to drive it in rain or snow at all. Probably park it for most of winter depending on conditions. During the other parts of the year I would alternate between the Excursion, the Cobra, and my wife's Taurus depending on the function of the trip. Don't get me wrong, I'll drive it as much as conditions allow, but I'm definitely not looking for it to be a daily driver, nor am I looking to run it on the strip.

[ReverendDexter]

Stock is 3.27s or 3.55s, I forget, but I'm assuming it's 3.27s. Because of the high rpm range of the motor, what's usually suggested is to go to 4.10s if you're staying N/A or 3.73s if you plan on getting boosty.

The stock gearing SUCKS. I lug the engine if I'm doing anything less than 75 in 5th gear and try to accelerate.

[drazga97]

Originally Posted by SHOman Hey...all input is valued, thanks. Seems like from what I've found so far there are mostly 96-98...and then 2001's. Not a bunch of 99's...but I've found several...and basically no 2000's. With the 98 Cobra I posted above...it's noted that the original owner swapped out the rear end and put in 373 gears. What is the stock gear ratio? I'm assuming 400+? What positives and negatives would this 373 gear ratio bring?

the 2000s were the cobra Rs.... the had a different front fender, hood, spoiler, they were all red, i believe they had an N/A 5.4L etc etc there were only 400 made or something like that dont quote me on it. they were pretty much gutted and made for track cars and collector cars. many are going for +$50,000 now they pop up from time to time on ebay.

i think the stock gearing is 3.27 which means more top end less acceleration....3.73s are more acceleration(less top end) but not as dramatic as the 4.10s. dont worry about the less top end because the mustangs engine will stop the cars top end before the gearing does(not enough hp and bad aerodynamics) so that really has no relevance.

[Mach Boy]

Mach 1s go for around 17-20. If you find one lower than that someone needs the money or (like my case) something bad happened to my car.

You will not find a 2000 Cobra R for sale. If I remember correctly the buyer had to have a racing license in order to purchase one. And if you did happen to find one for sale it would probably be leaps and bounds out of your price range.

PS if anyone can discredit the whole license thing I said above please correct me.

[ReverendDexter]

I never heard anything along those lines for any car outside of the Neon ACRs; however, the '00 Cobra Rs were $55k+ out of the gate, and they only made ~315 of 'em, so I'd be honestly suprised to find one for a penny less than $100k.

[99cobradroptop]

Theres a black 99 cobra coupe for sale in Annapolis MD, its got 47K miles, not sure of the price but if your interested let me know and i'll get his number

[ZOOTOXIN]

Originally Posted by 99cobradroptop Theres a black 99 cobra coupe for sale in Annapolis MD, its got 47K miles, not sure of the price but if your interested let me know and i'll get his number

I would seriously consider buying that red car for 13,000. It is sick clean and sweet looking!!!!

hey 99cobra we are almost neighbors. I live in Baltimore but I have a settlement/work in Annapolis at 4PM. maybe I'll catch you cruisin on my way in or out,

[Mach Boy]

Put a few hours into cleaning your car and it can look like that too.

[99cobradroptop]

Maybe maybe, i work right off of west street and drive the cobra to work everyday so im sure you'll catch me sooner or later, i'll keep an eye out for you

[SHOman]

Originally Posted by 99cobradroptop Theres a black 99 cobra coupe for sale in Annapolis MD, its got 47K miles, not sure of the price but if your interested let me know and i'll get his number

99....if you could please let me know. I'm open to all possibilities...


BTW...if that pic is your Cobra that's sweet.


Also...thanks guys for all the input...I'll let you know what I end up doing, and if anybody has any further comments/ideas please let me know. I'll hang around...

[matted2thefloor]

I just picked up a clean 99 Cobra at a Ford dealer for $11,995. 58,000 on the ticker, has had a bunch of bolt-ons already installed...and again, very clean. They're out there, just have to be patient. I think 13k for the 98 may be a bit much, but you are also in a different area of the country than me!

Good luck in your search!

[ECUSVT31]

Originally Posted by ZOOTOXIN I would seriously consider buying that red car for 13,000. It is sick clean and sweet looking!!!! hey 99cobra we are almost neighbors. I live in Baltimore but I have a settlement/work in Annapolis at 4PM. maybe I'll catch you cruisin on my way in or out,

i used to live in annapolis, md until i went to college in NC. just a random thing... lol

[Elder]

i had a 97 cobra and now i have an 01 cobra. complete night and day difference for me. i love my 01 if your willing to spend the extra cash id get an 01 the IRS rides awesome, not the best for racing but an awesome ride plus the 01 is way faster than my 97 and its bone stock. i picked mine up for 14600 with 58k on it

[97Cobra]

96-98, 03-04 Cobras FTW!

I had a 93 ATX SHO when I was 17 and I bought it for 2000 n sold it for 7000 so if that tells ya anything...

****SOLD**** :-(: Chris's Fast Ford Taurus SHO (Powered by Yamaha) - Sheridan, Wyoming

I loved the SHO so much! most comfortable ride ever! but I thought I had the power house intill I drove my cobra and it really opened my eyes to more wonderful things! lol