03/04 Differences

sjr56 · July 30th, 2008, 11:05 PM

I'm looking into purchasing a Cobra soon. A friend has a '04 Cobra Vert and mentioned that the '03s had some engine issues that was fixed on the '04. Is this correct and also what are, if any the differences between the two years. I want to be sure what I'm getting cause I'm leanig toward a '03 in Sonic Blue.

rk_2000_Z/28 · July 30th, 2008, 11:14 PM

Some of the early 03 models had issues with 'head tick' that would occur after long high speed runs. Ford supposedly fixed the issue, but really all of the cars are susceptible to this. Even the 04's run the risk of getting the head tick. Many companies sell what is called the head cooling mod which helps lower the risk. It's a good, cheap, easy mod that any 03-04 Cobra owner should consider.

HBK_2007 · July 31st, 2008, 12:00 AM

they talked about it on Horsepower TV awhile back when they put a pulley and tuner on a red termi. i think the episode is on youtube

SWEET2KSTANG · July 31st, 2008, 02:59 AM

the rear o2 sensor locations are different between them as well.

1StockGT · July 31st, 2008, 12:05 PM

03 and 04 can both get head tick.

sjr56 · July 31st, 2008, 12:34 PM

Whats the fix for the head tick?

HBK_2007 · July 31st, 2008, 12:58 PM

YouTube - Horse Power TV - 03/04 Mustang Cobra

Chuck talks about it toward the end

1StockGT · July 31st, 2008, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by sjr56

Whats the fix for the head tick?

Head cooling mod or new heads.

Derek@DRI · July 31st, 2008, 01:29 PM

New heads have been revised to address the problem and they actually fixed it, a Cooling Mod is a great way to ensure your Motors life regardless of what year or heads you have. BTW we just got our shipment in today of the Cooling Mods.

bitemark46 · July 31st, 2008, 02:30 PM

Aside from the tick, the 03 heads only have 4 threads for the spark plug and there has been cases in high boost levels of the plugs getting blow out of the hole. Ford revised the heads in 04 to have 9 threads. So the 04's would be the better choice. -Mark

Mustang RacR94 · July 31st, 2008, 08:48 PM

dont some 04s have those red and black seats instead of black and suede? or is that just something people added

rk_2000_Z/28 · July 31st, 2008, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by Mustang RacR94

dont some 04s have those red and black seats instead of black and suede? or is that just something people added

Some 03's are 10th aniversary edition cars, and those have the red leather inserts, and red door trim. Only for the Silver, Black, and Torch Red. Also, 04's are the only year to offer the Charcol insert, which is something I would love to have in mine. 03 was the only year you could get the parchment (light brown) inserts. Parchment is pretty rare, but I'm not a big fan.

Fastback91 · August 1st, 2008, 06:47 PM

when u guys say "high speed runs" for the ticking isssue u mean like going 110+mph for long periods of time?

July 30th, 2008, 11:05 PM	#1
sjr56 Regular 2001 MUSTANG GT VERT Join Date: May 2008 Location: WV Posts: 94 iTrader: 0 reviews	03/04 Differences I'm looking into purchasing a Cobra soon. A friend has a '04 Cobra Vert and mentioned that the '03s had some engine issues that was fixed on the '04. Is this correct and also what are, if any the differences between the two years. I want to be sure what I'm getting cause I'm leanig toward a '03 in Sonic Blue.

July 30th, 2008, 11:14 PM	#2
rk_2000_Z/28 Forever in our hearts travis_afx 2003 SVT Cobra Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Enid, OK Posts: 4,311 iTrader: 0 reviews	Some of the early 03 models had issues with 'head tick' that would occur after long high speed runs. Ford supposedly fixed the issue, but really all of the cars are susceptible to this. Even the 04's run the risk of getting the head tick. Many companies sell what is called the head cooling mod which helps lower the risk. It's a good, cheap, easy mod that any 03-04 Cobra owner should consider. __________________ 03 Cobra-Slow 02 SS, 00 Z/28-Gone Rest In Peace Travis Billings

July 31st, 2008, 12:00 AM	#3
HBK_2007 Genibus Nitito Canus 2009 Ford Mustang GT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,832 iTrader: 0 reviews	they talked about it on Horsepower TV awhile back when they put a pulley and tuner on a red termi. i think the episode is on youtube __________________ Red 1996 GT: JLT RAI, Steeda Underdrive pullies, Stewart Waterpump; nothing to brag about Black 2009 45th aniverary edition GT 5 speed: K&N CAI, BBK Twin 62mm Throttle Body, BBK Underdrive Pullies, SLP Loudmouth

July 31st, 2008, 02:59 AM	#4
SWEET2KSTANG mm's nitrous mod 2000 mustang gt 11.79@115.83 (old set up) Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: N.W. AR Posts: 12,540 iTrader: 8 reviews	the rear o2 sensor locations are different between them as well. __________________ project warhorse under construction wagon burner under construction as well (04 lightning) being built by MP2 Performance

July 31st, 2008, 02:30 PM	#10
bitemark46 Regular Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 397 iTrader: 0 reviews	Aside from the tick, the 03 heads only have 4 threads for the spark plug and there has been cases in high boost levels of the plugs getting blow out of the hole. Ford revised the heads in 04 to have 9 threads. So the 04's would be the better choice. -Mark __________________ -Mark- 98' N/A Cobra (Stock longblock) 11.79 at 114.64 (1.62 60ft)

July 31st, 2008, 12:05 PM	#5
1StockGT Enthusiast 2003 Cobra Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Newport News,VA Posts: 628 iTrader: 1 reviews	03 and 04 can both get head tick.

July 31st, 2008, 12:34 PM	#6
sjr56 Regular 2001 MUSTANG GT VERT Join Date: May 2008 Location: WV Posts: 94 iTrader: 0 reviews	Whats the fix for the head tick?

July 31st, 2008, 01:29 PM	#9
Derek@DRI Regular Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 414 iTrader: 0 reviews	New heads have been revised to address the problem and they actually fixed it, a Cooling Mod is a great way to ensure your Motors life regardless of what year or heads you have. BTW we just got our shipment in today of the Cooling Mods.

July 31st, 2008, 08:48 PM	#11
Mustang RacR94 MM Fanatic 99 cobra N/A Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Fayetteville NC Posts: 3,169 iTrader: 0 reviews	dont some 04s have those red and black seats instead of black and suede? or is that just something people added __________________ 99 Cobra 03 Cobra motor AFCO H/E Pulley JLT CAI BBK L/T off road H/steeda catback SCT MAF Tune 03 cobra pumps HVGC

August 1st, 2008, 06:47 PM	#13
Fastback91 Hardcore Enthusiast 2008 Black Bullitt Sylv Rivial :P Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: California Posts: 1,397 iTrader: 0 reviews	when u guys say "high speed runs" for the ticking isssue u mean like going 110+mph for long periods of time? __________________ [/SIZE]Bullitt Crew # http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA rk_2000_Z/28:"Talk about tuck tail and run. Zoom Zoom motherfucker."

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