oregonstang

I have had my 2002 Ford Mustang GT for a little over a year now. Its a 5 speed and makes okay power, but I would like it to go faster. I have looked into a supercharger and a Turbocharger, but I would have to strengthen the motor and put in a 6 speed transmission if I plan on having over 600 horsepower. I would like to a Kenne Bell Supercharger, but I wouldn't mind swapping out an Eaton for a Kenne Bell.

Is It worth it to swap a full tranny and engine from a 03-04 Cobra to a Mustang GT? Also, what is the cost? I have read online that a salvaged Cobra can go between 7k to 10k.

Also, I have read online that a Cobra has the IRS. Is the IRS worth it to swap it also or is it better to have the 8.8 rear end.

I'm not looking to save money, but I want the best option for me. I have stated above that I would like to have 600 horsepower. My friend has suggested that I buy a donor car, since that would the best idea. I don't have all the necessary tools and the knowledge to do a swap, so I would be paying for the labor.

Thanks

supermario

If you have decent credit, sell your mustang and use the $ as a down payment to buy a Cobra and then start modding from there. Otherwise you going to put ALOT $$ into a GT and in the end it wont hold its value. Unless you were lucky enough to find a Cobra engine? Im not sure how rare those are, Im sure most people would pick them up pretty quickly.

FormlessGT

I saw someone down here selling the Cora motor with all it's components and the transmission for about $4000. I think SuperMario has the right idea: Sell your GT and put it towards a Cobra.

piledriver

See my sig., I paid around $1500 for a 2003 Cobra shortblock. Brand new; my tuning guy had a a spare one to backup his 600hp 2003 Cobra; he is such a nice guy, he's done most of the work on my car and never fu**ed me over. Now the install was something else. Cost me $1000 to pull my destroyed stock motor and remove the S/C'er and all the parts that we needed to put on the new one. It cost me $3500, including re-installing the new motor, the S/C'er and all the bits and pieces; injectors, MAF, etc. Then there was the Dyno Tune. I read that my Paxton 2000 in cabable of supporting 800hp, vs. 550hp for the basic Vortec S/C'er; that's why I paid a little more for the Paxton. Right now I am sitting right around 490hp at the motor, and I read in Paxtons literature that my forged Cobra Shortblock can handle a couple more 100 hp. I am just trying to figure out how to get to 550rwhp. That equals 650hp at the motor. She can take it. I know I'll have to make some suspension upgrades, but what I'm really looking for is a "point and shoot" Mustang; you know, straight line exceleration. Do you have any advice??? Does anybody else? Thanks guys.
Ron

jeh4269

I agree with these guys,your best bet would be to sell your gt outright and buy a cobra.Then start modding from there.It would be a helluva lot easier to do.Trust me I wish I would have bought a cobra to begin with instead of going through with a 4v swap.However what you are asking to do is not impossible.It's just time and $$ consuming.

piledriver

What he said. I bought , new, a 2003 GT Convertible for $28,500. over the years, I dumped about $18,000 into her with mods; the 2 most expensive..... The new Cobra shortblock, I blew the stocker, and the Paxton2000 SuperCharger. That runs right around $48,000 for the car and all the mods. You are correct, sir, it did NOT hold it's value. Luckely I was able to retire @52, and was able to afford a "toy". The only relief I got was when I checked the sticker price for 2012 Mustang GT Cnvertiblea, $42,400! Of course. the have the 5.0, AND 412hp right out of the box. But, I can defeat them; already did once. Needlass to say, I will have her for life, there is only 71K on the car itself; 17K on the motor. Cripes, I'd be lucky to get 12-13k for her, that's chump change. But damn, she's a looker; i don't know how to post pics on Stangnet, but PM me with your Youtube name, and I will befriend you; I have about 30 pics in there.

MCxQubed

Not only would it be easier, but also a swapped car could be a little less reliable. If money isnt an issue i would go with selling the gt for a cobra

uberstang1

When it comes to engine swaps in my opinion its the way to go if u get a good price and can tackle the project yourself, taking a car to a garage for a motor swap will be costly.