MustangForums.com - View Single Post - 96 Cobra

paddy_boy · 07-05-2009, 12:41 PM

Yo - just recently purchased a '96 Cobra Convertible, 16,000 orig. miles, completely stock (couldn't resist!). Great car, except I couldn't help noticing the temp gauge creeping past 50%, up to almost 75%, in stop-and-go city driving, before dropping back down to 50%. I replaced stock thermostat with 180 degree thermo, which helped, but temp gauge still runs past 50% in city driving. Is this normal? According to owner's manual, it's normal for gauge to do this, but it's a little unnerving to see this as an owner who cares about his car. I know there was some sort of issue with the radiators on 96 Cobras, and I called a local dealer, who looked up the VIN # but didn't have any record regarding the radiator. I'm willing to purchase a new aluminum radiator, but they're expensive, and there are other areas I would like to upgrade first. I'm also considering driving this car from SoCal to San Antonio, TX in August for a family get-together, and I can't imagine a harder test of a car's cooling system than that! Thanks for your input.

07-05-2009, 12:41 PM	#1
paddy_boy Join Date: Jul 2009 Vehicle: 1996 Cobra convertible Location: California Posts: 4	96 Cobra - running hot? Yo - just recently purchased a '96 Cobra Convertible, 16,000 orig. miles, completely stock (couldn't resist!). Great car, except I couldn't help noticing the temp gauge creeping past 50%, up to almost 75%, in stop-and-go city driving, before dropping back down to 50%. I replaced stock thermostat with 180 degree thermo, which helped, but temp gauge still runs past 50% in city driving. Is this normal? According to owner's manual, it's normal for gauge to do this, but it's a little unnerving to see this as an owner who cares about his car. I know there was some sort of issue with the radiators on 96 Cobras, and I called a local dealer, who looked up the VIN # but didn't have any record regarding the radiator. I'm willing to purchase a new aluminum radiator, but they're expensive, and there are other areas I would like to upgrade first. I'm also considering driving this car from SoCal to San Antonio, TX in August for a family get-together, and I can't imagine a harder test of a car's cooling system than that! Thanks for your input.