1996mustangGT

hey guys gotta question
i have a 96 GT and was wondering what it would take to
drop in a 2003-2004 cobra engine.
I know i need the wiring harness but what else
am i missing? also i wanna switch from the auto in right now
to the manual in the cobra so what else does that require?
much thanks for any advice

axs377

You'll need a computer, may need new gauges, especially to monitor psi of oil, sc. In addition things like the TB cable are different in 2v and 4v cars. Also the t56 is going to require a new clutch, flywheel. Why the swap? For as much as this is going to cost you could buy a forged block and sc, heads, cams, and be pushing 600hp to the wheels. Of course if more power is your goal go 4v.

Aixtreme89

First of all have you found a 03-04 cobra motor? I seen them once in a while on ebay, but I wouldnt trust buying any motor without seeing it in person. Ford isnt selling it as a crate motor, and it would be very hard to find a wrecked on. Got to have the luck of being at the right black at the right time.

jfor441

I have seen several complete low mileage motors with s/c and 6 speed transmission for between 7k and 10k. From doing a lot of reading about people who have done the swap you would not need the wiring harness from the cobra. You would have to extend about 5 wires from your stock harness. There are some other things involved and I would suggest doing a google search. I can't remember the site I found, but a guy did a writeup of things to know when doing the swap. I have it bookmarked but I am at work right now.


**EDIT** You will need a cobra throttle cable and cruise control cable


This is something I am considering doing myself.

1996mustangGT

i actually found a site that sells just about everything.
another one is if you search up kar kraft they actually have some as well.
also as jfor441 you can find them on ebay sometimes.
ive seen the swap done and i just really love the look of the early sn95.
but yeah the potential from the 4v is wayyyyy greeater than mine, the non pi 2v.

03blkstang

hey man wats up, let me know if u find a place that sells those engines, i would love to swap the engine on mine thx!!

Aixtreme89

I go on karkraft.com all the time. You might see one on there for a week and its sold. But you hardly ever see one on there. What other web site have you seen cobra motor parts on? I want to buy some 03 tumble port 4v heads.

mp23

Why dont you just put on a Kenne Bell? 6k is cheaper than a new engine and you will get better performance. I just installed one myself and am very pleased with the results.

jfor441

6K for a KB or build 4V forged motor for same price? hmmmm..... if you build a strong N/A motor, whatever power adder you use will be give you greater HP benefits. I would rather find me a cobra motor or 4V motor for about 2500 bucks, put it in and with just exhaust have a 300 rwhp motor. If I stick with my 2V, I will have to find a block, add forged rotating assembly, PI heads and cams(the motor is being built so I may as well add P&P heads and aftermarket cam). put it back together and HOPE I get 300 rwhp. 4V just seems the easier way to go to make power.

Aixtreme89

I bought a 4v lincoln mark 8 motor for $450. I called around and found 98 cobra motor with 46,000 miles for $2200. Then a 97 cobra motor with 26,000 miles for $3000. These included wiring harness and computer. So if you looking for a 4v with a strong aluminum block this is what you want. I would call up some salvage yards around your area for a motor...

I have seen a 03 cobra motor with trans sell for $10,000 on ebay thats way too much if you ask me. I can build a brand new motor and new transmission for that price. But buy a used motor that was probably in a wrecked car. No thanks.