guero08

Hello I am completely new to Ford Mustangs, I have never owned one but I like speed and I am interested in buying an S/C Cobra Mustang from 2000-2004. Which year should I buy? What should I look out for? How much should I pay for one?

OnyxCobra

The only factory supercharged ones are the 03/04s and the new GT500s. I'd suggest an 03/04 if you can afford it.

guero08

Yeah I did some web browsing and I found out that the 00-02 are N/A with about 320 horsepower compared to the SC 03-04 ones. There is a big price tag difference between the 02 & 03. I don't think I will be able to afford the 03-04 models since I just paid off my SRT8 and the only reason I wanted to buy the Cobra was for the SC I hear that you can gain major HP by just slapping on a different pulley.

Timspony

IMO the 03/04 Cobra the best overall bang for your $$$ ...I considered buying an '08 Shelby GT500, but felt my '03 Cobra was better off in the long run for me...and the fact that it is paid off...Stay within your limits!

guero08

Yeah I would definitely hold onto to your 03 Cobra for now and let the hype die down a little from the GT500.

562cobra

sorry if I annoy anybody with this here..

In 2000, the only Cobras available were the R model. Which of only 300 were made. It produced 385hp with 385tq. It has unique domed functional hood, functional front air splitter, functional rear spoiler, and side exhaust. It contained a N/A 5.4L 4v engine. Connected to the engine was the T-56 6 speed(manual) transmission. I'm pretty sure the rear end was solid. Leaving a lot of details out, it was only available in red.

The 2001 Cobra came with a N/A 4.6L 4v, producing 320HP. It sported a 5 speed transmission, with an Independent Rear Suspension(IRS). It's the first of the new edge Cobras to bear "COBRA" in the rear bumper.

Now the 2002 Model is based on the 01 model, But very few were produced and shipped to Australia. Something like 200 were produced. Once in Australia, they were transformed to right hand drive. They also added extra fog lights and extra turn signals by the fender emblem to abide by the law.

Finally the 2003 and 2004 models. These contained a S/C 4.6L 4v producing an "UNDERRATED" 390HP with 390TQ. Some have claimed that they should be producing around 415-425HP. Mated to the engine is the same transmission that was supplied to the 2000 Cobra R, the T-56 6 speed manual. This model also received an updated and stronger IRS(rear-axle). Stock boost is set at 8psi. Now they are cons to this car as there are pros. Some of the things that should have been improved by the factory include: Bushings for the rear axle, and a 26 spline input shaft. <---Those are the most reasonable. These cars run extremely hot, so cooling mods should be on the to do list. I know there is a lot I missed on this model but this is all I can cover at the time.

Good Luck with the purchase and don't forget to follow this page, which covers a lot of questions on the 03-04 cobra.

http://www.stangshiftergaskets.com/2003_2004faqs.htm

OnyxCobra

I'm pretty sure the 00R has IRS, and 100 2002s were shipped to Australia.

562cobra

You are Correct, thanks mate.