I am getting a Cobra in the spring of next year. I read some earlier posts of the 98 having a stronger block than the 01, but I like the body style of the 01 better, but I do still like the 98 body style. After adding some LT's, catted x-pipe, SLP LM1's, CAI, Cams, 4.10's and tune, which year would be better to get and buy for a straight line? I also plan on adding some 315/35/17 Mickey Thompson ET Streets with some deep dish rims. I know stock both years run high 13's and with these mods I'm hoping for some low 12's, oh and I do plan on a very stout suspension.

 

Straight line would be the 96-98's... the solid rear is a lot better starting point.. just control arms, etc and you can put down the power.. the 99+'s all have the IRS.. which is not bad at all, but wheelhop is terrible on your car.. can break things REAL easily. You can fix the wheel hop with lots of rear suspension mods.. but its going to cost you more and be more time consuming. A lot of people that go straight drag strip cars in the 99+ do a solid axle swap.

 

the 99 body style is heavier

 

Looks like I'll be lookin for a 96-98 Cobra then. Thanks for all the help, and is there really a big difference between the 96,97, and 98?

 

Nope.. almost completely identical. They changed a little in 98, not exactly sure what, but 96-98 all put down the same numbers on every test.

 

Good choice on the 96 to 98... The only difference that I am aware of in the 98 is that it doesn't come with a strut tower brace. Seems like they owned up to the fact that it doesn't do anything for the ridgidity of the chassis.

 

The block dosen't mater unless you are planing to put alot of boost in your motor,and as far as the IRS goes,I've never had a bit of trouble launching mine.BTW 99-01 cobras can run mid to low 13s with a good driver.

 

03 =P

 

This is a very tough decision. I have some people telling me the 96-98 is better, than some are saying IRS on the 99 and 01's will need to be upgraded, while others say their IRS is still running strong. I love the look of the 99's and 01's, but I rather have an 01 just because of the mess up Ford made on the 99's, I dont want to get a sh*tty one. I've seen a few 99's and 01's for under $15,000, which would be in my price range and should probably go down a thousand or two more by next May. I'm hopin with the addition of 4.10 gears, JLT CAI, LT headers, catted x-pipe, SLP LM1's and a couple suspension mods and a tune, I'm hopin for low 12's N/A. I know it might take more than just these mods, so in that case I'm gonna go with P&P heads and some cams.

 

yes well if you get a 96-98 cobra then the miles are going to be high...unless the owner never drove it. But you wont find many of them with under 80 or 90k on them because everyone wants to drive them. Im hearing about the screw up ford made with the 99 cobras...wait i have a 99. I know my cobra is a good one cause im eating up ls1's all day long and the only thing i have done is a cai, 3:73, and extrude honed intake ( i know i cant spell). Tell me more on the screw up by ford. and if i call svt will they tell me if mine is a good one.