I'm looking to get a new car sometime this summer, probably July/August. I was throwing around the idea of getting an 05 GT until I recently started looking at Cobras. An 03/04 terminator is out of the question because I can't afford $25,000+ at this point. If I look to get a 2001 Cobra, it appears I can find one with decent mileage in the $14,000 range, leaving me some $$$ to make some modifications. One thing I was looking at was a KB s/c. I understand the 01 cobra engines were made lighter than the older cobras, and are not forged like the terminators are, so I was wondering what kind of HP an 01 cobra can safefly put out. I hear the KBs on an 01 cobra push 460/480 HP and similar numbers in torque. What do you guys think about pushing those kind of numbers on a stock block?

 

Actually I would be interested in "safe" HP numbers for 96-98 cobras as well, any input would be appreciated

 

The stock block is strong. I've heard of 600 RWHP with a good tune and no problem. I've seen them throw a rod at 500 RWHP. Get a good tune and it will stay together..

 

i hear no more than 500rwhp safe tuned. After that i hear that internals cant handle it

 

rods are the weak point, the block itself can hold 600-700 hp. With the stock internals i would limit it to 450-500 rwhp just to have some fun with it. A KB and suspension mods should net you nice times and plenty of fun anyways, so unless your going all out (or want good insurance) you can keep the stock internals.

As for the 96-98 blocks,lucky you got a strong alumium block made from the Teksid plant in Italy, you can hold 900+to the block, however with fully cast internals...limit to 450 rwhp to stay safe without tearing down the block[X(].

 

Thanks everyone, answered my questions

 

personally, for longevity, i wouldn't take it above 475 to the wheels (with a relatively conservative tune).

 

5.0mustang and fast ford slapped a KB on a completely stock cobra and got 420 rwhp with 8 psi which is the max that you want to consider with the stock internals. Also with 420 rwhp that is way more then enough power to be running on a daily driven car. You would have to start looking into some suspension and if you are considering only taking it to the 1/4 track and not a full blown circuit track then you will want to switch out the IRS for a solid axel. If you do plan on going to track days where its not a 1/4 then keep the IRS its great out there plus its a complete blast taking turns and learning what more your car can do. Good luck with the search!

 

any cobra block is a very strong block it can handle more than u throw at it. the prob is the internals, a 99 cobra would do well till about 450-500 wheel b4 u need to get a forged bottom end. same goes for the 96-98 cobra.

 

i had a procharged 99 cobra that threw a rod at 504whp