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Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

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Old 04-11-2008, 10:45 AM
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98MustangSTL
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Default Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

What are some of the main problems these cars end up having?

And what are those IRMC plates?
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Old 04-11-2008, 11:40 AM
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jlg32281
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

Weakest link: T45 tranny, if you drive it hard, you will have to do a T56 swap or a TKO swap.
My own complaints: Seats suck, the 98 doesn't have the strut tower brace, limited options for roots style super charger (kenne bell only), seats suck, 98 doesn't have the clock on the dash (it's integrated into the radio), solid rear axle (depending on preference), did i mention the seats suck.
IRMC plate is under the intake manifold and it shuts off part of the intake at low RPM's to improve low end torque. On a stock setup, they're great. On a forced induction setup, it's best to delete them. Either way, not a big deal.
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Old 04-11-2008, 01:36 PM
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My_1st_Stang
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

ORIGINAL: jlg32281

Weakest link: T45 tranny, if you drive it hard, you will have to do a T56 swap or a TKO swap.
My own complaints: Seats suck, the 98 doesn't have the strut tower brace, limited options for roots style super charger (kenne bell only), seats suck, 98 doesn't have the clock on the dash (it's integrated into the radio), solid rear axle (depending on preference), did i mention the seats suck.
IRMC plate is under the intake manifold and it shuts off part of the intake at low RPM's to improve low end torque. On a stock setup, they're great. On a forced induction setup, it's best to delete them. Either way, not a big deal.
What I'd like to know is...what do you think about them seats?...lol
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Old 04-11-2008, 02:11 PM
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StylinM6s
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

I think the seats are actually comfortable. Even the interior in general is nice, I even think nicer then the 05-08 mustangs. But to answer this thread here: http://www.svtperformance.com/forums...d.php?t=178518
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Old 04-11-2008, 07:47 PM
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Stang9946
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

ORIGINAL: jlg32281

Weakest link: T45 tranny, if you drive it hard, you will have to do a T56 swap or a TKO swap.
My own complaints: Seats suck, the 98 doesn't have the strut tower brace, limited options for roots style super charger (kenne bell only), seats suck, 98 doesn't have the clock on the dash (it's integrated into the radio), solid rear axle (depending on preference), did i mention the seats suck.
IRMC plate is under the intake manifold and it shuts off part of the intake at low RPM's to improve low end torque. On a stock setup, they're great. On a forced induction setup, it's best to delete them. Either way, not a big deal.
I like my seats
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Old 04-13-2008, 07:54 AM
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1999SVTCTT
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

i like the seats too but id rather have some racing seats
makes it look better lol and im sure its as comfortable
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Old 04-13-2008, 10:08 AM
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96CsTaNg
 
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

I like my seats too.
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Old 04-13-2008, 01:19 PM
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h0micide
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

i love my 97, the only thing i dont like is the t45... I have the strut tower brace bar which is nice and the clock on the dash

i like my seats they r mad comfy

my BIGGEST problem is my rear tires seem to wear out so fast!!
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Old 04-13-2008, 07:37 PM
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Stang9946
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

ORIGINAL: h0micide

i love my 97, the only thing i dont like is the t45... I have the strut tower brace bar which is nice and the clock on the dash

i like my seats they r mad comfy

my BIGGEST problem is my rear tires seem to wear out so fast!!
2 things i'm not "crazy" about on my car. The wheels...one day I like the look of them, the next day I don't. HA. My gauges. They're pretty cool looking, but I like the 99+ SVT gauges better.
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Old 04-15-2008, 01:33 AM
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NeoTokyo
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Default RE: Problems with 96-98 Cobra's

Ok lets see what I can help with here...

The IMRC's were aluminum in 96-97 and plastic in 98. The plastic IMRC's are more desired because of the larger diameter and the heat resistance of the plastic.

The 1996 Cobra intake manifold has 2 extra bolts that the 97 and 98 do not have, if you use a 96' intake you MUST use those extra bolt holes or you will get an intake leak.

T45 transmission is a smooth but weak unit rated at only 325ftlb. The TR3650 is rated for 365ftlbs and is a cheap popular upgrade. If you got close to $2k to spend I guess a T56 is an ok choice, though I wouldtake a TKO-600 over it.

All white mustangs (Including Cobra) from 1994-1998 Have a horrible problem with the paint suddenly bubbling and then flaking off even if you wax it a couple times a month (Like I do) and Ford still wont take any credit for the crappy white paint.

The headlights like to fog up, but flitzing them will clear them up. Grabbing some glass projector units will take care of the problem too. All of our mustangs can really use a HID conversion because the stock lights suck.

The filler neck rubber grommet on all SN95 and new edge mustangs tend to go bad and leak fuel from 3+ years of age. Every mustang we have ever had has required a new one. They are cheap and easy to install.

The turn signal/wiper multi switch likes to go bad after a couple of years due to wires pinching and cutting eventually. Cheap and easy to replace.

The cables from the fuse box and batterylike to corrode, cheap and easy to replace.

Seats are ok, I like Mach1 seats the best and the wife likes 03/04 Cobra seats the best.
Unless you keep your leather treated several times a year the leather likes to wrinkle, crack and fade. The Tan also likes to stain super easy.

The seatbelts also like to get stuck and no retract and cut your neck and suck in general. Ford wont take ownership over this problem either.

The e-brake also needs some modifications from the dealership, Ford does own up to this one.

The 1996 Fan and shroud are poor at best and can be upgraded with a 97 or 98' unit that directs airflow better, flows more and offers better temps in traffic.

Hope that helps.

-Eric-
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