Hey guys,

I am looking to buy a 97 Cobra with 80,000 miles. The car is pretty clean, but there is a problem in the motor. The place selling it states the compression is low in cylinder 7, and all others are great. They inspected the cylinder and seem to think there is an issue with the exhaust valves.

Any thoughts on the repair? I am capable of the work except for rebuilding the heads. I understand the motor comes out which is not a problem. I have experience with 302s and FE motors but not DOHC stuff.

Are there issues with the heads on these cars or am I looking at more of a piston problem here?

The price is right on the car, and I am looking for reasons not to pull the trigger here.

Thanks

Robb

 

theres really no easy repair... you need a rebuild lol its a rebuild and not cheap espically if u cannot do labor... my .02 but $2000 max for it....

 

Is that the Cobra for sale In Grand Rapids? I was going to take at that car also I don't remember where I seen it but it looked like a nice car.
The DOHC is a pretty good engine. I haven't heard of 2 many bent valves.

 

it may not be a bent valve, but could be worn valve seats or they could be completely wrong one way to tell would be to do a leak down test on the engine and while its filling with air take out the o2 sensor and see if u can feel air or hear air, if you do then yes its the exhaust valve. but as said its not going to be cheap or easy to fix

 

I could be wrong, but i'm thinking that this car has had a rough 80k miles from what you'd said. The chances of a bent or worn valve/valve seat(s) on a "sports" car with only 80k miles? Sounds beat to me. Just my thoughts.

 

yea exactly, id imagine with problems like this, theres only more under deveoloped problems, internally in the engine, trans rear end, etc that could appear

 

buy the 3 year 100k mile replacement ford engine $4100 sell that one

 

Well if your talking buy a new motor just go for the Aluminator. Might as well go all out.

 

Then put a blower on it

 

Thats what Im talking about. Go all out and get some big HP #s!!!!