Well it all depends as to what you want, and don't rule out the 94/95 5.0 Cobra, here's why. I have both a 95 5.0 and a 99 Cobra. Now, while the Cobra stock had more power than my 5.0 after the head/intake work I did, and before the Kenne Bell supercharger, the 95 seems to pull much, much better, especially in 4th and 5th gear. My only complaint about the N/A 4.6L is that the damn thing has no damn get up and go in 4th and 5th and seems to lag a bit in 3rd. Out the box it's incredible and light years ahead of the 5.0, but from a dig I give the edge to the less powered, but more torque driven 5.0.

Now a 94/95 5.0 Cobra can be bought with low miles for around 8-11K, only reason they'll cost you is because they're so rare and hard to find. Now the problem with them is they are a collectable, so moding them is like shooting yourself in the foot, so in the case of the 5.0, it's better to buy a GT and go from there (can be aquired for 3-8K). My 5.0, with stock internals and cam, puts out approx 420 rwhp, and I've invested $2200 total in the S/C, $1000 in the heads, $200 on the intake, and about another $2500 in other supporting mods. So needless to say they're cheap as hell to mod. Downside is, old cars bring old car problems and they are prone to having things break or go bad due to old age. Also, because the 5.0 is running an outdated ECU system, they don't tend to get as good as MPG as a new Cobra does running similar power.

Now onto your exact question. 96-98 Cobras are a great choice if you like that body style. To get the power you want all you really need is a Whipple or Kenne Bell S/C and you're good to go. 99 motors are great if, and I do mean if, they've been recalled. 99s had cattallatic converter issues, plenum issues, and valve seat issues, if those have been fixed, then again, only thing you need is an S/C. 01s are OK, but I've heard complaints from 01 owners that the tranny is too stiff feeling, and that the WAP block isn't as good as the previous models. Now while the 01 doesn't have the problems the 99s do, the block could be an issue, but I highly doubt it. The 03/04 Cobra will have near what you want right out of the box, but will generally cost you nearly 2 times as much as previous models because of their prestige and rarity. All that's needed with them is a pulley swap, or a few bolt ons and you're there.

 

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3021293

that thing is sick.

so is


or you could have the best of both worlds.

 

but then what happens when you decide you want more power? on the 96-01 you would have to build the motor first, and then add more boost. the 03 just needs a simple s/c swap with a few supporting mods.

 

jthorn9-the 03 cobra front end looks great on your 99!

 

LMAO....True! You got your 04 for 17k??? That was a good deal unless it's got a zillion miles or something.

 

except the price of a whipple is what? like ztleast $3000 for the blower? Then atleast another $300 on injectors, $200- MAF.

Assuming you can do your own work, a Vortech S trim can be upgraded to a T trim for $1000 more, (or just bought for $500 less), you can't tell me you can't buy pistons and rods for under $2000.

 

neither one is going to be cheap. there are just less steps with the 03. yes, i am aware that the initial buy in price is steeper which i agree is a downside.

with the 96-01 you would have to build the motor, buy an s/c, and do all of the little supporting mods. this might be cheaper total, it may not, i haven't done the math.

it really just comes down to personal preference. would you like to spend less initially and spend more in mods? Or would you like to spend more initially and spend less in mods?

EDIT: and these comments are assuming that the OP will want more power some day. otherwise the 96-01 will be cheaper hands down.

 

i agree and dont get me wrong id love an 03/04 cobra but i love my 96 and for the money i had to spend on a car i wouldnt have gotten anything else

 

Chevy for life, IROC rocks mustangs

 

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