So I believe I have fixed the dreaded head tick for '99-'03 Cobras.

This isn't a "sure fix", it just has worked for me so far.

-Hypertech 160* Thermostat
-Redline Water Wetter
-75/25 water/antifreeze ratio

The theory that this could be working is that water has better cooling properties than anti-freeze (race cars run just water), and Water Wetter has lubricating properties that help water move better throughout the system and help heat transfer from metal to water. Poor cooling paths is the downfall of the C head.

Temp guage usually sits at 11 'o' clock--sometimes high noon if idling for awhile.

Lowering cooling fans turn-on temps with a tuner would stop it from reaching high-noon.

After long drives and at idle for awhile I still have yet to hear the tick.

So here is a cheap 'fix' for the C head tick if you dont want to shell out the money and time for the head cooling kits.

-RHP

 

This may or may not PREVENT the head tick, but it certainly doesn't FIX it, if you have it already...

 

Preventative measure, yes.



New heads would be the 'fix'.

 

Why not just new lifters?

 

There is technically nothing wrong with the heads, as far as damage is concerned. Just a design flaw that lets the left rear cylinders overheat and the valves do not seat properly and 'tap'. Extra cooling to this area with either a re-routed cooling path or lower temp coolant should prevent this--which is what I was trying to do without the head cooling mod.