Hey everyone,
I'm looking at upgrading from my 2001 GT to a 2003-2004 Cobra. I'm pretty well versed in the 4.6L 2V GT world but not so much the Terminator. What should I know about taking the plunge into the supercharged world? As far as the engine, is there much different as far as maintenance goes? What about suspension (obviously the IRS in the rear)? Any other info would be appreciated.

More specifically, I have my eye on a 2004 Cobra. It's pretty much impossible to find a completely stock Cobra but the one I'm looking at has intake, exhaust, and H&R springs. It also has 9/16 front subframe bolts, low profile rear subframe bolts in the IRS, and solid aluminum Maximum Motorsports steering rack bushings. I'm not too worried about the intake and exhaust as those are pretty self explanatory. I know suspension can be a touchy thing so what are your thoughts on the H&R springs? And are the bolt and bushing upgrades a noteworthy improvement or something I should be cautious about? It has 80k miles on it so are there any maintenance issues I should know about? How are the clutch and tranny at that mileage?

I appreciate any input from you
Thanks, Blk N Wht GT

 

Welcome! 80k miles is alot IMO, seeing as you can get alot of terminators with under 20k miles. Seems like it already has some good mods done to it. The first few things I would do, would be to buy the "IRS Brace", "Head Cooling Mod", and get it "Dyno Tuned". The thing I learned with these car is that also anything you do you got to get a tune. I am currently running MM Caster Camber Plates and H&R Sport Springs with the stock ISO's around. The ride is nice and an improvement over stock. I also believe the oil in the eaton needs to be changed around the 80-90k mile mark. I would also do an oil change on it as soon as you get it. I run RP and love the stuff! Goodluck and Happy modding!

 

those low profile bolts are on there so that you can stick a 10.5 rim on the car without ripping through tires..the original bolts are know to snag a bigger tire

 

OP, Keep in mind that those low profile bolts were probably put on so he could throw some DRs on the car and track it.

Not that that is a reason to not buy the car, but means it's been driven hard...at least at the track. Just FYI

 

Yeah I thought 80k was a lot too, but it makes it cheaper than those with super low miles =\. My GT has pretty much everything under the sun done to it (minus engine/supercharger stuff) and I've heard that getting it dyno tuned is a must once you start having fun with a Cobra. Thanks for the input and advice!

Thanks for the info.

Makes sense given what Blackvenom said. Good insight

 

This is a must read: http://stangshiftergaskets.com/2003_2004faqs.htm
It helped me out a lot when I was deciding on what to purchase. Hope it helps you.

 

The 9/16 bolts is a great mod and lucky for you they are already installed..they are a PITA to instal. They pretty much stiffin the irs and help get rid of the cobra clunk...also might wanna check out svtperformance.com

 

read this, has tons of info for 03/04 cobras. I have owned my 03 cobra for over 4 years, upkeep is about the same as any other mustang~ nothing out of the ordinary.

http://stangshiftergaskets.com/2003_2004faqs.htm

 

yep, great link. my car is for sale

 

what?? you wanna now sell it again