i imagine it could have been in a small wreck and fixed by one of the previous owners but i have no idea. I just want to see if the engine is in fact the crrect engine.

 

The linconls in fact did have an 6 bolt crankshaft, that is a surefire way to determine if its the original engine or not, a carfax doesn't gurantee is wasnt in an accident. Worst case scenario that car was hit in the front end hard enough to damage the timing cover and inturn pinch the timing chains which cause the pistons to do a number on the valvetrain. The body was fixed, the airbags replaced, and the lincoln motor put in.

 

How can i determine this by looking at the outside of the engine? All i can see is the pulley on the crankshaft.

 

you can't. when you need a new clutch you be able to find out. I wouldn't sweat it if I where you. Your not loosing much HP and if it is a VIII motor at least they swapped the intake over and that is the important thing IMO.
And honestly if I where building my motor right now I would put in a 6 bolt crank because it is cast and lighter than the 8 bolt forged cobra crank. I have never heard of anyone breaking a cast crank so the forged one is so over engineered.

 

the interior looks like a stock GT interior with white face gauges. im pretty sure that the ebrake and shift **** are leather wrapped in the cobra. the speedo should go up to 160mph and recommend premium fuel. something seems fishy about the car.

 

thanks guys

 

The speedo does go to 160 and says premium fuel. The only difference in the interior is the wrong airbag

 

Do the 98 Cobra's have the cup holders in that spot on his picture?Anyone,Im not sure just picked it out.
My 97 Cobra has it inside the console and it flip up and out.

My 99 Gt has the cup holder in the same place as his picture.
To me that was a real weird design and gets in the way of shifter if you have a cup in it.

Something seems strange about this 98 Cobra.
either its a Fobra (That would suck) or it was in a accident.Hope you get your answers.

Wish you luck
welcome to forum .

 

Yup 98's did have the same console as your 99. The 94-97 had the flip up ash tray. 98-2000 had the cup closest to the shifter. 01-04 has the coin holder/vert switch closest to the shifter.

I agree the 98-2000 was a horrible design when it's a manual car, that's why I converted my Cobra an 01+ design, now I can rock my Mickey D's sweet tea and shift my short throw