How good are these motors?
- Thread starter SMOKEDYA
- Start date
32ValveRom
Member
What kind of wheel numbers do the the 98 cobra motors make out of the box? What about with H/C/I,and how much to the wheels can these motors hold?Not sure how much boost? whatever i would need to see 500/500 at the wheels. peace
john:
john:
jeremy canter
Member
you'll need a built motor > the pistons in a 96-98 cobra will break at or around the 500 hp mark / there the weak link in the motor . I'm building a motor for my 98 now > I hope you have deep anuff pocket's to mess with 4v's it gets pricey FAST> 
if you do buy it post some pic's
if you do buy it post some pic's
COBRA90GT
Mustang Master
Factory 96-98s were rated (engine) at 305hp IIRC - they dyno (generally speaking) at 85% of that figure (so a bone stock would be at or above 260rwhp on a dyno, using the 15% dyno figure loss, again strictly an approximation).
A few simple mods and a 96-98 will put you close to 300 or so (roughly)...
Once you add boost to the mix, it's been proven in the past to see engines start to let go at or around the 450hp level (hyper-crap pistons/rods - the forged cranks are good in these 4v engines).
Find a reputable tuner in your area if you plan on adding boost on stock internals and keep it somewhat "tame." You may or may not experience a failure - or you could be on borrowed time by boosting on the stock engine internals. If you have the funds, or the patience, save up money in the meantime and do a proper forged build to handle the added boost if you really want to enjoy the 500rwhp + power levels you are in search of...
YMMV
A few simple mods and a 96-98 will put you close to 300 or so (roughly)...
Once you add boost to the mix, it's been proven in the past to see engines start to let go at or around the 450hp level (hyper-crap pistons/rods - the forged cranks are good in these 4v engines).
Find a reputable tuner in your area if you plan on adding boost on stock internals and keep it somewhat "tame." You may or may not experience a failure - or you could be on borrowed time by boosting on the stock engine internals. If you have the funds, or the patience, save up money in the meantime and do a proper forged build to handle the added boost if you really want to enjoy the 500rwhp + power levels you are in search of...
YMMV
Ok so the weak link is the pistons?Whats a set of forged piston run for these things?What about the heads are they any good stock?If so same question,how spendy is a set that would be compared to AFR's.And cams? Are they more then a roller or flat tappet pushrod cam? I figured they might be since there is what 4 of them? peace
john
john
32ValveRom
Member
32ValveRom
Member
I don't know about the heads but the bottom end (pistons & rods) is usually the first thing to go on these motors. IIRC people usually tend to stay away from switching out the cams since they're expensive and only net about 40 or so horses. I don;t know how much boost you wanna run but a set of diamond or CP pistons run around $800 or so. But you may not need that much of a piston so I'm sure you can find a cheaper but strong enough set. Rods??? just look around for a set of h-beams from either Manley or Eagle and you should be set. I believe they cost about five, $600 but I could be wrong.
So if i was to have a stock 98 cobra engine with headers,cat back .What else would i need to make at the wheels 319HP/339TQ N/A. Basically what i might do is trade a guy for my 360w saleen clone for his hatch fox body with a 98 cobra motor and drive train,plus his has a 04 cobra IRS.peace
john
john
32ValveRom
Member
Let me get this right. You wanna trade in your fox for someone else's fox but you wanna make the same power as his if you trade? Your's a Saleen clone. His has a 98 Cobra motor with the IRS from an 04. Is this right?
32ValveRom
Member
Other than full exhaust, cai, pulley, and a tune. Might not net you as much torque but with a ported head or/and intake you'll definitely get it.
jeremy canter
Member
personally > I wouldn't have a car with a IRS > every vette and cobra I've driven handled great but wheel hoped like H3ll > my $.02 is they suck > keep your solid axle and put a set of alum heads on it with a s/c and you'll make all the power you want > for a while anyway's 
Yes your right , but since i dont know anything about the mod motors i'm asking all the questions i can before we do the trade if we do. Here is his ad on the car. peace 1989 Ford Mustang LX IRS 5 speed 4.6 DOHC
john
personally > I wouldn't have a car with a IRS > every vette and cobra I've driven handled great but wheel hoped like H3ll > my $.02 is they suck > keep your solid axle and put a set of alum heads on it with a s/c and you'll make all the power you want > for a while anyway's
The IRS will come out and get sold,and i'll put a 8.8 or 9" in place. Then i'll use that money towards something else. peace
john
jeremy canter
Member
The IRS will come out and get sold,and i'll put a 8.8 or 9" in place. Then i'll use that money towards something else. peace
john
that looks like a very sweet car > + 1 on the 8.8 or 9 inch swap .
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