96-98 CObra 4V ?'s

[flstang65]

I am going to look at a 96-98 Cobra 4v. The owner doesn't know much about cars and says it has a miss fire and is running rough. The car was wrecked and he needs the money so, he is parting it out. Would it be worth my time and energy if I can score it for a killer deal, pending minimal repairs, of course.

 

[N8Dogg98]

I would do it in a heartbeat if you can get a good deal. Those things looked great stock and the engine looks awesome too (one of the best looking Ford engines IMO). If the engine is wrecked, a salvage Mark VIII engine can be purchased for like $300 and it has the same heads, block, pistons and rods (different crank). I'd love to have an SN-95 aero Cobra

 

[flstang65]

What kind of spray or boost can I throw at it and keep it fairly manageable?

 

[N8Dogg98]

IIRC they have the same rods as the 4.6 2V cars so you're still probably limited to 400-450 RWHP with a good tune. If you end up needing to remove the engine though, it would probably be worth upgrading the pistons and rods to handle more power anyways. The aluminum teksid block is one of the stronger modular blocks produced... I believe people have run well over 1000 HP through them w/o issue.

As far as options the most popular choice for the SN-95 cobra's seem to be Vortech kits. KB did make a nice PD blower kit for the early 4.6 Cobra's (Bill had that KB kit on his white land yacht... Mark VIII) but I don't know if this is still available from KB.

 

[SteedaGT9150]

love me an aero 4v

 

[flstang65]

IIRC they have the same rods as the 4.6 2V cars so you're still probably limited to 400-450 RWHP with a good tune. If you end up needing to remove the engine though, it would probably be worth upgrading the pistons and rods to handle more power anyways. The aluminum teksid block is one of the stronger modular blocks produced... I believe people have run well over 1000 HP through them w/o issue.

As far as options the most popular choice for the SN-95 cobra's seem to be Vortech kits. KB did make a nice PD blower kit for the early 4.6 Cobra's (Bill had that KB kit on his white land yacht... Mark VIII) but I don't know if this is still available from KB.

That's what I was thinking. If I can score it for a killer deal then, I am going upgrade the rods/pistons, put some long tubes on it & set it up to be either blown or on the juice and call it good with my suspension set up. Again, all pending the cost of the motor. Currently it is in the owners car and he says it runs rough and doesn't know why. Worst case scenario, I'll buy it, fix it, and sell it.

 

[txredgt]

There's a 96 Cobra near me right now that I wish I could take $$ and go get it. Hell I'd trade my car for it.

 

[N8Dogg98]

I'd love to have a 96-98 Cobra... it just isn't in the cards right now and unfortunately these cars are becoming more and more difficult to find in good shape

 

[txredgt]

I'll post the deal near me.. I wish I had the cash laying around because it looks way too good to be true IMO.

1996 Mystic Cobra #1117

 

[Kornnut]

I'll post the deal near me.. I wish I had the cash laying around because it looks way too good to be true IMO.

1996 Mystic Cobra #1117

If only I could talk the wife into it.

 

[Three50won]

flstang65...what kind of wreck was it? Front end damage? If so then make sure you check the position of both front wheels in the wheel well. If one is back or forward more than the other then that frame is probably bent and the car is gonna steer funny (wandering, swerving, etc...). You won't notice it on good clean pavement but you will notice it on roads that are crowned in the middle or when going over bumps or any other less than ideal road condition. Otherwise I'd say go for it, good luck, and enjoy!! It's a nice looking car...!!

 

[txredgt]

If only I could talk the wife into it.

If I could talk my company into a nice raise right now I would pick it up. I will always want a Mystic Cobra, aero or termi doesn't even matter.

 

[flstang65]

flstang65...what kind of wreck was it? Front end damage? If so then make sure you check the position of both front wheels in the wheel well. If one is back or forward more than the other then that frame is probably bent and the car is gonna steer funny (wandering, swerving, etc...). You won't notice it on good clean pavement but you will notice it on roads that are crowned in the middle or when going over bumps or any other less than ideal road condition. Otherwise I'd say go for it, good luck, and enjoy!! It's a nice looking car...!!

I'm not looking into the whole car, just the motor. I am trying to score the motor for less than $500

 

[N8Dogg98]

FWIW the Mark VIII engines are identical aside from the intake manifold (may have different cams... don't know). The Mark VIII engines sell in salvage yards for around $300 here.

 

[Three50won]

N8Dogg98...the Mark VIII engines have a less aggressive cam profile than the Cobras. If he is planning on swapping the cams anyway then the Mark VIII is the way to go.

flstang65...thats a good deal if you can get the entire engine for $500 or less. Heck I've seen the intake manifold alone go for $350-$500. And the 96-98 cams go for $150-$200. They are hot items among the Mark VIII crowd.