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03-04 SVT cobra vs 04 Mach 1

  • Thread starter Thread starter fromadig91
  • Start date Start date Sep 20, 2008
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fromadig91

Member
Jul 27, 2008
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Sep 20, 2008
#1
  • Sep 20, 2008
  • #1
So, the SVT obviously has the terminator engine with a cast iron block, however isn't it true that the Mach 1 also shares the same block as the cobra. So I guess what i'm asking here is....what is the sole difference between these 2 outside of the SVT coming supercharged?

If you were to have the option of a 03-04 SVT cobra or a KB Mach 1, what would be the actual difference power wise, what do the cobra's have that the mach 1's don't. I've heard the cobras can take 600+ RWHP without a problem....does the same go for the mach 1's?
 

SaleenGT2001

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2005
2,811
4
58
Four Oaks NC
Sep 20, 2008
#2
  • Sep 20, 2008
  • #2
the mach does not have the good internals. they have the same crappy rods and pistons as the GT.

the mach also has an aluminum block not the cast iron one like the cobra. really the only thing they have in common is the heads and if the mach is a manual they will have the same crank
 

hotmustang331

Active Member
Apr 29, 2004
2,967
3
48
Bastrop,TX
Sep 20, 2008
#3
  • Sep 20, 2008
  • #3
From my understanding, the Machs, like the 99-01 cobras, do have slightly upgraded rods vs the GT to handle the 6800RPM redline. But they are made out of the same material as the Gts....along with the pistons, different compression but same crappy material.

Machs aluminum block will take 1000HP, so thats not a concern.

Terminator needs aftermarket blower or nitrous to make 600RWHP. However it can handle it EASILY. The machs limit is upper 4XX RWHP before it becomes dangerous.

A pullied/ported cobra should be about even with the adverage KB mach1....however the cobra will do it with no worries...I would be concerned about the machs engine until you forge the rods and pistons. (and crank if auto...as saleen said)
 
S

Smokeurhonda

New Member
May 1, 2003
457
0
0
Maryland
Sep 22, 2008
#4
  • Sep 22, 2008
  • #4
Word. Cobra has all Manley internals, lower compression, cast iron block. Mach has same crank if it's 5 speed, same heads, aluminum block, i think there is slight difference in cams.
 

twogts4us

15 Year Member
Apr 1, 2004
4,188
12
79
Dunedin, FL
Sep 22, 2008
#5
  • Sep 22, 2008
  • #5
unless the mach is forged, you`d be better off with the cobra. but typically you won't find a cobra for mach money.
 

billfisher

Active Member
Jul 17, 2005
1,296
4
38
huntsville, AL
Sep 22, 2008
#6
  • Sep 22, 2008
  • #6
somewhere in the 99 range ford started putting the same 2v rods in cobras and mach1's. the bean counters figured there was no reason for spending extra money. but that's just rumored.

the better rods are from 93-98 4v's for sure. but crap with that being said, late model 3v pistons handle 500rwhp OR (350rwhp and 7000 rpms).

we have an 05 who revvs to that with a 175 shot. 415rwhp and 7000 rpms. stock internals. h's been running it for years now.

so my guess is 05+ 3v's are rods like the 93-98's.
 

billfisher

Active Member
Jul 17, 2005
1,296
4
38
huntsville, AL
Sep 22, 2008
#7
  • Sep 22, 2008
  • #7
forged internals and balancing is really not that expensive. 599.00 rods, 599.00 pistons.
 

02nightmaregt

To hell with your Mustang, I want to see your HOG!
Jul 1, 2007
513
4
19
Southern Indiana
Sep 22, 2008
#8
  • Sep 22, 2008
  • #8
1200 sounds like a lot to me but im a poor college cat.
I agree though, the termi engine is god!
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
28
119
Motor City
Sep 23, 2008
#9
  • Sep 23, 2008
  • #9
The Mach 1 has low rent cast pistons, they aren't even hypers. They also have weak rods. Get the 03-04 if you want to really build something and go fast.
 
Z

Zoie_daGT

Member
Jun 21, 2008
58
0
6
Sep 24, 2008
#10
  • Sep 24, 2008
  • #10
The Terminators have lower compression pistons 8.5:1 vs 10.5:1. They also have all internals forged which is a lot stronger. The blocks are also different along w/ the cams.
 

twogts4us

15 Year Member
Apr 1, 2004
4,188
12
79
Dunedin, FL
Sep 25, 2008
#11
  • Sep 25, 2008
  • #11
billfisher said:
forged internals and balancing is really not that expensive. 599.00 rods, 599.00 pistons.
Click to expand...


True, that's not bad...but the labor would easily equal or surpass the cost of the parts.
 

Mustang92

SN's #1 1%er
Jun 6, 2001
6,467
2
79
South Florida
Sep 26, 2008
#12
  • Sep 26, 2008
  • #12
SVT32VDOHC said:
The Mach 1 has low rent cast pistons, they aren't even hypers. They also have weak rods. Get the 03-04 if you want to really build something and go fast.
Click to expand...

They maybe low rent but they hold up to boost just as well as the pistons in earlier 4V's. I wouldn't push them much past 450RWHP but at that level they do okay.

All things being equal if you can get an 03/04 for the same price as a Mach 1 then do it as you have a better base to start off with that makes great power already. Deciding factor for me was I wasn't looking for a car that made big power just a nice clean daily driver and the 03/04's I looked at were either abused at decent prices or immaculate at ridiculous prices and the insurance was nearly double (for me) over a Mach 1.

Bill
 
Z

z28forlife

New Member
Sep 12, 2005
19
0
2
Sep 30, 2008
#13
  • Sep 30, 2008
  • #13
Plus the termi's have the t-56 trans compared to 5spd in the mach. You can push alot more ponies through the t-56 than those 5spd's.
 
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