I just bought a 04 S281 SC. I really wanted a Saleen Cobra but cant find one. I am selling my 04 Cobra for it. I am thinking about swapping the motor and tranny for either a Cobra motor and tranny or a Ford 5.0 "Cammer" motor with a Cobra 6spd. I want a strong internal motor to build 600+ horsepower. What do you think?
Roush 04 S281 SC with Cobra motor??
- Thread starter bsb4saleen
- Start date
semperfi510
Founding Member
You could always just forge your engine, get a kb 2.2L, and a stronger tranny for less than the price to get the cobra engine and tranny. Just a thoughtbsb4saleen said:
Thats always an option. From what I've read about, the 2V will never produce as much power as the 4V. 400-450 max vs. 600+ horsepower. I suppose a 2V can be built as strong as a 4V, just not the power available. Am I mistaken about this? I wonder if I should stick with the Cobra and buy a Saleen body kit, although it will never be a Saleen.
S351R"Animal"
20+ Year Stangneter 
You can pick up a 03/04 Cobra motor for a little over $6000. The swap involves alot of wiring. Not sure on the fuel system, but I think it also needs to be modded!
marcus95
Active Member
Animal is correct. You need to rob the fuel system also although if you look at the big picture compared to what you will need to spend it's a small cost.
If you own both now???? You don't need to think about the difference between the two as far as power, and potential.
If money grows on trees in your neck of the woods you will always be able to build more power with the Cobra motor, you know that. I saw an 03 anniversary Cobra the other day at my dyno making almost 700 rwhp! That was with a Whipple, KB boost a pump and tune of course. I know it was the real deal because my dyno guy is more conservative than Pat Robertson.
Anyway, if a Saleen is what you want, then stick with that and build the bottom end. You can make 500 rwhp all day as a driver with the series V if you have the tune on a forged bottom end. I know "E" cars that are making close to that. Also, remember, if you start hacking up your Saleen you kill the resale that would hold a lot better than the Cobra in the long run.
When you said "600" hp before did you mean rear wheel? If not then you will save a ton of money keeping your Saleen and builging that motor and topping it with a good twin screw.
If you want your 600+ rear wheel hp you would be better off driving your Cobra and selling the Saleen and holding out for a Saleen/Cobra. Just my opinion.
Forget about the "Cammer" 14K and you need to keep your Saleen motor for emmissions unless youre in a lucky state. I do like that it's a stand alone set up though.
Good luck.
If you own both now???? You don't need to think about the difference between the two as far as power, and potential.
If money grows on trees in your neck of the woods you will always be able to build more power with the Cobra motor, you know that. I saw an 03 anniversary Cobra the other day at my dyno making almost 700 rwhp! That was with a Whipple, KB boost a pump and tune of course. I know it was the real deal because my dyno guy is more conservative than Pat Robertson.
Anyway, if a Saleen is what you want, then stick with that and build the bottom end. You can make 500 rwhp all day as a driver with the series V if you have the tune on a forged bottom end. I know "E" cars that are making close to that. Also, remember, if you start hacking up your Saleen you kill the resale that would hold a lot better than the Cobra in the long run.
When you said "600" hp before did you mean rear wheel? If not then you will save a ton of money keeping your Saleen and builging that motor and topping it with a good twin screw.
If you want your 600+ rear wheel hp you would be better off driving your Cobra and selling the Saleen and holding out for a Saleen/Cobra. Just my opinion.
Forget about the "Cammer" 14K and you need to keep your Saleen motor for emmissions unless youre in a lucky state. I do like that it's a stand alone set up though.
Good luck.
The Cobra obviously needs quite a bit of suspension work, larger brakes, 18" wheels and tires, etc, etc. The Saleen already has all that. By the time I put that money into the Cobra, I will have the same in the Saleen. Now the question is to pull the motor on the Saleen and build it or build from the Cobra. Saleen will cost about 10k more than the Cobra when I am done. My problem is I have the "want it now" syndrome. Otherwise I would hold out for a Saleen Cobra. The horses I am looking for are 600+ at the rear wheel and a auto-cross suspension/brake setup. 
S281Cobra
Founding Member
FASN8N
Member
whosdady said:
This will kill your resale value, but if you don't cut your car up and return it to stock before selling the value of your car should be fine.
I will always buy modded cars (b/c most of the bolt ons are what I would do anyway), but most people will not pay any more for the mods above and beyond what the stock car is worth.
semperfi510
Founding Member
yes check out modulardepot.com cause there are quite a few in that hp area. Its not hard just build the engine and slap on a kb 2.2L and a cobra fuel tank and pumps. Also tune when finished is essential.Probablecause said:
Point away. From what I understand, a 4V can be built 600+ and still be strong & dependable and also be a "daily driver" Not sure about all that with a 2V. If you know em, please let me know.
Does anyone know if I ordered a Saleen from a dealer if it can be ordered with more engine mods than even the 281E?
Does anyone know if I ordered a Saleen from a dealer if it can be ordered with more engine mods than even the 281E?
marcus95
Active Member
bsb4saleen said:
No, the "E" is it. That's unless you order and SR from them. You can't drive it on the street though.
S281Cobra
Founding Member
