1997 Cobra Question

[InlovewithSVT]

I'm going to look at a 97 Cobra with 117k miles here locally tomorrow that's for sale. What sort of things OTHER than the normal wear and tear questions should I be looking for? This will be my first mustang! Also is there any problems with these motors if they have over 100k on them?

 

[LaserSVT]

Na, mine just turned 117k and is still going strong. Make sure it doesnt tick on cold start up, on the 96-98 Cobras it meens hydraulic valve lash adjusters are dying ($400 to do it yourself, $1200 to have them done) The seat motors and lumbar usually stop working. The inner tie rods are prolly shot if they are OEM, rear LCA bushings take a beating too. If it dosent have SFCs then get them cause shes old and can really benifit from the support.
Hope it helps.

 

[t5mustang]

watch out for the smile factor!! if this is your first mustang and you are going cobra 4.6 hold on and stab the gas! if your face does not turn into a smiling loon ... you are dead and you do not need the cobra!! ha ha !! I have a 98, well wife has 98 and no matter what small defects you have in the car... fix it and enjoy!!!

 

[blackfang]

As for what to look for while driving, make sure there are no noticable knocking or ticking. When you are driving around 3300-3400 you should feel a slight rush from the engine. That is the IMRC's opening up. Also check shifting and see if the gears grind and also check reverse.

Other than that, check for normal wear and tear.

 

[InlovewithSVT]

well he did say that his dad sometimes has a problem getting reverse into gear but that HE has no problems with it so I'm hoping it's just a user issue and not an actual transmission issue. I'll definitely keep you guys updated though

I'm excited. If I like the car today I'm definitely going to buy it

 

[blackfang]

well he did say that his dad sometimes has a problem getting reverse into gear but that HE has no problems with it so I'm hoping it's just a user issue and not an actual transmission issue. I'll definitely keep you guys updated though

I'm excited. If I like the car today I'm definitely going to buy it

That is a known typical issue with the T45 transmission. So yes, you may have that issue too. You can just put it into 5th then into reverse and that should do it.

 

[InlovewithSVT]

thanks for the help guys

What sort of bolt ons am I looking at for this thing and what do they run stock? I've seen time slips of people running mid to high 13s is that about average with exhaust?

 

[blackfang]

thanks for the help guys

What sort of bolt ons am I looking at for this thing and what do they run stock? I've seen time slips of people running mid to high 13s is that about average with exhaust?

13.8-13.9@101-102 is about average stock.

Bolt ons would depend on what you want to do with the car.

For a street/strip car, I would run 4.30 gears, a good shifter, SFC's, LCA's, full exhaust w/ LT's, JLT cai, and a decent tune with a tire could get you mid to high 12's with some practice.

 

[InlovewithSVT]

well I checked out the car and it's pretty nice. No engine problems at all. The paint has some small chips and what not but that's usual wear and tear for an 11 year old vehicle. Interior is in GREAT shape for a 97. Just waiting on the payment to clear on my truck so I can get things rolling to buy this thing

 

[InlovewithSVT]

ended up getting the car. Here are some pics

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[blackfang]

Looks good but not a fan of the tail lights.

 

[InlovewithSVT]

Looks good but not a fan of the tail lights.

yeah me either but then again I didn't choose them. They were on the car when I bought it.