1997 Cobra Question

I

InlovewithSVT

New Member

Feb 25, 2008

6

0

0

Feb 25, 2008

#1

• Feb 25, 2008

• #1

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

Got FB banned again for saying nards

Founding Member

Nov 29, 1999

9,389

3,536

233

Feb 25, 2008

#2

• Feb 25, 2008

• #2

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.

 

T

t5mustang

New Member

May 28, 2007

3

0

1

Feb 26, 2008

#3

• Feb 26, 2008

• #3

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

Founding Member

Dec 17, 2001

1,290

1

39

Richmond, Va

Feb 26, 2008

#4

• Feb 26, 2008

• #4

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.

 

I

InlovewithSVT

New Member

Feb 25, 2008

6

0

0

Feb 26, 2008

#5

• Feb 26, 2008

• #5

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

Founding Member

Dec 17, 2001

1,290

1

39

Richmond, Va

Feb 26, 2008

#6

• Feb 26, 2008

• #6

InlovewithSVT said:

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

Click to expand...

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.

 

I

InlovewithSVT

New Member

Feb 25, 2008

6

0

0

Feb 26, 2008

#7

• Feb 26, 2008

• #7

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

Founding Member

Dec 17, 2001

1,290

1

39

Richmond, Va

Feb 26, 2008

#8

• Feb 26, 2008

• #8

InlovewithSVT said:

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?

Click to expand...

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.

 

I

InlovewithSVT

New Member

Feb 25, 2008

6

0

0

Feb 27, 2008

#9

• Feb 27, 2008

• #9

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

 

I

InlovewithSVT

New Member

Feb 25, 2008

6

0

0

Mar 22, 2008

#10

• Mar 22, 2008

• #10

ended up getting the car. Here are some pics

View attachment 325664
View attachment 325665
View attachment 325666
View attachment 325667
View attachment 325668

 

blackfang

Founding Member

Dec 17, 2001

1,290

1

39

Richmond, Va

Mar 22, 2008

#11

• Mar 22, 2008

• #11

Looks good but not a fan of the tail lights.

 

I

InlovewithSVT

New Member

Feb 25, 2008

6

0

0

Mar 22, 2008

#12

• Mar 22, 2008

• #12

blackfang said:

Looks good but not a fan of the tail lights.

Click to expand...

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