96-98 Cobra block limitations

[Peel Away]

Hey guys, I'm looking to lose my 95 gt and join the SVT family, probably either through the 03 cobra or a 96-98 cobra. If I choose the 96-98 cobra, which I would be able to afford alot sooner, and have some spare cash to put on a twin-turbo kit from hp performance. But if I do this, I am afraid that the stock cobra block, on a conservative tune, wouldnt be able to handle the amount of power, 500 RWHP range, that I want to put through it. So my question is what are the limitations of the stock block, and would getting froged internals raise those limitations, or are the contained within the actual block of the engine itself?

Also, would there be a better year of Cobra to get than a 96-98 for this application? (Outside of the '03, because if I somehow managed to get the 4k more i need for it sometime soon, Id stick with supercharged.)

 

[2 cam sam]

With a good tune the rods will be the weakest link on the 96-98 Cobras. The pistons don't take much more to pop but the rods are defintely the weakest link.

 

[98 Yeller' SVT]

up to 400 rwhp...safe
400-440 rwhp...relatively safe with a good tune and/or cooling mods.
440-480 rwhp...even with a dead on tune and cooling, you're pushing it!
480 rwhp or higher...save up for a new motor, you're going to need it.

Good luck.

 

[BlkThndr66]

Yeah, definately at 450 RWHP, I would get stronger rods, pistons, and prolly a forged crank. Then at like 650, block tear down and rebuild it with the strongest stuff you can find. I just like being safe though........

 

[Tat98Cobra]

In the long run, it will be cheaper to go with the 03 cobra and here's why.

Price of a good used 96-98 :10-15K
Figure another 10K for a built forged engine
5K for a power adder
2K for a completely upgraded fuel system
Endless dyno time to alter the tune
Totals you out at 30K or higher - PLUS you are starting off with a used car so you may have to upgrade the tranny, clutch, etc!

Better off to take that 30K and buy a brand new 03/04 with full warranty, has the forged engine, power adder, etc. For 2K you can be at 500rwhp, and safely.
This is exactly why I got rid of my 500rwhp monster 98cobra. I had alot of cash into it, and I still only had the stock block so I opted to weigh the pros and cons and start new. The 96-98 cobras are beautiful cars - but when you want 500rwhp it will take alot of $$ to do it right.

peace

 

[98 Yeller' SVT]

All of the above by Tat98cobra is 100% true (although in my opinion the estimates are a little high, more like $20-24,000 in the end.)

However, the 03's (as bad-ass as they are) are ugly as shi-at when compared to the 96-98's.

I just can't bring myself to do it.

There I have said it.

Flame suit on and running for life.

 

[Nicks98Cobra]

or you could buy the 03 cobra crate motor and throw that bad boy in there.

 

[Tat98Cobra]

All of the above by Tat98cobra is 100% true (although in my opinion the estimates are a little high, more like $20-24,000 in the end.)

However, the 03's (as bad-ass as they are) are ugly as shi-at when compared to the 96-98's.

I just can't bring myself to do it.

There I have said it.

Flame suit on and running for life.

thats a matter of opinion. I personally liked the front hood on my 98 better, but I like the back view better on the 03.

peace