96-98 cobra ?'s

[mytight95]

Well i would hope that there are a couple people here who have had, or currently have 96-98 cobras. I didn't realize that they came with 305 HP stock. I have always thought it would be nice to own one, my favorite bodystyle, and higher rpm capabilities. However, i am curious as to the mileage capabilities, durability, gas mileage, and overall feel of the cars.

I have seen a few here for sale local around 7500-10k$, some really nice cars, but the lowest i have seen mileage on one was 49K. I know a 5.0 pushrod can run for 200k plus w/no problems if maintained well, and i am curious as to the longevity of a properly maintained Cobra motor 32-v.


Opinions are appreciated...... problems that arise, and general things to look for would be appreciated.


Jason

 

[97 cobra svt]

I have a 97 cobra and I love it I have never had any problems with mine and I now have 130k on it and have all factory stuff on it like water pump and starter and stuff like that they are great cars

 

[wythors]

My wife's toy is a 96 that just turned 66,666 miles. It runs fantastic and has never given us any problems whatsoever. That said, wrenching on it is a completely different thing from working on a 5.0. Its a completely different engine from Windsor and nothing you've learned on your 5.0 applies anymore. Its not that its hard to work on, just different. Also, the DOHC engine is much bigger that the pushrod engine, so the engine bay is very tight.

As far as mileage goes, I don't think we've ever paid attention to it around town, but we got mid-twenties on a trip to Hot August Nights a few years back.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

I love my 96. I have had 52,000 trouble free miles. 10,000 miles of those are supercharged with 40-60 trips down the drag strip.

The only thing I have done, and it's because I caused the problem, is rebuilt the rear end differential. I burnt the clutch packs out due to all the drag racing and burnouts. I also installed a new T-45 trans and Centerforce clutch right before the blower to ensure no breakage down the road. The T-45 I took out was in good shape, and I sold it to a customer at work, and never heard from him again, so it was still a good unit. Buy one, you will love it!!