97 Cobra with a Broken Timing Chain

R

Ronnie Tutt

New Member

Apr 30, 2012

1

0

1

Apr 30, 2012

#1

• Apr 30, 2012

• #1

I found a 97 Cobra with 85,000 miles with a broken timing chain. The guy is asking $3,000. I can get the car fixed for a good price. One of my best friends is a service manager at a local Ford Dealership. Is this a good buy? Car looks to be in pretty good shape, body looks good and the interior looks good as well.

 

M

mustang_jr+

Member

May 8, 2003

150

1

18

May 1, 2012

#2

• May 1, 2012

• #2

I would say it's a money pit. I should know, I have a 96.

You'll need all kinds of parts to keep it running, part that are hard to get.Imrc parts, everything falling apart at this age, to a new clutch and a T-45 rebuilding.

I've spent thousands on maintenance on mine and it's not a tiny bit faster, it's just not BROKEN.

It's worth more as parts really.

 

K

Kilgore Trout

Fried or Broiled ?

10 Year Member

Mar 30, 2005

4,749

95

134

May 2, 2012

#3

• May 2, 2012

• #3

You say the body and interior look good that is a good sign but what about engine drivetrain and suspension? Carfax oasis and title? Not enough info to say if it is a good deal or a bad deal.

 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

3,133

18

108

Chicagoland

May 3, 2012

#4

• May 3, 2012

• #4

If the broken timing chain is the extent of the damage, you'd be lucky. Chances are, every piston kissed some valves and the head needs to come off for inspection. I would pass on this one, personally.