98 s/c or 03 cobra

98svtconvert · Jul 29, 2004

i have a 98 convert now. i have put some money into it already but it doesn't have the power i want. i was thinking about buing an 03 or getting a k/b for my 98. my 98 only has 28000 on it right know so it is still like new. i just wanted to get some opinions before i purchase next summer. thankyou for the info.

99SVTAddict · Jul 29, 2004

Depends...if the 98 is paid off and you have some cash, then you could put a blower on your 98.

With an 03, you are going to have monthly payments, plus if you want to mod it that's more money.

Pro's of the 03....has a blower already, has the IRS set up that has been holding up to some abuse at the track and rides good on the road, has a 6 speed tranny, and doesn't cost much to add some serious RWHP. The only real con is that it will be a new monthly payment.

Pro's of the 98....solid axle, good looks, paid off (I assume). Performance parts could be paid in cash hopefully. Con's....KB blower is around $5K....gotta think about a forged shortblock one day $4K....tranny might not like the new power for long $3K.

I love my car and will never get ride of it now....BUT, if I had the choice before sinking any money into my 99, I would have went with the 03 from the start.

BLK_ROUSH · Jul 29, 2004

Tough choice for sure.
99SVTAddict summed it up with those points. I think it depends on finances more than anything. Monthly payments vs upgrades payments.

I think the biggest difference is the IRS. Yay or Nay.

Pumped03Snake · Jul 30, 2004

I just went to Mustang Week in Mrytle last week. This year there were a crap pile of 03/04 Cobras compared to a handfull from last year. To me, the most impressive cars were 01 or ealier Cobras and several GT's that the owners put in the effort to build their own engine and top it off with a blower or turbo. A lot of these cars were putting over 650 to the tires and some over 700. You are pushing it at 500 rwhp on a stock bottom end 03/04 Cobra. My motor is coming out next spring before I put a KB on it and either getting bored .02 over or a new whole block.

Tat98Cobra · Jul 31, 2004

Pumped03Snake said:
I just went to Mustang Week in Mrytle last week. This year there were a crap pile of 03/04 Cobras compared to a handfull from last year. To me, the most impressive cars were 01 or ealier Cobras and several GT's that the owners put in the effort to build their own engine and top it off with a blower or turbo. A lot of these cars were putting over 650 to the tires and some over 700. You are pushing it at 500 rwhp on a stock bottom end 03/04 Cobra. My motor is coming out next spring before I put a KB on it and either getting bored .02 over or a new whole block.

Thats funny, I had heard that the stock bottom end on 03/04 motors could take up to 700rwhp due to its forging. My 98 was pushing 500rw on the stock block, but I know I was flirting with disaster too. Reason I opted to get out of that car was because I didnt want the headache of doing the engine, more tuning, more fuel , etc. THough I lost alot of money on the 98 mods, Im better off with this awesome new platform. I plan on getting my power levels back up to the 500rw numbers with this car - and from what I hear it will be pretty cheap. I loved my 98 's looks a bit better, but the 03 is 3 times an all around better car IMO. Handles like a Vette around corners, much better low end grunt, and I love the 6 speed

peace

GIXXER 2 COBRA · Jul 31, 2004

I think you will be happier with the 03. I think next summer will also be a great time to buy on since the new body style will be out and in fill swing (demand) so the price might just be ticket to put you behind the wheel with a big smile ...other than that one you get every time you hear that supercharger whine!!!! Good luck and set ebay as your homepage!!!

54life · Jul 31, 2004

03 b/c 1000 hp capability.....supercharged....6 speed....irs.....newer

Kyle-02GT · Jul 31, 2004

I just got one for 26100 after all the rebates. I don't think you can beat it for a 400HP Car with 80 miles on it .

I was in the same debate with my GT but by the time I put all the money into it (DD Bullitts and 4 DS-G3's to match, Supercharger Gauges and Tune, Upgraded headrests, and suspension work to match) I would be looking at 7000-8000 total into a car that would be reaching its power/performance limits. I would never see that money again and it wouldn't be under warrenty.

The way I justified the move was that my trade in was 14000+8000=22000 Total into the car.

26100-22000=4100
Would a 03 Cobra be worth 4100 more then my GT in 4 years? Probably
If I needed a new Block on my GT would it cost more then 4100? Probably
Is a T-56, Better Seats, Better Ride worth 4100? Probably
Is a new car with 24000 Miles less then my GT worth it? Probably
Is the ease to mod worth 4100? Probably
Is it worth 4100 + a grand in mods to walk vette regularly? Definately

Go with the 03, can't beat the deals on them now....hell KBB Trade in Value on it is 25500 (only 600 less then what im getting it for).

fiveofanatic · Jul 31, 2004

'03 engine & trans into the '98. Problem solved!

GIXXER 2 COBRA · Aug 1, 2004

Glad to here about the new addition to your family. That is the best deal I have ever heard of...wow congratulations!!!

Dr. Wu 2000 · Aug 1, 2004

Pumped03Snake said:
I just went to Mustang Week in Mrytle last week. This year there were a crap pile of 03/04 Cobras compared to a handfull from last year. To me, the most impressive cars were 01 or ealier Cobras and several GT's that the owners put in the effort to build their own engine and top it off with a blower or turbo. A lot of these cars were putting over 650 to the tires and some over 700. You are pushing it at 500 rwhp on a stock bottom end 03/04 Cobra. My motor is coming out next spring before I put a KB on it and either getting bored .02 over or a new whole block.

03-04 cobra motors are good up to 1000 hp, so they say.

54life · Aug 1, 2004

the 03 just tears it up

RydeOn · Aug 1, 2004

For me it would come down to which car I liked better. Do you like the looks of the 98 more or the 03 more? You can change the performance but not the looks.

98svtconvert · Aug 2, 2004

well, i do like the looks of the 98 much better than the 03, but it would almost be cheaper to buy the 03 than to make power on the 98. i bought the 98 about a year ago and i have put some cash into it. i am only making 268rwhp. i bought the car for 19,000 with 12,000 miles on it last year. i have put about 4000 into it in mods. i have a front and rear valance that isn't listed in my sig. so that brings me to around 23,000 dollars into this car. if i buy the kb it will put me up to about 28,000 if i put it on myself. i can buy an 03 convert with 8,000 miles on it for 29,900. the 03 performance wise is a whole lot better than the 98. i thought about putting the 03 engine and trany in my car but the engine alone is 11,000. that is to much. i don't know why everyone is saying that kb's are 5000. i saw that the kb twin screw kit is 3600 for the 98. check the kb web site. thankyou for all your opinions and any others would be great. by the way did i have a good deal on the 03 convert for 29,900. they were going to pay off my 98 as well. thankx.

99SVTAddict · Aug 2, 2004

It comes down to choice....tough decision huh?

One additional comment: There's nothing like walking away from a cocky 03+ Cobra owner that thinks his newer Cobra will take my little ol' 99

98_c0bra · Aug 3, 2004

99SVTAddict said:
There's nothing like walking away from a cocky 03+ Cobra owner that thinks his newer Cobra will take my little ol' 99

I agree. I say build the 98 and break off all the cocky 03+ cobra owners.

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