A conflict of the soul and my 96 cobra.

[mustang_jr+]

I was seafoaming my car today because it's been throwing some lean codes.

I started thinking about what lies ahead.

My car is worth about $5000.

I will need timing belt kit at 100K $300 + labor
Valves springs soon $400 + labor
I have been having IMRC issues, and smog pump issues. $90, $225 + labor
I won't pass inspection without the smog pump.

I spent almost 5K on my car last year to rebuild the trans, new radiator, oil cooler,
header gaskets and labor, rear control arms, diff rebuild, etc.

5K and it's no faster, it's just working.
Now I am facing another 2000-2500 in work.

I love this car but it's getting to a point where it's bleeding me dry
and I am wondering if I have to walk away from it for something else...

 

[Gearbanger 101]

1. There's no timing belt on a 4.6L DOHC. Just timing chains. And I've seen them go three times that mileage without having to change them. They don't suddenly snap and wipe out the top end like a timing belt. Unless you know for certain there's a problem, don't concern yourself with it.

2. What makes you think you need new valve springs?

3. Remove the IMRC place and clean them. They carbon up over time. Won't cost you more than a gasket kit. Assuming yours it bad, a remanufactured AIR pump for your car will run you about $150

4. See above post.

It's an older vehicle now and will have older vehicle problems. Your current issues could probably be fixt for well under $500.

That about 1-month of a new car payment.....and you'll have 71-more months of $500 payments after that. Food for thought.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

It can be expensive to own a Cobra, selling one's Cobra is an extremely tough decision. Are you sure you want to go back to driving an ordinary vehicle?

Every single day when I drive mine the five miles to work I enjoy the ing out of it.