Cooling System Mods on 03 Cobra

[shhak]

Ok, the advise I got from you guys about my cobra bogging between shifts fixed the problem. Now I have a new question...

I see and hear everyone talking about cooling mods. Where do I start with this? What all do I need and what is the best brands to buy. Not exactly working with an unlimited budget, but I would rather spend a little more and get the good stuff than go cheap and still have problems.

My car has a pulley, exhaust, and cold air kit. Dyno tuned to 464rwhp and 455ftlbs. As always, any help is really appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

What exactly fixed you problem?

Here is the requested info...

Cooling mods:
-fresh coolant
-add Redline Water Wetter to coolant
-LDC cooling mod (see Google for more info)
-Apten cooling mod (see Google for more info)
-colder plugs
-colder thermostat
-upgraded h/e
-upgraded radiator

 

[Uncle Meat]

All I currently run on my car is the Apten cooling mod. The Apten or LDC cooling mods and their knock-offs are not something that can be installed easily. Transmission has to be removed.

An upgraded HE will only allow the intercooler to recover more quickley when the engine is not under boost. Really a waste of money for a DD unless you are planning on hot-lapping it at the track.

If you're really serious about cooling take a look at the Evans Cooling system for the Cobra.

U.M.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Well he does have 464hp so I believe he is in a category where he needs to consider serious mods which require dropping the tranny.

On a side note UM, I noticed you have the Apten mod and I was reading that the Apten mod creates a high point in the cooling system that traps air. Is this true? If so would you consider the LDC one to be a better choice in hindsight?

I will also check out the Evans system, this is the first I have heard of it

 

[Uncle Meat]

I've never heard about trapped air with Apten cooling mod users. As long as the mod is not the highest point of the cooling system it shouldn't trap air? The only drawback that I've read about the Apten mod was the "T" fitting supplied with the kit was plastic and a few people have reported the "T" got so hot it actually melted somewhat and allowed coolant to leak. I've had my Apten mod installed for a couple years now and have had no problems.

If I had to recommend a cooling mod I'd definately go with the LDC. I don't think you can even buy the Apten kit anymore. Hell, you can purchase all the parts to make the kit yourself for less than $45.

U.M.

 

[shhak]

The removal of the PPRV apparently fixed my hisitation when shifting. The cooling mods you are talking about... what do these cost? I can do the work myself, or at least I think I can, so installation costs or time is not of great concern. I've completely gone thru several 5.0 cars, and even though the 4.6's are completely different, they are still mechanical.
If you were in my shoes where would you go next with the mods? I was thinking of a whipple, but would like to put that off for a while. As far as I know, all the car has is a pulley, exhaust and a custom tune. Haven't tore into it to look any deeper than that yet.
Thanks for all the info. You guys are extremly helpful.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Did you remove your PPRV yourself and so quickly? Impressive...

 

[shhak]

I dropped the car off at a local shop in town on my way to work yesterday morning. They mechanic acted like I was making a mistake and told me he wouldn't be help responsible if it caused problems. But I told him to remove it anyway. It was finished when I got off work and it hasn't hesitated since.