Help me find an upgrade path for my '99 Cobra

[Landmonster]

So I have a '99 Mustang Cobra, with some basic bolt-ons.

The car is paid off, and is in great shape. There is nothing wrong with the car, and it has about 72k original miles.

I'm trying to decide what the best upgrade path would be for this car, or if I should simply sell it, and get something else. If I get something else, it would be either: a Fox Body GT, '03-04 Cobra, or a 2005+ GT.

At this point I'm probably looking at serious engine and transmission work to handle additional power on my 99 Cobra. I don't even know where to begin, or what my engine options are.

I'd like a high horsepower street/strip machine. Something that can be turned into a project car, and phased out of a daily driver.

Here are the mods:
Exhaust:

BBK Chrome long-tube headers
BBK X-pipe with high-flow catalytic converters
Magnaflow 2.5" stainless steel catback system


Intake:
Cold air intake with K&N air filter
(I do not know if the intake manifold has been ported)

Drivetrain:

3.73 Ford rear-end gears
Centerforce Dual-Friction clutch kit
Short-throw shift kit



Other Performance Mods:

SCT Xcalibrator 3 programmer
Underdrive pulleys

Here are some pics, just FYI:
http://i48.tinypic.com/11ue1jk.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/30xcwlg.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/2dr6w54.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/xkwt8i.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/nlo9p0.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/143dyt4.jpg



Give me an overview big-picture kinda thing of where to go from here? (and what might be involved)

 

[Landmonster]

I guess I should define my goals. I'm not interested in a pure drag car.

I would like something with plenty of power, but that is more like a road racing car. I want stiff chassis, good handling, brakes, and excellent power throughout the power band.

 

[WallyKilla]

Supercharger and some lowering springs and call it a day!

 

[WallyKilla]

You can always purchase an 03-04 Cobra motor!

 

[COBRA90GT]

...I'd like a high horsepower street/strip machine. Something that can be turned into a project car, and phased out of a daily driver...

The old saying "How much money do you have and how fast do you want to go?" applies here.


The quickest way, or best bang for you buck, is nitrous. Then supercharger. But you'll probably "break" (ie - pistons/rods, since they are not forged in the 99 or 01 engines) somewhere just north of the 450rwhp mark.

If you're serious about "high hp," you'll do a proper forged build or trade up to a 03/04 Cobra.

Run a search over in our SVT section and you'll get a feel for what other cobra owners have done with their builds, etc.


FWIW if you plan on "roadracing" the car, give a try in stock trim first with a local auto club/speedway first. You'll learn a lot about how the vehicle handles before you start throwing aftermarket handling goodies at it. Give SCCA's website a try or one of the local autocross tracks a try.

G'luck.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Personally I like good handling and smooth ride so I would suggest you look at a MM box kit for the suspension.