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help with 96 cobra purchase

  • Thread starter Thread starter blackgt460
  • Start date Start date Feb 27, 2019
B

blackgt460

Active Member
Jun 3, 2003
109
21
28
South East Pennsylvania
Feb 27, 2019
#1
  • Feb 27, 2019
  • #1
Hello, I'm hoping for some quick input on a possible purchase. I'm looking at a mint 96 cobra in seemingly mint condition for cheap. The owner "thinks" it has a bad head gasket because it overheats and blows exhaust smoke. I'm awaiting responses from the seller so I don't have any exact details yet such as compression tests, milky oil etc. However, I've heard that cobras of this era have bad cooling and have been reading of similar problems but the culprit being simpler cooling issues compared to a head gasket. I'm probably being hopeful but if anyone can chime in I'd greatly appreciate even if anyone knows what cost to expect if it's in fact a head gasket. Thank you
 

Talon Tranter

New Member
May 7, 2018
15
0
3
United States
Feb 27, 2019
#2
  • Feb 27, 2019
  • #2
hi, 96 cobra owner myself. yes the factory cooling systems on these cars were notoriously , BUT the car should have been taken to ford for the recall, to have the entire cooling system replaced. ask the owner, he will know. secondly, ask for the documentation. Every cobra came from the factory with paperwork and certificates confirming that it indeed is a limited edition Cobra. the certificate of authenticity will have info on the car, like the vin, the color, the day it was made, the man who built it, ect. the engine will have a sticker on the left head cover that identifies it as a genuine cobra engine, and will be signed by the man who hand built it. lastly, just talk to the owner, as he will know the car best. good luck with the purchase. if there is anything else you need to know, simply ask and i will help to the best of my abilities.
 
B

blackgt460

Active Member
Jun 3, 2003
109
21
28
South East Pennsylvania
Feb 27, 2019
#3
  • Feb 27, 2019
  • #3
Thanks. Still no response but the ad shows a mint cobra on cobra r wheels and says 60k miles asking 4500 obo. If all is true even if I need to spend to replace a head gasket if I can get it for cheap enough this may be a win no matter what.
 

Talon Tranter

New Member
May 7, 2018
15
0
3
United States
Feb 27, 2019
#4
  • Feb 27, 2019
  • #4
for 4500, that would be a good deal even if it had 100k . a head gasket could be replaced at home for less than a hundred bucks. you need to jump on that thing man, before its gone
 
B

blackgt460

Active Member
Jun 3, 2003
109
21
28
South East Pennsylvania
Feb 28, 2019
#5
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • #5
Trying but unresponsive seller. Thanks for the feedback and I'll update if I obtain.
 
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