How much RWHP can the stock 03 Cobra handle?

xenon

New Member
Jun 17, 2003
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Ottawa, Canada
I originaly posted this question in the SVT section but man is it ever dead there. Anyways, here is my question.

I am looking into buying a 03/04 Cobra to replace my 01 GT.

How much RWHP can the stock cobra motor handle? The KB s/c looks like a good choice. Would the stock block handle 21-psi? What other mods would be needed to support all this power? I know the stock clutch would need to be replaced but what else?

Thanks guys.
 
Has anybody ever seen the 1/4 mile specs on a stock cobra with the KB s/c?

http://www.kennebell.net/techinfo/ford-techinfo/cobraBoostPulleyRatio.pdf

Stock with Eaton s/c @ 8# - 12.7 @ 107mph
Stock with Kenne Bell s/c @ 9# - 12.0 @ 115mph
Stock with Kenne Bell s/c @ 21# - 10.8 @ 130mph!

These tests have been done on a bone stock 03 Cobra so I guess I can assume the stock block can handle at least 627hp with 21# of boost.
 
The only problem with the heads is the valve springs and the cooling problem. Dennis reinhart posted a thread on running cooling hoses off the back of the heads out the freeze plugs. I spoke with Tim (Cobra Killer)and he said these motors if built right should easily handle 600-700 HP :nice:
 
neoclasiccl said:
The only problem with the heads is the valve springs and the cooling problem. Dennis reinhart posted a thread on running cooling hoses off the back of the heads out the freeze plugs. I spoke with Tim (Cobra Killer)and he said these motors if built right should easily handle 600-700 HP :nice:

I would think this would help with the cooling issue :banana:

http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/news/cobra_tank.html
 
1100 flywheel hp in one of the magazines that I've read. The fastest 03 Cobra has been running 9.59 at 144mph. But since then I think that Cobra has ran faster. It's a stock Cobra motor with stock heads and internals running a k/b supercharger at like 20-21 lbs. of boost and maybe, but maybe a shot of nitrous. Don't quote me on that. I've got a picture of that same Cobra on my locker at work but it's been a while since I've read the article.
 
4.6modular said:
1100 flywheel hp in one of the magazines that I've read. The fastest 03 Cobra has been running 9.59 at 144mph. But since then I think that Cobra has ran faster. It's a stock Cobra motor with stock heads and internals running a k/b supercharger at like 20-21 lbs. of boost and maybe, but maybe a shot of nitrous. Don't quote me on that. I've got a picture of that same Cobra on my locker at work but it's been a while since I've read the article.

Whoa.. Ok im sold.. 03/04 Cobra its going to be.. I dont even see myself outgrowing this car. Thanks for the input guys :nice:
 
:bs:
Roush97 said:
You're gonna love it, two things as simple as a catback and cai and you'll have around 400 hp...
Thats funny I have been reading everything under the sun on the kennybell website and dyno test after dyno test they dont have any hp increase with any headers/xpipe/catback system under 600hp.
 
Get this. One of either MM&FF, or 5.0 and Super Fords did a K/B swap running something like 14-16 lbs. of boost and they had 600+hp. That was with the stock exhaust. Imagine 20+ lbs. of boost with a stroker motor , stage III ported heads, supercharger cams, and a full exhaust and a moderate tune.
 
4.6modular said:
Get this. One of either MM&FF, or 5.0 and Super Fords did a K/B swap running something like 14-16 lbs. of boost and they had 600+hp. That was with the stock exhaust. Imagine 20+ lbs. of boost with a stroker motor , stage III ported heads, supercharger cams, and a full exhaust and a moderate tune.
Yes that would be an insane combination.. Read this. I found this on the Kenne Bell website.

Many of our customers have run 128-131 mph in the 10's at over 600HP with ONLY the Kenne Bell Supercharger Kit (Supercharger, SWITCH CHIP, BOOST-A-PUMP) and Kenne Bell Cool Air Kit, Big Oval Throtle Body and Drag Street Radials. These times are with 18 psi boost and 93 octane pump gas. ET is dependant on traction. The ideal ET for 130 mph is 10.2 sec. Robert Juliana, a moderator on the Modular Ford Website, ran a 10.85@129 at 18 psi on 93 octane with the above combination. Tha was his goal - a "pure street" car in the 10's on 93 octane for under 40,000 (35,000 car and 5,000 in bolt ons)
 
I would prefer buying a s/c that has been tested and true. Im sure Procharger made a nice solid kit for the Cobra but I dont enjoy bieng a test mule. I absolutely hate down time due to technical issues. I will definately keen an eye out for the kit thou. Sounds sweet.. Thanks
 
Why don't you just upgrade your current setup instead of taking a beating selling your car and then purchasing another car. I know you have the money now, but in some ways, it doesn't make sense.

With a stroker/built motor, a larger SC or a KB, and some other modifications, you would be well ahead/equal to a KB cobra, with less money output. And you can say you did it with a 2V.

Dunno, just a thought.
 
The cobras seem to handle 550rwhp with ease. Once you get over 600rwhp I have heard that the clutch will more than likely slip. With a stock block and the eaton blower probably the best number to shoot for without nitrous is 500rwhp. The KB by itself should put you around 550rwhp. I don't plan on getting my car around 600rwhp for a few more years. It is plenty of fun on the interstate and around town right now. Believe me, if I had the money, T&J Performance would have my car right now doing all sorts of things to it. It'll happen sometime.

-Jason
 
xenon said:
:bs:
Thats funny I have been reading everything under the sun on the kennybell website and dyno test after dyno test they dont have any hp increase with any headers/xpipe/catback system under 600hp.

are you saying what i posted previously is bs? if you would take a look in my sig, the second car down is an 03 cobra...with nothing more than a Pauls hp cai and borla stinger catback i made 397rwhp and 377rwtq...if infact you were saying bs about what i said, you need to take a look at things before you call bs...come on over to svtperformance.com and do some research and you'll see what im saying is not bs