looking at a 99 cobra
- Thread starter bigb64
- Start date
Snarf
New Member
99's are my favorite year cobra. I would buy it, just make sure it's had all the fixes done to it, and it hasnt been molested. Enjoy it.
Snarf
New Member
There were three recalls, the power increase, a rear end bearing,.. and something else that escapes me at the moment. To find out if the car in question has the fixes, call 800-SVT-FORD and give them the VIN.
Also, make sure the transmission is in good shape. The T45s in the 99's are more resilient than 3650s, but you can still tear them up if you're an idiot. Watch for clanking, grinding between 1-2 and 2-3. A grind going into reverse is normal for these trannies- no synchros on reverse. Go into fifth first, then reverse and you'll be fine.
Also watch/listen for noise with the clutch depressed, and the car in neutral. You shouldnt hear anything but the car idling. If you do- you have a spun bearing in the clutch going out.
.. Aside from those things, its just the normal things you would look for when buying a used car. Get a carfax, and a second opinion from a 3rd party mechanic.
If anyone else has any pointers please chime in/correct me
Also, make sure the transmission is in good shape. The T45s in the 99's are more resilient than 3650s, but you can still tear them up if you're an idiot. Watch for clanking, grinding between 1-2 and 2-3. A grind going into reverse is normal for these trannies- no synchros on reverse. Go into fifth first, then reverse and you'll be fine.
Also watch/listen for noise with the clutch depressed, and the car in neutral. You shouldnt hear anything but the car idling. If you do- you have a spun bearing in the clutch going out.
.. Aside from those things, its just the normal things you would look for when buying a used car. Get a carfax, and a second opinion from a 3rd party mechanic.
If anyone else has any pointers please chime in/correct me
AzDropTop
Founding Member
I have a 99 cobra coupe with 4.10s, hypertech powerprogrammer 3, k&n fiptk, flowmasters, eibach springs and subframe connecters. I called ford svt and they said it had been fixed for the lack of performance. I used to have a stock 97 cobra and I swear it felt faster. It might just be me but I would have loved to run the two side by side to be sure.
This question is for atvcrazy.
I've been thinking about putting the 4.10 gears in my 99 cobra. I was originally going to go with 3.73 but have about made up my mind to get the 4.10 gear set.
Do you like your 4.10's?
Is the around town driving and cruising more fun with the 4.10 over the orginal 3.27?
How are your rpm's at 70 mph and 80mph?
Anything I need to look out for before having the 4.10's installed?
Thanks,
Judson
I've been thinking about putting the 4.10 gears in my 99 cobra. I was originally going to go with 3.73 but have about made up my mind to get the 4.10 gear set.
Do you like your 4.10's?
Is the around town driving and cruising more fun with the 4.10 over the orginal 3.27?
How are your rpm's at 70 mph and 80mph?
Anything I need to look out for before having the 4.10's installed?
Thanks,
Judson
don't be a sissy 4.10s or 4.30s. nothing lower or else you will be crying later.
from a roll the 99 would walk the 97. from a stop the irs might do you in. however there is always the solid axle swap.
the "spun bearing in the clutch" is the throw out bearing which will squeel without the clutch in.
the third recall was for the parking brake.
they are ok cars, enjoy it if you get one
from a roll the 99 would walk the 97. from a stop the irs might do you in. however there is always the solid axle swap.
the "spun bearing in the clutch" is the throw out bearing which will squeel without the clutch in.
the third recall was for the parking brake.
they are ok cars, enjoy it if you get one
trents99
Founding Member
One recall not mentioned was to replace the rear suspension knuckle.
I'll give you my opinion on gears. I started with 4.30s in my IRS, it's a great gear and alot of fun. It annoyed me around town a little since first gear was almost non existent. I swapped out my IRS for a solid axle that had 3.73s which I run now. I like these also mainly because I can cruise in 4th gear at 60mph on the hwy to keep me from getting any more speeding tickets.
That being said I will swap back out to 4.30s eventually. I would suggest against 4.10s if you do any 1/4 racing.
I'll give you my opinion on gears. I started with 4.30s in my IRS, it's a great gear and alot of fun. It annoyed me around town a little since first gear was almost non existent. I swapped out my IRS for a solid axle that had 3.73s which I run now. I like these also mainly because I can cruise in 4th gear at 60mph on the hwy to keep me from getting any more speeding tickets.
That being said I will swap back out to 4.30s eventually. I would suggest against 4.10s if you do any 1/4 racing.
trents99
Founding Member
Go with the 4.10s at least. IF you dont you will be kicking yourself later. I have 4.56s in my 97 and have had no problems on trips of anything, not to mention they are perfect for the 1/4 mile. I dont know why anyone would go with anything less. I had a buddy with an 99 cobra and 4.10s he could never keep up, never got the update on his car though.
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