looking at a 99 cobra

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bigb64

Founding Member

Aug 15, 2002

73

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madison heights, michigan

Jun 21, 2004

#1

• Jun 21, 2004

• #1

I am looking at a 99 vert with only 30000 miles on it i know the owner and i know the car i use to have a 96 and loved it. Just wanted to know what you guys think of it. I have 95 gt right now might keep it and buy the cobra or i might sell it.

 

Snarf

New Member

Dec 24, 2003

237

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Lexington, KY

Jun 21, 2004

#2

• Jun 21, 2004

• #2

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.

 

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fatboydj

New Member

May 28, 2004

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Jun 21, 2004

#3

• Jun 21, 2004

• #3

1999 Fixes?

I am also looking at a 1999 Cobra. What are the "fixes" beyond the issues involved in obtaining the advertised 320 HP? How can this be determined? Oasis report? Anything else to be looking at for problem areas?

Thanks

 

Snarf

New Member

Dec 24, 2003

237

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Lexington, KY

Jun 21, 2004

#4

• Jun 21, 2004

• #4

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

 

AzDropTop

Founding Member

Mar 11, 2001

138

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Tucson, AZ

Jun 21, 2004

#5

• Jun 21, 2004

• #5

Make sure the TOB isn't squeeling. It was a big problem with the 99's. How much is the vert?

 

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atvcrazy

New Member

Jun 7, 2004

83

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Eastman GA

Jun 21, 2004

#6

• Jun 21, 2004

• #6

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.

 

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Judson_99Cobra

New Member

Feb 3, 2003

18

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Warner Robins, GA

Jun 22, 2004

#7

• Jun 22, 2004

• #7

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

 

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SVTquadcammer

Founding Member

Feb 25, 2002

315

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Pine Brook

Jun 22, 2004

#8

• Jun 22, 2004

• #8

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

 

trents99

Founding Member

Jun 28, 2002

438

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Hampton, GA

Jun 22, 2004

#9

• Jun 22, 2004

• #9

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.

 

Shalenboy

New Member

May 22, 2003

65

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MD

Jun 22, 2004

#10

• Jun 22, 2004

• #10

trents99 said:

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.

Click to expand...

Why would advise against the 4.10's for 1/4 mile racing? I can only imagine you mean the need for a 3-4 shift just prior to the finish? Just curious because I am running 4.10's and I have been pretty happy with them.

 

trents99

Founding Member

Jun 28, 2002

438

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Hampton, GA

Jun 22, 2004

#11

• Jun 22, 2004

• #11

Shalenboy said:

Why would advise against the 4.10's for 1/4 mile racing? I can only imagine you mean the need for a 3-4 shift just prior to the finish? Just curious because I am running 4.10's and I have been pretty happy with them.

Click to expand...

Yeah that's the only reason I wouldn't get them, the 3/4 shift at the end.

 

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atvcrazy

New Member

Jun 7, 2004

83

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Eastman GA

Jun 22, 2004

#12

• Jun 22, 2004

• #12

I have enjoyed my 4.10's, rpm at 70 is about 2500, doesnt seem to bad. The thing that sucks are my tires. Kumos spin all the way through 1st and 2nd. All in all I would say definitly go with the 4.10's just get some grip, ive heard that bf goodrich has some good tires.

 

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97kobra

New Member

Jun 1, 2004

5

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kansas

Jun 24, 2004

#13

• Jun 24, 2004

• #13

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.

 

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97kobra

New Member

Jun 1, 2004

5

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kansas

Jun 24, 2004

#14

• Jun 24, 2004

• #14

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.