I'm going to be in the market for an 03/04 Cobra and was wanting to tap into the think tank here. I've been reading a lot about the 03/04 Cobra and have fallen in love with the extra bits, I absolutely love the fact that it has a 6 speed, independent rear and a supercharger as well as the beastly look. I don't know why Ford couldn't keep that up (IRS etc.) on the new ones but that's besides the point. I was wondering what to look for in a Cobra, what are the sticking points, can I tell if it's been beaten to a pulp, are there any mods that I should steer clear of? That sort of thing. On a side note, does anyone know if this car can be turned into a Shelby Roadster with a kit from someone like Factory Five? If that's blasphemy, sorry. Anyway thanks for the advice and helping me get rid of my terrible Silverado.
Prospective Buyer Needing Advice
- Thread starter radon14
- Start date
Have you read the 03/04 Cobra FAQ yet? This will answer most all of your questions.
03/04 Cobra FAQ
As for converting the Cobra using something like a Factory Five kit.... Yes you could, but unless you got a fantastic deal on an doner 03/04 it would be a waste of money. Better off getting an older SN95 to use as a donor and then buy the drivetrain from a different source.
There are a few Factory Five Cobra's running around with 03/04 drivetrains in them. In fact a member of this site (Cobra4Me) builds Factory Five cars as a hobby and his last one had a transplanted engine/tranny/IRS from an 03/04 in it. Plenty of pictures, videos, and "how to" on his website. Check it out here: http://www.cobra4me.com/
U.M.
03/04 Cobra FAQ As for converting the Cobra using something like a Factory Five kit.... Yes you could, but unless you got a fantastic deal on an doner 03/04 it would be a waste of money. Better off getting an older SN95 to use as a donor and then buy the drivetrain from a different source.
There are a few Factory Five Cobra's running around with 03/04 drivetrains in them. In fact a member of this site (Cobra4Me) builds Factory Five cars as a hobby and his last one had a transplanted engine/tranny/IRS from an 03/04 in it. Plenty of pictures, videos, and "how to" on his website. Check it out here: http://www.cobra4me.com/
U.M.
Keep a look out for a ticking noise coming from the D/S head, other that that they are pretty bullit proof 
Wow, that's a lot of information to go through but it looks like it is well worth the time. I have another question about the prices of these cars though. I've been sifting through ebay and other online sellers and the Cobras seem to be going for 20-30K, I was wondering what prices you guys think the car will be in a year to a year in a half. I thought the price would have come down more since the new body styles came out, although I understand just how special a car the 03/04 cobra is. I know you guys arn't mind readers but I'm curious to know what the prices have been the last couple of years, just so I can set up a trend. Also, I'm fairly certain that the car is rated for premium gas (93 octane). I may be wrong but if it is will the car run well on a lower octane for every day driving or is going a little cheaper on the gas a terrible idea. I drive a 2000 Silverado with the 5.3L and I know that gas is steep, especially when filling my 26 gallon tank. Anyway, thanks already for the timely responses and great information.
Honestly, the prices have hardly dropped much at all. These cars are holding their value much better than initially anticipated. The are to the muscle car crowd what the Supra is to the ricer crowd. The engine is damn near bullet proof and they can be turned into real animals if you want. You can also bump them up to 500 RWHP and still remain very docile and street-able.
If you think there will be a big drop in price over the next year I doubt it. Everyone said that when the GT500 came out the prices would come down, but they haven't because the GT500's are marked up so high from the dealer.
U.M.
If you think there will be a big drop in price over the next year I doubt it. Everyone said that when the GT500 came out the prices would come down, but they haven't because the GT500's are marked up so high from the dealer.
U.M.
