Questions on a 99 Cobra

[ShadowFist]

Someone referred me to this site, saying that it had plenty of SVT owners and a very active Washingtong group as well. Since I havent had much luck with getting answers on 99 Cobras there, I'll ask the question here .

I will be going to look at a 99 cobra (stock, most likely) with 85000 miles. Is there anything in particular to watch out for? I currently drive a '96 V6 slush-o-matic, and need some helpful advice ^_^

Thanks in advance!

 

[COBRA90GT]

Run the VIN# by the folks at SVT (1-800-ford-svt) and they will be able to confirm whether or not that particular 1999 has had "the fix" performed or not. The vast majority of 99's have had "the fix" done at the dealership (it corrected the lack of horsepower via the intake, catback, chip reflash).

Other than that, test drive it, check the usual stuff you would look at while purchasing a used vehicle, and you should be good. G'luck.

 

[blackfang]

I told him on another site how to find out that info

 

[ShadowFist]

Yup. I knew about the recall, but I was just wondering if there was anything 'problematic' with that year that should be looked at. I'll be heading out in 12 hours, and hopefully it will be a good vehicle. Is 85,000 miles fine for a 32V engine?

 

[ShadowFist]

Well I took a look at that cobra today, and only found 2 'problems'.

The big one is a section of paint looks like it has been 'oxidizing' and it looks a little hazy with what looks like some scratches. My 96 has the same thing, only worse. Is there a problem with Ford paints that causes this?

The second problem is occasionally when you push in the clutch, the parking brake light comes on. It isnt all the time, but it is enough to cause concern. The car has been wired for an amp and sub, so I was wondering if it was a crossed/shorted out wire that the clutch is rubbing on.

Also, how loud is the average tire noise? At freeway speeds (70 MPH) the tire hum was louder than the engine. Is there a way to change this, short of swapping tires/rims?

 

[wythors]

These cars seem to have an issue with the clearcoat being very sensitive to harsh abrasives or things being rested on them. A friend of mine just bought a 01 Cobra with less than 8000 miles on it and it had four spots on the paint that were all hazy with scratches. They came right out with rubbing compound and an orbital buffer.

The bit about the brake light is interesting. Does it happen when the car is standing still, or only when you shift gears while driving? It it happens while moving, check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder. If the fluid is low, it could be that it sloshes around and makes the brake light come on. Another possibility is a loose brake light switch in the console that moves around under the same conditions. OR, it could be that somebody butchered a harness with the radio wiring. My money's on the brake fluid level.

As far as the tire noise goes, what kind of tires does it have on it? Crappy tires can make a lot of noise. I put Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3's on our 96 and they're really quiet. No decent tire should make the amount of noise you're describing. Are you sure that it is tire noise and not bearing noise?

Lastly, where are you in WA? If you buy the car, you ought to join SVToA/Seattle. The next meeting is a week from Tuesday. PM me if you're interested.

 

[ShadowFist]

I'll send the owner your suggestions on what to check. As for the tires and rims, see attached. They are 245/45 ZR17. Regarding the tire noise/bearing noise, what would be a good way to tell? The hum is definitely speed related, as when it is under 45 you dont hear it at all.

*edit-the ebrake light only happens when it is moving, and sometimes when braking.

As for the meeting, I am an hour north of Seattle, near Mount Vernon

 

[ShadowFist]

The brake fluid did the trick. Thanks for the info!

Wythors- PM sent