Running 12's with a GT or Cobra?

[ocelot]

I have about $10k to spend and i'm looking for a mid 90's Cobra or GT now. Assuming I can get one for around $6-9k, whats the easiest way to get these cars somewhat reliably into the 12's? Pretty much my only restriction would be something like nitrous that I don't want to use. I'm new to domestics, even piston engines in general since i've owned a rotary rx7 that i've been modding for a while, so a basic rundown would be cool. Thanks.

- Brian

 

[Craig Mack]

I don't think your going to find a Cobra for anywhere close to 6k....and if you do, its beat up with a ton of miles on it. You will need to spend at least 10 grand to find a solid Cobra with relatively low mileage.

Just IMO..

 

[ocelot]

I've seen a lot of 96 cobras with under 100k miles for around $7-8k

 

[ocelot]

Either way, if I got a GT or Cobra, what starter mods would I do?

 

[DavidCroft]

I picked up my 97 Cobra for $7500. Total steal considering the engine has 36K miles on the engine(78K on body) and it runs 12s. The guy before me got a 12.3 with slicks on it. I'd say to find one for that price you need someone who is in desperate need of cash.I got extremely lucky. Also depends on what region you live in. If you live in the midwest it will be easier. Ive noticed the more expensive it is to live in the city you live in, the more people ask for their cars. Best bet is to get a Cobra cause you can get them into the 12s without a power adder. And you are right about nitrous, don't do it. Ive heard so many stories about blown engines, and that's why the guy replaced the engine in my Cobra. He blew the orig, one with Nitrous. Basically you need gears, suspension, full exhaust and some good slicks or drag radials, and practice. 5.0s are supposed to be way cheaper and easier to mod, so try and look for a 94-95 without too much abuse. Then you can throw a cam in it and get a better intake manifold and some gears and you should be running 12s.

 

[ocelot]

Its for sale now? You going to try and get more out of it than you bought it for? If not i'd pick it up at that price

 

[deftsound]

werent the 96' mustangs supposed to be the really slow ones?? Id get a 5.0 for around 5-6k and put the rest of the money on a supercharger...

 

[O.D. Showtime]

If you can find a cheap 4 valve Cobra (96 and newer), then get one because the motors are great and very responsive to mods. A 94-95 Cobra has the 5.0 and they're much cheaper for obvious reasons. First mods are usually the basic stuff, like full exhaust (especially get long tube headers if you don't have emissions), gears (at least 4:10 on a 4 valve Cobra, 3:73 should be fine on a 5.0), some sub-frame connectors, sticky drag radial tires, and then maybe work up your motor. Do you want to stay naturally aspirate or do you not care if you supercharge or even turbocharge?

 

[DavidCroft]

Its for sale now? You going to try and get more out of it than you bought it for? If not i'd pick it up at that price

Naw not the Pacific Green Cobra, I picked up my rio red for 7500. and its mine. thats why Im selling the Pac Green one. I want to free up some cash for my little project rio red.

 

[ocelot]

So how much is the green one for sale for?

 

[1996COBRA]

werent the 96' mustangs supposed to be the really slow ones??

wanna race?

 

[SSinfull]

Full Exhaust, gears, Subframes, and a Procharger with a nice Dyno tune!

Done!