TA WS6 owner considering an 04 Cobra, but have ?

andrewr · Dec 22, 2004

I am about 18hrs away from purchasing an 04 Cobra with under 5k miles on it. I presently drive a bone stock 02 Trans Am WS6. I like the WS6 look a lot better than the Cobra and the way the driver's seat feels with leg room and shifter placement. However, I hate the fact that GM dropped the LS1 engine in without upgrading the rest of the car. The 10 bolt solid rear axle sucks and I have already gone through one. The rotors suck and warp on everyones car. The transmission had a defect in the sycros for 2nd gear on most cars, etc, etc.

There are a lot of other issues with f-bodies, but I want to know.... what are the common probs that everyone experiences with an 04 Cobra? I test drove an 04 Cobra and they drive a lot smoother than the Trans Am. I know all cars have issues, I just want don't want to regret having not researched common problems before trading in a car that I really like for the Cobra.

Thanks guys

SoonerJoe · Dec 22, 2004

they are still mustangs...lots of little rattles and squeks, but I still love the car.

_jb_ · Dec 22, 2004

andrewr said:
I am about 18hrs away from purchasing an 04 Cobra with under 5k miles on it. I presently drive a bone stock 02 Trans Am WS6. I like the WS6 look a lot better than the Cobra and the way the driver's seat feels with leg room and shifter placement. However, I hate the fact that GM dropped the LS1 engine in without upgrading the rest of the car. The 10 bolt solid rear axle sucks and I have already gone through one. The rotors suck and warp on everyones car. The transmission had a defect in the sycros for 2nd gear on most cars, etc, etc.

There are a lot of other issues with f-bodies, but I want to know.... what are the common probs that everyone experiences with an 04 Cobra? I test drove an 04 Cobra and they drive a lot smoother than the Trans Am. I know all cars have issues, I just want don't want to regret having not researched common problems before trading in a car that I really like for the Cobra.

Thanks guys

As for the 10 bolt, did you change the differental fluid at the first 7500 miles? If not, the more you drive it the more damage you will cause. I don't see how you took it out once already unless you were running slicks. I know people who have 70k miles on the 10 bolt. Haven't heard of the 2nd gear problem though...unless it is realated to !CAGS. Warped rotors? Must have had to break hard quite a few times.

I would keep the WS6 in my opinion. I think they look way better than an 04 Cobra...or any Mustang for that matter. The 03/04 Cobras can make some awesome power with simple mods.

hoofbear · Dec 22, 2004

andrewr said:
I am about 18hrs away from purchasing an 04 Cobra with under 5k miles on it. I presently drive a bone stock 02 Trans Am WS6. I like the WS6 look a lot better than the Cobra and the way the driver's seat feels with leg room and shifter placement. However, I hate the fact that GM dropped the LS1 engine in without upgrading the rest of the car. The 10 bolt solid rear axle sucks and I have already gone through one. The rotors suck and warp on everyones car. The transmission had a defect in the sycros for 2nd gear on most cars, etc, etc.

There are a lot of other issues with f-bodies, but I want to know.... what are the common probs that everyone experiences with an 04 Cobra? I test drove an 04 Cobra and they drive a lot smoother than the Trans Am. I know all cars have issues, I just want don't want to regret having not researched common problems before trading in a car that I really like for the Cobra.

Thanks guys

Go over to svtperformance.com and check out the FAQ section,should give you all the info your looking for.

Dr. Wu 2000 · Dec 22, 2004

The major ongoing problem with these cars is the tick. Ford says that it is normal and that it will not do any damage to the motor. People have brought them in to have the head replaced and it just comes right back. See it more in the 03's. I think I have it but I'm not sure, doesn't affect how the car drives. Some have also had problems with the tranni and clutch but that is to be expected with any car. Some have more problems than others. Those who are trouble free I would say heavily outweigh those who have had problems. The major problem we all have is to pulley or not to pulley, a tuff decision to make with these things. Gotta think about that warranty. Good luck with the decision. Keep us posted on what you do.

andrewr · Dec 22, 2004

_JB_ said:
As for the 10 bolt, did you change the differental fluid at the first 7500 miles? If not, the more you drive it the more damage you will cause. I don't see how you took it out once already unless you were running slicks. I know people who have 70k miles on the 10 bolt. Haven't heard of the 2nd gear problem though...unless it is realated to !CAGS. Warped rotors? Must have had to break hard quite a few times.

I would keep the WS6 in my opinion. I think they look way better than an 04 Cobra...or any Mustang for that matter. The 03/04 Cobras can make some awesome power with simple mods.

I should clarify that I didn't bust the rear differential entirely, but the rear pinion bearing was replaced due to excessive noise, whine, etc. I wouldn't say I drove the car hard, but I just drove it to it's potential (or at least the engine's potential). As for braking... I lived in Houston where there are idiot drivers and braking hard on occassion is a fact of life to avoid people running red lights, or accidents happening in front of you. The prob with 2nd gear wasn't related to the skip-shift feature. Instead, the car would just come out of gear while driving. I had to hold it in gear while I drove (or skip second all together).

I know you are looking to get a TA and I am not going to say not to. I have an 02 black on black, m6, ws6 at 30k miles and I love it. Every prob I had with the car was fixed under warranty and never resurfaced. The rotors and rear-end are the only major cons of the car I can think of and there are a ton of pros. About once a week someone will come up and tell me how beautiful it is after I park (especially if tops are off).

_jb_ · Dec 22, 2004

andrewr said:
I should clarify that I didn't bust the rear differential entirely, but the rear pinion bearing was replaced due to excessive noise, whine, etc. I wouldn't say I drove the car hard, but I just drove it to it's potential (or at least the engine's potential). As for braking... I lived in Houston where there are idiot drivers and braking hard on occassion is a fact of life to avoid people running red lights, or accidents happening in front of you. The prob with 2nd gear wasn't related to the skip-shift feature. Instead, the car would just come out of gear while driving. I had to hold it in gear while I drove (or skip second all together).

I know you are looking to get a TA and I am not going to say not to. I have an 02 black on black, m6, ws6 at 30k miles and I love it. Every prob I had with the car was fixed under warranty and never resurfaced. The rotors and rear-end are the only major cons of the car I can think of and there are a ton of pros. About once a week someone will come up and tell me how beautiful it is after I park (especially if tops are off).

Just the car I want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does the tranny still pop out of gear even after you took it back to GM under warrenty?

I still say keep your car!

chuckstang95 · Dec 23, 2004

JB...Go seek help now lol, if you really think he should keep his ws6 and not get an 04 cobra. the 04 cobra is the best of the modern day muscle cars, and there is no ticking on the 04 cars, only 03, ford fixed that. These things are beasts from the start and only get better with a few simple mods...seriously even if you dont like mustangs...no one would turn down an 03/04 cobra unless they are "mental"

BensBACobra · Dec 23, 2004

i used to own a 6speed LT1 car and my cobra isnt new but i love it leaps and bounds over the fbody. the reasons you stated for liking your fbody are the reasons i didnt. the thing is a land boat. nearly impossible to park, and try opening the doors w/o hiting the car next to you. the shifter position is nice compared to the awkward reach of the mustang, but you'll get used to it. at first i like the low slung seating position but after awhile, you get tired of not being able to see the entire front of the car when you inside it. i never had rear end problems, but i did change the gears and fluid. i had major ignition problems with mine (optispark...WORST design EVER!!).

_jb_ · Dec 23, 2004

chuckstang95 said:
JB...Go seek help now lol, if you really think he should keep his ws6 and not get an 04 cobra. the 04 cobra is the best of the modern day muscle cars, and there is no ticking on the 04 cars, only 03, ford fixed that. These things are beasts from the start and only get better with a few simple mods...seriously even if you dont like mustangs...no one would turn down an 03/04 cobra unless they are "mental"

I'd take the WS6 over the Cobra because I love the design of the T/As. Plus around here, I only saw 5 Firebirds and 4 T/A (2 were WS6s) throughout the whole summer! Mustangs are all over the place around here, well the 94+ ones.

andrewr · Dec 23, 2004

Thanks guys. I am most likely going to get the 04 cobra. Like some of you said, I do like the body style of the WS6 more. The TA seems a little more exotic looking, or less plain than the mustang, but I can see liking the clean look of the mustang, so I guess it just depends on what you like. As for the TA being "a land boat," yeah it's big and sometimes hard to open the doors, but I liked it big. I just makes it seem like more of a dragster or muscle car, while the mustang seems like more of a mix between sports car and muscle car.

Tat98Cobra · Dec 23, 2004

chuckstang95 said:
JB...Go seek help now lol, if you really think he should keep his ws6 and not get an 04 cobra. the 04 cobra is the best of the modern day muscle cars, and there is no ticking on the 04 cars, only 03, ford fixed that. These things are beasts from the start and only get better with a few simple mods...seriously even if you dont like mustangs...no one would turn down an 03/04 cobra unless they are "mental"

FYI - the 04 cobras do get the tick. Almost as often as the 03's. Go to svtperformance and do a search on the tick...

peace

LaserCobra · Dec 24, 2004

04 all the way. The car looks tough sitting still

FordStang · Dec 25, 2004

my 04 bought brand new only 700 miles right now no problems.

Darkhorse845 · Dec 26, 2004

Welcome Aboard! Yes go for it and get a
04 Cobra that's a awesome car!

02GT4ME · Dec 26, 2004

after owning 2 f-bods, i think the cobra is in a league by it self. but thats me. the ws6's look tight but looks arent every thing.the ls1's are awesome but they are flawed. like others have pointed out. the cobra isnt perfect either, but you get so much car for the money.imo!!! go for the cobra. change is good! not to mention 100 more ponies in stock form!

BensBACobra · Dec 27, 2004

agreed, the only reason i have a 97 cobra (besides the fact that they are one of my favorate mustangs ever made) is i am under 25, and the insurance for a 03/04 would put me in the gutter...

blk04cobra1 · Dec 27, 2004

both had very sturdy platforms for power...there is one in my area that has no engine work, but had a Procharger slapped on...he put down close to 600rwhp w/out tuning...on the other hand, the 2003-2004 Cobra's are nice as well...who knows, tough decision

sawman70 · Dec 27, 2004

blk04cobra1 said:
both had very sturdy platforms for power...there is one in my area that has no engine work, but had a Procharger slapped on...he put down close to 600rwhp w/out tuning...on the other hand, the 2003-2004 Cobra's are nice as well...who knows, tough decision

WOW!!! No tuning and 600hp. Sounds like a time bomb. Lean makes lots of power.... for awhile.

blk04cobra1 · Dec 27, 2004

to be honest, im not sure how it was running A/F wise, im sure it was lean...but yeah, he said it was stock bottom end, I dont even know if he had an exhaust, but just the procharger and 600rwhp....i was amazed....

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