Tell me about your Terminator--Pros/Cons of ownership

FoxBodyGT · Jul 17, 2006

Are they really that bad? I have heard that they may not be worth the money, bad tick on the D/S head, weak half-shafts, etc.

I know a lot about stangs in general, but since I have ventured into the realm of real job and income (and less and less time), I think having a factory hot rod will fit me great.

What are the pros/cons of your ownership?

BTW, once I get one (Next spring, probably), I'll be selling the fox. I know that I won't have the time to work on the fox like I want to. I always find "more important" things to do.

So what do you think of your Terminator?

jking32 · Jul 17, 2006

I love mine. Most enjoyable mustang I've owned (03 Cobra coupe, 88GT Vert and 95GT coupe). Like any car, there will be some bad ones, kind of like people. I have an early 03 car with no head tick at all and 45,000 miles. If your worried about it, find a car that has the new heads on it. It also depends on what you have planned for the car. If you plan to mod the car heavily then like any car you have to beef up everything else. If you plan on modding the car up to 600HP and putting sticky tires on it then you may want to worry about the half shafts. Mine is mostly stock and is an absolute blast to drive. I felt the need to put the Fiore quadrant and firewall adjuster to get rid of the POS plastic quadrant and a K&N filter on it. It also has pro 5.0 shifter. The clutch is a bit heavy but you get used to that pretty quick. Every time I drive the car I am glad I bought it. Buy wisely, be patient and you should find a car you'll be happy with.

SVT98Snake · Jul 18, 2006

all pros...only 2 cons....weight and heatsoak.

tlrdynes · Jul 19, 2006

+1

SVT98Snake said:
all pros...only 2 cons....weight and heatsoak.

TheDukeOfEarl · Jul 19, 2006

I love my cobra. It is very fast, reliable and handles great. Aftermarket is very cheap and everything you can think of is available. You really have to look at bang for the buck with these cars.
I don't see weight being a big issue. I am at 3200 with driver and fuel. Heat soak is not hard to manage either. I have found that a lot of tune shops are pushing the AFR too lean to gain more HP. This runs your temps way up real fast.

SVT98Snake · Jul 20, 2006

TheDukeOfEarl said:
I love my cobra. It is very fast, reliable and handles great. Aftermarket is very cheap and everything you can think of is available. You really have to look at bang for the buck with these cars.
I don't see weight being a big issue. I am at 3200 with driver and fuel. Heat soak is not hard to manage either. I have found that a lot of tune shops are pushing the AFR too lean to gain more HP. This runs your temps way up real fast.

Taking that much weight off hurts ride quality, durability, and can get $$. IMO.

To lose that much weight I see only possible through a tubular K, coil overs, sold rear, aluminum block, lighter seats and a rear delete.

That is what I was referring to.

FoxBodyGT · Jul 20, 2006

what would be a decent price to pay for one? You think the prices will decline once the 500's are on the street?

Spring time a better time to buy? Winter? Late winter?

TheDukeOfEarl · Jul 20, 2006

SVT98Snake said:
Taking that much weight off hurts ride quality, durability, and can get $$. IMO.

To lose that much weight I see only possible through a tubular K, coil overs, sold rear, aluminum block, lighter seats and a rear delete.

That is what I was referring to.

How can removing weight hurt ride quality or durability? Going to coilovers is one of the best ways to Improve ride not hurt it. Last time I looked it was free to remove the un needed seats and dashboard. There was a charge for the pulley to replace the air conditioner pump. Removal of the stero was a money savings. No need to buy those nasty CD's LOL

TheDukeOfEarl · Jul 20, 2006

88ssp said:
what would be a decent price to pay for one? You think the prices will decline once the 500's are on the street?

Spring time a better time to buy? Winter? Late winter?

I think you see them in the low to mid 20s for a long time. Even with the 500s out. Now is always the best time to buy. If you start waiting for a deal you will never have a car.

SVT98Snake · Jul 20, 2006

TheDukeOfEarl said:
How can removing weight hurt ride quality or durability? Going to coilovers is one of the best ways to Improve ride not hurt it. Last time I looked it was free to remove the un needed seats and dashboard. There was a charge for the pulley to replace the air conditioner pump. Removal of the stero was a money savings. No need to buy those nasty CD's LOL

Sorry....durability should have said support/structural strength and I should have added comfort.

Coilovers/tubular K- decreases the strength up front..EXCELLENT weight saver, but if you get in a wreck, the strength is gone and you have a block in your back seat.

Get rid of the rear, I would want a delete, not a hole.

My other point was that to make it lighter, you have to get rid of the seats, dashboard, stereo, A/C, IRS, swap blocks....

That to me hurts ride quality/comfort.

Your car sounds bad and I like it a lot, but not everyone wants a road racer....that is all I was saying.

RagTopSnake · Jul 21, 2006

I have an 03 vert. Have had it for 2 years and absolutely love the car. Its bone stock, but [at first at least] plenty quick enough. They pull hard from anywhere over 3500 rpm, they corner pretty well [ok they push some, but that's what your right foot is for] and they have great brakes.

Downside - the stock shifter is awful, get a tri-ax [noisier but you hit third everytime]. The interior is not a lot improved over the standard 6 cyl car [ok the seats are nicer but more or less...] and the rear tires seem to wear out a lot faster than the fronts for some reason

Short answer - buy one. There is not a day goes by that I am ever sorry I did

gtstangrunner · Jul 26, 2006

Yeah get one for sure. I have had my 03 cobra for almost two years and although not a daily driver I truly enjoy the car when I do drive it. Mine is pretty well modded out and it seems to be holding up pretty good. I had a Procharged 00 GT before the cobra and still have to say the cobra is the best car I've ever owned so far. Take the plunge you will never look back

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