Thinking about gettin an 01-02 or 03 cobra, got some questions...

[beanboy]

I currently have an 00 M5, but the repairs are getting rediculous-it's always in the shop, and is going to cost a ton to keep running if I keep using it as a daily driver. Thus, I'm looking for a daily driver. I want something fun and sporty...


1. How reliable are '01-02 and then '03 cobras? This is a MUST. I absolutely cannot get stranded (cough, m5, cough). Will one be significantly more reliable than the other?
2. I'm going to drive the car hard-not abusively, but hard. Everytime I drive I do a fair amount of flooring it-will the car hold up to this?
3. If things do fail, what will it likely be?
4. I know that since the car changed in 03 ppl may not know this yet, but any idea how long clutches will last? How much are they to replace (like $500 or $1500).

Thankyou guys a TON for your help, I really appreciate it
Parker

 

[COBRA90GT]

1 - There was an '01 cobra in the US, no '02 cobra here (only Austrailia). It has started everytime I have turned the key over. Reliable? Yes, in my experience. I love my '01 and it always puts a smile on my face when I drive it.
Treat it right, and it will treat you back just fine (as with any vehicle).

2 - See #1. *BUT* if you plan on racing at the track with the factory halfshafts and drag radials, you are LIKELY to run into halfshaft breakage...it's not a matter of IF, but WHEN...otherwise the car runs fine on the street, hard launches might induce "wheel hop."

3 -See #2 (re: wheel hop can & will result in a broken halfshaft). Also, watch your oil level. If you plan on spending most of your time in the upper RPMs, your motor might use a little oil, so just be aware about that. Also, some (only a handful) '01 motors suffered from pinging - just FYI, test drive it and ensure that it isn't making any odd noises from under the hood (ie - sound of marbles, while under load).

4 - It all depends on how you treat the clutch/drive it. I'm at about 27K miles right now and the factory clutch is still holding up just fine...while others have had less than ideal results. You can purchase a new one for around $200+... Also, regarding the TR-3650 trans, some have had nothing but bad luck, while others have had no problems (typical complaints are "notchiness" and/or bent shift forks).

Think that covered most of the major points...BTW - welcome aboard.

 

[Tat98Cobra]

The 03 is hands down a superior car. If you have the $$, Id definately go with it

peace

 

[beanboy]

My motto is "The more horsepower ya got, the more ya got to go wrong"
I.E. in my M5 I had close to 400hp (similar to an 03 cobra) and that's why I blew clutches, broke a driveshaft, and broke my rear subframe (that's only going on a track like twice, and NEVER revving the car up and dropping the clutch). I was just wondering if I Was more likely to do things like break driveshaft/half shafts, suspension, etc with an 03. Is the 03 beefed up at all in terms of the rest of the car?
Know any online stores that will give me an idea of prices for aftermarket clutches, halfshafts, etc?
Does the supercharger belt ever slip off?

Thanks a lot guys
Parker

 

[Jman142]

Youll want the 03 since your previous car was an M5

 

[Jman142]

The clutch is fine in those cars, there will be no belt slip with a stock pulley, but once you get to a small pulley you will need idler pullies to help stop belt slipage unless you get a bigger lower pulley, in which case you dont need idlers but it is a harder install. Only thing I would be worried about is the halfshafts(wheelhop), and it looks like as HpbyHerman/Amazon racing has a kit that fixes it considerbly or gets rid of it completely. BEWARE if you get this car, no matter what you say, it wont remain stock..haha it is too easy to mod and spend 1000 to get 450 RWHP...slipping down the slope

 

[beanboy]

Anyone know an online store where I can take a look at aftermarket parts?
Approx how much $ should I count on for parts and labor on replacing a clutch?
And are there any general mustang cobra websites that are very informative?

Parker

 

[Tat98Cobra]

Anyone know an online store where I can take a look at aftermarket parts?
Approx how much $ should I count on for parts and labor on replacing a clutch?
And are there any general mustang cobra websites that are very informative?

Parker

A few to get you going:
Summit
Jegs
Brothers Performance

As far as cobra websites - RIght here on Stangnet, or on the Corral are very informative just reading and searching through the posts. Good luck!

peace

 

[RaceRat]

Approx how much $ should I count on for parts and labor on replacing a clutch?
And are there any general mustang cobra websites that are very informative?

Parker

The stock clutch holds up pretty well up to about 450rwhp. After that, it's overpowered and will slip. A SPEC II clutch runs about $300 and it's no different to change than any other Mustang clutch so get a quote from your local shop.

The best site I've found for Cobra info is SVTPerformance.com. The Terminator section (for 03 Cobras) is VERY active.

A mildly modded 03/04 is a pretty stout car. Make sure you get a good one out of the box. There is a big difference between build quality of an M5 and a Mustang. Test drive a few cars before you buy one. Interior, engine and drivetrain noise seems to vary greatly between cars.

 

[Mach428]

Bean Boy, did you happen to look at cobras today right off of RT 17 in paramus?