For the same money I too can make 600 whp in a lighter, more compact package. So what? You've got this idea that swapping a engine is this massively expensive, complicated thing..it isn't.
Once the internals are the same, the only difference is the heads. The 4V heads enjoy a very marginal advantage over heads with one less valve. I think that says a lot about the strides Ford made in design (two cams and 4 valves barely beat one cam and 3 valves).
All Mustangs from 1979-2004 are based on the same platform, and it is antiquated, not to mention weak and flexible.
I don't have to own a Cobra to know that aluminum blocks are better than iron blocks, that well thought out solid axle suspension is lighter and stonger than an expensive and breakable IRS, that chassis stiffeness is a good thing, and inside and out the S197 is more visually appealing.
The only thing from the Cobra I wouldn't mind is the tranmission, bent nail shifter and all.
I've always been under the impression the rods were the weak link w/regard to the stock setup.
So people with an aluminator but otherwise stock setup have ticking time bombs on their hands over 550whp?
As long as we're comparing apples to dildos, why not buy an old Fox body for a couple grand, slam a bored and stroked 351w into it, attach a C6 and a 9" and kick the Cobra's and the S197's asses for just about the same amount of money? Lighter, powerful-er, faster, cheaper...geeee...how can you go wrong?
I've driven the 99-04 styles, and while yes, it's a Mustang, and yes, it has lots of potential, it's just not very comfortable for me. I'm 6'3" and it just doesn't fit me right. The ride isn't that nice either (I haven't had the chance to drive an 03/04 Cobra - does the IRS make a big difference in ride quality?).Exactly!
But, it seems because the 4v is still ahead of the game compared to the oh so precious 3V, some people are upset that an old car is still a stronger initial platform to make fast.
Yeah, an old fox would do the trick for performance. I think what is happening though, people are factoring their personal likes and dislikes on new and used cars, and the looks on the cars.
I personally like the look better on the 3V, and the interior, etc.
However, I did not buy my Cobra for pretty looks, and a comfy interior. I bought it to go fast with the least amount of money possible, and I am not some rich idiot that can afford to drop 10k into a car, and hope to beat a car with less than half of that money in it I am on a budget, and have a nice, rare, strong and quick car for what I paid and have invested.
I bet this guy will even say the 3V is better than the current 5.4 4V GT500 motor. LOL
I've driven the 99-04 styles, and while yes, it's a Mustang, and yes, it has lots of potential, it's just not very comfortable for me. I'm 6'3" and it just doesn't fit me right. The ride isn't that nice either (I haven't had the chance to drive an 03/04 Cobra - does the IRS make a big difference in ride quality?).
I'd love to have a Cobra and I'd love to have a 30,000 sqft mansion and a Learjet...but I guess it all comes down to a cost/benefit analysis. For a DD, I can't think of a better platform than the S197. It also has huge power/speed potential, but it costs more to get there. I will sacrifice speed/power to drive in comfort and have a cool looking car that's still pretty damn fast.
If I want a race car, I'd pick up a Fox. To me, the Cobra is stuck in the middle and it's probably not something I'd look to obtain.
What's wrong with you guys?
I look good in ANY car.
I was saying I'd like to have one in addition to an S197. They aren't too expensive...I'm actually surprised to see 'em priced in the low 20s.PS - You make it sound like an 03/04 Cobra is expensive? 21K for a car with 13k miles on the clock is expensive? Hell, used GT's barely go for that.
Both are very similar cars, and very different. One is purpose built, the other is made for the average joe to drive around town comfortably. End of story.
I was saying I'd like to have one in addition to an S197. They aren't too expensive...I'm actually surprised to see 'em priced in the low 20s.
I'm actually surprised it's that low...there aren't many 03/04 Cobras around...I figure they should be mid-to-upper 20s.Still kinda odd that such an antique, with such an outdated chassis system, that still beats the competition with newer and better technology, is still that high in price.
The only disadvantage to me to the 03/04 cobra is the irs... not weight but i with a pullie and a 75 shot off the line with a drag radial and they can't handle it... but as someone stated you can change to a solid axle in a few hours and fairly cheap... if i wanted a fast street car i wouldn't exclude the cobra but i could make a 94/95 SN95 or fox much faster for CHEAP! this also depends on what everyones opinion is of a street car... mine is if it can be driven legally on the road and fill up at the gas station its a street car...
05-09 Mustangs are old news as well...
I'm actually surprised it's that low...there aren't many 03/04 Cobras around...I figure they should be mid-to-upper 20s.
The IRS cannot handle the launch of a pulley and a 75 shot? ROFL
Dude, have you ever seen one in person not handle it? There are dozens of Cobras making 500+ TQ cutting 16 60fts on slicks and the IRS is fine.
The weak link is WHEEL HOP which in turns breaks the half shafts. The girdle is strong, and the CV joints are strong. When you have a bad driver, and lots of hop, the shaft CAN, not ALWAYS, breaks.
There are 600+ RWHP Cobra's making more power than what a 75 shot pulley Cobra makes launching harder than balls off the line and are not breaking anything. Come on dude, be realistic. The IRS is not some weak POS. Just because there have been a few incidents, does not mean that is how it always will be.