Wanting Advice: Keep O5 or Pick Up Termi?

[Memphis]

So, I have my 05Gt. Its pretty well built for a little of everything, cams, intake manifold, TB UDPs, Lower control arms, CHE Kmember brace, adjustable upper, etc.. Last Dyno Pull put it at 350RWHP before adding the FRPP Intake, TB and a Aluminum driveshaft. Problem is Id like to have 600-700hp that I can drive to work reliably and that handles well. This would require a shortblock @$4500+Forced Induction $5000 +Fuel system $1500+ tuning and all the little annoying costs that you never think of.

Or:

Pick up a 2003 immaculate 10th Anniversary Cobra (already found and test driving this weekend). Shortblock is already capable of handling the power I want to throw at it, has the blower, has a 6 speed, but also has IRS. something I have never dealt with.

Im really torn here guys, I love my 05, but I think the Termi (which is an awesome looking and sounding, unbelievably immaculate car) is a lot closer to my goals of a 600-700hp car. Would essentially work out to a straight trade

So: What would be your worrys? What would you guys be looking for? Etc.. All input is appreciated

My goal Id like to have 600-700hp that I can drive to work reliably and that handles well for occasional Track days and 1/4miles.

MODERATORS: I wasn't sure where to post this, my goal was performance related advice, hence why I chose tech. If its the wrong place, please move it. Thanks!

 

[zxmarekxz]

probably cheaper to get the termi than to mod yours to that level. If it were me, I'd probably test drive a c6z. If you dont mind the interior of the termi and done plenty of research on them, then go for it. also, this should be chit chat

 

[mac10chap]

For what you have now...go with the Termi...all day

On a side note: can you give a little info on the Termi? You say it already has the shortblock and the blower...do you mean stock or is it aftermarket? How many miles?

 

[DDTCM]

I wanted the same but more around a safe 500-550 whp. I looked and looked at trading the 07 in on a Termi and came super close on a sonic blue but the 2011 came out and I was sold,plus I just couldnt go back to the new edge style interior. The 2011 is fast and fun for now but when Im ready to slap a blower on I will have my safe 500whp.If I didnt get the trade in value I wanted on my 07 and the payment I have on the 11 I would have went Termi in a heartbeat. The Termi is a beautiful car and is pretty much bulletproof so I say do it! Think about the cost of the engine build and blower cost. I was in the same situation as you last year but I can honestly say that I am completely happy with my 2011.

 

[TrickyP]

I actually had a 2004 Cobra before eventually getting my 2006 GT. I still miss parts of the Cobra....the blower whine, the sheer raw power, the constant looks from people at stop lights, fairly cheap mods that produced a lot of Hp/torque, and the blower whine (yeah I listed it twice). The engine is bullet proof, but the rear necessarily isn't, but that's an easy fix. Keep that last part in mind if you are wanting 500+hp.

The S197 Mustangs are a different feel though. They feel more refined, are more predictable in the corners (at least for me) have that retro look, and have a better quality interior.

The bottomline is what you want out of the car...if you want big, reliable power, then go with the Terminator. If you want a little refinement with less power, then stay with the current ride.

 

[BAKnBLK2010]

Get the Termi period. S197's are on every corner of every street, the Termi's are something special.

 

[Memphis]

Stock Shortblock unmodified-100k, though from what I can find high mileage is not much of a concern with these, Clean Carfax, aftermarket stereo system, Two Tone, Slate Gray and Red, 10th anniversary package (Nothing special from what I can find). I love the body style, my wife says it looks like a dog turd....lol. Appreciate everyones feedback. Yeah, the interior, well, they have come a long way, but I am looking more torwards functionality and performance over comfort ( I can afford to since I only commute 2 miles a day) Keep it coming please. Thanks!

 

[Grabber]

If you really want speed, get the Terminator dude.

I regret ever selling my Cobra, even after owning 2 Blown GT's. The power just is not there. The Cobra was built for one thing and one thing only. The go fast.

The Terminator will handle better stock, run faster, make more power mod for mod, the T-56 is WAYYY stronger, way less forgiving if you miss a gear. The rear end is just as strong, as it uses the same size 31 spline axles. Only thing to watch out for is wheel hop. I've seen 1.5 60fts on a completely stock IRS with zero issue and almost 700 HP.

My friend just bought another Terminator a few days ago, and I drove it the other day after him and I cruising in my car. While my GT is pretty quick, the Terminator felt just as fast. Sure, the refinement plays a certain role, but sheer power cannot be ignored. This car spun 1st, 2nd and 3rd and pulled like a freight train.

Granted, my GT will be pretty even with the Cobra, it's just a funner more exciting feeling. Not to mention the modding potential of a Terminator without deep pockets is there. Not with a GT unfortunately.

 

[Memphis]

Grabber, your avatar is hilarious! Appreciate everyone's advice, wife is not happy, but leaning towards the termi, going to test drive it tonight. Will keep you all posted. BTW, if I do go that route are there any sources like S197 geared towards the Termis?

 

[TrickyP]

Yeah SVTperformance.com or modularfords.com. Those are the big 2 for Terminators.

 

[Ken04]

Grabber, your avatar is hilarious! Appreciate everyone's advice, wife is not happy, but leaning towards the termi, going to test drive it tonight. Will keep you all posted. BTW, if I do go that route are there any sources like S197 geared towards the Termis?

you talking about that car that was at the cruise in ? I saw the 4.6 4V s/c motor in it, but isn't a Terminator the 03/04 body style ? Or is it the motor ?

 

[01yellerCobra]

you talking about that car that was at the cruise in ? I saw the 4.6 4V s/c motor in it, but isn't a Terminator the 03/04 body style ? Or is it the motor ?

Terminator was the internal code name for the 03/04 Cobra. Like how the GT500 was Condor.

If you really want to get the 03/04 Cobra owners upset call the cars Termis.

 

[Memphis]

Yup it was the red and black 03 10th anniversary one.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Bang for the buck it's hard to beat the 03/04's. Sometimes I still wish I had spent the extra money in the begining to get one. I know I made up the price difference and then some with the built motor and supporting mods. I'm not sure what gas is available in your area, but 600 might be the number to shoot for. That's enough to make things interesting on the street. And you can do it on pump gas.

 

[Ken04]

Yup it was the red and black 03 10th anniversary one.

wow dude, I must have brain damage or something. I glanced at that car and was sure it was a 95-96. Duh to me I guess, 03 Termi is what it is.

 

[fdjizm]

I'm more concerned with overall looks and also interior in a car, I would stick with the 05. just my opinion.
power can always be added to any car.

 

[3VPOWA]

Keep the '05 and just build it. Now that I've owned two S197's after my '98 Cobra, I could never go back to that hideous interior. The S197 feels so much roomier than the outdated style.

 

[bw281]

So, I have my 05Gt. Its pretty well built for a little of everything, cams, intake manifold, TB UDPs, Lower control arms, CHE Kmember brace, adjustable upper, etc.. Last Dyno Pull put it at 350RWHP before adding the FRPP Intake, TB and a Aluminum driveshaft. Problem is Id like to have 600-700hp that I can drive to work reliably and that handles well. This would require a shortblock @$4500+Forced Induction $5000 +Fuel system $1500+ tuning and all the little annoying costs that you never think of.

Or:

Pick up a 2003 immaculate 10th Anniversary Cobra (already found and test driving this weekend). Shortblock is already capable of handling the power I want to throw at it, has the blower, has a 6 speed, but also has IRS. something I have never dealt with.

Im really torn here guys, I love my 05, but I think the Termi (which is an awesome looking and sounding, unbelievably immaculate car) is a lot closer to my goals of a 600-700hp car. Would essentially work out to a straight trade

So: What would be your worrys? What would you guys be looking for? Etc.. All input is appreciated

My goal Id like to have 600-700hp that I can drive to work reliably and that handles well for occasional Track days and 1/4miles.

MODERATORS: I wasn't sure where to post this, my goal was performance related advice, hence why I chose tech. If its the wrong place, please move it. Thanks!

I actually missed out on a great termi about a month ago, was only one city over and it sold the day before I was trying to see it in person. Those power levels would work out with a KB, whipple, or turbo termi and supporting mods. I think general consensus is that the termi motor can handle the power more than a mildly built 05+ sb.

Do we really need all this power for the streets? Reliability and those numbers trouble me, jmo. I would love 600 at the wheels on my 06 gt, but I don't feel like emptying my savings or takings funds from my brokerage acct to add a built sb, a new trans, twinscrew(my choice of Whipple, don't think saleen can make it there), and full suspension mods.

Is 450-600 at the wheels possibly good enough?

I noticed JDM has a budget sb for 3k and shipping, your 5k estimate for FI is not enough imo for those power goals.Going for a lower power level also won't set you that far back on fuel system.

For the looks and suspension, keep the s197

 

[Swarzkopf]

For the OP's goals, the Terminator makes way more sense than modding a comparatively fragile and expensive 3V.

If your goal was 450 or even 500 RWHP, keeping what you already have and working with it would make more sense- but wanting 700 RWHP? The Terminator can do it with a blower swap and fuel system and nothing else! While like you said, the 3V is going to need a shortblock, forced induction, and more and is going to end up being 2-3 times more expensive.

Get the Cobra!

(I love my S197 and wouldn't trade for a Terminator, but, we have totally different objectives!)

 

[porkipine]

i agree with Swarzkopf, if you feel the need for power, go for the terminator... style, go for the s197... that's your call.