How much RWHP can the stock 03 Cobra handle?

[xenon]

I am looking into buying a 03/04 Cobra to replace my 01 GT.

How much RWHP can the stock cobra motor handle? The KB s/c looks like a good choice. Would the stock block handle 20-25psi? What other mods would be needed to support all this power? I know the stock clutch would need to be replaced but what else?

Thanks guys.

 

[Cobrakid]

when tuned correctly they can handle an easy 800-850hp...so I'm told.

I am going the 19-20lb KB route..... shootin for 620-650 rwhp.....
in my opinion, you will need the following support pieces.

55lb injectors and harnesses $625ish
dual Focus fuel pumps $165ish
good chip, or Predator tune...$300-$420
dyno tuned with above $300-$500
Denso IT 22 plugs $85
Good air intake kit $125-$200
Exhaust upgrades $200-$800
Kenne Bell with Boost-a-spark $3700
tires.....needed big time anything over 450hp $300-???

also address the rear IRS situation....bushings, halfshafts, or install solid rear
maybe address the front trans input shaft when over 550hp
definately clutch issues after 500hp
maybe better intercooler heat exchanger.

So as you can see, your gonna be way over $5k to do it correctly.

Goodluck.....

 

[hj16]

I personally know a couple of people well over 700rwhp on the stock block. It just takes a great tune and fuelsystem to make those numbers.

 

[Jetracer1000]

Me personally I like to strengthen suspension first, because it don't matter unless you can stick it to the pavemant.

 

[xenon]

when tuned correctly they can handle an easy 800-850hp...so I'm told.

I am going the 19-20lb KB route..... shootin for 620-650 rwhp.....
in my opinion, you will need the following support pieces.

55lb injectors and harnesses $625ish
dual Focus fuel pumps $165ish
good chip, or Predator tune...$300-$420
dyno tuned with above $300-$500
Denso IT 22 plugs $85
Good air intake kit $125-$200
Exhaust upgrades $200-$800
Kenne Bell with Boost-a-spark $3700
tires.....needed big time anything over 450hp $300-???

also address the rear IRS situation....bushings, halfshafts, or install solid rear
maybe address the front trans input shaft when over 550hp
definately clutch issues after 500hp
maybe better intercooler heat exchanger.

So as you can see, your gonna be way over $5k to do it correctly.

Goodluck.....

Read this. I found this on the Kenne Bell website.

Many of our customers witn 2003 Mustang Cobras have run 128-131 mph in the 10's at over 600HP with ONLY the Kenne Bell Supercharger Kit (Supercharger, SWITCH CHIP, BOOST-A-PUMP) and Kenne Bell Cool Air Kit, Big Oval Throtle Body and Drag Street Radials. These times are with 18 psi boost and 93 octane pump gas. ET is dependant on traction. The ideal ET for 130 mph is 10.2 sec. Robert Juliana, a moderator on the Modular Ford Website, ran a 10.85@129 at 18 psi on 93 octane with the above combination. Tha was his goal - a "pure street" car in the 10's on 93 octane for under $40,000 ($35,000 car and $5,000 in bolt ons)

So as you can see.. most of those mods you mentioned were not used and a 10sec car is fast enough for me. If there is no need to upgrade the injectors and fuel pumps then i wouldint bother. Also they mention headers/midpipe/catback does not increase hp and sometimes decreases.

 

[hj16]

So as you can see.. most of those mods you mentioned were not used and a 10sec car is fast enough for me. If there is no need to upgrade the injectors and fuel pumps then i wouldint bother. Also they mention headers/midpipe/catback does not increase hp and sometimes decreases.

You'd be a fool to think that. I personally know Rich and he had alot more done to it that that.

On that 10.85 pass he had the KB@17psi, BFG DRs, Kooks LTs, catted H, Magnaflow CB, Denso IT22s, CAI, TB, 55lb Injectors, Dual Focus Pumps, Boost a Pump, 26 spline Input shaft, Clutch (cant remember which), and a TOn of time on the JDM dyno working out a custom tune.

To run anything over 15psi you will need Fuel System upgrades. And the statement about aftermarket exhaust is just retarded.

 

[xenon]

You'd be a fool to think that. I personally know Rich and he had alot more done to it that that.

On that 10.85 pass he had the KB@17psi, BFG DRs, Kooks LTs, catted H, Magnaflow CB, Denso IT22s, CAI, TB, 55lb Injectors, Dual Focus Pumps, Boost a Pump, 26 spline Input shaft, Clutch (cant remember which), and a TOn of time on the JDM dyno working out a custom tune.

To run anything over 15psi you will need Fuel System upgrades. And the statement about aftermarket exhaust is just retarded.

While reading it I couldint believe it myself. It dont make much sense really. Why would Kenne Bell publish false stats? Not cool.

So with the mods KB listed.. what 1/4 times & HP should be expected?

 

[hj16]

With the mods KB listed you better have 114 octane in your car at all times.

Like I said before, 15psi is the highest I'd go on the stock Fuel system. With 15psi, what Kb listed, a good tune, and a good driver, high tens are very possible. Its just VERY hard to launch KB Cobras. Thats why most of them arent running the times they should. Soon as everyone learns how to drive them and get sub 2.0 60's times wil plummet.

Its all about the driver.

 

[xenon]

With the mods KB listed you better have 114 octane in your car at all times.

Like I said before, 15psi is the highest I'd go on the stock Fuel system. With 15psi, what Kb listed, a good tune, and a good driver, high tens are very possible. Its just VERY hard to launch KB Cobras. Thats why most of them arent running the times they should. Soon as everyone learns how to drive them and get sub 2.0 60's times wil plummet.

Its all about the driver.

Ah damn... I have a hard enough time launching my s/c GT. Oh well.. I don't wanna drop more than 10k into a new cobra.. I would be happy with low 11's but high 10's would sure be nice.

 

[hj16]

Before you go balls the wall in your new 2003, Id try seeing how you like a pullied/chipped ride. There are a few 2003s with just a 2.80upper, chip, DRs, mid-pipe, cat back, CAI running low 11s. Most in the 11.0-11.4@120+ area.

Try doing that first, before you dive head first into aftermarket poweradders.

 

[xenon]

Before you go balls the wall in your new 2003, Id try seeing how you like a pullied/chipped ride. There are a few 2003s with just a 2.80upper, chip, DRs, mid-pipe, cat back, CAI running low 11s. Most in the 11.0-11.4@120+ area.

Try doing that first, before you dive head first into aftermarket poweradders.

Good call but I dont know if I wanna bother spending money on those mods when really all I need is the KB and I would be done with it. Those mods you just listed are great but I would probably outgrow them. With the KB there is lots of room to grow. Its only $4,000 and it gives the car the big block feel. Besdies I got the money now.. who knows what the future will bring.. maybe when I outgrow those minor mods I wont have the money for the KB.