Just picked up a 99 cobra, got a few questions

BadAzzTT

New Member
Sep 18, 2002
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I have heard something about the power being down on these years and a recall was put out to fix this, is this true? And if so how do I know if it has been done on mine. Also, I like the idea of a high revving v8 but the power down low is lacking so I was thinking about throwing in a set of 4.30 gears. do you guys think this is too much for the street? I am also looking to convert to six speed which a know would drop the rpm back down on the highway. Sorry for the newbie questions, it's been a while since I owned a stang. I would have searched but can't seem to find a search feature on this site.
 
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Great Choice! :nice:

The 99's had a couple of small intake/tuning issues. SVT then released recalls to correct the problems. It is referred to as "The Fix". You can call 1-800-FORD-SVT and give them your VIN number and they can immediately tell you if this car has had "The Fix".

Yes, 4:30's will be a nice choice in gear for that car. I dont think I would waste my time in a 6 speed conversion though. Too much money for not a real need/advantage.

You will really love the Cobra I think. I know I love mine. :nice:
 
Good choice. Most of the '99s has had "the fix" by now. You can call that number for peace of mind though. If I had to do it over again, I would go 4.30s. I feared the gear. Don't make the same mistake unless you are planning on a blower in the future. These cars got a bad rap, but you can use that to your advantage and find very good deals on them. Fixed, they are pretty much the same as an '01. I love mine also and will own it forever. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the replies, I will ahve to call the number to make sure it was done. I only thought of the 6 speed because it is a little stronger than the five and would drop the rpm's back down on the highway. On another note I am eventually planning on adding a blower but really like the feel of a properly geared car. Is there a huge downside to going geared and blown?
 
The 99's were full of problems but the biggie was the fix and also many of them had driveline vibe and sub frame issues. All were warranty covers so you should be fine. Have a VIN check done by a dealer and see whats been done to it. As far as gears. 4:30's are nice. I have 4:10's and they're perfect. Great street gear and outstanding when you want to do a clutch dump and nail it. Dont let anyone talk you into 3:73's. You'll hate them. Waste of money. Dont forget to swapout your chip..Any mods you do should start at the tailpipe and go back to the engine, then out to the gears. Guys get a bit too hung up on Horsepower and forget about torque which is every bit as important. Its also a better way to spend the money initially in my opinion. Put aluminum in where you can. Flywheel, driveline, pullies...Take the stock snorkel tube out and put in a cooler thru a k&N. I use the Mac and love it. Easy install. A short throw shifter is in expensive and gives you nice feel, especially after you put your gears in. See sig.
 
These guys summed it up. As for 4.30 gears and a blower...I just made the change. Actually, I just swapped my busted up POS T45 for a Viper T56 and swapped out the IRS for a built up solid axle with 4.30 gears. No track time as of yet because I had it done right before storing the car for the winter.

The 4.30 is perfect with the 6-speed because: #1, the first gear trans ratio is not as steep and #2 the overdrive really brings the rpm's down on the highway.

You will want an aluminum drive shaft when you swap gears as well. Eliminates the "vibe" and reduces rotational mass.

:nice:
 
do at least a 4.30 gear, i'd prefer a 4.56, I still get 24mpg on the interstate cruising at 80. Don't waste your money on any cold air kit, you can built a 4" pipe like I have for $40 and spend $30 on a good cone filter. Put a good shifter in it too, so you don't break the weak shift forks. I don't know if you are looking to drag race, but my times are in my signature and it's a bone stock motor throttle body to oil pan, even stock exhaust manifolds.