Newbie Questions about a 2003

[rjskystuff]

Hi. New to the group (although 62 years old). Looking to upgrade my supercharged 86 GT to a 2003 Cobra. I have a few specific questions but would welcome any comments about purchasing a 2003. Has there been a significant drop in prices of 2003-04 models because of the new 2005 model? Anticipate a further significant drop over the next few months? I would like the remainder of Ford's warranty, what should I look for in terms of mods to a 2003 that might void Ford's warranty? I'm 6'2", what is likely to be the best aftermarket shifter for me?
Thanks a bunch.
Rich

 

[Emil]

Can't help with all the questions but I think the #1 warranty voider on a Terminator would have to be the pulley. The stock size is 3.65" so check it out. I think new '04's can be picked up right at 30K, don't know about used '03's. Good luck, you will absolutely love this car !

 

[rjskystuff]

Thanks and an additional question

Thanks Emil for your comment. I talked to someone today who said that Ford allowed a change in pully to a 2.8" without voiding the warranty. What little I've read here suggests otherwise. Can someone give me the last word on this?
Thanks, Rich

 

[COBRA90GT]

...I talked to someone today who said that Ford allowed a change in pully to a 2.8" without voiding the warranty. What little I've read here suggests otherwise...

I'd say it depends on how the individual dealership operates and/or the Ford/SVT beancounter/engineer who would visit your car at the service department. Certain dealerships are "mod friendly" while others are sticklers for even the slightest modifications...they'll refuse warranty work for any reason they can find.

Let's say you have internal engine problems after upping the boost via typical 03/04 mods and your car is at the dealership service department. If they suspect the car has been modded, it could get ugly. If they don't approve the repair work, expect to get fed the typical denial of warranty claim...what does this all mean?

1st - The person who said the pulley change was kosher was probably clueless (I wouldn't trust what they said without getting that writing from the dealership, regarding the "warranty intact" statement). CYA...know what I mean?

2nd - If you do plan on modding, be responsible about it if something breaks. Remember, if you want to play, you'll have to eventually pay. That is what happens when you make gobs of power and go racing at the track (or break stuff on the street, due to an improper tune, abuse, or whatever).

Just some food for thought...

 

[Tat98Cobra]

Thanks Emil for your comment. I talked to someone today who said that Ford allowed a change in pully to a 2.8" without voiding the warranty. What little I've read here suggests otherwise. Can someone give me the last word on this?
Thanks, Rich

I highly doubt any dealership would still back up a pullied car - i would definately not take that to the bank.
Try to find one bone stock or maybe with just an exhaust or cai.

peace

 

[hoofbear]

The only mods that are o.k. for sure regradless of dealer are CAI and catback exhaust. Some dealers may be more mod freindly but as the old saying goes ,get it in writing. There was a 03 at a Ford dealer with 15,000 miles in our local paper today for 22,988 with chrome wheels. There will not be another cobra from SVT untill 2006 ,so good luck on finding the car you want.

 

[marcus95]

The only mods that are o.k. for sure regradless of dealer are CAI and catback exhaust. Some dealers may be more mod freindly but as the old saying goes ,get it in writing. There was a 03 at a Ford dealer with 15,000 miles in our local paper today for 22,988 with chrome wheels. There will not be another cobra from SVT untill 2006 ,so good luck on finding the car you want.

Hoof is correct. Most dealers will terminate your warranty if ANYTHING has been added besides catback exhaust. A liberal service manager will allow a CAI cold air intake but it is up to their discretion. Pullies, removal of pulley guard, any reprogram, even rubber in the rear wheel wells from burnouts will be suspect. Almost every guy on the planet buys this car for the same reason. To mod it and make more power.

There are plenty of 04's around. You should be able to find a new one for around 30K (with rebates) I know there are plenty to choose from in Los Angeles. Sounds like you may keep the car for a while if you pull the "warrranty card" on us. If that's the case go out and purchase a new one for sure. Then you will know exactly what you are getting.

 

[rjskystuff]

Thanks

I just wanted to thank Emil, COBRA90GT,TAT98COBRA, Hoofbear, and Marcus95 for your responses to my post. They were helpful.
Rich