horsepower vs. durability / motor life

[BlkOnBlk04Cobra]

Ok, so I'm an owner of a bone stock '04 cobra w/ 1500 miles on it. I'm watching string after string detailing the mods and endless horsepower that can be created with this thing. My question is - How much is too much? I.e. - how much horsepower can be generated SAFELY, and without sacrificing anything in terms of how long the motor will last? Just how strong is this this beast?

 

[01SN8K]

they have been taken to 1000+ crank hp. the real key is a good tune. tune can destroy any motor regardless of power. other than the tune it would be how you drive and if you plan on beating on the car. if you plan on basic bolt ons then 450+ rwhp is attainable without any issues. have a friend with pulley, cat back, and a diablo tune runnin high 11's no problem. car runs and drives like stock.

 

[Uncle Meat]

The 03/04 Cobra does have a weak spot and it's the piston lands. Ford had to compromise between strength and emissions. The other problem is heat which these engines make plenty of!

Although many claim 1000HP on the block is capable, the stock pistons won't last very long at that level even with the best tune in the world.

Personally I think 450RWHP is the magic mark myself for a daily driver, of course this is just my opinion too! It all depends on what you're going to do with the car, it's current state of tune, and how you drive it. You can have a 500+RWHP Cobra that will last forever as long as you don't beat the living crap out of it day after day. The first time you take it out on the highway and try a 5 mile long 160MPH blast you'll see how long it lasts though! Many a terminator has bit the dust during extended high speed runs.

U.M.

 

[Bowtiesblow]

The 03/04 Cobra does have a weak spot and it's the piston lands. Ford had to compromise between strength and emissions. The other problem is heat which these engines make plenty of!

Although many claim 1000HP on the block is capable, the stock pistons won't last very long at that level even with the best tune in the world.

Personally I think 450RWHP is the magic mark myself for a daily driver, of course this is just my opinion too! It all depends on what you're going to do with the car, it's current state of tune, and how you drive it. You can have a 500+RWHP Cobra that will last forever as long as you don't beat the living crap out of it day after day. The first time you take it out on the highway and try a 5 mile long 160MPH blast you'll see how long it lasts though! Many a terminator has bit the dust during extended high speed runs.

U.M.

You are the first cobra owner ive ever heard say this. Not knocking you by the way, everyone seems to think they are invincible. I know its a stout motor, but not what most people think.

 

[Kyle-02GT]

You'd be supprised what some cobra owners think. I feel the same way that U.M. thinks pretty much in terms of the pistons and in terms of the constant romps of the engine will show some wear and tear its all a matter of time. I've only gotten my car into 5th once while at WOT and it was right after I broke it in vs a Nitrous T/A to see what she would do. Haven't done it since then because I don't want a rebuild quite yet.

 

[Benny]

U.M. You hit the nail on the head!! I agree

 

[sawman70]

So guys, I have 455 rwhp on a Dynojet. Rarely drive it past 5 grand on the tach and my shift light is set for 6 grand for my shifts when I ever get to race someone. I have 11.5 on the air fuel at WOT. Should I feel scared to run it at WOT in 5th gear once in a blue moon?????

 

[Kyle-02GT]

So guys, I have 455 rwhp on a Dynojet. Rarely drive it past 5 grand on the tach and my shift light is set for 6 grand for my shifts when I ever get to race someone. I have 11.5 on the air fuel at WOT. Should I feel scared to run it at WOT in 5th gear once in a blue moon?????

If you are WOT and have to be in in 5th you'll probably be in the 140+ range and thats where people start to run into problems with the pistons crapping out from what i've seen (tick tick tick). I just don't see a reason really to go that fast its more fun to go from 20-120 fast then watch my life flash before my eyes from 120-160....

 

[Uncle Meat]

It's those extended 150+MPH runs in 5th gear that are really, really hard on this motor. Running the car up to 150 or 160 for a few seconds is not a problem. Just don't plan on using this car on the autoban without some additional cooling mods and a larger capacity oil pan.

U.M.

 

[sawman70]

Thanks, I have never had it up that fast and don't plan too so it should be a non issue. I have seen some cooling upgrades that may be interesting for some added insurance though.