'98 Cobra Convertible Questions

[Big Dooker]

Hey All:

I'm a new member. Last year, I had my first midlife crisis and bought a used
'98 Cobra Convertible (laser red, all stock). After a year and a few small changes (K & N filtercharger; Drilled/Slotted Rotors/Ceramic Pads; UPR Blue Thunder Shifter; Billet Gas Cap; Billet Pedals), I want to start making a few more cool cosmetic changes to make it a little different but still appear that it could be stock. Then, I'll dive into the drivetrain. My goal is to slowly and affordably make some changes and eventually get her into some local shows. Can someone please answer the following questions for me:

****** I want to remove the stock mirrors and replace them with the '03/'04 Cobra mirrors and have them painted to match my color. Will these fit?
****** I want to change the stock '98 Cobra 17"/8" rims to the aftermarket chrome 18"/9" Cobra R type. My question is, what tire size will fill out the wide gap that exists in the rear? I'm guessing 18/275/40's. I want to keep it from "hanging out" beyond the wheel well lip. I want the rear to appear to be flush like the front wheels/fenders and keep the aesthetic lines of the car in place. Are there any spacing/offset concerns/tricks that I should know?
****** Would the front seats from a Contour SVT, or any other upscale type Ford seat fit? I can't stand the stock front seats and don't like the look of the after-market stuff I've seen and want something that offers more support/comfort, etc. Again--my goal is to make it different, but make it look like it could be stock.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

 

[wythors]

Welcome.

Yes, the mirrors will fit.

I would start by lowering the car, since it doesn't appear that you have done so already. This is a really bad picture that I cropped out of a much larger image from an event I participated in yesterday. The car on the left is lowered about two inches. The car on the right is stock height.

View attachment 448713

With 275's, you're still not going to be flush with the fenders unless you have some majorly offset rims. I have 315/35R17's on 17x10.5's. These fill out the wheel well.

While Contour seats could be made to fit (hell, Camaro seats could be made to fit), it would certainly be expensive and/or labor intensive. You could look at 03/04 Cobra seats, since they are a direct bolt-in. Personally, after the supercharger this winter, the next mod will be a set of Recaros.

Enjoy your car.

 

[ShadowFist]

Oh stop complaining about my need to put new springs in....

I also second the suggestion for 03-04 cobra seats, except for the price tag. If you ever get a chance, have a seat in one and play with the controls

 

[Big Dooker]

Thanks, Wythors! Those 315's look awesome. Is that a '93 silver LX 5.0 Convertible? I had the exact same model--sold mine in 2002. I appreciate your input!

 

[wythors]

Now Chris, I didn't mention you by name. I just used your car as an example. It's not like I did something like this:

View attachment 448629

Thanks, Wythors! Those 315's look awesome. Is that a '93 silver LX 5.0 Convertible? I had the exact same model--sold mine in 2002. I appreciate your input!

No Problem.

Mine is actually white. Here's the most recent picture I have of it. Not very good, but all I have right now.

View attachment 448631


Here's a much better shot before the Air Extractor hood.

 

[Big Dooker]

Is yours a special edition? All the one's I've seen that are SE's have either chrome or white rims--or did you switch out the wheels? Mine was just a regular LX 5.0.

 

[wythors]

No, I just added the mirrors and spoiler.

 

[ShadowFist]

Now Chris, I didn't mention you by name. I just used your car as an example. It's not like I did something like this:

View attachment 448333

Now be nice.... Isnt it about time for you to be workin on that big box o' toys....?

Just as a warning, those 315's are HUGE if you are used to the stock wheel width. They also cost a bit more to replace Overall a nice upgrade if you plan on adding power down the road and are having issues putting it to the ground.

 

[1996COBRA]

Welcome.

nice ride... i love the taillights. i wanted to do that a while back but didnt want to mess with the wiring.