Buying a 96-98 Cobra

[bit]

What are somethings to look for? Signs of abuse ECT. What are the "weak points" that show abuse first?

Thanks
Brent

 

[stng]

Well I used to own a 96 Cobra and it would overheat with the AC on. The problem was fixed by 97 with an external oil cooler and bigger radiator, not a cheap fix if it hasnt already been done... The tranny would also grind fairly frequently when shifting quickly from first to second. That was the only problems/complaints I had with it, a great car that I drove daily for two years. As far as abuse is concerned, well if you figure out how to do that I think you could retire early...

 

[edbo]

Look under the car, especially around the rear wheelwells and the sides of the gas tank area and look for flakes of rubber which would indicate burnouts. While under there, inspect the undercarriage.

Look at the brakes and see if they're worn out. Check out the clutch and also have a compression test performed on all the cylinders. Make sure you don't get a lot of 'play' in the drivetrain which could indicate potentially bad u-joints.

Neglect is also a form of 'abuse'. Check all of the fluids and their levels. If you drive it, make sure that the IMRC's 'kick' in around 3000-3300 RPMs. If not, they are probably dirty and need cleaning (intake must be removed to do this if SeaFoam doesn't work).

 

[LFE4Life]

I just picked up a 97 Cobra a few months ago. I heard the engine block is almost indestructible. But why do I always see used car ads that say they've got a new engine in it?

 

[Big Dooker]

I have a '98, and I've had absolutely no problems, except mine is a convertible, and the suspension rattles like crazy over every bump in the road (it's totally stock, by the way). Outside of that, no mechanical problems at all.

 

[blackfang]

I just picked up a 97 Cobra a few months ago. I heard the engine block is almost indestructible. But why do I always see used car ads that say they've got a new engine in it?

Yes, the block is damn near indestructible and many racers seek out the Teksid(sp) block for their insane turbo setups. The block is great but overall the B headed engine in a NA setup isnt efficient and that is why people change the heads/intake and cams. In addition, people go with a Big Bore which makes more power overall that a stock B headed 4.6. Some also like to go with a 5.4 as well to make some power.

 

[pat-b]

I have one that is potentally for sale

It is a 1997 Cobra, black, saddle leather interior, mach audio, bbk cats on a h pipe, mac after cat exhaust, and a rebuilt t56 6- Speed from a 03 Cobra. 78k miles on car and motor and 300 miles on tranny.

For the right price i could part with it.

 

[BensBACobra]

Yes, the block is damn near indestructible and many racers seek out the Teksid(sp) block for their insane turbo setups. The block is great but overall the B headed engine in a NA setup isnt efficient and that is why people change the heads/intake and cams. In addition, people go with a Big Bore which makes more power overall that a stock B headed 4.6. Some also like to go with a 5.4 as well to make some power.

I've virtually no trouble out of mine except for a dead speedometer (still not fixed). my suspesion rattles as well (stock except for springs). the T45 is not a bad tranny at all, you can actually go well into the 11's maybe even high 10's with the right clutch set up. stay away from the 96 in my opinion, i have a 97 and its never overheated and where i live, you have to run the ac pretty much 24/7. weak points i would say is the steal drive shaft (you should do a FRPP alum as one of your first mods). the B heads arent THAT bad. you can bolt a Vortech V2 on a bone stock motor w/ low boost and no cooler and make over 400hp easy. strong points are definitely the 8.8 solid axle and the T45 (just my opinion). if youre used to push rod cars, driving a "mod motor" car may feel weak at first b/c they just arent that torquey.

 

[greenham64]

I've virtually no trouble out of mine except for a dead speedometer (still not fixed). my suspesion rattles as well (stock except for springs). the T45 is not a bad tranny at all, you can actually go well into the 11's maybe even high 10's with the right clutch set up. stay away from the 96 in my opinion, i have a 97 and its never overheated and where i live, you have to run the ac pretty much 24/7. weak points i would say is the steal drive shaft (you should do a FRPP alum as one of your first mods). the B heads arent THAT bad. you can bolt a Vortech V2 on a bone stock motor w/ low boost and no cooler and make over 400hp easy. strong points are definitely the 8.8 solid axle and the T45 (just my opinion). if youre used to push rod cars, driving a "mod motor" car may feel weak at first b/c they just arent that torquey.

2nd most of that.

 

[turbofreek]

look for torque box damage in the uppers and lowers just like the foxbodys. worn out brakes, cracked under carrage in the rear end area. also check the seals on that 4.6 and cold start raddle. most of them raddle ofr a few second at start up when cold. its not hurting anything but can help with low ball offers thats the usual reason for new motors in them fwiw