96-98 Cobra vs 03/04 Cobra vs 5.0/S197

[PonyBrdr84]

I'm looking to buy a "new" mustang. I trying to do a lot of research before taking the final step of looking for what I want. So, I have a couple questions and looking for a little insight and some peoples opinions.

I'm really looking at the Terminator, but doing a little more research. How does a 96-98 Cobra like bolt ons and Superchargers.

I'm also looking to get a 5.0 or S197.

Would pretty much be a daily driver, with the occasional trip to the track.

All this not considering anything about money.

 

[03stangvert]

Terminator....Terminator.....Terminator....You won't be sorry. They respond great to basic bolt ons and run very good in stock form. I sold an '03 GT Convertible and bought an '03 Cobra Convertible and I couldn't be happier. The difference between the two, performance wise, is day and night. I don't think I could ever drive a GT again.... They hold their value well and they are worth every penny!

 

[BlackOnBlackCobra96]

A Terminator is probably the quickest way to go really fast while retaining reliability. Can we have an idea about your budget?

 

[EXTRPR50]

If it's any indication, Ill be selling my 93 notch soon to buy a Terminator.

 

[SVT98Snake]

I have experience with a 98 cobra and my term....plus my old fox...

Here is the jist. The 96-98's have crappy heads. You slap, on an exhaust, cai, MAF, TB and a blower on one and you might see 425-450 rwhp, but you are limited with the hyperutectic pistons. The pros are the live axle, and weight. Might run low 12's/hi 11's @ 114-116

On my 03....with a pulley, tune, CAI and exhaust....you will see 470-480 rwhp and run mid 11's@118-120. Then you open the door to a whole new world of power.

The pros for those are durability and that they are cheap to mod (until you get in the 500+ neighborhood.

Cons, IRS (depending on who you are) and weight...

THEN you can always do a terminator transplant into a 96-98. My buddy did and with 450 rwhp re ran 11.50's@121

 

[2BADSTANGS]

I have both a modded '93 gt and a procharged '99 cobra. The cobra now has more power than a stock terminator, but the reciepts for the upgrades tell the tale. The mods were $10k+ (I bought it with most of the goods already installed). If youre looking for a sweet reliable ride with lots of power and one that a few little mods will really wake up, TERMINATOR all the way.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for the '96-'98 Cobra's, but it's hard to argue the all around performance and sexiness of an '03-'04 Cobra. If I could afford it, I would built up a blown, forged aluminum block '96-'98 and spank '03-'04 Cobra's all day long, but I can't....so I won't.

 

[FastDriver]

Why are you not considering money? Is it because you have enough that it doesn't matter, or that you just haven't given what you can afford any thought?

You only asked one question. The 96-98s will go deep into the 12s with a full-bolt on package and tires. With blowers, you'll be good until you stress the internals in the upper 400s in terms of RWHP. Which is just about where the stock blowers on Termys are pretty much done. It would certainly be less expensive than buying a terminator to throw on a blower, tune it, and then get gears and tires. At 10 PSI you'd push over 400 at the wheels and run the car into the 11s.

Most people don't want the hassle of thinking through and building a complete engine, though. So if you want to run more power than is safe with the stock internals, it makes more sense to get the termy with factory stock forged internals.

You didn't give us any idea about what your priorities are. All we know is that you're going to use it mostly as a daily driver, and you'll occasionally take it to the track. Any of these platforms fit that criteria perfectly well. The newer, the nicer, but also the more expensive.

Chris

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

My 96 Cobra has mods in sig. I ran 12.50's at 114 consistently with the high MPH being 116. That is an 11 second MPH. I just launch at idle. I have spent enough money on a 2nd trans, 2 rear diffs etc... I'm not launching at 5,500+ and blowing something else. I haven't even been to the track since 2004 with the Cobra, so I don't really care anymore. I just do a lot of street stuff......