Supercharged 96 cobra

[SC'D_96_COBRA]

Does anybody know what the maximum boost that the 96 cobra engine
could handle safely?? I a currently running 5lbs and would like
to move up to at least 8lbs. My current mods are VORTECH V2 SQ SUPERCHARGER, FLUIDYNE ALUMINUM RADIATOR, MAGNAFLOW X-PIPE WITH CATS', MAC 2.5" CAT BACK WITH 3.5" SS TIPS, FORD RACING 3.73 gears.

 

[MyBloodRunsBlue]

it should easily hold 8 lbs with no problems...you probably could push as many as 12 lbs safely

 

[SC'D_96_COBRA]

Besides the mods I already have, what other modifications should I go with next??

 

[justinschmidt1]

I would say throw a smaller pulley on there for like 10 psi...get a good tune and you should be pretty good as far as power......long tubes are always good...theres not much more you can do thats gonna make a differance compared to the blower almost doubling your power

Work on suspension, contral arms, subframes, etc.

 

[SC'D_96_COBRA]

What about upgrading the internals (CAMS,PISTONS)??? Any comments??

 

[MyBloodRunsBlue]

na you should be good with your internals for now...just stay below 450 or so...that's when you will start to test your bottom end

 

[justinschmidt1]

You will easily reach the limits of stock internals with that blower....so cams or anything else are kind of pointless without forged internals that will handle more power.


Forged shortblock is a good idea

 

[laserstang21]

if you dont have an intercooler it is a good idea. i see the fluidyne radiator but wat bout the intercooler

 

[MyBloodRunsBlue]

yea unless you are building your bottom end, don't put cams in it.....that will just cause you to blow the thing up

 

[san~man]

It isn't necessarily about "maximum boost," but rather how good the tune is.

You can have 6lbs and a crappy tune and still blow the motor.

 

[SC'D_96_COBRA]

I would love to get my hands on an intercooler but I have been thinking about changing my vortech for a kenne bell w/intercooler but im not sure about it yet. I would like to have as much power as I can without going over board money wise. Id hate to give up on my car, but if I cant get some great hp #'s im going to gave to push it aside for something better (aka 03 cobra).. But if I can get up to terminator numbers, i would be really impressed. Do you guys think that is possible?? I have raced 3 LS1 camaros. I won 2 and I lost 1 and when I won I have to admit it wasnt by much. My goal is to slaughter as many of those cars as I can.
(Not to offend you Camaro owners but you know how the rivalry goes.)

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

I have a 96 Cobra with a V2-SQ as well. I also have BBK L/T's, BBK o/r H-pipe, Dyno Max cat--back, 4.10's, Mega Bite Jr's, subframe connectors, CFDF clutch, and a custom built, fat radiator. I have been blown for 4 years now running 8lbs and no problems.

My tuner Alternative Auto Performance - Mustang and Ford Performance Experts wants to install a methanol injection system on my car, bump the boost to 14psi and he said other 96-01 Cobras with this kit put down no less than 520RWHP...and safely....I am still thinking about doing it.

 

[sambo60]

I would love to get my hands on an intercooler but I have been thinking about changing my vortech for a kenne bell w/intercooler

I dont think kenne bell makes a supercharger w/intercooler for a 96 cobra.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

A KB will not make as much power as a Vortec on 96-98 Cobras. The Vortec is the best route. KB's also generate a lot of heat.

 

[SC'D_96_COBRA]

What is the model number or how do I find a pulley that will increase my boost to 8lbs??
I checked the vortech website but I couldnt find it. Do 4:10 gears make a big difference? If so what are the Pros and Cons if any? Long Tube Header Or Shorty? Whats the difference??

 

[Zoie_daGT]

I would not push your car past say 400-450ish. After that, you start to play w/ fire. The tune is very important.

If you are wanting to mod more, you might want to forge the engine so you can get more power. Until then, just up the boost accordingly until you get to the limit of your shortblock. Suspension, and tranny is another two areas that are great to mod. The SRA is a good place too. Putting the power you have to the ground is just as important. As I say, "Traction is a good problem to have."

 

[hotmustang331]

^His car has a SRA. Only 99-04 cobras came with IRS.

Anyways, yea go for around 10PSI....but be sure to run an intercooler. WIth a good tune, all should be well.

 

[jamesvt96/03]

with high compression like 10 to 1 i wouldnt go over 10 lbs. i had a v1 making 10 lbs on a 30000 mile motor. with a good tune and stabed it one time let out and the check engine lt came on. it read lean on bank 2. heard a slight tapping pulled a few plugs out and cylinder 6,7 and 8 were oil fouling plugs. what ever you do make sure you prevent detenation. its not always about numbers. if its fast and dependable its doing its job. i completely striped my car and now its getting a complete 03 terminator conversion. i wanted dependability and the advantage of beating the crap out of it.

 

[blackfang]

If you are looking at beating LS1's, you will need a forged motor and up the boost with a good tune. Like some have said add some longtubes. Shorties are a freaking waste. Also make sure your fuel system is upgraded too and get some 4.10's!! Suspension mods help as well.

Yes 400-450 rwhp can be had, but LS1's do that with bolt ons and a cam. They can reach 475-500 NA. Give them a good blower or turbo and that is an easy 600-900 rwhp. You have a disadvantage, so you have to spend your money wisely.

 

[LaserSVT]

I dont think kenne bell makes a supercharger w/intercooler for a 96 cobra.

You are correct.

I reserched the hell out of that when I had my 96. If you only want 380-400 rwhp then the KB is the better choice as it makes boost alot lower so the car pulls much nicer on the street. But if 400+ is your goal then keep what you have and get an aftercooler. If you are seeking 500 rwhp or more then you will need better rods and pistons. The Teksid block and stock forged crank are good for 1200 hp