Trickflow vs Ford Racing Cobra Top End Kits

90GTFIVO

Active Member
Apr 28, 2011
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Carroll, OH
I've decided to mod my '93 GT with H/C/I. I'm leaning towards a top end kit b/c I think I'd be hard pressed to piece together something for less (done right).

My question is, what am I loosing/giving up if I go with the FR Cobra kit vs the Trickflow? What kind of HP or HP potential am I loosing? Are there durability and reliability concerns... I've read where the FR Cobra castings are now done in China, which hurts performance vs the original GT40s?

I like the look of the Cobra better and like the idea of looking more "factory" under the hood (I know... I know :nonono:), but if I'm loosing out on significant performance, then I'll go the Trickflow route.
 
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The trickflow will probably be good for 20-30hp over the cobra kit depending on how well its set up. The Chinese castings will hurt fit/finish more than performance. If you want a cobra look I would buy a true cobra intake and drop it on top of a set of afr heads.
 
If you're buying a top end kit, no question go trickflow. You'll make more power and torqure and have a ton more potential in the long run. That kit will put you in the 290-300 rwhp neighborhood, and ford kit will put you in the 260-270 rwhp range. I think you will be sorry if you go the ford route.
 
Keep in mind when you order the Trick Flow top end kit with LRS you can swap out cams and just pay the difference. I ordered my kit with the stage 2 cam. Still sitting in my parts locker but I will be doing my H/C/I swap when I return in the winter. Don't forget the small things like new lifters, water pump, etc.
 
I ran the cobra intake with TF twisted wedge heads (with Crane Cobra cam) for many years, and it worked well together. That said, any of the other intakes, TF, edlebrock, etc, will flow more, and make more power than the cobra intake at this point.
 
If you're buying a top end kit, no question go trickflow. You'll make more power and torqure and have a ton more potential in the long run. That kit will put you in the 290-300 rwhp neighborhood, and ford kit will put you in the 260-270 rwhp range. I think you will be sorry if you go the ford route.

I agree, FWIW I can order the kits any way I want with no extra charges :D There truly is no comparisson between the two and for the price the TFS kit is hard to beat, if you go that route give me a chance. The TFS set-up will be better now and in the future.

The TQ curve will be similar between the set-ups, but the TFS will carry it further and make more at a high rpm. If you can raise the TQ output you raise the HP ;)

Rick