I am just about to start an engine rebuild here (tomorrow in fact), and I start thinking today about how I could make my car stand out from the crowd. What I am considering doing is swapping an 03/04 Cobra engine in to my Mustang (1987 GT). Now, I think this would be a very unique set up, but I am concerned about costs and what is involved in doing the swap. My plan for the engine rebuild was going to be pretty much new bottom end (except crank and block) and HIC, followed by a supercharger. I budgeted about 15k CAD for this and I am wondering if a Cobra engine swap would be a similar price? What all would be involved besides swapping the engine? New tranny? New wiring? New computer? If any of you have any links to anything like this being done, please show me! Thanks and orry if this is in the wrong forum, move it please if it is!
Late model restoration did a 03 cobra motor in a fox body i am sure you could call them up and get a hold of someone that could help you.
I have seen fox's with mod motors in them. I guess its different but awefully pricey for 390 hp. For 15K you could have a 650+ hp pushrod, carbed motor with a built tranny and even a bulletproof rearend. That would be money a lot wiser spent. I owned a 98 with a mod motor and every little thing for it was double the price of a pushrod motor. Its the rich man's way of doing it for sure.
I agree with what he said and think about how much less of a hasle it would be. Think about all the problems that would arise putting that motor in a fox body.
Not mentioned yet is the sheer size of the motor - especially height. You can't begin to imagine how much of a cowl you'd need to cover it. Additionally, it weighs approximately 200-225 lbs. more than a 5.0L with alum. heads. It's gonna make the car a real pig if you want to turn corners with it.
2.5" cowl induction hood will get the job done. The 5.0 Resto car has a blown cobra 4.6 and it fits just fine and it handles just fine too. Cost wise it's prohibitive IMO though. But cool none the less.
This is something I am going to consider in a few years when my engine will need a rebuild. But why not go for a Ford Racing Crate engine or something? It would save you a lot of money and for a approx, the same hp, and it would be different as well as I don't think there are too many fox's with crates, altho I may be wrong.
You definitely want to check out Late Model Restoration Supply, as well as Alternative Auto...Llidio Lliacobelli's place. One of his customers has a green notch with an 03 Cobra drivetrain. Also, when you do the swap, you will probably want to use a tubular k member and go ahead and throw on some LT headers, OR X Pipe, and exhaust...if you throw on a Lightning SC Pulley and a tune, you're looking at a smooth 400-425 RWHP, and driveable to boot. Hax
