Got new tires for a 96 cobra. MT drag radials, and blew the tranny. (To much torque with a blower). I am pulling the tranny and can't get the starter off. I know there are three bolts. How do you get the top ones. Do I need to remove the down tubes on the exhaust. HELP PLEASE. These are some tight spots and huge parts comapred to my 5.0.
96 Cobra = 4.6L DOHC, not 5.0L OHV Either way, you'll want to attempt the top starter bolt form the top of the engine. And since no Cobra before 2003 came with a blower, it's nearly impossible to advise you what needs to be removed without knowing further details about your set up. Perhaps if you posted a pick of your engine bay to clarify exatly what you're dealing with under the hood, we might be of more assistance.
For the top bolts I use a swivel 10mm socket attached to universal 3/8 swivel socket to a long extension from the front near the ac compressor. It is very tight compared to a 5.0, but the starter will come out . If you want the extra space take out the mid pipe now since the trans is coming out anyways.
I don't have a pic of the eng bay. I will take a look from the top and see if I can get it and if not. OFF WITH THE BLOWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to think this was the hardest thing in the world too. I just replaced the starter on this 4.6L 2V I was working on. It has the same set up 3 bolt starter/T45 trans. I took the AC compressor off and I got right to it. No swivel, just a loooong extension. So before you remove the blower...(PITA) try the AC compressor first..it will give more clearance.
Cool man...oh BTW...I think they are 13mm bolts...I replaced the top bolt with a 10mm. This eases the job because the 10mm socket is obviously smaller than the 13mm so it was easier to put back in and if I ever need to take it back out.
