I currently own a 93 Lincoln Mark VIII. It has the all aluminum 32v DOHC 4.6L just like the Cobra engine. The Mark VII is like a prettier T-bird. Its a great car, except for the weak tranny (damn AODE). I wanna get a 99-04 v6 Mustang Convertible (lower insurace, gonna pull ****load of parts off anyways) and put this engine in. I know I'll need a computer, supercharger (as mine is an N/A engine) and other supporting things. I guess I'm looking for a Yellow 99 Anniversary Edition V6 Convertible. Miles don't matter as I plan on upgrading all the components that wear (brakes, suspension, engine, trans). Just looking for a perfect body car with no mechanical problems and nice paint. A Mach 460 sound system would be nice too. And Leather. I don't care if it has a spoiler because I want a Cobra R spoiler. Also premium 16s don't mean that much to me, I'll probably put slicks on 'em anyways. I plan on lowering the car with coilovers, stiffening the chassis with swaybars and tower braces, putting on big calipers w/ nice slotted rotors and semi-racing pads, 17" (maybe 18") rims (definately chrome, maybe Cobra Rs), and maybe a body kit. I want the car to handle the best it possible can so I wanted to steal the IRS from the Mark VIII (all aluminum) with an 8.8" center. While I was at it might as well steal the 1 piece aluminum driveshaft, get it re-balanced and cut to fit the stang. I want this car to have minimal body lean around the corners and be able to take turns. This is an aluminum IRS system (I don't believe the Cobras had that?) that I thought would do the trick. A few generic Mustang questions: 1. What are the differences between a Cobra and the Base besides the engine, brakes, body molding, and trans? 2. Does the V6 have a different radiator, power steering (and rack and pinion), brake cylinder, or any other similar accesories than the Cobra? 3. Is it wiser to get a supercharger that came stock on the Cobras or aftermarket? If I go aftermarket wil the factory (Cobra) computer work or will I need an FMU and/or standalone? I'm not really knowledgeable on superchargers, but I assume they are kinda like turbos where you can get "bigger" and better. What's the max psi a stock SC can go? 4. Is there anything I can do to lighten up the car without spending out the ass on Cf or fiberglass fenders, hood, trunk lid, etc.? I know how to take out a spare tire, thanks for that one in advance. I want to keep rattles and stuff out too so I'm not pulling out sound deadener. 5. Does the 35th anniversary have anything special on the base car besides a badge? Are all 99s anniversary editions? Is there any merit to spending more on a car that is an anniversary edition? Do they come in yellow? 6. Has there been any advancements between 99-01 (newer is still too expensive for me if I'm gonna do all these mods) that would make me want the 01 or 02 (ok I lied a little maybe an 02)? 7. What options did the base car have besides sound system, rims, and spoiler? What does the Pony Pack include? Is that just for the outside lower ground effect stripe and a pony on the seat? Can a base get a Pony Pack? Mark VIII parts to Cobra Conversion questions: 8. Will the IRS bolt up directly? Will the half shafts need to be shortened to clear the wheelwells? If I get wheel flares can they be installed without messing up the factory paint? I want them molded in properly. 9. Whats the "best" gearing for the rear end for both the auto and 6 speed trannys? I'm going to replace all the internals anyways, just want opinions. This is going to be a Street/Strip car. 10. If the rear disc caliper set up on the Mark VIII IRS is bigger (but still smaller than the fronts) than the v6 stock rear calipers will I need a proportioning valve to utilize them? If you guys see any other red flags or oddities that I didn't think about, feel free to post. Please give me your opinions and solid answers to the technical questions. Any comments or criticisms are greatly appreciated.
different rear end which is a biggie for you....the rear is substantially weaker and if you expect to complete this swap you will need a new rear....why do you want a convertable???? And due to the heads your stock 03-04 cobra supercharger more than likely won't fit although I am not certain of the exact engine you are describing....yes the radiator is different.
I like convertibles and they look gorgeous. I know they are heavier, but to me they are worth the weight and loss in trap speed for the windy exhilaration and the ability to attract bikini clad women at my marina and around town. Its an 8.8" rear in the Mark made of aluminum. I was gonna get performance HD internal gears and see if the half shafts could take it. The Mark VIII engine is the exact same all aluminum DOHC 4.6L used in the 95-96 (I think) N/A Cobras. They weren't hand built and the have a cast crank instead of a forged as well as a different intake manifold better for the auto trans vs. the Cobra's manifold built for a stick. Other than that they are the same to the best of my knowledge. Its kind of like a 5.0 stang and a Mark VII, both 5.0 with slight sensor and manifold differences. I believe the heads are the same height, but have different valve covers.
