Heads and Headers

[96snakebite]

Alright, heres the situation. I bought FR500 heads for my 96 Cobra. Since these heads were made for 99-01 Cobras, I know that I need to change my intake (in progress), but what about my valve covers? I was wondering if my old valve covers would fit, and if so, would there be any clearance problem due to the high lift cam kit that I bought? Also, would I use 99-01 headers, or 96-98 headers? My guess is that the FR500 heads are wider, and therefore require a more narrow intake. But are they wider on the fenderwell side of the engine bay also? Since my car has been in pieces for about 8 months now, I am ready to get some last minute answers about pieces that I need to still get. You know FR500's arent cheap! Also, will the FR500 heads lower or raise my compression. I cant find anywhere what the cc's are. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Crackerballer]

Hmmm, From what I understand, you will just need the intake manifold off a stock 99 or 01 cobra. You will use 99 or 01 headers, because those are the heads you are bolting them up to, but I am unsure if there will be clearance issues. I would assume you need new covers, because those heads are massive, and I imagine that the 99+ covers work, so if the 96-98 covers are the same, they may work.

 

[JETSOLVER]

Call FRPP tech hotline at (586) 468-1356 They will be more than happy to give you all the info you need and if you tell them your going online they will be very happy as they have not sold as many of these pkgs as they had hoped

 

[5.0's 4 ever]

I would say headers for the 99-01 4v would work the best. There will be no difference in the dimension of the cylinder head, so you will run into no fitment problems. A 99-01 intake will bolt right up. You can use your 96-98 valve covers but it is a very tight fit between the throttle body and the breather position that goes to the air intake tube. I used my 96 valve covers on a 99 cobra motor I ran in my car for a short period of time. I have a set of 99+ valve covers on my new engine now. I don't know what it will do to your compression ratio though. If you have any questions on swapping over to run 99+ intake just ask.

 

[96snakebite]

Has anyone in here even heard of anyone with FR500 heads, or am I the only reason that ford even decided to put them into production. I have been unsuccessful in finding anyone to give me guidance in this particular setup. I know that ford has done it, but everytime that I call FRPP, I get switched around from person to person like a street h**ker. From my experience, FRPP is not one bit of help. And from what I have read, I see people talking about Ford cutting costs by cutting corners when they put these engines into production. So why would I contact someone who cuts corners, for advice on building a reliable, efficient engine? I sure wish I could locate someone who has experience in this endeavor. Sorry, just a little frustrated at this time of my life. The whole reason my car is broken is because the jackass that changed my oil put 15W-50 in my f*****g engine when it gets down to 20 degrees here. About that time, my wife was due to have a baby, and quit her job to stay home, so I am supporting 3 people, 2 carpayments, and 650+ a month in house bills, on a 2000 dollar paycheck. That pretty much leaves me empty handed, and with a broken car. The air force doesn't pay enough to have fun with a vehicle. ?.......Okay I'm done. If anyone has heard of someone with FR500 heads on a 96-98 cobra engine, please point me in the right direction. Thanks for reading my bs

 

[Craig Mack]

FR500 heads = FR500 valvetrain kit, right? My friend said it'll yeild you 25+rwhp/35+rwtq, you'll gain sommore from the intake too.

I don't think many people have it becuase it is expensive, with labor the price would be enormous. But from what I have heard it is a quality kit that yeilds very good gains.