School me on SVT Cobra Mustang

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Thinking of buying 96-98 SVT Cobra Mustang for track toy. Anything to watch out for. Known problems/fixes?
Thanks

[Alan]

I bought one new in '96 and loved it.  Running Hallet track was a blast.  Got it to a low et of 12.84 @ 108 mph with pro m 77 mass air meter, under drives and 4.10 rear.  Great motor but make sure timing chains and tensioner are good.
Max

[Bigfoot]

I have a fully moded caged 2000R which is a freakin beast on the track.
Another member here has one from the years you quoted.
I'll text him 4 u.

[NC TRACKRAT]

Bought a '96 Cobra when they first came out. added a Vortech set at only 8lb. boost, 430rwhp, Kenny Brown suspension.  Was a lot of fun 'til #7 & #8 hypereutectic pistons melted.

[Sixx7shelby]

I have a 97 Cobra that runs pretty strong. They need gears, at least 4.10s ....with 4.30s usually the best.  The big thing with the B head Cobras is that the intake ports are to big (dual ports per cyl) and by the time the revs are up the stock intake is to restrictive. Ford installed IMRC butterflies in intake ports that open at 3300 rpms to help low end power. The mods to do are ported short runner intake, March underdrive pulleys and dampener, lightning 90mm maf, longtubes and a good tune will get you at least 320 rwhp. I did Steeda bars front and rear with Koni yellows and Elbach Sportlines.

I hope this helps. C head cars make more midrange and I have all the specifics if your interested. Just shoot me a pm at sixx7shelby@yahoo.com

Dave

[Alan]

Bought a '96 Cobra when they first came out. added a Vortech set at only 8lb. boost, 430rwhp, Kenny Brown suspension.  Was a lot of fun 'til #7 & #8 hypereutectic pistons melted.

Yep, the air/fuel mixture can wreak havoc on those two rear pistons.

[427heaven]

As mentioned above I believe they are 4.6s and have trouble with timing chains and tensioners. Not just SVT vehicles but all 4.6s really bullet proof until the tensioners wear out and timing chain starts flapping been down that road, noisy on start up =...Kaboom!

[NC TRACKRAT]

As for diffs, it all depends on what you're doing with the vehicle.  For road courses, I preferred the 3.73 in the 4.6 4-cam.  Anything higher, and you run out of revs too soon. 

[Richstang]

When I first bought my 98 SVT I recall rumors of the front brake lines failing under hard track conditions. I've never heard the story since, but it's worth an upgrade for the small cost and peace of mind.

Pulley upgrades are a must on the 96-97. I believe the 96 didn't have any flanges and they threw belts too easily. In 97 they added a front flange (or was it the back), but still had occasional throwing of the belts. By '98 they added flanges on both sides.

Also, the '98 had a unique fuel pump, compared to the earlier years, that was known for failing early. Mine let go at 16,000 miles (at about 8 or 9 years old) and I don't recall the aftermarket having one that fit at the time.

96-97 have the cowl brace, while the bean counters removed it from the '98....Lame Rat Bastards!

[69mach351w]

Thinking of buying 96-98 SVT Cobra Mustang for track toy. Anything to watch out for. Known problems/fixes?
Thanks

Depends on what kind of "Track" you're talking about.....Drag, road course, Mud sling