Sell 07 GT and get 03 cobra?
Cobra Member
Joined: March 3, 2007
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 0
From: Eden Prairie, MN
I'd go for a 2003 Cobra coupe if it were Torch Red, with minimal mods, non-chrome factory wheels,
not abused, garaged, and with 790 original miles.
Perhaps like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...1%7C240%3A1318
Am I good or what?
not abused, garaged, and with 790 original miles.
Perhaps like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...1%7C240%3A1318
Am I good or what?
Bullitt Member
Joined: June 7, 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Ford already made that, the 2007-2008-2009 GT500.
The extra 80 pounds of the cast iron block isn't the big deal everyone attempts to make it out to be, it cost about 12 HP to make that up, the extra cubic inches and under-tuned 100+ more horsepower are undeniable.
The 03-04 Cobra 4-valve forged internals 4.6 was the best engine Ford built since 1971 (71 429 SCJ, Boss 351) period. It is outstanding! But it has already been surpassed and the 3 year wait was much less than the 32 years it took to get the 03 Cobra .
Bone stock the 5.4 makes more power and easily handles 800+ RWHP with no internal modifications.
The 4.6 4-valve 03-04 cobra engine doesn't have anything on a forged internals 3-valve 4.6.
The 2005 Mustang chassis advancements and torsional rigidity alone are worth keeping the 2007, forget about the kickass styling improvements.
The 1979-2004 Fox platform was 25 years old and borrowed from the not-very-cool Ford Fairmont, the 2005 Mustang improves torsional rigidity. Torsional rigidity is up 35 percent over the 2004, and the structure is also 39 percent stiffer in bending. The greater rigidity improves handling and gives the car a more solid and confident feel.
Weight distribution 2004 Cobra = 57/43
Weight distribution 2005 GT = 52/48
The Kenne Bell Mammoth kit makes
775 RWHP on the 3-valve 4.6 and
774 RWHP on the 03-04 Cobra and
801 RWHP on the GT500 kit.
http://www.kennebell.net/supercharge...th/mammoth.htm
Supercharge your 2007 GT
The extra 80 pounds of the cast iron block isn't the big deal everyone attempts to make it out to be, it cost about 12 HP to make that up, the extra cubic inches and under-tuned 100+ more horsepower are undeniable.
The 03-04 Cobra 4-valve forged internals 4.6 was the best engine Ford built since 1971 (71 429 SCJ, Boss 351) period. It is outstanding! But it has already been surpassed and the 3 year wait was much less than the 32 years it took to get the 03 Cobra .
Bone stock the 5.4 makes more power and easily handles 800+ RWHP with no internal modifications.
The 4.6 4-valve 03-04 cobra engine doesn't have anything on a forged internals 3-valve 4.6.
The 2005 Mustang chassis advancements and torsional rigidity alone are worth keeping the 2007, forget about the kickass styling improvements.
The 1979-2004 Fox platform was 25 years old and borrowed from the not-very-cool Ford Fairmont, the 2005 Mustang improves torsional rigidity. Torsional rigidity is up 35 percent over the 2004, and the structure is also 39 percent stiffer in bending. The greater rigidity improves handling and gives the car a more solid and confident feel.
Weight distribution 2004 Cobra = 57/43
Weight distribution 2005 GT = 52/48
The Kenne Bell Mammoth kit makes
775 RWHP on the 3-valve 4.6 and
774 RWHP on the 03-04 Cobra and
801 RWHP on the GT500 kit.
http://www.kennebell.net/supercharge...th/mammoth.htm
Supercharge your 2007 GT
Put the blower on the 07! 
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: December 22, 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Ford already made that, the 2007-2008-2009 GT500.
The extra 80 pounds of the cast iron block isn't the big deal everyone attempts to make it out to be, it cost about 12 HP to make that up, the extra cubic inches and under-tuned 100+ more horsepower are undeniable.
The 03-04 Cobra 4-valve forged internals 4.6 was the best engine Ford built since 1971 (71 429 SCJ, Boss 351) period. It is outstanding! But it has already been surpassed and the 3 year wait was much less than the 32 years it took to get the 03 Cobra .
Bone stock the 5.4 makes more power and easily handles 800+ RWHP with no internal modifications.
The 4.6 4-valve 03-04 cobra engine doesn't have anything on a forged internals 3-valve 4.6.
The 2005 Mustang chassis advancements and torsional rigidity alone are worth keeping the 2007, forget about the kickass styling improvements.
The 1979-2004 Fox platform was 25 years old and borrowed from the not-very-cool Ford Fairmont, the 2005 Mustang improves torsional rigidity. Torsional rigidity is up 35 percent over the 2004, and the structure is also 39 percent stiffer in bending. The greater rigidity improves handling and gives the car a more solid and confident feel.
Weight distribution 2004 Cobra = 57/43
Weight distribution 2005 GT = 52/48
Supercharge your 2007 GT
The extra 80 pounds of the cast iron block isn't the big deal everyone attempts to make it out to be, it cost about 12 HP to make that up, the extra cubic inches and under-tuned 100+ more horsepower are undeniable.
The 03-04 Cobra 4-valve forged internals 4.6 was the best engine Ford built since 1971 (71 429 SCJ, Boss 351) period. It is outstanding! But it has already been surpassed and the 3 year wait was much less than the 32 years it took to get the 03 Cobra .
Bone stock the 5.4 makes more power and easily handles 800+ RWHP with no internal modifications.
The 4.6 4-valve 03-04 cobra engine doesn't have anything on a forged internals 3-valve 4.6.
The 2005 Mustang chassis advancements and torsional rigidity alone are worth keeping the 2007, forget about the kickass styling improvements.
The 1979-2004 Fox platform was 25 years old and borrowed from the not-very-cool Ford Fairmont, the 2005 Mustang improves torsional rigidity. Torsional rigidity is up 35 percent over the 2004, and the structure is also 39 percent stiffer in bending. The greater rigidity improves handling and gives the car a more solid and confident feel.
Weight distribution 2004 Cobra = 57/43
Weight distribution 2005 GT = 52/48
Supercharge your 2007 GT
Cobra R Member
Joined: April 22, 2005
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 0
From: Lost Angels
dude, just blow it for the time being. 450+ rwhp is plenty for a street car, at least until you can build the motor down the road.
That's my plan. These 3Vs can make great power once the right guts are in there.
I respect the Termies for their power potential, and they do look good, but the S197 is the best looking and best all-around Stang since the classics, period.
That's my plan. These 3Vs can make great power once the right guts are in there.
I respect the Termies for their power potential, and they do look good, but the S197 is the best looking and best all-around Stang since the classics, period.
I don't do trannies
or rear-ends anymore!
or rear-ends anymore!
Joined: September 23, 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
Isn't the only improvement internal wise the crank? I'm pretty sure there's a lot of people that spin bearings and break rods in the Cobras but correct me if I'm wrong I know it's a huge problem with the lightnings.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 30, 2008
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Pacific NW USA
Supercharging your current GT is clearly the best choice
Well, You asked us for our opinions about about whether you should Sell your 07 GT and get 03 cobra or not. It is CLEAR to me what your best choice is and again that doesn't even touch on the vastly improved looks of the SN197's. I think you are being blinded by the 03-04 Cobras Mystique. Supercharging your current GT is clearly the best choice.
You won't need forged internals until you exceed 500 RWHP. Your stock internals are good to go to 450-500 RWHP. That is way more than the stock 03-04 Cobra is making.
Around here, nice clean under 30,000 mile 2005-2007 GT's are selling for $12,000-$18,000. If you can't get over $20,000 for your GT the difference you would have to pay for the older Cobra would easily buy you a supercharger, and possibly forged internals too...
Besides would you rather drop a couple thousand on forged internals or drive around with a 3 decade old chassis that is 60% of your current GT's and no amount of money will make it even equal to forget about better than your current GT?
Speed costs how fast do you want to go?
You won't need forged internals until you exceed 500 RWHP. Your stock internals are good to go to 450-500 RWHP. That is way more than the stock 03-04 Cobra is making.
Around here, nice clean under 30,000 mile 2005-2007 GT's are selling for $12,000-$18,000. If you can't get over $20,000 for your GT the difference you would have to pay for the older Cobra would easily buy you a supercharger, and possibly forged internals too...
Besides would you rather drop a couple thousand on forged internals or drive around with a 3 decade old chassis that is 60% of your current GT's and no amount of money will make it even equal to forget about better than your current GT?
Speed costs how fast do you want to go?
but that's the thing, you have to basically rebuild your motor (i don't have the money for forged internals AND a supercharger) on the new gt to get big power. If i got the cobra, i wouldn't ever have to spend money on the actual motor, no matter how high i went (i wouldn't go over 600 rwhp).
Bullitt Member
Joined: February 3, 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Plainfield, IL
negative, also have forged rods and pistons. along with the cast iron block. dont know about the lightning, but have heard many horror stories that the 99-02's were junk. they fixed the prob in 03-04.
Member
Joined: September 12, 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, TX
From a purely personal standpoint I would say stick with the 07. Interior comfort of the 05+ (in my opinion) is LEAGUES ahead of the cramped quarters of the previous gen body.
I thought long and hard about an 03 cobra vs an 05+ when I was looking at used Mustangs and in the long run the choice was clear. I got an S-197 and haven't looked back. I know it doesn't sound fun to mess with your engine and the cobras absolutely have that menacing mistique, but there is just no amount of engine hassle that is worth giving away the S-197 exterior or interior for me. If I ever decided naturally aspirated power isn't enough for me I know I'll be supercharging my 09 long before I ever consider back-tracking to a last gen 'Stang.
I thought long and hard about an 03 cobra vs an 05+ when I was looking at used Mustangs and in the long run the choice was clear. I got an S-197 and haven't looked back. I know it doesn't sound fun to mess with your engine and the cobras absolutely have that menacing mistique, but there is just no amount of engine hassle that is worth giving away the S-197 exterior or interior for me. If I ever decided naturally aspirated power isn't enough for me I know I'll be supercharging my 09 long before I ever consider back-tracking to a last gen 'Stang.
I don't do trannies
or rear-ends anymore!
or rear-ends anymore!
Joined: September 23, 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
I'm guessing what I've heard of is pre 03, thanks for clearing that up!
Bullitt Member
Joined: January 26, 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Escondido, CA
Look at insurance. I pay 560 every 6mths for full coverage for an 06 Mustang GT. With the same coverage with 03/04 cobra, my insurance would be $820 every 6 mths for the same coverage.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: May 26, 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Also, remember on the Cobra you should 'fix' the IRS if you plan on modifying. New bushings are one of the main things the IRS lacks. Another thing a fair amount of people do is buy a trashed GT from the junk yard and take out the live axle setup to put in their Cobras, but still keeping the IRS in the garage just in case you wanted to sell.
Another thing is the growing rarity of the 03-04 Cobra. We don't see nearly as many on the road these days as we used to, even 2 years ago. A lot of collectors are scooping them up, also a lot of serious drag racers as well. The Cobra can easily hit 10 seconds with minimal upgrades and little to no internal mods.
I'd get the Cobra if it were in excellent condition, not modified, and low miles.
Another thing is the growing rarity of the 03-04 Cobra. We don't see nearly as many on the road these days as we used to, even 2 years ago. A lot of collectors are scooping them up, also a lot of serious drag racers as well. The Cobra can easily hit 10 seconds with minimal upgrades and little to no internal mods.
I'd get the Cobra if it were in excellent condition, not modified, and low miles.
Did I read that KB ad right? 775 RWHP on a STOCK 3-valve? How long is that supposed to last?
Personally... Figure out what you want. I wanted what the s197 looked like, even when 03-04 cobras were sitting on lots unsold with discounts. If you want all out speed, why not pick up an old 5.0 and modify the carp outta it? Like others have said, speed is a matter of spending money, the car's platform and appearance are unchanging.
Personally... Figure out what you want. I wanted what the s197 looked like, even when 03-04 cobras were sitting on lots unsold with discounts. If you want all out speed, why not pick up an old 5.0 and modify the carp outta it? Like others have said, speed is a matter of spending money, the car's platform and appearance are unchanging.
Cobra Member
Joined: January 29, 2005
Posts: 1,450
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Have you ever been in a s/c car? If you add a s/c to you GT, you are doubling the rwhp. That is plenty. You will have a completely different car.... Get another block down the line if your not happy after you s/c. A s/c GT is faster than a stock s/c COBRA anyway.
Cobra Member
Joined: January 29, 2005
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 0
Did I read that KB ad right? 775 RWHP on a STOCK 3-valve? How long is that supposed to last?
Personally... Figure out what you want. I wanted what the s197 looked like, even when 03-04 cobras were sitting on lots unsold with discounts. If you want all out speed, why not pick up an old 5.0 and modify the carp outta it? Like others have said, speed is a matter of spending money, the car's platform and appearance are unchanging.
Personally... Figure out what you want. I wanted what the s197 looked like, even when 03-04 cobras were sitting on lots unsold with discounts. If you want all out speed, why not pick up an old 5.0 and modify the carp outta it? Like others have said, speed is a matter of spending money, the car's platform and appearance are unchanging.
I don't do trannies
or rear-ends anymore!
or rear-ends anymore!
Joined: September 23, 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
That's not really apples and apples either, your comparing a stock Cobra to a modified GT, if you put the same money into the Cobra which would be faster? Just saying...
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 30, 2008
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Pacific NW USA
Well are you including the cost of the car in your calculations? Because you can easily get a nice clean low (under 30,000) mile used 2005+ GT for about $15,000, I'm quite sure you can't easily get a nice clean low mile 03-04 Cobra for under $22,000. So, apples to apples, the newer more powerful supercharged GT would still cost less than a older generation used Cobra... Just saying... 
Cobra Member
Joined: January 29, 2005
Posts: 1,450
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I guess what I am trying to get across to him is , keep the better platform car, add a s/c and he has the better car, by looks(that's opinion of course) and rwhp. Now if is going to mod the snot out of a COBRA and wants a rocket ship then that's another direction. He also has to remember, the COBRA engine has it's limits. No block is that bullet proof. He can get a Livernoise block, stroked rated at 1000hp in a 3v and then he has the better engine and can turn the boost WAY up past any COBRA. Not to mention, he would lose alot of money on the mods that he has on the car unless he returns the car completely back to stock....
Bullitt Member
Joined: February 3, 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Plainfield, IL