OK, So I currently own a 1999 V6 with 102K miles on it. I've done a few upgrades including Bullitt Wheels, Fr Bullitt Calipers and 13" Ford Racing D/S rotors, along with some interior dress up items. What I'm trying to decide is if it is better to continue upgrading my current Stang, including new suspension, an engine upgrade/swap, appearance mods, etc or to buy a new 2006 Mustang GT. If I keep my '99 I'd like to work towards turning it into a Cobra R, however, I don't have any experience doing this level of overhaul on a car and wasn't sure which route would give me the best overall performance car for the money. Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.

 

If you want to turn your 99 V6 into a Cobra R it is going to take a lot of money. A LOT. Getting a 5.4L and getting it tuned to the Cobra R level would probably run at least 15k. The body mods would be around 5 grand probably, wheels would be expensive and if you're going for the exact replica, the tires would be ridiculous beacuse i believe they are custom made for the Cobra R. The side-exit Borla exhaust would be another couple grand. I'm not too sure on how much the suspension upgrades would be but i'm sure they would be very expensive. If you just wanted it to look like a Cobra R it wouldn't be too expensive but then it probably wouldn't be the kind of perfromance car you're looking for.

So, while building a Cobra R would be cool, it would be ridiculously expensive, so it depends if you have huge amounts of disposable income. If you're looking for bang for the buck go with a new 06. (Or buy a used 05 to hold ya for a year or two then try to pick up a 2007 Shelby GT500)

PS- when you customize a car, the resale never goes up by as much as you spent on it, so an 05 or 06 GT would save you a lot of money in the long run too.

 

In your situation get an 06 GT. I wouldn't even question it, a Cobra R would be sweet but would take too much time and money. Especially if you pay someone for labor.
Heck you would be better off saving for the Shelby Cobra GT500

 

Thanks Guys. I started my search for an '06 Tungsten Grey GT. Especially since my current Stang is now experiencing some issues with the rear diff. ugh!

 

I agree, go for the 06 GT!

 

You would be much better off buying a new vehicle. If you think you may be tempted by even a newer one in the future you may want to lease. We have some really solid lease programs at Ford right now.

Don't forget with a new vehicle you also have a 3/36k warranty

 

I'm planning on getting the '06, but I have to say, I'm still keeping my '99 too. Just can't part with her....it's like giving away a child or family member.