Just finshed installing IRS
Just finshed installing IRS
I just finished installing a Cobra IRS into my GT. Also installed a set of Eibachs, Tokico D-specs, a new torque converter and valve body. It's a huge difference in handling. I also now shifts wonderfully crisp. I had to set the shift pressure back to stock to keep it from chirping on shifts just driving normally. Next in line is to do more mods in the engine bay. I installed a HPS intake, C&L upper plenum, 75mm TB and a CAI with a tune a couple of years ago. I'm going to install 24lb injectors, and a 85mm MAF, along with a set of MSD coils over Christmas week. I think just maybe, I'll be done...at least for now.
Joined: August 23, 2004
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, California
How much better does it handle with the IRS in? Can you feel the weight in the rear in comparison to the SLA? I'd love to do the swap myself, but nobody wants the short 94-98 axles in their Cobra, and I can't afford the 900-1200 bucks to buy one.
It handles much better than before, but I also changed the struts, shocks and springs. The biggest change is the ride on bad roads. No more rear hopping over bumps. The car seems more balanced with the extra weight in the rear, with no performance loss. In the end, the view was worth the climb...
I don't do trannies
or rear-ends anymore!
or rear-ends anymore!


Joined: September 23, 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
It handles much better than before, but I also changed the struts, shocks and springs. The biggest change is the ride on bad roads. No more rear hopping over bumps. The car seems more balanced with the extra weight in the rear, with no performance loss. In the end, the view was worth the climb...
Just a thought, I'm staying open minded on this one because I'm inexperienced with it
There are a few different Watts links available from different makers for that year.
If you don't mind me asking how much did the swap run you? What all was required for the swap and where did you find the parts at? I have thought about this for a long time and never persued it, but you have re-inspired me.
After selling the solid axle rear and the cat back, it cost around $1,450, minus the transmission stuff. The IRS came with just about everything but the brake hoses. After I installed it, I was able to do a couple of slight bends to the hoses to not have to replace them. I got a pretty good deal on the IRS, though. I paid $1,200 for the IRS, $600 for the Tokicos and $500 for the cat back. I sold the old rear for $450, the old cat back for $200 and the cobra rear discs for $200. I already had 11.65" rotors on my car.
The swap was simple. I dropped the old rear and control arms out and removed the quad shocks and brackets. I installed new brackets where the quad shocks bolt up to the frame rail. The IRS took about 15 minutes to bolt up and maybe another hour to hook everything else up. The cage bolts to the lower control arm mounts and to the brackets that get installed where the quad shocks were. I never even had to unbolt the calipers, so I didn't need to bleed the brakes. If you do this, make sure that the IRS comes with the rear brackets and antilock sensors. The sensors are different, but run the same place in the frame rail and plug in under the rear seat. Also, you'll need to change the rear yolk on the driveshaft. The IRS yolk is much larger than the GT's. Because my car is an auto, I needed to have my driveshaft cut 1". I've had the car up to about 90 with ni vibrations at all.
The swap was simple. I dropped the old rear and control arms out and removed the quad shocks and brackets. I installed new brackets where the quad shocks bolt up to the frame rail. The IRS took about 15 minutes to bolt up and maybe another hour to hook everything else up. The cage bolts to the lower control arm mounts and to the brackets that get installed where the quad shocks were. I never even had to unbolt the calipers, so I didn't need to bleed the brakes. If you do this, make sure that the IRS comes with the rear brackets and antilock sensors. The sensors are different, but run the same place in the frame rail and plug in under the rear seat. Also, you'll need to change the rear yolk on the driveshaft. The IRS yolk is much larger than the GT's. Because my car is an auto, I needed to have my driveshaft cut 1". I've had the car up to about 90 with ni vibrations at all.
No. I had it shipped to me. The $1,200 included the freight cost. I found it on eBay after looking for one for several months. It came out of an 04 with less than 10K miles on it. It looked almost brand new. I passed over many others because of cost or condition. I also wanted one with the 31 spline axles. It's not a cheap upgrade, but I'd do it again.
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