Generalized tech questions. 4v related.

MustangChris · Apr 13, 2010

hey all. been shopping and i need your *opinions* (preferably opinions backed by facts/experience...)

which radiator do you suggest? a LFP or a Fludyne?
http://www.lethalperformance.com/03-04-svt-cobra-cooling-radiators-c-16_245_248/fluidyne-03-04-cobra-radiator-manual-p-4942
http://www.lightningforceperformance.com/LFP_Pro_Comp_Race_Radiator_2003-04_Mustang_Cobra.html

which clutch for an estimated ~450RWHP motor? -problem is, its a T45 transmission. so im a little lost. I'm looking at kits and they have different spline options, not sure which one I would need for the T45 to match up with a cobra flywheel.
(10 spline? 26 spline?)

Whats the difference between the OEM Garrett Top Mount Intercooler and the LFP Top Mount Aftermarket Intercooler?
http://www.lightningforceperformance.com/LFP_Extreme_Intercooler_Chiller_Core_2003-04_SVT_Cobra.html

how accurate is this overrlay for the cobra gauges?
http://www.lethalperformance.com/03-04-svt-cobra-pulleys-idlers-hilton-boost-overlay-c-16_1131_7990/hilton-03-04-cobra-high-boost-overlay-24psi-p-30575

Thanks All,
Chris

duff daddy · Apr 13, 2010

MustangChris said:
hey all. been shopping and i need your *opinions* (preferably opinions backed by facts/experience...)

which radiator do you suggest? a LFP or a Fludyne?
http://www.lethalperformance.com/03-04-svt-cobra-cooling-radiators-c-16_245_248/fluidyne-03-04-cobra-radiator-manual-p-4942
http://www.lightningforceperformance.com/LFP_Pro_Comp_Race_Radiator_2003-04_Mustang_Cobra.html

which clutch for an estimated ~450RWHP motor? -problem is, its a T45 transmission. so im a little lost. I'm looking at kits and they have different spline options, not sure which one I would need for the T45 to match up with a cobra flywheel.
(10 spline? 26 spline?)

Whats the difference between the OEM Garrett Top Mount Intercooler and the LFP Top Mount Aftermarket Intercooler?
http://www.lightningforceperformance.com/LFP_Extreme_Intercooler_Chiller_Core_2003-04_SVT_Cobra.html

how accurate is this overrlay for the cobra gauges?
http://www.lethalperformance.com/03-04-svt-cobra-pulleys-idlers-hilton-boost-overlay-c-16_1131_7990/hilton-03-04-cobra-high-boost-overlay-24psi-p-30575

Thanks All,
Chris

Radiator, I like the stock 03/4 cobra, Im not big on the aftermarket stuff, just a personal thing.

Spline count on a t-45 is 10 stock, the 26 spline is an upgraded unit.

Clutch, just get a good solid clutch see link, **** NO ALUMINUM FLY WHEEL****
http://www.promotionpowertrain.com/NEW_FORD_CLUTCH_PAGE.html
I love ram stuff, If its good for tim matherly, its good for me!!!

MustangChris · Apr 14, 2010

well the OEM unit was my first pick. but i was curious if there was a performance difference from the aftermarket and the OEM... wasnt sure if anyone had personal experience on this one.

OEM
http://www.americanmuscle.com/ford-mustang-radiator-9704v8.html - $290.00
LFP
http://www.lightningforceperformance.com/vehicle/Ford/Mustang_Cobra_03-04/Cooling/Radiators/grid/1 - $420.00
Fluidyne
http://www.lethalperformance.com/03-04-svt-cobra-cooling-radiators-c-16_245_248/fluidyne-03-04-cobra-radiator-manual-p-4942 - $400.00

as you can see, the price is really steep on the aftermarket ones as well. .. anyone know when the cobra radiator starts failing? i figure if im taking out my stock one, i might as well upgrade it, ya know? i dont want to over-cool my car either...

thank you for the spline count. is upgrading difficult/expensive? worth it?

ive been looking into centerforce clutches, any opionions on their stuff?

duff daddy · Apr 15, 2010

not a huge fan of centerforce, but thats personal no facts, I like ram alot

Gallows · Apr 15, 2010

I am making 452rwhp with my 97 and stock rad with a Paxton intercooler in front of it. The car runs around 190-195* on my mechanical Autometer gauge.

MustangChris · Apr 15, 2010

32V NACobra said:
I am making 452rwhp with my 97 and stock rad with a Paxton intercooler in front of it. The car runs around 190-195* on my mechanical Autometer gauge.

hm. thats good to know.

Shifty Powers · Apr 16, 2010

and the stock rads are small as hell compared to aftermarket ones.. why no alum flywheel? Am i missing something with the 03/04 engine I dont know about?

MustangChris · Apr 16, 2010

flywheels are completely personal preference.

here's the basic argument:
engine is rotating at X RPMs - thus holding X amount of potencial energy.
a 5 pound flywheel, for exapmle, spinning at X holds Y amount of energy.
a 10 pound flywheel spinning at X holds Z amount of evergy.

Z > Y because its heavier. (imagine getting hit with a stone, or a boulder - both going at 5 MPH)

THUS a 10 pound flywheel will allow more energy to get to the wheels at launching because it holds more potencial energy.

BUT (the other side of the argument)
after the launch, a 10 pound flywheel becomes a restriction - rotational mass - that the engine must now spin, which robs power that could otherwise be going to the wheels.

ERGO: heavy flywheels give better launches, ligh flywheels rob less power after a launch.

personal preference.

this is where i may be way off:
i *believe* the OEM are cast iron.

I am leaning towards a billet steel, if they make one for my application (havent looked too hard.)

durrability:
iron > steel > aluminum
fast reving:
aluminum > steel > iron

aluminums *supposedly* get hot spots and crack... ive neer seen this happen, personally. but i would like to avoid that.

Shifty Powers · May 4, 2010

well put. Um i i think 04s are iron yes.

Um get new guages no mater what man. Its needed lol

and deff go with a larger alum radiator

MustangChris · May 4, 2010

im getting an LFP radiator. My tuner gets a discount. so its cheeper than the rest.

Im looking into another brand of top-mount intercoolers, but their customer service has been non-existant thus far, so im hesitant for the extra 2 hp.... lol.

I will be purchasing new wideband, as i want it to be as accurate as possible. Who knows what "jim-bob-99" off SVTP did to it; so, buying new from Autometer will be the best idea.

I did buy used F/P (electric) and used Vac/boost guages. I am currently looking for a used Oil pressure gauge, if you know anyone with a Phantom I style ;-)

I am still uncertain about the clutch/flywheel. I thought i had a flywheel on there, but after looking, it doesnt appear so. So i will be getting a flywheel as well.

Since this willb e the final part that I will buy, i have plenty of time to try and pick one out.

badass98svt · May 9, 2010

Yeah man, no need for anything more expensive than a termi radiator. There termis out there with 600+ at the wheels and a stock radiator. Even an oem 97/98 rad will work for 450.
If you want to buy one, termi is my vote. Did you beef up your t45? I was considering the termi/t45 combo but wasn't sure how the trans will hold up to all the low end tq