Ideas/Opinions on 96 Cobra Upgrade - N/A to F/I

Highton · Jan 30, 2012

Hey everyone - new member here. I have a Red 96 Cobra Convertible. Only mods right now are a catback exhaust, Eibach lowering kit, Hurst short throw, 18" Cobra wheels all around and a K&N CAI. It's fun, but a little boring.

I have put together a shopping list and maybe some of you could offer insight on pros and cons of what I'm thinking?? All help and comments appreciated! I have read LOTS of threads on the forum but my situation is not 100% the same as the others.

Here is the list of what I am going to buy and install in April when the car comes from storage:

1. VorTech Supercharger w/Cooler V3 Si-Trim - Kit # 4FK218-058L
2. Ford Racing Gears (4.10) with appropirate rebuildable stuff while it's open (bearings...etc...)
3. Spec Stage 2 clutch (SF482)
4. Speedo correction kit (need to spec out yet)
5. Battery Relocation Kit (need to spec out yet)

That is all for this year, next year cams maybe, we will see how this goes.

Anyone have any opinions on this as far as how they may have been down the same road and wanted to change something afterwards?

Thanks,

Bob

AlbinoGorilla · Feb 1, 2012

Sounds pretty solid to me....dont forget a tune for that bad boy. You can change the speedo with the tuner.

Highton · Feb 1, 2012

The VorTech kit comes with a coupon to send your chip in for reflash. Once that is done I am planning to take it for a tune at a local shop on their dyno.

Curious....you list a C Head swap in your spec, you have a 97 (essentially the same as my 96). Did you notice a big difference when you did the head swap? I'm thinking cams next year and may just seek out the head swap at the same time if it makes a big difference. What can you tell me about the head swap?

AlbinoGorilla · Feb 1, 2012

They were worth every penny! Mid range is so much better. pulls through out the whole power band. I only have 01 heads though. I really wish i had gotten 03-04 heads.

Highton · Feb 1, 2012

That's some good stuff to know. I noticed the weak low and mid when I got the car but loved the pull at high rpms. I believe that was the main reason I looked at going forced induction. When I get to looking for cams during next winter I'm going to look for some of these C heads. I take it any heads from any 01 through 04 Cobras would be "C" heads....but the 03 or 04 heads are the best? That's what I'm reading into this?

Dalamar · Feb 1, 2012

that's a good list.
You'll definately want boost to get the most "fun" and response from your car, and another +1 for the intercooler option.
and gears, however you may want to consider 373's vs teh 410's

battery in the trunk?
how much boost?
any fuel system mods needed?

AlbinoGorilla · Feb 1, 2012

Highton said:
That's some good stuff to know. I noticed the weak low and mid when I got the car but loved the pull at high rpms. I believe that was the main reason I looked at going forced induction. When I get to looking for cams during next winter I'm going to look for some of these C heads. I take it any heads from any 01 through 04 Cobras would be "C" heads....but the 03 or 04 heads are the best? That's what I'm reading into this?

All the info: http://www.mustang50magazine.com/te...our_valve_head_information_guide/viewall.html

03-04 mach/cobra heads aka 9thread are the best.

Highton · Feb 1, 2012

Dalamar said:
that's a good list.
You'll definately want boost to get the most "fun" and response from your car, and another +1 for the intercooler option.
and gears, however you may want to consider 373's vs teh 410's

battery in the trunk?
how much boost?
any fuel system mods needed?

The guy helping me with the install also recommended less gear. I'm going to go ahead and start with the 4.10 and if it seems to much we'll rack her up and put less in. At $150 a set, I don't mind switching them around to find what feels good. The "guy" owns a shop so we get 24/7 access to his lift so it's not a huge thing to switch stuff around.

On the VorTech V3 "with cooler", the cooler displaces the battery. The trunk is where it has to go because my girl said she wouldn't hold it.

Looking at 6 to 7 psi max on this setup. The VorTech goes to 8 psi but I'm going to scale it back a bit to get used to it. VorTech assured me the factory fuel system was adequate to run their bolt on setup I'm getting. I did ask about bigger injectors and I was told they weren't necessary. We'll see!

dutch · Feb 2, 2012

All good stuff, but you having a convertible, might I seriously suggest a pair of full length subframe connectors? Best mod I ever did besided the IRS swap, and I even have a 'solid' (LOL) coupe.

Highton · Feb 2, 2012

Dutch, you're absolutely right. I actually forgot to list that mod. The vert already has subframe connectors. I've never driven one without them so I'm unaware of the difference they make.

Dalamar · Feb 2, 2012

I'd recommend Maximum Motorsports XL weld in subs. cheap and uuber strong when installed.

Highton · Feb 7, 2012

Well, not going with the Vortech V3. Ended up finding a Craigslist deal which had a complete Vortech V2 with all parts, 3,000 miles on it, like new that came WITH a 1996 Cobra Coupe.....complete....with 150,000 miles. It's a little rough in and out but aesthetically fixable, he said it needs a clutch but it seems OK to me. I got everything for $2,850. I had to buy it.

First part acquired.

stangbanger856 · Feb 10, 2012

That's a good deal. Also you can send that head unit in to upgrade to the T trim down the road. But I would hold off on the after cooler. Anything over 10psi it becomes a restriction. If you ever have any plans to up the boost to make more HP I would get an Air to Air. Its $1500 LESS for a compleat A2A setup then the aftercooler. Some time in the distant future I'm gona sell my S Trim for a V7 YSI but I'm also looking to make 800WHP...lol