Honestly the best thing you can do is look for a complete but wrecked 03-04 cobra and buy it. Next get an SN and swap it all over.....
Its sounds like you want to have your cake and eat it too and frankly the terminator fits the bill.
Next best bet is a wreck 99-01 cobra and swap it into an SN. You will face the weak rods but have some of the comforts of the IRS.
There is alot to think about and I could easily spend your money for you lol
Whipple S/C are nice and quiet too.
I think im fine with the stock motor of a 96-98. The fun is in building the car. Back in 2000 i was doing a build sheet for my V6 and decided against it. I still have those idea in my head tho only now the parts available are so much better.
As i'm making this new build sheet i'm thinking Termi Swap isnt out of the question but i think that's a much much later thing to do. Unless somehow an engine just fell from the car gods into my lap.
With the stock engine i prolly wont change much. Even though i have the cash to do it from jump, i likely won't even supercharge til later on. Its an easy to get part and its kind of the icing on the cake.
Break it out in stages like Roush would do
Stage 1:
General maintenance. Determine if the car could even handle boost down the line.
Looking into custom building some side pipes to get it exhaling properly with that V8 gargul. Muffler shops are usually much cheaper than ordering online.
Short Throw Kit
Appearance. Likely swap seats with an 03/04 or a '10 GT500 just to give it a custom look. Center dash bits from an 03/04 to take a larger stereo.
Stipes of some kind if i get '10 seats with matching stripes.
Style Bar
Speedster Cover (I go back and forth on if i will go through the trouble of paint and whatnot for a pretty non functional part... but it looks cool. might do it at the end of the biuld)
Stage 2
Once im sure about how the car drives, IRS and coil overs will be done.
Once i settle on suspension ill go shopping for wheels and tires. I like them wide and deep dished. (If you think it would be pretty safe to buy wheels before im set on suspension let me know. Hoping whatever car i get already has some decent wheels though)
Lower the car to keep the wheel wells full of rubber.
If i havent blown too much cash at this point a big break kit is a must. Willwoods or Brembo's whatever is cheaper
Stage 3
Kenne Bell 2.1 6psi maybe 8psi but have to deal with octane booster for that. 91oct is all ya get in California.
Meth Kit for sure. I dont think its strictly needed going off the forums and my driving style but safety first.
After that i think id have myself a pretty solid car. I keep googling rides and this one keeps showing up :thumbsup: to who ever owns it. Top two favorites ive seen as far as what id like to emulate.
The other car I really like is slammed almost tucked which is somewhat counter to my goals but damn it looks good
Stage 4 (BIG IF)
Going full 03/04 drivetrain Engine/Trans/Drive Shaft
Might get a carbon fiber drive shaft just to brag at car meets lol i mean hell if im doing a Termi swap its all bragging rights stuff at that point lol
Not that this build sheet is locked in stone. Every boxer has a plan until he takes a punch. Still looking for some additions i may have not thought about. Your suggestions are more than appreciated.