performance upgrades 1996 cobra

[lking78]

back in the day i had a 1996 cobra convertible -- my third and last mustang convertible -- circumstances intervened and i sold it 24 yr ago --
last week, i ran across an identical 1996 cobra convertible and couldn't let it go by -- it is 100% stock -- so i'd like to do a couple of performance upgrades
to sort of sharpen the edges -- 1. upgrade the rear end to at least 3.73 -- maybe 4.1 ? 2. vaguely remember a K&N intake upgrade but not specifics
3. better shifter -- appreciate your thoughts and suggestions to include any other tweaks i should consider -- many thanks

 

[96blak54]

Most definitely an aftermarket shifter! Also be sure to soft shift or the t45 trans wont be happy. Maybe remove the intake plenum and clean up the intenals. The port runners exterior has big casting edges that disrupt air flowing over them due to the top hat sitting so close. Smoothing them out helps a bunch or a top hat spacer gains a little area....or maybe both. Also the 2nd port runner gets nasty and yucky after 80k miles. A good cleaning helps. That nasty and yucky creeps into the intake runner motion control(IRMC) valves and prevents smooth movement too. A pcv catch can will help performance and keep the intake tract alot cleaner! If your engine bay still has the stock air cleaner, I would personally retain it and simply install a clean filter.

 

[Tillerman77]

+1 to @96blak54 advice. I use an MGW shifter but there are other good ones to consider. I cleaned my IMRC system at about 70K and then installed a PCV catch can. The IMRC system works great for me.

 

[cobrajeff96]

After the first cleaning of the IMRC and intake by hand, you can just run Seafoam through the PCV inlet on the intake every 15k to 30k miles and it's much easier/quicker to keep it clean.

MGW is probably the best shifter for the T45.

The 96 Cobra loves the 4.10 rear gear if it stays N/A (no boost). Talk about a rip roaring fun time. If going to boost it, 3.55 or maybe 3.73.

If you want it to sound evil but in a good way, get at least a Bassani Xpipe and Bassani catback. I'd say get the headers too but changing those out on a stock K-frame is a huge PITA.

 

[lking78]

many thanks for all the great suggestions -- appreciate recommendations on the pcv catch can -- there are a lot of choices outthere -- think I am going to go with the 4.10 -- a good friend who helped me redo my 1991 GT 5L is partial to the 4.10 -- unfortunately have already ordered the summit shifter -- had lots of good reviews--
we'll see -- the bassani upgrade is really, really tempting -- my sweetie was very supportive and encouraged me to get the cobra -- but I think it would be wise to ease into the upgrades -- have driven it everyday -- sure is great to have the cobra back -- didn't realize how much I've missed it.

 

[badass98svt]

4.30 gears
MGW shifter
SFCs

 

[RAU03MACH]

or
you could do
KB supercharger with NO IMRC system with catch cans
JLT cold air intake
JBA shorty headers
3 core aluminum radiators
a KB boost pump
kB POWER CHIP
or Mega squirts engine management
with 4.10 gears

any whare from 450 to 580 horse

 

[badass98svt]

I'd also add that you can remove the IMRCs with a higher (numerically) gear.
If you want to know what it would feel like, you can reach back along the firewall. Directly behind the intake you will find 2 cables that loop up and back down behind the intake. Those are the cables for the IMRCs. You can zip tie them open by pulling them up. Yes, your CEL may come on. It usually does, but some say it never did.

I did this when I had 4.30s I dont remember missing much low end at all.


Edit:
Here is a pic for reference. It's those 2 cables you see in the pic with the big arch.

 

[shurur]

My standard post.

NASVT Recipe fixed!!!
NA ~300 RWHP with 96-98 DOHC B-Head 4.6L:
K&N filter
OEM Cams
March damper
March hydraboost and WP pulleys
Long tubes
Hi Flow Cats/Cat Delete mid-pipe
B-Head SRI
90mm LMAF
Tune (canned..more $ for real tuner tune)

350 RWHP:
Todd Warren na svt cams properly degreed.
Tune.
***
***
NASVT Recipe fixed!!!
NA ~320 RWHP with 99-01 DOHC C-Head 4.6L:
K&N filter,
OEM Cams (108/120)
March damper
March hydraboost and WP pulleys
Long tubes
Hi Flow Cats/Cat Delete mid-pipe
Tune (canned..more $ for real tuner tune)

360-370 RWHP:
Todd Warren na svt cams properly degreed.