96-98, any minor/major changes?

Tunedprt91

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Just looking for any type of info that will help me on a future purchase of a 96-98 cobra vert. I just want to know are there any differences between them that would make one better over the other?

Example: They say the 2006 C6Z is a different animal compared to the 2007+ Z's. Reason being after 2006 chevy added more sound deadner(sp) to make the car more quiet but it made the car heavier. 08 they changed the trans which was smoother that the ones in 06 and 07.

Im just looking for info like that about the 96-98 cobra's. Like I think in 96 the cobra's had the clock on the top of the dash but the 97/98's dont?etc
Here are my questions:

1. Was any car faster than the other? Like maybe the tune in the 97 cars were a little stronger than the other years

2. Any specific year motor stronger than the other two? Maybe in dec of 97 the builders got fat raises and they built the hell out of the motors lol

3. What were all the small/big changes from 96-98? Like did they switch to different shocks for 98, or did 96 have less squeaks and rattles, or they used better speakers in the car for 97 etc...

Thanks for any info or links you all post up for me:beer: I have been wanting a Cobra for a long time. Not just any Cobra but a Sn-95, I just love the way they look. Cant wait to find the right one for me:rockon:
 
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Gallows

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I don`t think there are any differences between the drive lines of the 96-98. 96`s had a TSB for cooling issues and the clock was also in the 97`s.
 

whtcobra1998

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98 have different ecu set up, different wire harness, fuel system, no stb, no clock, valve cover signature is a plate. basically everything else the same
 

Tunedprt91

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Thanks for the info. What were the tsb's for the cars? Im guessing I should just shoot for a 98 since all the bugs were most likely worked out, but I dont want to pass up on a clean 96/97 because im worried about something that might not even be wrong.
 

LDC2335

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Thanks for the info. What were the tsb's for the cars? Im guessing I should just shoot for a 98 since all the bugs were most likely worked out, but I dont want to pass up on a clean 96/97 because im worried about something that might not even be wrong.

well the cooling tsb isnt a big deal, you can just swap to a newer condenser and it pretty much fixes it.

i thought the fuel system changed in 98 and was sort of a bastard system?

Id shoot for a 97, though i have zero issues with my 96
 

SVTCobra306

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Yeah 98's fuel system to my knowledge was a return system but uses a Fuel Pump Driver Module and a variable-voltage pump, 99 went to returnless with an FPDM with the body style change.

96,97, and 98 can all be distinguished from each other if you know where to look. 96 interiors had the black trim on the lower part of the doors and rear side panels and had a clock, and unless the owner removed it there is a honeycomb grille behind the running pony on 96 models only. 96's were available in White, Black, Red, and hardtops could be Mystic.

97's were close to identical to 96's, with the removal of the honeycomb grill, and tan interior cars have the door and rear panels solid colored with no black trim. 97 also saw the color Pacific Green show up on both hardtops and convertibles. Mystic was not available in 97, but you could still get Red, White, and Black. 97's are probably the most commonly seen, it was the largest production run except for the 03 Cobra.

98 is a little more distinctive. The stock wheels changed to a Cobra R knockoff (they have more curved spokes and are only 17X8). The clock was deleted, as was the strut tower brace. The aforementioned SVT engine tag changed to a badge rather than a sticker, and color options became a little wider, adding Bright Atlantic Blue and Chrome Yellow to the mix.
 

harvboi05

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98 has plastic IMRCs, 96-97 have aluminum.

the 98 pump setup is a 2 speed, hi-low type system.

isnt there a difference between cup holders/ash trays?
 

GTstang02

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my 98 has no ashtray just the usless behind the shifter cup holder. i believe along with the fuel system change isnt the tank completely different?
 

Tunedprt91

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well the cooling tsb isnt a big deal, you can just swap to a newer condenser and it pretty much fixes it.

i thought the fuel system changed in 98 and was sort of a bastard system?

Id shoot for a 97, though i have zero issues with my 96

THanks for the info. Believe it or not I have been drooling over your car for about a year now haha. I have so many pics of it saved to my computer in hopes that whenever I get mine ill make it look like yours. Speaking of, im going to look at a triple black 96 monday, hope all goes well.
 
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LDC2335

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THanks for the info. Believe it or not I have been drooling over your car for about a year now haha. I have so many pics of it saved to my computer in hopes that whenever I get mine ill make it look like yours. Speaking of, im going to look at a triple black 96 monday, hope all goes well.


well, im very flattered, thanks for the compliments.

when i get back from afghan, ill get some more pics up. Ive swapped to and 04 radio bezel, drilled slotted rotors and a few other things. 3 more months till i get to drive it again. :beer:

Ive also been thinking about removing the ISO's in the rear to bing it down another 1/2'' or so, but not sure as ground clearance is already an issue where i live. Also, going in will be a new clutch for sure and either Gears or if i can find a good deal, a used supercharger :rockon: . I wouldnt mind getting my hands on some 04 cobra seats as well. All comes down to the $$, which is always tight.

Good luck on your search.

how did you get 2100 post? Did you have another mustang before?
 
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Tunedprt91

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Where did you get your console from? Cant wait to see it when you make it home safely. Ive never owned any type of svt but for some reason ive been on here since 2006 haha. I used to post alot back in the day.
 

LDC2335

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i didnt switch the whole console,(eventually i will) i just bought a used 04 radio bezel off ebay and painted it black to match. i perfer the black to the newer charcoal, but the 04 cobra seats that i want are charcoal, so i may look for some bullit seats or even some outta a 05-10 gt.. we'll see, mine are still in pretty good shape so not in too much of a hurry.
 

BCP

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Any one know of a difference in the 98's exhaust? Seems that most cat back kits and tailpipes are listed for through 97, and the 98 kit is a different number.
 

harvboi05

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Any one know of a difference in the 98's exhaust? Seems that most cat back kits and tailpipes are listed for through 97, and the 98 kit is a different number.

98 uses the 99+ new edge SRA exhaust. i bought an CAT back exhaust system off of a 02 GT and it fit exactly.
 

MouTine

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The 98 pump setup is a 2 speed, hi-low type system.
I think all '96-'98 have this hi / lo voltage system for fuel pump. Atleat my '96 have it. And its throwing code bc resistor is tosted and its full voltage all the time.
 

Chrome98Cobra

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'98 had the best two colors ever put on a SN-95..

Chrome Yellow (obviously) and Bright Atlantic Blue.
 

SVTCobra306

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I think all '96-'98 have this hi / lo voltage system for fuel pump. Atleat my '96 have it. And its throwing code bc resistor is tosted and its full voltage all the time.

Look behind the driver side trim in the trunk, there should not be a black square box that say "fuel pump driver module" on the sticker in there. 98's were the first to have it.. IIRC it was actually either an NHTSA or EPA requirement that preceded the body and drivetrain changes for 1999, so they had to implement the pump driver a year early but they retained the return system.
 

MouTine

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Look behind the driver side trim in the trunk, there should not be a black square box that say "fuel pump driver module" on the sticker in there. 98's were the first to have it.. IIRC it was actually either an NHTSA or EPA requirement that preceded the body and drivetrain changes for 1999, so they had to implement the pump driver a year early but they retained the return system.
I have to check this out. Interesting... I do have ECU controlled relay behind clovebox and u-shape resistor under the right side fendern. And that's it what I should have according my '96 wire diagram.
 

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