New Guy 1st Cobra

Sebambam

New Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2019
Messages
9
Location
Bay area
Hi guys
i wanted to say hi and introduce myself
Sebambam, located in the BayArea CA.

I just bought my 1st SVT Cobra and with that said this is my 1st Mustang (any generation)
Im not a young guy who was looking into a showoff car, actualy i own a couple MuscleCars that have more of a "ShowOff" potential than the SVT i think.

I wanted for a longer time a Manual shifting V8 Sportscar , that handles well , has decent Power and has potential to be daily driven to work.
WITH AC/HEAT!
My commute has a couple winding roads and the Commuter car can get boring!

So i found a 01 Cobra, Yes its not a terminator! itts fairly stock and well taken care off
Full Borla Exhaust incl cats (CA Legal) H&R Springs and 17" Aniversary Wheels with 275/ 315 Combo.
i was not planing to do much to it but maybe fix some paint issues, but knowing myself i might look into some performance upgrades later
Supercharging would be best Power for a buck in CA, all the other stuff when going deeper into the engine will mess with the CA smog laws i assume.

So here it is..
 

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52merc

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Nov 15, 2000
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580
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Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Welcome. You don't need a Terminator or 600 hp to have fun with one of these cars. Twisties are great. A few mods and it will handle like a dream.
 

scottydsntknow

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Oct 18, 2007
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For the IRS? www.fulltiltboogieracing.com

You'll need to drop the IRS out of the car, subframe bushings, diff bushings, upper and lower control arm bushings, FTBR IRS tie rods and then a good set of springs/shocks. The IRS in stock form is a nightmare, wheel hop, the stock tie rods are flimsy and can't keep the tires 100% straight under heavy load/shocks and at this age the rubber bushings are guaranteed shot so budget all of that. Dropping the IRS is actually really easy, it comes right out. The FTBR tools make it not TOO bad to do the bushings in the control arms, the subframe sucks but its doable. I did it myself without any help and the rear handles like its on rails now.

For the front... fresh Dorman control arms/bushings/balljoints for $80 each on Amazon. New inner and outer tie rod ends, offset rack bushings, 4 bolt Steeda or MM CC plates and then matching springs/struts up front to whatever you did out back. A real good combo is HR Race springs and then Konis or Bilstein HDs. Tokico D Specs if you can find them but they are out of production AFIAK.

Full length Steeda or MM subframe connectors are a requirement for all 79-04 cars and should be done ASAP if they aren't on there.

As far as engine performance? Exhaust and tune and a tune up. Cold air does nothing, pullies do nothing, stock coils are the best ones. For tune up just do new OEM plugsIn Cali=no longtubes so keep the stock manifolds, keep the stock mid pipe for emissions days and get a good catted H from UPR for normal driving. Catback of your choice. Tune, get a real tune from AED or VMP or Lund or a local dyno. Do NOT get a tune from Bama or a Steeda mail order tune. None of the "tunes for life" are any good. Running the stock tune is safer than a bama tune...

What else... MGW shifter for the 3650 and then just keep it real clean and any cosmetics. Mach lip on the 99/01 Cobra front bumpers looks real good which you have already and if it were me I'd get a 03/04 Cobra rear bumper and 03/04 Cobra or Bullitt side skirts.

If you do want to supercharge, yeah in Cali you're looking at a Vortech or bust most likely. Unless an Eaton swap would be legal since its an OEM setup that is newer than 01 but not sure there. If it is I'd do the Eaton swap but if not then Vortech is definitely there for you.
 
Last edited:

Sebambam

New Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2019
Messages
9
Location
Bay area
For the IRS? www.fulltiltboogieracing.com

You'll need to drop the IRS out of the car, subframe bushings, diff bushings, upper and lower control arm bushings, FTBR IRS tie rods and then a good set of springs/shocks. The IRS in stock form is a nightmare, wheel hop, the stock tie rods are flimsy and can't keep the tires 100% straight under heavy load/shocks and at this age the rubber bushings are guaranteed shot so budget all of that. Dropping the IRS is actually really easy, it comes right out. The FTBR tools make it not TOO bad to do the bushings in the control arms, the subframe sucks but its doable. I did it myself without any help and the rear handles like its on rails now.

For the front... fresh Dorman control arms/bushings/balljoints for $80 each on Amazon. New inner and outer tie rod ends, offset rack bushings, 4 bolt Steeda or MM CC plates and then matching springs/struts up front to whatever you did out back. A real good combo is HR Race springs and then Konis or Bilstein HDs. Tokico D Specs if you can find them but they are out of production AFIAK.

Full length Steeda or MM subframe connectors are a requirement for all 79-04 cars and should be done ASAP if they aren't on there.

As far as engine performance? Exhaust and tune and a tune up. Cold air does nothing, pullies do nothing, stock coils are the best ones. For tune up just do new OEM plugsIn Cali=no longtubes so keep the stock manifolds, keep the stock mid pipe for emissions days and get a good catted H from UPR for normal driving. Catback of your choice. Tune, get a real tune from AED or VMP or Lund or a local dyno. Do NOT get a tune from Bama or a Steeda mail order tune. None of the "tunes for life" are any good. Running the stock tune is safer than a bama tune...

What else... MGW shifter for the 3650 and then just keep it real clean and any cosmetics. Mach lip on the 99/01 Cobra front bumpers looks real good which you have already and if it were me I'd get a 03/04 Cobra rear bumper and 03/04 Cobra or Bullitt side skirts.

If you do want to supercharge, yeah in Cali you're looking at a Vortech or bust most likely. Unless an Eaton swap would be legal since its an OEM setup that is newer than 01 but not sure there. If it is I'd do the Eaton swap but if not then Vortech is definitely there for you.
Great info. I have to check what's really been done. I have some front camber plates for sure.
A 03-04 rear bumper on a 01? Never seen it. Any pics?
If I do that then I'll do the 03-04 rear spoiler as well I guess.

I don't want to touch the exhaust its fine I think. Anybody in my area doing the tunes? What can I expect of a tune only?
 

scottydsntknow

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Messages
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Why a pic of the rear bumper? Would look just like the rear of a Termi minus the Termi spoiler. Just look at Termi pics. Don't need the spoiler really... I mean it does look good but pricey and finding a 3rd brake light that isn't cracked sucks. I honestly like the 99/00 style decklid and wing with the wing moved back a little bit. Cheap and looks way better than the 01-04 cars.

Short shifters are not all created equal. I wouldn't want one that isn't a MGW or at least a Hurst/Pro5.0/Steeda. Some are really bad...

For a tune I have no idea who would be local to you but you can get real good remote tunes from anywhere. I got mine remoted tuned from 1000 miles away when I first had mine done and now I'm 3500 miles away and I still get updates. You will need a wideband which you should have anyway.
 

Sebambam

New Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2019
Messages
9
Location
Bay area
Why a pic of the rear bumper? Would look just like the rear of a Termi minus the Termi spoiler. Just look at Termi pics. Don't need the spoiler really... I mean it does look good but pricey and finding a 3rd brake light that isn't cracked sucks. I honestly like the 99/00 style decklid and wing with the wing moved back a little bit. Cheap and looks way better than the 01-04 cars.

Short shifters are not all created equal. I wouldn't want one that isn't a MGW or at least a Hurst/Pro5.0/Steeda. Some are really bad...

For a tune I have no idea who would be local to you but you can get real good remote tunes from anywhere. I got mine remoted tuned from 1000 miles away when I first had mine done and now I'm 3500 miles away and I still get updates. You will need a wideband which you should have anyway.
Yea you right about the bumper pic.
Would need to source a rear bumper cover ...possibly painted already.
 

01yellercobra

AKA slo984now
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Oct 5, 2005
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21,125
Location
Cali
IMO keep the rear bumper. It's a one year only bumper. Just like the seats. I think AED is one of the more popular choices for people up north. I was looking at the Steeda wing for mine when I had it. But never pulled the trigger.

Look into making it to Fabulous Fords Forever. It's a drive, but I think you'll like it. And you'll meet lots of Mustang people.
 

shurur

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3,760
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Lutz, FL
1. I would look at GW subrame or stifflers subframe..as opposed to Subframe Connectors...unless you already have FLSF or FLSFC..
2. Then get the IRS sorted out through FTBR..get the whole shebang and be done with it.,,as mentioned by Scotty ...and IMO add an Eibach rear swaybar.
3. Then IMO H&R race springs with Bilstein B8 or Koni sport struts/shocks..as mention by Scotty..

IMO the front end can be sorted out at your leisure and a bit at a time..I say this because it is a daily driver. I would just level your front sawybar by shortening your endlinks when you go with lowering springs. I will get you the link for this...reference miracerros sway bar...the miracerros site has been archived somewhere..

Got it:
2000 Mustang V6 5spd Convertible
Front Sway Bar End Links & Bushings


Suggested reading:
https://www.svtperformance.com/threads/the-irs-tech-article.213384/
IRS Informational Article
Home

8888888888888888888888888888
88888888888888888888888888888888
RWHP:

This is what I call the NASVT recipe.
It is a list of na mods recommended by na svt (Todd Warren) from various threads. na svt graciously fixed it for me.

There you go....$3500+..your labor.

8888888888888888
888888888888
NASVT fixed!!!
NA ~320 RWHP with 99-01 DOHC C-Head 4.6L:
K&N filter
OEM Cams
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:
106100/106060 comp cams properly degreed.
short runner.
Tune

NOTE:
SR is not needed for <7K RPM and nasvt (Todd Warren) has better custom cams available NOW...and cheaper!!

NA SVT Cams Classifieds
888888888888
888888888888888888

You are at the best forum for your new baby.
Note: Mod opinions may/will vary

Also FYI: The 99 spoilers and 01 spoilers are different as well!
so you have options...
The 99 spoiler can be brought back 2.75"...
 
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josephcostello

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Aug 24, 2014
Messages
753
Location
Los Altos
Why a pic of the rear bumper? Would look just like the rear of a Termi minus the Termi spoiler. Just look at Termi pics. Don't need the spoiler really... I mean it does look good but pricey and finding a 3rd brake light that isn't cracked sucks. I honestly like the 99/00 style decklid and wing with the wing moved back a little bit. Cheap and looks way better than the 01-04 cars.

Short shifters are not all created equal. I wouldn't want one that isn't a MGW or at least a Hurst/Pro5.0/Steeda. Some are really bad...

For a tune I have no idea who would be local to you but you can get real good remote tunes from anywhere. I got mine remoted tuned from 1000 miles away when I first had mine done and now I'm 3500 miles away and I still get updates. You will need a wideband which you should have anyway.
Running an MGW here, love it. Welcome to the site. I used to be in Los Altos, but now in Placerville. Nice car.
 

CobraBob

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Single Barrel Sirs
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Welcome to SVTP, and congrats on buying your '01 Cobra. Looks nice and with your planned mods it will get much better. You came to the best SVT/Mustang forum site out there. You found a place where you can make connections, share your passion, and get/share great advice for your car. Welcome aboard!!
 

52merc

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Nov 15, 2000
Messages
580
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
If you are going to lower your car, or the previous owner did, you need to consider bump-steer. There are several good websites including Maximum Motorsports where you ca go and learn about it.
 

scottydsntknow

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Oct 18, 2007
Messages
1,207
Location
Rota
Offset rack bushings and not lowering a ton plus tall balljoints are fine for a car with the regular endlinks. Anymore than that yeah you will want a good bumpsteer kit plus the MM bumpsteer gauge setup to do it right.

And yeah the 01 Cobra rear bumper is a 1 off bumper... but the Terminator bumper just looks that much better.
 
Last edited:

286rocks

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Congrats on the Cobra, they sure are fun cars! The first mods i did were 4.10 gears and the FTBR bushing kit for the IRS, it was really a night and day difference. Other than that the only other mod I noticed a difference with was a set of long tubes, but unless you have a workaround for SMOG it's probably not an option.

Can I ask what you picked it up for? I'm considering selling mine in similar condition and am trying to get a feel for the local market. I'm located just north of the Bay in Humboldt County.
 

Sebambam

New Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2019
Messages
9
Location
Bay area
Congrats on the Cobra, they sure are fun cars! The first mods i did were 4.10 gears and the FTBR bushing kit for the IRS, it was really a night and day difference. Other than that the only other mod I noticed a difference with was a set of long tubes, but unless you have a workaround for SMOG it's probably not an option.

Can I ask what you picked it up for? I'm considering selling mine in similar condition and am trying to get a feel for the local market. I'm located just north of the Bay in Humboldt County.
Pm me
 

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