Remember that great FAQ?
http://web.archive.org/web/20050310032652/http://www.alfageek.com/03faq.htm
Using Wayback Machine I found a copy!!!!
http://www.archive.org/web/web.php
http://web.archive.org/web/20050310032652/http://www.alfageek.com/03faq.htm
Using Wayback Machine I found a copy!!!!
http://www.archive.org/web/web.php
3. Modifications
3.1. What are the common ?bolt-on? mods?
The most common bolt-ons are CAI, Exhaust, Pulley, Chip, Headers, and Drag radials. These mods are typically enough to get the Cobra to around 460 RWHP and 500 RWTQ, and should be capable of propelling a good driver to low 11?s.
3.2. What does a Cobra with ?XYZ? mods dyno at?
This is a difficult question. Every car is slightly different, and will respond differently to modifications. Your best advice is to get your car chassis dynoed after each modification. A chassis dyno session should run you around $100 for three pulls. To find a dyno in your area, visit:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050310032652/http://www.dynojet.com/lauto.shtml
3.3. Do mods void the warranty?
This is also a difficult question. The short answer is ?maybe?. The sure-fire warranty busters seem to be chip and pulley mods, but that is debatable. According to the law, the manufacturer has to prove that the modification caused the damage in order to deny the warranty. The following website details the law in this regard:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050310...veauto.com/waterbox/wb-archives/warranty.html
While this sounds good in theory, the truth is that you will most likely have to take the matter to court in order to get the law upheld. In general, it is usually better to call around to several dealerships before you modify your car and find one that is ?mod friendly?. Since warranty repair determination is usually left up to the individual dealer, having a good relationship with your service writer is somewhat vital. However, if you do have warranty troubles for damage that was not caused by the mod, and the dealer refuses to work on the vehicle, you can attempt to fight the decision (you can also try another dealer, but sometimes the dealer enters the denied repair into the system for all other dealers to see). Fighting a denied claim may involve getting the regional Ford warranty rep involved, and/or getting a good attorney involved.
3.4. Is a chip needed with a pulley swap?
Usually, yes. For an upper pulley swap, with a pulley smaller than 3.2? you should at the very least get a dyno pull with a wideband A/F check. In general, you want the A/F ratio to be below 12.0 (12 parts air to 1 part fuel). Some people have run as small as a 2.93 pulley without any noticeable detonation (including the author of this document), but it is important to have the A/F checked just in case.
