T56 Magnum swap in 97 cobra w/ 4.30s

[JCDriller]

Hey guys,

I have a 97 Cobra with 25k mi on it that I build to replicate the 97 Cobra I had in my younger years. The engine is stock and I love the way it drives with 4.30s, but still want to take this car on longer highway cruises. I'm in a situation in life were I can mod things how I want and I believe I'd like to drop a T56 into the car so I can take advantage of the .5 ratio 6th gear for highway cruising.

There is 2 T56 magnums available with the same 4-6 trans ratio, but their 1-3 are different. Looking for opinions from those who know more than me. I've looked at RPMs on an excel spread sheet and the TUET11011 seems to be a good fit. The gear ratio

Thoughts?

TUET11011
1st 2.97
2nd 2.10
3rd 1.46
4th 1
5th .74
6th .50

VS

TUET11430
1st 2.66
2nd 1.78
3rd 1.30
4th 1
5th .74
6th .50

 

[me32]

If you dont plan to add a power adder down the road then the 1st option would be a great fit for that all motor 4v.

 

[biminiLX]

All motor and 4.30s you’ll love the 2.97/0.50 box. Ideally with sticky rubber to actually use first.
I lived my ‘01 Cobra with 4.30s.
Once you have a 0.50 6th you’ll probably go 4.56s if you ever go into the rear.
-J

 

[JCDriller]

All motor and 4.30s you’ll love the 2.97/0.50 box. Ideally with sticky rubber to actually use first.
I lived my ‘01 Cobra with 4.30s.
Once you have a 0.50 6th you’ll probably go 4.56s if you ever go into the rear.
-J

I really like the 4.30s, the car I had in my youth was 4.10s and while I knew I'd like the 4.30s better I was dreading long highway runs. living in the middle of kansas means If I want to go anywhere outside of Wichita, I'm on the highway for 3.5-5.5 hours. The .50 6th should be perfect.

Since this doesn't need to be the fastest car around, just fun, I'm hoping the 4.30s are adequate, if not, I've been kicking around doing an IRS swap for the hell of it then switch to 4.56s. This car is all about me, don't care what others think. I love driving it while sitting in the big old lazy boy sofa seats.

 

[Black02GT]

Hey guys,

I have a 97 Cobra with 25k mi on it that I build to replicate the 97 Cobra I had in my younger years. The engine is stock and I love the way it drives with 4.30s, but still want to take this car on longer highway cruises. I'm in a situation in life were I can mod things how I want and I believe I'd like to drop a T56 into the car so I can take advantage of the .5 ratio 6th gear for highway cruising.

There is 2 T56 magnums available with the same 4-6 trans ratio, but their 1-3 are different. Looking for opinions from those who know more than me. I've looked at RPMs on an excel spread sheet and the TUET11011 seems to be a good fit. The gear ratio

Thoughts?

TUET11011
1st 2.97
2nd 2.10
3rd 1.46
4th 1
5th .74
6th .50

VS

TUET11430
1st 2.66
2nd 1.78
3rd 1.30
4th 1
5th .74
6th .50

What do you have in there now? Depends on the use. I had a TKO500 and Cobra ratio Magnum. 6th in the Magnum is the same as 5th in the TKO500 but without the huge OD jump. Honestly I like the long first in the Magnum especially with the gear you have. Granted the TKO5 has a 3.27 first. If you're not using at the strip the longer first is nice.

 

[JCDriller]

What do you have in there now? Depends on the use. I had a TKO500 and Cobra ratio Magnum. 6th in the Magnum is the same as 5th in the TKO500 but without the huge OD jump. Honestly I like the long first in the Magnum especially with the gear you have. Granted the TKO5 has a 3.27 first. If you're not using at the strip the longer first is nice.

Right now it’s all OEM, T-45. This isn’t a strip car, all street and cruising. Just out for a joyride. I’m pretty sure modern civics and Camrys are faster.

 

[me32]

I really like the 4.30s, the car I had in my youth was 4.10s and while I knew I'd like the 4.30s better I was dreading long highway runs. living in the middle of kansas means If I want to go anywhere outside of Wichita, I'm on the highway for 3.5-5.5 hours. The .50 6th should be perfect.

Since this doesn't need to be the fastest car around, just fun, I'm hoping the 4.30s are adequate, if not, I've been kicking around doing an IRS swap for the hell of it then switch to 4.56s. This car is all about me, don't care what others think. I love driving it while sitting in the big old lazy boy sofa seats.

You will love the IRS if you have some nice twisty roads. The IRS helps with the weight balance too. The best simple bolt on for the 96-98 cobras is gears. They were such dogs with stock 3.27s. What plans do you have for this 97 cobra? Pretty lucky to find a 25k mile cobra in the SN95 gen these days.

 

[JCDriller]

You will love the IRS if you have some nice twisty roads. The IRS helps with the weight balance too. The best simple bolt on for the 96-98 cobras is gears. They were such dogs with stock 3.27s. What plans do you have for this 97 cobra? Pretty lucky to find a 25k mile cobra in the SN95 gen these days.

Definitely lucky! I found it via this forum, took a couple years but it’s a perfect, one owner Rio red/ black 25k example.

I lowered it with Steeda springs, added cobra R repo wheels with nitros, Steeda shifter, 4.30s, and changed the oil, added tint had it paint corrected and ceramic coated. Also painted the calipers red.

Thought I was done, but now this trans and possible IRS swap has me thinking. I have a C&L intake, BBK TB in the garage too, just unsure if I want to install. Engine bay still has all the original QC marks.

Won 1st place with my son at a local car show over Memorial Day.

 

[me32]

Beautiful and congratulations. Looks like you and your son had a wonderful time.

 

[amorrow]

Awesome car and congrats! Love the nostalgia builds. Still enjoy my mildly modified ‘98 after 22 years with 4.30s. Only thing that does get old is the (rare) highway driving, and with you solving that bet it’ll be a blast for many more reasons than just performance. Dig out your old book of CDs and enjoy the drive! Lol