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Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

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Ford Mustang Cobra
A 1998 Cobra Convertible
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production1993-1999/2001–2004
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door convertible
2tform
RelatedShelby Mustang

The Ford SVT Mustang Cobra is a sports car built by Ford since 1993. It is generally the highest performance version of the Mustang built by Ford, sitting in the model range above the Mustang GT model. On rare occasion, Ford produces a higher-performance Cobra R variant.

Ford SVT Mustang Cobra production
Version Year Engine Power Torque Production
Fox Base 1993 5.0 L Windsor V8 235 hp (175 kW) 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) 4,993
R 1993 107
Total 5,100
SN-95 1 Base 1994 5.0 L Windsor V8 240 hp (179 kW) 285 ft·lbf (386 N·m) 6,009
1995 5,008
1996 4.6 L DOHC Modular V8 305 hp (227 kW) 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) 10,003
1997 10,049
1998 8,654
R 1995 5.8 L Windsor V8 300 hp (224 kW) 365 ft·lbf (495 N·m) 250
Total 39,973
SN-95 2 Base 1999 4.6 L DOHC Modular V8 320 hp (239 kW) 317 ft·lbf (430 N·m) 8,168
2001 7,251
2003 4.6 L DOHC SC Modular V8 390 hp (291 kW) 390 ft·lbf (529 N·m) 13,476
2004 5,664
R 2000 5.4 L DOHC Modular V8 385 hp (287 kW) 385 ft·lbf (522 N·m) 300
Total 34,859
Total 79,932


SN-95 Windsor (1994-1995)

SN-95 Windsor SVT Mustang Cobra
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production1994–1995
11,267 produced
Body and chassis
PlatformFR SN-95
Powertrain
Engine5.0 L Windsor V8
Transmission5-speed T-5 manual

Ford introduced a completely re-styled Mustang for the 1994 model year, but the vehicle was mechanically similar to the outgoing model, and rode on a version of Ford's aging Fox platform. Ford re-introduced the Cobra for 1994 featuring the new styling as well as larger brakes, a revised suspension setup and wider wheels than the outgoing version, but the engine was essentially a carryover.

Year Model Production
1994 Coupe 5,009
Convertible 1,000
Total 6,009
1995 Coupe 4,005
Convertible 1,003
R 250
Total 5,258
Total 11,267


SN-95 Modular (1996-1998)

SN-95 Modular SVT Mustang Cobra
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production1996–1998
28,706 produced
Body and chassis
PlatformFR SN-95
Powertrain
Engine4.6 L DOHC Modular V8
Transmission5-speed T-45 manual

For 1996, Ford finally did away with the aging 5.0 liter V8, replacing it with a new 4.6 liter, DOHC, "modular" unit that was smoother and had slightly better fuel economy.

Year Model Production
1996 Coupe 7,493
Convertible 2,510
Total 10,003
1997 Coupe 6,961
Convertible 3,088
Total 10,049
1998 Coupe 5,174
Convertible 3,480
Total 8,654
Total 28,706

SN-95 2 Modular (1999-2001*)

SN-95 2 Modular SVT Mustang Cobra
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production1999–2002
15,819 produced
Body and chassis
PlatformFR SN-95 2
Powertrain
Engine4.6 L DOHC Modular V8
5.4 L DOHC Modular V8
Transmission5-speed T-45 (1999), 5-speed 3650 (2001), 6-speed T-56 (2000 R Model) manual

With the introduction of a new Mustang in 1999, came a new SVT Cobra. All 1999-2004 Cobras featured independent rear suspensions, unique to the Cobras. The new Cobra had an upgraded 4.6L DOHC engine with 320 hp (239 kW) and 317 ft·lbf (429 Nm) of torque. Due to problems with the 1999 Cobras producing the claimed power (remedied via recall), the 4.6L Cobra was not produced in 2000. Ford replaced the intake manifold, exhaust and computer components to produce an estimated 15hp. The Cobra came back in 2001 with the same power rating with the problem fixed.

While the 2001 Cobra shares almost all the same components of the 1999, some changes were made. The changes included:

  • The engine block was changed from the Teksid block to the Windsor Aluminum Plant or WAP block. The WAP block is regarded to be weaker than the previous Teksid block. Some 2001s received the Teksid, either from the factory or as a replacement motor
  • Newer revision cylinder heads.
  • Cobra-specific seats with a combination of leather and suede-like microfiber inserts - 1999 Cobras had normal Mustang seats.
  • A rear bumper that reads "COBRA", instead of "MUSTANG", as the 1999 Cobra had.
  • A rear badge on the trunklid was changed to say "SVT" instead of "SVT Cobra" as the 1999 Cobra had.
  • The option to order polished wheels from the factory.
  • The T-45 transmission in the 1999 model was replaced by the 3650 in the 2001 model.
  • The IRS halfshafts and differential were changed from 28 splines in 1999 to 31 splines in 2001.
  • The spoiler was redesigned.
  • The CD player was upgraded to a 6 disc unit.
  • The center console and trim were redesigned
  • The emergency brake was fitted with a 'boot' of leather to cover the hole in the console where it protrudes.
  • The headlights were changed to a tinted design.
  • The color of the odometer digits was slightly changed, and the color of the instrument cluster lighting was slightly changed as well.


A Teksid block
A Windsor Aluminum Plant block

In the pictures at left showing the two blocks of the SN-95 2 SVT Mustang Cobra, note the extra ribs designed to impart stength to the weaker WAP. Also, note the hatching in valley of the Teksid is square, while the WAP has diagonal hatching.

A similar Cobra model was produced in the US in 2002 for export to the Australian market.*

Year Model Production
1999 Coupe 4,113
Convertible 4,055
Total 8,168
2000 R Coupe 300
Total 300
2001 Coupe 3,867
Convertible 3,384
Total 7,251
2002 Total 100
Total 15,819
(including exports)

Cobra R

In 2000, a special Cobra R came in limited production of 300 with a 5.4 L DOHC engine that produced 385 hp (287 kW) and 385 ft·lbf (521 Nm) of torque. This model was street legal; however it lacked many of the comforts the base production line Cobra enjoyed. This model had no radio, no air conditioning, no heating, and no back seat.

File:2001cobraR CJW.jpg
The limited edition 2000 Cobra R

The 2000 Cobra R had several distinguishing features that allow one to easily identify it as something more than a normal Cobra. The "power dome" hood for instance, is taller than the normal Cobra hood, and has gills that can be cut out to reduce engine compartment temperatures. The rear spoiler is tall and wide, providing much needed down force at high speeds. The front bumper is adorned with a low riding, removable splitter that keeps air from getting under the car and inducing lift. The wheels are also uniquely styled five spoke 18 inch x 9.5 inch alloys.

With its aggressive styling and harsh suspension, the 2000 Cobra R was basically a street legal race car.

  • It should be noted that the 1999 Coupe production numbers are incorrect (4,113). According to SVT, there were only 4040 1999 SVT Mustang Cobra Coupes built, #3892 of 4040.

SN-95 2 Supercharged (2003-2004)

A 2003 Mustang Cobra with South Korean Tags
SN-95 2 Supercharged SVT Cobra
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production2003–2004
19,140 produced
Body and chassis
PlatformFR SN-95 2
Powertrain
Engine4.6 L DOHC Modular V8
Transmission6-speed T-56 manual

Debuting in early 2002, the 2003 Cobra came with a supercharged 4.6 L DOHC engine rated at 390 hp (291 kW) and 390 ft·lbf (529 N·m) of torque. It was later learned that SVT (Special Vehicle Team) had underrated the Cobra, as many owners have reported 430 hp (321 kW) and 430 ft·lbf (583 N·m) of torque. Numerous improvements were made to the driveline to handle the additional power output. A cast iron block was used to handle the increased power with use of stronger internals (forged pistons, forged crankshaft, and Manley H-beam connecting rods) to handle the 8 lb of boost delivered from the Eaton M112 supercharger. Other improvements to the driveline include the use of an aluminium flywheel connected to a Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission, aluminium driveshaft, 3.55:1 gears in the rearend transferring power to the stronger 31 spline half shafts in the rear independent suspension.

For 2003, SVT offered a limited-edition Tenth Anniversary Cobra which featured unique color schemes, wheels, and badging. SVT produced 2,003 units of the Tenth Anniversary model, which was available in Red, Black, and Silver. The 10th Anniversary Package was offered in both coupe and convertible, featured unique wheels, red leather interior accents (seats/door panels), "carbon fiber-look" interior trim , red brake calipers, and SVT 10th Anniversary badges on the floor mats and rear decklid.

The only major addition to the 2004 model was the optional Mystichrome paint scheme and two other new colors, Screaming Yellow and Competition Orange. There was also some minor exhaust work done on the catalytic converters which helped remove the Gas Guzzler tax from the 2004 model versus the 2003 model.

While in production, SVT had codenamed this model the "Terminator", since it was supposed to finally put an end to any competition between the Cobra and the Trans Am / Camaro. Accordingly, the 2003-2004 SVT Cobra is noted by many for offering excellent "bang for the buck". Owners have reported as much as 750 hp (559 kW) at the rear wheels with the use of a 2.3L Whipple supercharger, 2.2L/2.4L/2.6L Kenne Bell supercharger, or dual/single turbocharger(s). Even with minor "bolt-on" mods (e.g., intake, exhaust, supercharger pullies, ECU tune), Terminator Cobras have been known to exceed 500 hp (373 kW).

A definitive history of this model and John Coletti's SVT operations was captured in the non-fiction book Iron Fist, Lead Foot by John Moriarty.

Year Model Production
2003 Coupe 8,394
Convertible 5,082
Total 13,476
2004 Coupe 3,768
Convertible 1,896
Total 5,664
Total 19,140

2007

Main article: Shelby Mustang

Carroll Shelby lends his name to a 2007 Mustang, officially called the Shelby GT500. Ford has not announced production of a Cobra built on the newer Mustang platform. The GT500 is marked with prominent Cobra badges, long a trademark of both Shelby and SVT, and sits atop the mustang range, ostensibly replacing the SVT Cobra.

Trivia

For SVT Cobra Production number determination, all an owner has to do is call SVT at 1-800-367-3788 and give last 6 digits of the vehicle's VIN #. Shelby is not a name lent to Ford for the 2007 Shelby cars. The cars are shipped to Shelby from Ford where they are then transformed into Shelby's and then sent back to Ford.

References

  • "Official site". Ford SVT. Retrieved march 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  • "SVT Owner Registry". Ford SVT. Retrieved march 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
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