So what did YOU RUN STOCK?

[dennish]

I'm looking for stats on stock 03 Cobras. I want to know what some of us are getting from the drag strip. The drivers at the magazines just can't be THAT good. Maybe cutt'n lights, but that's not the issue here. I saw GM's run 13.2's to 6's all day.

My ten run avg. is 13.180 @ 109MPH. What's up with that?

I thought I was going to see mid to high 12's all day.

I just can't believe I'm that bad at this. Minor mods like air and exhaust would be nice to see also. I'm not interested to see stats on pulley upgrades, chips and so on. (Oh yes I am) But honestly, I want to see how a bunch of us did with our stock cars you know?

Please post.:cool: :D

[ObiOneCobi]

13.12 @ 108.82 my third time on the track
I was shifting to soon. I will be in the 12's next time out.
C & L Mass Air
Cat Back w/ magnaflow tips
Dyno - 427 rwhp
Shop - B&D Racing Canoga Park, CA

[Holman]

2001cobra
bassini x pipe
borla catback
355gears
cold air induction
jet performance chip
QA1 12way adjustable shocks
steeda triax shifter
pauls high performance pinion brace
13.310@106.45mph with 18 pounds of tire pressure in rear tires and 40 pound in the front (stock tires)
still haven't gotten my 60 footer down , on this run i got 2.072.Ithink if I get my60 fotterdown I can get into the veryhigh12,s like12.999 and thats good enough.
Soon to ad steeda timing adjuster
steeda underdrive pulleys
Plasma ignition booster and may even splurge and get some nittos.Will reply when other mods are done.Have fun and be safe
:bna

[DarkShadow]

100% as stock as they come off the showroom flow 2003 Lightning- 13.5@101mph (75degrees 1000ft altitude)
99GT Borla Cat-back 13.7 @ 100mph (88degrees 1000ft altitude)

99GT Borla Cat-back, FMS headers, Novi2000, C&L 80mm MAF-12.06 @ 116.68mph on nittos, stock gears (800ft 55degrees)

[Holman]

Before all my modes 1st time ever in my 01 cobra,atco newjersy,1st drag race ever I ran a 13.72 at 107.5 and my 2nd time was 13.52 at 108 bone stock even tire preas. My advice is to focus on your 60 footers let some tire preasure out of the backs if thier stock and don"t come out of the hole so hard.Try somewhere between 1500 rpms and 2200:But your car is an 03 cobra and mine is an 01.But I"m sure that will give you a good start. Good luck with that 03 cobra,sure wish I had it.

[dennish]

I'm looking for stats on Stock 03 Cobras guys.

I like to see the nice times but it seems like not too many people are going out there and racing their Cobras.

You should have been there last year when I got in line with this bad boy. You'd think I was Arnold Schwartznwhatever.

I was sooo pumped the first time, I left slow and almost killed it, then I blew 3rd, oh it was horrible. I got 2 more chances, as well as some great advice, and on my third run I hit a 12.9 @ 108.88 and a 60' time of 1.9.

I am hoping to nail 12.5's like nothing, am I crazy?

[shanker]

What are your 60ft times? Thats where all the time is lost for most people and are you running through 4th? I read and post all the time at www.svtperformance.com and it seems a good driver should get in mid-high 12's depending on track condition and quality. I haven't tracked mine yet but when my friend decides to track his '03 Z06 I'll be right next to him:cbra: It's a sweet car. Good luck and practice the launch!

[dennish]

Shanker, my avg. 60' times are 2.1 on 8 runs. My tires were worhtless. By the time I tried with new tires, it was too cold out to tell. I'm hoping for 4-29-03 to be good day.

Don't wait for your friend. Go by yourself, you'll have a ball.

[Blue Steel]

First time ever at a quarter mile in any car.

2003 Cobra.

Date: 25/26 April

Location: Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield Ca.
Elevation: 408 ft +- above sea level
Temp: 66 degrees +-
Fule: Running super unleaded from my local gas station
Bone Stock, everything, tires, intake, exhaust, right out of showroom.

Day 1: with 32 psi in all tires ran a 13.255(quickest time of 8)

Day 2: ran a 13.177 and figured that's all she had will my skill level with tire pressure at 26.

Day 2 PM: Dialed in at 13.1, good launch, motor missed once in 3rd and once in 4th, thought it was a terrible run due to this. Broke out with a 12.96. Come to find out, the misses came from being just a little too low on fuel. The pickup went dry for a second after shifting into 2nd and 3rd. Good lesson learned.
Suspect the car would have ran a 12.8 or slightly better without the misses.

Details for this run:

Dial 13.10
R/T .767 (not a good one)
60 2.095
1/4 12.96
mph 110.14

Had 4 runs at 111 + mph but with poor 60 foot times ended up with 13 plus 1/4s.

[Got-Cobra?]

See sig for details! On a good track 12.50's or lower are possible in a stock 03 Cobra! All I can tell you is practice....practice....practice!

[Rocket]

Hey dennish,
I saw a couple of stock 03 Cobras run in the 12's this last weekend at the SVTOA on track. I ran a guy who cut a 12.7 totally stock. Definetely in the driving. I spoke with him and about his run, he was flat shifting all the way.

[dennish]

Update for My Cobra.....4-29-03 I got there early and on the first try ticked off a 12.963 @ 109.85....2.120 60' time. Second run was 13.304 @ 108.84...2.283 60' time. Got rained out or I think I could have hit better times after a cool off.

There was a Sonic Blue 03 with a chip, pulley, Bassani, Nitto's, Pro.50, single blade TB, CAI,...I was GREEN with envy to be able to see such MODS in action and guess what.

The owner wasn't happy with his first run. I think he did the same thing I did my first time out, which was to get too excited over all the attention. It get's you in trouble on the track. I really blew it BAD my first time last year because I was sooo pumped by all the Mustang lovers who hadn't seen the 03 Cobra yet. I got a ton of attention this time too.

Anyway, he let his friend run the car next and after a good roasting of the Nitto's he ran a 12.132. I am convinced a few more try's and the driver could hit 11's in that car easily.

I sent a list to Santa yesterday folks. EH EH EH. As a Father of three, I know how to get Santa to respond rather well, if you know what I mean. This year it ought to be Christmas in July.
I should tell you that I have Denso plugs, K&N filter, and a Pro 5.0 shifter. I don't see these mods as being too influencial, but I think you should know they are there. I miss NO gears, that's for sure.

[BlownCobra]

Well, I didnt run my car completely stock. but only had a few bolt ons when I ran.
Had BBK thottle body, k&n filter and basanni after-cat exhaust.
Ran in Las Vegas, NV. The track is a little difficult to read. I should say that this was my first time at the track with this car, since I had just bought it 3 weeks when I took it down.

My first run completely sucked =( ran a 14.2 @97.. took off to low and almost stalled it. also missed shifted into 5th gear, so I was damn pissed

2nd run.. ran a 13.6 @ 106.. launched off better, still had over 2 sec 60 foot time though. I also hit my rev limiter in 3rd gear, I thought I could finish the run in 3rd, guess I was wrong.

My best run was my last since it was already 1am in the morning. ran off a 13.105 @ 110.32.. 1.9 60' time.. I also beat a Z06 Vette that staged next to me, guy ran a 13.4 @ 112.. so I was kinda happy atleast about that

I was expecting to run 12's but I am not that disapointed. my lack of experience is probably something I lack.

[03RedFireCobra]

My best: 2003 Cobra Vert

CAI, High-flow catts and C/B, 2.93 upper pulley, Diablo Chip, BFG DR's

12.19@116.8 with 60' 1.8

[Ghoust]

my personal best bone stock was 13.15 at 108.90 mph

[daboomatl]

I have a 2003 Cobra with Mac Cold Air,Magnaflow catted x-pipe&Cat Back,Diablo chip. NO Pulley change. My best time is 12.24 @116.97 on STOCK tires at Silver Dollar Raceway. My average there is 12.4-12.5

At Atlanta Dragway my average is 12.78 best run of 12.53 on STOCK tires.

I now have FRPP 4:10 gears and am looking for 12.00 or better.

[bfoley]

Best of 5 runs on an 03 convertible Cobra was 13.23 @107

Totally Stock.

[03DSGCOBRA]

I ran True Street at FFW in Gainesville this weekend - had the car 3 weeks and it has 600 miles on it. Anyway it was my first time out and best run was 13.01 @ 107.7 mph with 2.06 60 ft. I was also hoping for 12.90's but after reading this post feel a little better. I would have won the fastest 13 second car trophy but missed third gear on last run :mad: Bought steeda shifter next day !!!!!!! the only mods were removing air "snorkel" and a K&N filter. Its finally nice to hear some honest times:)

[SpittinCobra2001]

if anyone is interested in finding out just how fast their car really is... and have proof when the brag to their friends... Or if you want a chance to work on your launch skills.... The SCMC is having a test and tune day at New England Drag way on the 21st. It is in epping NH, gates open at 8:00am and there is a $25.00 entry fee.

[dennish]

You know missing third is why I bought a new shifter also BUT,
Get ready for more NOISE, and an altogether clunkier feel.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!! The factory set up is OK. Just be patient. After my first run I was taught by another racer how to hold the handle and that was all it took. Any time you want to extract all she's got, you have to be READY, and PAY ATTENTION.

You won't miss a gear, and you won't have a clunky sound, or wine when cruising, that's what bugs me most. Once you tear into the shifter and live with the new one for a while you'll see what I mean, so PRATICE for a while before you make your mind up.

Any Ford rep will tell you, LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IT, YOU'LL BE BETTER OFF.

[lethalchem]

Stock? People have Cobras that are completely stock???:)

[BR3]

MY BEST TIME ON MY 03 COBRA w/MAGNAFLOW X-PIPE CATTED AND CAT BACK,UPR CAI 12.83@111.43 BEST TIME AND THAT WAS STOCK,HOPING TO RUN LOW 12;S WITH 315 NITTOSDR

[lethalchem]

Originally posted by BR3
MY BEST TIME ON MY 03 COBRA w/MAGNAFLOW X-PIPE CATTED AND CAT BACK,UPR CAI 12.83@111.43 BEST TIME AND THAT WAS STOCK,HOPING TO RUN LOW 12;S WITH 315 NITTOSDR

How does X-pipe, cat back, and CAI = stock?:confused: :D

[smokymance]

was at the track once...not sure what a guy was running on a 03 cobra...but he ran 11.1 @ 111 mph....all i could hear was supercharger whine....didnt get a chance to talk to him....he didnt have a headlight so he was running some kind of cold air and some kind of pulley....whine was reall loud....louder than motor itself...

[FATHERFORD]

There is a guy here in town, with 250 miles on the car ran a 13.01 i dont remember the mph...

[lethalchem]

Originally posted by smokymance
was at the track once...not sure what a guy was running on a 03 cobra...but he ran 11.1 @ 111 mph....all i could hear was supercharger whine....didnt get a chance to talk to him....he didnt have a headlight so he was running some kind of cold air and some kind of pulley....whine was reall loud....louder than motor itself...

111MPH seems a bit low for an 11.1 run. I ran 12.4@116 with just a CAI and Mufflers.

[dennish]

Hey Lethalchem.

You say "I ran 12.4@116 with just a CAI and Mufflers".

That's exactly what I expect to be able to do, but man I just can't pull it off. C'mon now.....when do you shift? What are the RPM's when you leave?

I took your advice about 25lb's in the tires and it helped a lot. I even left with more and more RPM's without spinning or actually FRYING my clutch, but I must say I haven't found that sweet spot of tearing away. Are your 60' times alway's less than 2.0?

I probably hit 3000 before I let the clutch out the last time because I had the ultimate competition.....an 02 SS. It's amazing how competition will force the control I needed. I had this car by the end of 1st gear and only saw him getting farther behind.

The stats are so close it's cool. I will list the SS's numbers first. R/T's, .415 to my .423, 60' 1.985 to my 2.033, 330' 5.631 to my
5.549 (you see I'm winning already) 1/8, 8.671 to my 8.428 MPH 80.15 to my 85.45 (I'm killing him now) 1000' 11.318 to my 10.872 and then finally 13.544@101.36 to my 12.945@108.90.

So Dude, will ya help me out here? By the way, it's an .000 clock and all three other runs were .200's or so. The tree is sort of comming into play automaticly. The Camaro and I were too tense you know. I thought for sure he was going to snarf me but as you can see there is a lot of power in our cars compared.



:bna :bna :bna OOOHHHH I wnat to run low 12's BAD!

[lethalchem]

I'll try to help where I can, but I'm not the best driver by far. Some people are getting 12.6 completely stock.

First off, where are you located? Temp and elevation from sealevel play a big role here.

On street tires, I rev to about 2k or so, then I try to keep the needle still as I launch. Meaning, if I see it drop I give it a bit more gas (to avoid bog), or if I see it start to climb I'll let off the gas a bit (to avoid wheelspin). I do this until I get going and feel I can let out the clutch all the way and punch it.

No way in hell I ALWAYS get 1.9x 60' times. I get a spattering of sub 2.0 (about half the time) on a good track. But keep in mind, I just fried my clutch the other day. I think slipping the clutch like we need to to get good times on the F1's is hard on it. I would recommend some ET streets or DR's so you don't have to slip so much. I won't race on street tires anymore because I can't afford $700 per clutch replacement.

Your 2.0 60' times should be enough for a 12.6 or so though, so either you're losing it in the shifts, or it's due to the weather. Keep in mind, as the summer goes on, our times will only get worse.

Good luck!

[tntcbra]

Bad news - I saw an '03 break last night at Maple Grove. A mineral gray coupe, I didn't get to talk to the driver. Rumor has it the rear went. The last thing I saw was the car on the hook. Never something you want to see at the race track.

I don't believe that car was modified, maybe the simple bolt ons. Will the warranty cover that? How 'bout towing from the race track :)?

[shanker]

The half shaft is the weakest point on the car without a doubt. Most likely it the that that broke. A few companies make some HSs that are supposed to be 300% stronger so you can launch it hard. Most guys I've heard of have gotten it covered under warranty.

[KWladyka]

Originally posted by shanker
The half shaft is the weakest point on the car without a doubt. Most likely it the that that broke. A few companies make some HSs that are supposed to be 300% stronger so you can launch it hard. Most guys I've heard of have gotten it covered under warranty.

I would be careful about changing out the stock half-shafts for “improved” ones in an IRS. By just strengthening that portion, the weakest point simply moves elsewhere. Ford designed the weakest point to be between the CV joints which is a good thing. A failure at that location should not cause a loss of control of the car. By strengthening the half-shaft, the weak point becomes the stub shaft and the spider gear within the CV joints. While a CV joint failure is not good, breaking the stub shaft is much worse since the break is basically right at tire hub. Having that happen at speed could be disastrous.

Wheel hop is one of the main causes for undue stress on the half shafts. The stock bushings (differential and then IRS) are too soft especially for a modified car. Hard launches with stock bushings will eventually result in significant differential deflection and accompanying wheel hop on these cars. Upgrade those first and at least you won’t be exponentially increasing the force your half-shafts will have to deal with.

[yelsvt03cobra]

Hmmm, I like the GKN axles in mine. I saw a stock 03 Cobra with BFG DR's snap the 1/2 shaft. I have heard of several on DR's do it and one with E/T Street's which is crazy. I would never run E/T Street's with stock 03 Cobra axles. I have heard too many horror stories there. If you do, I would not launch over 2,500 RPM's.
Not trying to argue or anything, just trying to save someone some trouble's. However the 03 axle's are an awesome upgrade for the earlier cobra's when you change em out of your's.

If I did not see and hear all the axle snapping's, I would still have stocker's in mine. I am shooting for high 10's or very low 11's next trip out.

Chris

[KWladyka]

Experiences are good they all help us make better choices. Personally I love using ET Streets for the drag strip and highly recommend them. I have over 100 1/4 mile runs. Almost 50 with ET Streets. I usually leave at around 3,100 RPM and get 60 ft times in the 1.7 to 1.8 range.

In focusing on half-shaft stress one of the most relevant points is the 60 ft time. A 1.8 60 ft on F1's will put similar stress on the car as a 1.8 60 ft on ET Streets. In addition, the ET Street is arguably a better tire to prevent half-shaft failure because it’s thin sidewall and lower pressure absorbs more shock and will cause less hop than a low profile radial tire under the same amount of stress. As for grip, the ET Street will also spin as easily as a radial tire, it is simply a matter of how much pressure the tire is filled to.

I would submit that discussing the amount of pressure applied to the half-shaft to accomplish a 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, etc. 60 ft time and applying those figures against the rated value of the equipment along with the consideration of tire size, type, pressure, track condition, etc. is more constructive than simply submitting the use of a certain tire is “crazy.” There are many variables that come into play and knowing the quantities of those variables is critical in coming to a reasoned conclusion.

Of course, in the end we all must make the decision we are comfortable with, based on the facts as we know them. Assuming differential deflection is not an issue, I see no problem with running ANY tire that allows a 60 ft time of 1.8 or 1.7 while using the stock 2003 Cobra IRS.

[yelsvt03cobra]

Okay, so your saying that if I had gs fx1, e/t streets, and nitto dr's all @ 12 #'s pressure they would all stick the same? Wow, then how come people even buy the et street's? Just lower your factory tire to 12lbs and drop your 60 ft to a 1.7. You can try that if you want to but I will stick to the e/t street's.

I can burn Nitto's off past the 330 mark and same with the gs fx1's. However the e/t streets will not allow me to do that even when I launch @ 1,000 rpm's higher.

These guys that have busted their axles with all different tire's are what? The street tire's I have not seen break any axles....
If they stick that well I would think they would snap as easily as the Bfg's and e/t street's.

Whatever, I guess I will see if I can get a 1.6 on my factory tire's.

There is no way in the world that a gs fx1 will stick or maintain any where near the pressure of a e/t street or the factory cobra's would be busting 1/2 shaft's all over town.

[KWladyka]

Originally posted by yelsvt03cobra
Okay, so your saying that if I had gs fx1, e/t streets, and nitto dr's all @ 12 #'s pressure they would all stick the same?

No, I didn't say that nor did I did state the use of certain tires will equal specific times. I'm not sure how one could read that into my post.

The only point of my discussion is that there are many facts and variables to consider in choosing a tire. The mere fact that someone bolts on ET Streets does not mean their half-shaft will break as soon as they let the clutch out. At least mine didn't. Running 1.8 or 1.7 times are fine as far as I have seen regardless of tire. That's all.

It's just a friendly discussion. Relax. Make your own judgment. Whether a person chooses boxers or briefs, who cares?

[yelsvt03cobra]

I am fine bud, relaxed and cool. I was just sharing the info here.
There have been several that have busted their 1/2 shaft's and then you got one here that launches @ 3,500 time after time with 1.70's and 1.80's and has no problem's.

Just pointing out the fact that it has happened enough time's to be careful. Team ford here actually told me that the stock 1/2 shaft's were not made anywhere near what they should have been, that and all the one's I have seen and heard about is why I went ahead and upgraded mine.

I have driven mine to the track a time or two and just don't want to be sitting there without a trailer or my operable ride.

P.S. Can you really get a 1.8 out of a F1 ?

[lethalchem]

Don't know about 1.8, but I got 1.90's on them on a regular basis.

[KWladyka]

Originally posted by yelsvt03cobra
P.S. Can you really get a 1.8 out of a F1 ?

I never really came close. The best 60 ft. I did on F1's was 2.19. I am amazed when people say they have done sub 2 second times with F1's. I assume track prep has something to do with it. I know for me a good time with F1's was not possible.

[dennish]

Bad as I was...notice I said "WAS" (I'm gettn their guys), even I got a couple of 1.9's on Stock Tires. I went last Tuesday 8-12-03 and had a ball.

I'd like to say my new tires...Firehawk SZ50EP's cut at least 2 tenth's off my usual runs, but I also did very well with 2500-3000RPM launches without spinning tires. I know I heated up my clutch by slipping it a couple of times, but I got 8 runs in and by the end of the night I was beginning to get a solid feel for letting it out without slipping. I see I averaged 2.09 60' times, and I also averaged 13.08 for the night. I usually got 13.1-4's all the time before with Goodyears so I'm not sure it's the tires yet, I think I finaly got the launch down, and that's why the better times. Leaving my foot down didn't change a thing, I was shocked that I never missed a gear, (thanks pro 5.0), but it didn't help my ET's or speed both times I did it. I also didn't see a difference in shifting sooner than the usual 6300 I try for. Actually, I think I may get more speed and ET by leaving my foot down for shifting into 4th at about 5800.

I got to go neck & neck with an 02 GT that was modified, he won once and I won 3 times. Competition is such a good teacher. This guy had slicks, cams, CAI, and a beefed up automatic, long tube headers. His 60' times were 1.8's each, but the Cobra snuck by after 80MPH like nothing.
I ran this Ram Air T/A with a 448HP decal on his hood, nice looking car, yet I ran a 13.098 @ 107.86 to his 13.352 @ 104.31, go figure. I beat him. Probably the "Bucheek Squeeze" , don't you think?

Next time I am going to try 25lbs. in the rear tires, 41 in front, 2-2500 R's and get that clutch out without a bog or spin and I bet I get 1.8-1.9's like nothing on the tires. I also bet I consistantly see 12's.

This is so much fun. I love this car, and I have to say that running at the track REALLY does make me safer on the street.

And by the way, maybe some of you saw my rant about how I should have baught a Z06 because I couldn't run in the 12's????
How the Z06 guy's come back with a 12.6 run and laugh about how fast their car is considering they don't know jack about drag racing??? Well let me tell you there was a Z06 there that went from 13.5's down to 12.9's and boy was he embarrassed. His freinds were all ticking off 12.-12.6's like nothing. I felt bad for him. But not too bad.




:tmb:

[jamchan]

I just ran a 14.0 then a 13.7 then 13.6 and finally 13.5 @ 105. 28psi in the rear tires. At LACR in Palmdale ...elevation about 2710'. I have a densecharger UPR shifter and flowmaster catback. I tried to complete the run in third but the rev limiter didnt like that. I hit the rev limiter all night. 6500 seemed to come up very quick in 1st and 2nd gears. A Camaro SS with a Z06 motor was runnin 12.6 at 108... that was discouraging.

[dennish]

What's wrong with shifting to 4th? I always do. You can't finish in 3rd. Try leaving your foot down and shift at 5800.

[zinc trmn8or]

12.70@110 at sealevel bone stock with 22psi in the rear f-1,s.
shifted at 5800rpm, left the line @2300 rpm very light spin slipped the clutch out. After 2.7rr pulley, 100mm idlers, diablo chip, magnaflow catted h pipe and catback. 11.80 @117.6x with the clutch slipping. Jerry

[dennish]

Yopu shift at 5800? I never tried that, I always shift at 6300. Why is that and do you do it still? and also, what are 100mm idlers? :huh:

[Tim Lester]

See sig.

[ObiOneCobi]

zinc, what diablo program are you running? I messed around with a few programs the other night, boy what a difference they can make. On one of the programs I increased my mph from 106 to 111 at LACR. Still need to get E.T. streets and go to Carlsbad to get a true ET.