VIN translation

[dkumashiro]

Anyone know the translation information of the VIN for a 03 cobra? Saw something in the manual of my 93 Blazer showing this translation which was pretty cool, but didn't see anything similar in the Cobra book.

Thanks

[RTStabler51]

Lets see if I can help a bit.


Heres the VIN from my 90 SHO

1FACP54Y3LA218055

1 = Built in USA
FA = FoMoCo America (I think)
C = I think year, I don't remember
P = Taurus
54 = SHO
Y = 3.0L Yamahammer
3 = Don't remember
L = First Gen Air bar I believe
218055 = running number

[Mongoose]

Originally posted by dkumashiro
Anyone know the translation information of the VIN for a 03 cobra? Saw something in the manual of my 93 Blazer showing this translation which was pretty cool, but didn't see anything similar in the Cobra book.

Thanks That info. is in the Helms Shop Manual, which is a great book to have for your Cobra. Here is an example
1FAFP48Y03F100001

1FA= Ford, USA, passenger car
F= Active safety belts..all positions
P48= 2 door Coupe
Y= $.6L, DOHC, S/C, EFI, 8 cyl, (Cobra)
0= government assigned code
3= model year
F= made in Dearborrn Michigan
100001= production sequence number

[dkumashiro]

Cool thanks

[Mongoose]

Originally posted by dkumashiro
Cool thanks You're Welcome and Any time :tmb:

[MMS331]

Cool. Thanks for the information. Sean know is it but never has taken the time to explain it out to me like that.

wendy

[Mongoose]

Just for instance...substitute the P48 for a P49 and you have a Cobra convertable :bna

[dkumashiro]

Cool! Almost summer time. Where is the little dial to switch it to a P49? :p

[THE-RAGE]

Originally posted by dkumashiro
Cool! Almost summer time. Where is the little dial to switch it to a P49? :p
lol i wish my car had one of those.. instant 300 added HP LOL plus the convertable.. mmm

[Mongoose]

Originally posted by THE-RAGE
lol i wish my car had one of those.. instant 300 added HP LOL plus the convertable.. mmm Looks to me like you need air shocks :D

[THE-RAGE]

Originally posted by Mongoose
Looks to me like you need air shocks :D
she needs somethin to keep her from squatin all the time.

[norcal_cobra]

Here's an online VIN decoder...

http://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/default.asp

-norcal_cobra

[dkumashiro]

Cool thanks

[Mongoose]

Originally posted by norcal_cobra
Here's an online VIN decoder...

http://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/default.asp

-norcal_cobra Good find Norcal :tmb:

[norcal_cobra]

I haven't figured how the Production Sequence Number translates to the production # of our Cobras though. I just don't think that the 5 digit number is right since mine is in the 11,000's and my car has all the earlier build features like a leather e-brake handle, black antennae, etc. Also, when I took off the middle console to do my shifter swap I found a sticker with a datestamp of Aug 26 2002 07:20:25 AM. Presumably this is the date and time that my car went through the interior shop te get the interior installed. So if anyone finds that out please post it here :D

-norcal_cobra

[Mongoose]

Gotta remember that 11k figure is for all Fords built up to that point...mine is almost 333k

[fbca7]

The best date stamp I know of is the build sheet. Found mine under the spare tire in my 99. Cobra Recognition Guide says that build sheets are under the spare, behind the front or rear bumper covers most of the time. The Guide also has a VIN decoder for all model years thru 2001. The new Guide is supposed to be out this summer covering up thru 2003.

[norcal_cobra]

Unfortunately I looked in all the usual places and can't find mine. I have also heard some people found their build sheet crumpled up and stuffed between a rear frame rail and the floorpan.

Well, the production run should be over soon if not already so I guess I'll find out in a few more months when SVT mails me my certificate.

-norcal_cobra

[whtgenone]

If you still want some help I work at a Linc/Merc dealership and I can decode your VIN for you.....

[rhorton]

thank you for the web site on the vin info. As for the production numbers for Cobras in 2003, how can that be found?

[03Kobra]

what are the differences between later builds? if any.

[norcal_cobra]

The production run was originally intended to be 12,000. we'll find out the final production run size once it has completed and we later get our certificates mailed to us by SVT. I assume there will be as many 03 CObras produced as people willing to pay for them given the current state of FoMoCo.

The basic differences in the 1st later build cars seems to be in quality. There is a greater variance in the power #'s from the 1st run cars as well as differeneces in the computer program. Additionally you'll notice 3 different heat range spark plugs are used as well as 3 different coolant types. Also, there are other differences such black vs silver antennas, the leather wrapped vs all plastic e-brake handle.

-norcal_cobra