Any Ideas?

[swimmernate]

I own a SVT Focus and my best friend owns a '97 Cobra. He is looking into putting some performance aftermarket parts on it. I am fairly knowledgable in the parts place but there is so much junk you have to sift through until you find what you are looking for.

So, can any one of you type a list of simple HP enhancing mods for a '97 Cobra? If possible, can you list sites as well?

[SNAKEYE]

Use the HP it's got: 3.73 rear gears.

[swimmernate]

Yeah it's got hp, but he wants more.

[SNAKEYE]

Originally posted by swimmernate
Yeah it's got hp, but he wants more.

More isn't always better. The 2-3, 5-6, 8-11 HP derived from MAF's, TB's, mufflers, and the like, are small return for some relatively big bucks.

A change of rearend gears will be felt like none of the above.

The 97 Cobra engine doesn't star to breath properly until 3250 RPM when the IMRC kicks in. The key is to get to 3250 RPM as quick as possible. A change from the stock 3.27 rear ratio to 3.73's raises the revs 15%. He'll feel it in his backbone and see it as he walks away from those who used to give him a close match.
With the 6800 RPM redline he can hang it out longer than most. With 3.73's the 6800 comes 15% quicker too.

Next I'd go for a cold air induction with low restriction air filter of some type. It dresses up the engine bay and makes HP. Two for the price of one.

[swimmernate]

Ok, I'll tell my friend about this. Are there any websites? What names does he want to use?

[SNAKEYE]

K & N.

[Dellcobra]

I would recomend full length sub frame connectors as soon as possible. This will stiffen up the car and keep it from tearing itself apart. Weld in are the best.

New plugs and wires are cheap and will help some.

K&N

Remove the air silencer from the fender well, good for a couple of ponies and free.

Dell

[Sharppony]

I agree with Snakeye! By simply changing the rear gears it will become a completely different car to drive. K&N filter, remove air horn, and rear gear change will really improve the performance without breaking the bank!:spinem:

[swimmernate]

Cool, this all helps out a lot.

[swimmernate]

Would anyone like to tell me where I can find different gears? I've been looking everywhere on the net for some 3.73 gears.

[Sharppony]

Here's a few to try:
www.jegs.com
www.brothersperformance.com
www.downsford.com
www.summitracing.com

You could also check sponsors of:
www.nmraracing.com
www.funford.com

And you can check local Ford Dealers for a Ford Motorsport Parts Department.

Happy Hunting!

[swimmernate]

Wow, thanks. Just what I was looking for. If there are any other good sites don't be afraid to post them.

[MC1457]

.Brooks Performance (http://www.brooksperformance.com) has some good info on suspension upgrades. That's where I started with my car - full-length subframe connectors, urethane bushings, Bilstein shocks & struts, and variable rate springs. Translates some of the 19% power lost to body flex back into power to the rear wheels.

Next up: 3.73 rear gears, Flowmaster exhaust, and a throttle body from Amazon Racing.

[arboc96]

why only 3.73 gears?

why not 4.10 or 4.30?

i have had all three (currently 4.30) in my street driven 96 Cobra - i guess i wouldnt suggest the 4.30 for a newbie - but go for the 4.10's - after a month the 3.73 wont be enough for him

[SNAKEYE]

One of the things you will have to watch out for is too much torque to the rear tires. 4.10's are pushing it. 4.30's are probably over the top. You'll be smoldering the tires! Not bad until you have to repalce them and/or come up with the idea that wider is better, at which point be prepared to pay out for wheels too.
It's a vicious cycle, but we love it!
If you do the 4.10's you'll just have to control the right foot a bit more. I've got 4.10'S behind a 6 psi Vortech with 18x295/35 Michelins out back. Takes lots of control of the right foot!

[Sharppony]

Originally posted by SNAKEYE
If you do the 4.10's you'll just have to control the right foot a bit more. I've got 4.10'S behind a 6 psi Vortech with 18x295/35 Michelins out back. Takes lots of control of the right foot!

Sounds like FUN to me!:spinem:

[swimmernate]

Man, my friend would probably burn the tires off with the 4.30's the first week.:) We better start him off slow and build him up. lol

[swimmernate]

What is the part exactally that gets switched out for 4.10 gears? What are we looking for? You have to excuse me. With an SVT Focus the major performance mods we do is something like a CAI or throttle body. lol.

[Sharppony]

The ring gear and pinion gear are changed in the rear axle. It will also require a new speedometer gear in the transmission to register mph properly. Any good shop can do this for you, there are some special tools needed. While it can be done, I don't recommend this job for a novice!