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Thread: Blue Oval News Reports 2003 Cobra Production Stopped

  1. #1
    Moderator BlueOvalBolt's Avatar
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    Blue Oval News Reports 2003 Cobra Production Stopped

    Apparently production has stopped due to concerns with the motor. Maybe they will look at the vibration issue at the same time?

    A Lightning owner on F150online who drives past the Dearborn plant twice a day confrims there are literally hundreds of Cobras and Mach I's parked in what is generally always a vacant lot. Something's up.

    http://www.bonforums.com/mustang/cob...pped102902.htm
    Last edited by BlueOvalBolt; 10-29-2002 at 07:50 AM.
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  2. #2
    SVTOA Registered Member rachrse's Avatar
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    Do you have any idea what the problem might be. So far I have not had any vibe problems. Car seams to be flawless accept for the driver window not wanting to go up and down but that is being fixed today. Rachrse
    Last edited by rachrse; 10-29-2002 at 08:16 AM.
    465 at rear wheels and still climbing

  3. #3
    Moderator BlueOvalBolt's Avatar
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    Sorry, don't know anymore than that, BON doesn't go into any detail.
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    Moderator XFIRECHIEF's Avatar
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    Very Interesting News

    Thanks a bunch for the news, keep us informed.

    To be honest, I haven't noticed any problems with the motor yet but only have 1600 miles. As for vib. took it out yesterday & did notice slight vib. Was waiting for the new rims to come in so I can get wheels balanced & then have dealer check out allignment too.
    If snow comes will wait for spring anyways as Cobra goes in storage when snow flys.

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  5. #5
    SVTOA Registered Member ASP1's Avatar
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    Latest info received from Ford is production was halted the week of October 7th to investigate a quality issue that surfaced at the plant (no indication what the quality issue was). Cobra production is scheduled to resume November 15th with no impact on total Cobra production scheduled for the 2003 model year.

    Shipments of all units held at the plant resumed Monday,October 21st.

    Job #1 (initial production) for the Mach 1 is scheduled to begin the week of 11/04.
    ASP1
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  6. #6
    SVTOA Registered Member rachrse's Avatar
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    Thanks for the update I hope it is not some major problem just got 2000 miles on the car. Rachrse
    465 at rear wheels and still climbing

  7. #7
    SVTOA Registered Member ASP1's Avatar
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    Just spoke with SVT folks who indicated they were aware of the Blue Oval article and indicated it had some erroneous info concerning the Cobra engine and reason for production stoppage. SVT indicated it was purely a quality check and found no problems. That's why the stockpiled Cobras started re-shipping on the 21st. It's good to know no problems were found... certainly have had no problems with my 03.
    ASP1
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  8. #8
    SVTOA Eastern Ontario GaborVincer's Avatar
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    Blue oval news is a rag. I can't understand why people beleive the garbage they write. From the first paragraph stating that the 2001 and 2002 Cobras have been generally trouble free.. I know for a fact their is no such a beast as a 02 Cobra.

    The informant that blue oval news used for this article is in fact a chevy lover that has come from Mars and is posing as a human....

    My beleifs are as follows:
    Beleive nothing that your told/read
    and beleive half the things you see.

    2004 Torch Red Cobra Convertible

  9. #9
    SVTOA Registered Member rachrse's Avatar
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    Just got my 03 back from service window working fine motor just went out. The tech that does the work on my cars and has for about six years says he could not find anything wrong with the car , and he always checks every thing out when I take it in for service. I'm a happy man Rachrse
    465 at rear wheels and still climbing

  10. #10
    Moderator BlueOvalBolt's Avatar
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    The following is from The Detroit News regarding the interruption in production.

    Cobra production halts over quality glitches


    By Mark Truby / The Detroit News

    DEARBORN -- Ford Motor Co. has halted production of its high-performance 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra due to quality concerns, according to a company official.

    Ford stopped building the limited-edition version of the Mustang about two weeks ago, said Alan Hall, a spokesman for Ford's Special Vehicle Team operations.

    Hall would not specify the problems that led to the stoppage, but said that they have been fixed and that production at the Dearborn Assembly Plant will resume Nov. 12.

    "It was something that was caught at the plant and it's something that hopefully has been resolved," Hall said. "It was part of our regular process to ensure quality."

    In 1999, Ford recalled 5,300 1999 SVT Mustang Cobras after admitting the vehicle's engine did not produce its advertised 320 horsepower.

    The recall came after Mustang Cobra owners complained of a shortfall of as much as 50 horsepower. Ford traced the power problem to the engine's cast aluminum intake manifold and its exhaust system.

    The issues with the 2003 Mustang Cobra, which produces 390 horsepower, are not related to horsepower, Hall said.

    The automaker still plans to build 12,000 Mustang Cobra coupes and convertibles this year. The $35,000 car is popular among weekend racers.

    Ford has been expanding is stable of high-performance cars and trucks, which can pad profits and stimulate consumer interest in the entire brand.

    You can reach Mark Truby at (313) 222-2082 or mtruby@detnews.com.
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  11. #11
    SVTOA Registered Member HAGREEN's Avatar
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    i can't find bilstein shocks for my truck due to the dockworker slowdown. bilstein tells me they come from germany. maybe they are just waiting on shocks

  12. #12
    My 03 has developed a clicking. Can't hear it from above but very noticable if you listen from behind the from wheel. I've been told it is something to do with the crank. Some have had the crank re-torqued and fixed it temporarily but it returns in a couple hundred miles.

    If you coupe owners haven't hard it, pull up next to a wall or get under the car.

    Anyone else noticed this sound? What have you found out about it?
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  13. #13
    Moderator XFIRECHIEF's Avatar
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    Clicking & Other Sounds

    I'm I mistaken or should there be some sounds coming from a 380+ HP engine. I use Amsoil Synthetic Oil & really don't here any extra loud noises. I would expect to hear a little engine noise though & not be too worried as it is under warranty for 3 yrs.

    2003 Cobra Sonic Blue Convt. #25
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  14. #14
    The clicking I hear was not there for at least the first 1000 miles.

    It sounds like a lifter but is significantly louder when you listen from below engine. Has anyone else heard this clicking.

    Oh yea, the frequency increases with speed & RPM.

    This should not be dismissed as a "little noise" from a 390 hp engine.

    Anyone else...
    Cobra40
    939 of 5082, Born on 9/01/02
    K&N, MagnFlow Cat-Backs...

  15. #15
    Moderator XFIRECHIEF's Avatar
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    Drive IT !

    I am not sure what you have wrong but what I am trying to say is It's under warranty so drive it hard now while still under warranty & have fun with it. If its that bad after 1 or 2 k it won't last too long before they will have to repair it, FREE
    If I hear any noise I'd take it in right away to get it on record.
    Good Luck
    2003 Cobra Sonic Blue Convt. #25
    Magna-Flow Cat Backs
    Pro-5 Shifter
    K & N Air System
    Dino Tested - 413 HP & 390 Torque
    100% SYNTHETIC LUBES

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