I have a 98' Cobra convertible-No major mods, except for my 17x9 Cobra R rims, MAC intake, Eibach springs, Autometer Tach w/ light, and some enhancements to the visual area (saleen styling bar, turn-signal mirrors, etc.).

I'm getting ready to dump some funds into it to get my car up to speed, so to speak. I was first planning on going with some headers and exhaust. I was wondering what you guys might recommend as far as brands (MAC, Hooker, etc.) and also what you think the total would be, including installation. I had Motorsport Dynamics put in my Tachometer, and was thinking about going back to them for headers/exhaust.

Also-I was thinking about throwing in some underdrive pulleys. Would it be worth it (I know they aren't that expensive, but would it make my power steering a pain in the @ss?). I'm also planning on adding a short-shifter-any suggestions as to what brand to get would be great.

Any help/comments you guys have would be great! Thanks for all your help!

1. Ford Motorsport 4.10 Gears $190
2. Steeda Pulleys $170
3. Pro 5.0 shifter $190ish
4. Super Charge it with a upgraded
fuel managment system

You will then be running low 12's high 11's

I dont really think your alarm or battery volts will be affected enough to be considered.

I run Underdrives on my pulley and i can still knock my two twelves, w/my head and foglights on w/wipers/and heater. Yours will defnnatley be fine.

But if not,

Gears, nothing under 4.10's
Pullies,
Nitto Radials,
As for exhaust, 4.6l Cobra + BBK Off-road H pipe + 2-chamber flowmaster = great sounding car

I live in roseville, I can't do gears, but I can help with the other stuff for sure. River City differentials did my last car, and it was great and only about $225 if I remember correctly. Also, if you want a shop to charge you out the ass (even though they do good work) JT Performance (behind sacramento mustang) does work on the newer stangs. But if you need help, just let me know.

Also-I noticed while looking at the pro-5.0 shifter online that they don't come with a shift boot (for instance, the cobra has a leather boot stock). Is there an option to put one on or does it stay the way it looks, with no boot? Also-can you put any type of aftermarket shifter on the pro 5.0 shifter? I have a MOMO Saleen shifter (I think it's the "Phantom") and I also still have my stock leather cobra knob.

Thanks for your help, guys-this is all very appreciated!

Also-how is it looking at Sac Raceway these days? I went twice last summer, and only got 3 runs in the first time and 4 the second, the place was absolutely PACKED...I would like to see if I can improve my times after my upgrades (I am sure I will). The best I could manage was a 14.3 (I know, it sucks, but I had never done it before and really had no instruction as to what RPMs to launch at, how to stage correctly, etc. ). By the way-what RPM should I be launching at? I was having a hard time keeping the car planted from the start (even though I have the 17x9 Cobra Rs all the way around with 245/45ZR17 XGT Z4 Pilot Michelins wrapping 'em (Expensive tires, but it's cool-I get them wholesale through my cousin in-law who owns a tire shop ).

Thanks again for all your input,

Brad

[ March 31, 2002: Message edited by: blackcobra98 ]