This is topic Looking at a 1996 Cobra tomorrow.. need some advice. in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by ilya (Member # 6164) on :
 
Hello all,

I will be looking at a pristine-looking 1996 Cobra with 61,000 miles tomorrow. It's a Mystic, and the guy is asking $11,000. What are some things I should be looking out for, specifically? Sounds, visual cues, etc.?

The car has a ZEX Smart Nitrous System that the owner swears he never used, and that is really the only part of the deal I am not 100% sure about. Otherwise, the car looks super clean, has low miles, and has a few nice mods (catback, short shifter, suspension stuff).

Anyway, please give me some advice.

Thanks.
 
Posted by 03smknsvt (Member # 5514) on :
 
i dont know if there is a way to tell if the nitrous was used but why would you install and not use it.. make sure the car sounds strong and test drive it and if he has any maintanance records ask to look at them. well thats what i do. by any chance is this the one on craigslist?
 
Posted by 9Roush8 (Member # 2472) on :
 
Have the guy take it to a reputable shop and have them do a compression and leakdown as well as a look at the undercarriage. See if he will let you take it.... just a thought.
 
Posted by ilya (Member # 6164) on :
 
Thanks guys.. he says he says a TON of records and that he is very meticulous with the services/oil changes, etc.

Yes, this is the one on Craigslist. [Smile]
 
Posted by Apexmotorsports (Member # 5307) on :
 
Since the guy had nitrous.. take it to a shop AND get a

COMPRESSION TEST
COMPRESSION TEST
COMPRESSION TEST
COMPRESSION TEST
COMPRESSION TEST
COMPRESSION TEST
COMPRESSION TEST
COMPRESSION TEST

The 98 and below modular engines do not hold up as well as the 99+. Make sure you take it to a shop who knows what they are doing when they are testing it.
 
Posted by ilya (Member # 6164) on :
 
He claims vehemently that he never used the NOS. I called him out on it and he denied it.. but yes, I will have a complete check of the car done.

What shop do you guys recommend in the Berkeley/Albany area? What's the closest shop to that area if there isn't one there?

How much is a compression test usually?
 




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