Sasha's build thoughts/options/suggestions!!!!

[Bart]

Hey everyone from the other side of the world. While I'm here in Afghanistan, I've been contemplating what to do with Sasha... (my 99 cobra). She has roughly 120k on the clock and its high time I did something other then just wash her up and drive her daily when I'm home. So yes she is my daily driver. With that, I'm looking for thoughts/opinions/ideas on what to do with her. Keep in mind she is my daily driver and I'm capable of doing normal routine maint and some other things but have yet to take on anything major, and I'm debating on just getting a list of ideas together and taking it down to BMC Performance and/or having AJS Racing do some of the work done, if possible. So with that, here is what I have, and any and all insight to add to it is appreciated

1999 Black on Black SVT Cobra
K/N Air Filter
Pro 5.0 short throw shifter
Mac L/T headers and Prochamber
4.30 gears
17x9 up Cobra R up front
17x10.5 Cobra R in the rear

Everything else is either OEM replacement or bone stock.

I would like to keep her slightly mild so my MPG doesn't suck any worse then it does, but want to do a few things to help her get up and go better

[95MustangSally]

Simple mod, but do you have the "fogged" kind of black headlights? I know it's not performance, but it would look great lol Otherwise I'd have to think about some performance mods haha

[Bart]

Actually I do have the smoked headlights but they don't fit right so I'm going to have to end up getting another pair from somewhere.. but excellent idea!!!

[95MustangSally]

Ahh that sucks. Ya they would look awesome.

[MustangCRZY302]

Here goes nothin!! LoL

Beings it is a Cobra, with IRS of course, if it were my car, I'd start doing a couple things to make it handle better. Ya already have WIDE rear tires, which is perfect for handling. The first thing everybody does, is lowering springs. But with the end your driveway, i dunno if your longtubes would like you very much if ya dropped it alot lol, but if ya go easy, some Eibach Pro-Kit springs would help. I'm not positive, but I do think your car and other 99+ cobras, have subframe connectors from the factory. If not, subframe connectors are a must. they will stiffen the car up a TON and will help with handling big time. Then theres always some adjustable shocks, and coil overs up front, tubular k-member, tubular control arms, caster/camber plates, etc.

For some extra HP, first up is a JLT Cold Air. For some reason ,the 4V cars LOVE that intake, and it frees up some extra ponies. And of course with all the new cars, it would definatly benifit from a Tune. SCT and Diablosport Predator are the 2 most popular ones, I prefer SCT, but I am kinda biased, 3 out of our 5 cars are SCT'd lol. You already have a good exhaust setup, other than that ya coulda always do a little boost, but I will say the more ya get into the motor the driveablity can be hurt, but its very fun if ya don't mind it. lol

So in short, if it were my car, i'd have this linedup:

Suspension Goodies
JLT Cold-Air
SCT Tune

Hope I didn't confuse ya! lol

[95MustangSally]

I agree with you on the suspension! I think investing in some adjustable coil overs would be awesome. Specially since you do drive it in winter. That's what I'm saving up for for Sally since I do drive her in the winter. A couple of my friends have adjustable coil overs on their cars and love them.

[Hustang]

My first question is what do you want to spend?

IMO the three most important features of a performance vehicle are (1) go fast, (2) turn with precision, and (3) stop fast. So with that I would def get the JLT CAI and SCT tune, then dyno tune it at a shop for both great mileage and outstanding HP/Torque. Then I would look at your suspension with the idea that you are trying to keep the rear wheels from breaking loose when you do turn it. Coilovers, lowering springs, beefier anti-sway bars, control arms are on the menu there. Finally how are your brakes? Do you have stainless brake lines and upgraded rotors? Cobra calipers are usually sufficient but I dont know what the 99s had for stock calipers.

Stay safe my brother!

[BlissfulErin]

:( lowering springs are gonna be a huge pain for both of us. Our driveway sucks for that. :( It's a combo curb/gutter system or whatever.

[Hustang]

:( lowering springs are gonna be a huge pain for both of us. Our driveway sucks for that. :( It's a combo curb/gutter system or whatever.

Don't let that stop you Erin...build a set of ramps that let your drive over the gutter safely. Use two 2 by 10s about 8 feet long with support blocks in the center that more or less fit the gutter. It will be a pain to move them in and out of the garage but worth it to see the difference in your cars' stances.

like this...

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/Hustang/Untitled-4.jpg

[Britt]

Don't let that stop you Erin...build a set of ramps that let your drive over the gutter safely. Use two 2 by 10s about 8 feet long with support blocks in the center that more or less fit the gutter. It will be a pain to move them in and out of the garage but worth it to see the difference in your cars' stances.

like this...

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/Hustang/Untitled-4.jpg

My Dad uses a very similar "ramp" for his '68 Firebird. It seems to work well for him. Good suggestion!

I'd work on suspension mods. Cobras were, after all, made to HANDLE first and foremost.