first upgrade?

['96LaserRed]

I have a '96 daily driven cobra. I am looking for the best upgrade(suspension wise) that will give me a noticeable difference in handling. I would like to begin competing in local SCCA events, so i would like to set my car up for the track rather than the strip. Any help would be great!

[Calvin_1976]

Are you planning to use the car for autocross or open track? If you are just getting started the money is best spent getting out and driving before you start changing the car.

['96LaserRed]

probably autocross. I am from Oklahoma and there are not any tracks clso to me. as to driving the car I am comfortable with the factory performance of the car. I could do without so much fender gap but it handles great. I guess i need suggestions for upgrades, coming from an f-150 I am new to this.

[Calvin_1976]

Is the car bone stock right now? A second set of wheels and tires is a good start if the car is still driven alot.

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by Calvin_1976
Are you planning to use the car for autocross or open track? If you are just getting started the money is best spent getting out and driving before you start changing the car.

I'll second that! :thumbsup:

['96LaserRed]

the suspension is bone stock. I have a set of Nankang(dont laugh they came on the car) 245-45. I am looking to purchase a set of '03 cobra wheels and Nitto 555's, 275-40 on the rear and 245-45 on the front.

[Calvin_1976]

If possibile goto a few events before you upgrade anything (even wheels/tires) this will give you a chance to learn the changes and feel the difference. Experience counts more than anything else when you are getting started.

[bolt-on]

I have been gradually changing suspension components to improve open-track performance. The single biggest improvement in the car's handling came from springs. A 1 inch drop all around with stiffer, specific rate springs will make a world of difference.

[Mystic_Cobra]

Another vote to get out and spend money on track time, NOT mods. I've been doing both since I bought my 96 Cobra two years ago. BUT my mods have been to fix problems. I went with stiffer springs this spring, bc the ones in the car couldn't keep my fenders off my tires. My rear end was slopping all over the place and I replaced my upper and lower control arms.

Another thing that has NOT been mentioned is the Rule Book. If you are planning to run SCCA, you need to understand the rules, bc some mods will take you out of certain classes. If you don't plan to compete for the win, you can do what you want. In American Iron/NASA you can run what you brung (within reason). That's where I plan to race. ;)

But again, You will be better off getting in touch with the rules and the guys that run in the groups where you will run. You don't want to have to change back or change anything twice.

The 03 Cobra rims are a great idea, especially at that price. Again, wider rims may not work in a given class. Also, don't put any 245s on 9" wide rims. You'll have curb rash out the wazzoo. I have pictures. 275s work great on the front, just get the front end aligned if it's darty. You'll get better braking with wider tires up front.

[GUMBALL]

I have a '96 daily driven cobra. I am looking for the best upgrade(suspension wise) that will give me a noticeable difference in handling. I would like to begin competing in local SCCA events, so i would like to set my car up for the track rather than the strip. Any help would be great!The first upgrade I would suggest is subframe connectors: both KB and MM make a "matrix system". Next would be strut tower braces - front and rear.
Think of it this way - before you build a house you must have a foundation.....

For the rest, please read my answer in "Budget Buildup"....:)

[Levi]

The first upgrade I would suggest is subframe connectors: both KB and MM make a "matrix system". Next would be strut tower braces - front and rear.
Think of it this way - before you build a house you must have a foundation.....


That's it, get a good foundation and as much track time as you can. This will help you determine what mods you need verse some one else’s needs or likes.