Performance mods and other questions...

[wolf01]

I got a 03 SVT Cobra earlier this year, and I've got several questions that I hope someone can help me with:

(1) I've noticed the Cobra is VERY susceptible to wheel hop. Has anyone else had that trouble and successfully addressed it?

(2) Does anyone have any suggestions of easy, warranty-friendly performance mods for the Cobra? I've talked to several people, including SVT, and the consensus is: cat backs, cold-air intake, boost bypass valve (which supplies "continuous boost from your supercharger when exceeding acceleration limits set by the factory" -rpmoutlet.com). BUT, I have no clue which ones to buy. Does anyone have any dyno-tested results from a particular manufacturer of cat backs or intake, or have one they would recommend? Anybody try the boost bypass mod?

(3) Has anyone noticed the fuel pump being somewhat less responsive? As an example: I have a Saleen that all I have to do is tap on the accelerator and the RPMs are instantly up to launch levels. With the Cobra, there appears to be a delay, so I have to rev more before launching…

Thanks a lot in advance for any assistance you can give me.

Take care,

Chad

[cobragb]

I'll try to answer some of your questions:

(1) Yes, welcome to the 99+ Cobra Club. Wheel hop is a problem. You can do several things that will help though. MM makes some bushings that will help. http://www.maximummotorsports.com/mmirsu.asp
Also, Horsepower by Hermann makes a complete kit that they say will completely eliminate wheel-hop on 99+ Cobras. They can be reached at (410) 451-3790.

(2) Repeat after me, there is no such thing as a warranty-friendly mod. I have seen Ford deny warranties based on rear tire tread, so you just have to have a good relationship with your dealer. If you don't find another dealer quick. Having said that, most dealers won't blink an eye at cold air kits, complete exhaust, and suspension mods. If you add more boost with a smaller upper pulley, you can now buy a non-invasive chip from Diablo called the predator. You just down-load the program to your EEC and then unplug it. Another benefit of the predator is that it can used as a diagnostic tool for your car. Don't waste any money on the boost bypass mod. The 03 Cobra bypass solenoid can simply be unplugged for track use.

(3) I'm not sure about this problem. My '03 is just as responsive as my '01 and '96 was. Of course I replaced my exhaust and installed a CAI before I really opened mine up.

There are websites that specifically deal with 03 Cobras with lots of info available. SVTPerformance.com is a good beggining place.

Hope that helps.

[wolf01]

Thanks for your input. After reading more and more posts, I have gotten increasingly more concerned about my warranty, which is the primary reason I'm selling my Saleen and making the Cobra my primary vehicle. So I might just keep the car bone stock... It's not as fast as the Saleen, but it is quick, so I guess it's a justifiable tradeoff. Thanks again!