Newbie w/questions

[stangnewbie]

Hello Everyone!

My husband and I just purchased a 1996 SVT Cobra 2 days ago. We knew with the purchase the speedo was off, a couple of minor dents (easily fixed)...etc--w/130k plus miles.

Now, my questions. Please don't laugh as I stated, new too Mustangs/Cobra's in general.

First, we were told it has a 4.11 gear ration (after market of course), but I keep seeing 4.10 mentioned. I know that 4.11 is used on Chevy's, so could it still have that gearing or was someone telling us something they just didn't know and it is 4.10 instead? Or how can I tell?

If it is 4.11 gearing; how should we proceed in getting the speedo calibrated?

Also, anything we should be looking for engine wise? I have been told these aluminum engines start wearing out w/such high mileage? Should we go ahead get the compression checked? It seems to be running great w/no leaks. We don't have any maintance info on the vehicle--too many owners. Trying to cover all bases before something goes wrong. No matter what, we will be keeping the car...it is our new TOY. heheh

Thanks for any input and if I left out something; just let me know. As I stated....NEWBIE.

Laura

[SuperG]

Welcome to the boards! Hopefully you guys have a lot of fun in your Cobra.

Change all the fluids no matter what. Oil, Tranny, Power Steering, Differential, Coolant, Window Wash...Lots of folks here use Amsoil or Royal Purple products.

Compression test is a great idea...it tells you a lot. Here is a link you can look at if you're so inclined at doing it yourself:

http://www.misterfixit.com/dyncompr.htm

For some reason I cannot find the other link I had which went into greater detail for static and running tests and the leakdown test...do a search on the 'net.

Like you, I have only heard of a 4.10. I believe Ford offers the replacement speedo gear. Takes about 5 minutes to replace it. Location is under the tranny housing, driver's side.

[stangnewbie]

Originally Posted by SuperG

Welcome to the boards! Hopefully you guys have a lot of fun in your Cobra.

Change all the fluids no matter what. Oil, Tranny, Power Steering, Differential, Coolant, Window Wash...Lots of folks here use Amsoil or Royal Purple products.

Compression test is a great idea...it tells you a lot. Here is a link you can look at if you're so inclined at doing it yourself:

http://www.misterfixit.com/dyncompr.htm

For some reason I cannot find the other link I had which went into greater detail for static and running tests and the leakdown test...do a search on the 'net.

Like you, I have only heard of a 4.10. I believe Ford offers the replacement speedo gear. Takes about 5 minutes to replace it. Location is under the tranny housing, driver's side.

Thanks for the quick response SuperG. I know my husband was going to get the oil changed/or change it himself...but great idea on the other fluids. Didn't even consider it; glad I asked.

I was advised by a friend that taking it to a performance shop and having them do the diagnostics might benefit us; as we don't always have time to do this on our own. What do you think? Meaning; having them check the compression as mentioned in first post and basics. Good to know the speedo issue is an easy fix; although my hubby did say it was. hehe

We are taking it in to get the front seal (tranny) replaced as it seems that when they re-geared they may have used the old seal and it is leaking a little. Will they automatically replace tranny fluid then or do we have to request this? Some of these questions may seem rather simple; but I figure better ask than do something that isn't necessary or miss something all together.

I am sure if I have other ???'s I will be posting. Even with some fixing up; this seems to be a great car. I don't think my husband realized I would be so "excited" about forking out money on a car.

I will see about posting some pics w/in the next couple of days!
Laura

[Bartman01]

Originally Posted by stangnewbie

We are taking it in to get the front seal (tranny) replaced as it seems that when they re-geared they may have used the old seal and it is leaking a little. Will they automatically replace tranny fluid then or do we have to request this?

The gear in question (4.10 is probably what is really in there) is in the rear axle (differential). If your transmission is leaking it is likely not from the gear install.

If you do take your car to a shop, see if you can find one that is familiar with Mustangs in general - or better yet Cobra's specifically. Also, never assume ANYTHING when having a shop do the work. If you want something done, you need to tell them. At a minimum they will 'top off' the transmission. If you want a complete drain/fill - make sure you tell them.

Since this is a 10+ year old car that is 'new' to you - I would have the shop do a complete inspection of the vehicle for mechanical issues/soundness. If you didn't have this done already prior to purchase, also have them look for any signs of damage. I have no reason to suspect that the car was damaged, just a good thing to have done so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

As mentioned, I would swap out ALL of the vehicles fluids:
Oil, brake, power steering, transmission, differential, coolant (full flush, not just drain/refill radiator). If you are not comfortable doing this yourself at this point, have the shop do it.

[tcrews]

4.10 is the standard gear and Ford Motorsports is the most commonly used.

4.11 is an available from a 3rd party source, I can't remember the name but it's not very common....however it is available.

You can buy a speedo-gear that will get you close but it'll still be off. The best method is one of the electronic compensators. Dallas Mustang makes one and there are others as well. More expensive but it will get you as dead on as the stock setup is.

A complete checkup is always something to consider. Fluid check/flush, brakes (rotors, lines, pads), engine compression, etc....

[red04svtcobra]

Also, if it has aftermarket mods that needed a tune you might want to get that chacked on a dyno to make sure it is not running lean. And definately change all the fluids as mentioned above!! Welcome to the boards and have fun in that cobra.