What mods first?

Karlfly · 05-07-2003, 08:30 PM

I just bought a stock '97 Cobra. The following is a list of the mods that I intended to perform. I will take any advice as to what order to do them in and any additional info would be helpful. This isn't the order that I am going to put them in I'm just segregating them by what I can afford to do at a given time. As to not get a divorce in the process. Thanks

1. 3:73 Gears.
2. Complete Exhaust.
3. Timing Advance.
4. Cold air kit.

I'm doing a few suspension upgrades too but I'll hash those out.

rpalmer · 05-07-2003, 09:47 PM

If it's truly 100% stock the absolute number one first thing you should do is a Steeda Tri-Ax shifter (or equivalent from another manufacturer).

Hands down.

-RP

smashedheadcat · 05-08-2003, 01:05 PM

I think the 3.73 gear idea should be scrapped for either 4.10's or 4.30's. This, would be my first mod. I shift my car nice and easy, so a shifter wasn't a priority. I do need one though to prevent transmission damage though. Gears would be my first, then followed up by the shifter.

Ken 01-Cobra · 05-08-2003, 02:54 PM

I agree that the shifter should be the first thing, though you might want to take a look at the Pro 5.0.

Then the cold air kit (or a C&L MAF, which includes a K&N filter). The shifter and cold air kit can be done in an afternoon. Then gears (4.30's if you are leaving the car N/A) and exhaust. <-- this is just MY opinion.

Karlfly · 05-10-2003, 09:50 AM

I know Mustangs aren't known for their great gear box, but what's the big deal with the shifter?

Ken 01-Cobra · 05-10-2003, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Karlfly
I know Mustangs aren't known for their great gear box, but what's the big deal with the shifter?

Do you still have the stock shifter in your car? If so, you shouldn't have to ask...it is sloppy, inprecise and likes to miss 3rd a lot. It also is long throw on top of it all.

Karlfly · 05-13-2003, 09:34 AM

It's not a great gear box. But I've yet to miss third or any other gear. Maybe you shouldn't drink and drive? Just kidding. I've heard a lot about the sloppy shifter. It's just not that bad to me. Besides if I'm going to spend $200 on my car right now, it's going to be something to make it go faster, handle better or look cooler. A shiifter will be pretty far down my list of priorities, as it is pretty long at the moment.

Ken 01-Cobra · 05-13-2003, 03:06 PM

Ummm, is this the first standard tranny car you've owned? Or have all your standard tranny cars been American made? Not ragging on your or anything like that, just wondering how anyone could think of that shifter and gearbox as "not that bad". It must be a relative thing.

And if you've never missed third with the stock shifter, you ain't shifting it hard enough.

johnbasf · 05-13-2003, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Karlfly
It's not a great gear box. But I've yet to miss third or any other gear. Maybe you shouldn't drink and drive? Just kidding. I've heard a lot about the sloppy shifter. It's just not that bad to me. Besides if I'm going to spend $200 on my car right now, it's going to be something to make it go faster, handle better or look cooler. A shiifter will be pretty far down my list of priorities, as it is pretty long at the moment.

It should really be up on the list. Get one from one of our vendors. It is a night and day difference.

**97whitevert** · 05-13-2003, 05:57 PM

shifter 1st! but if it doesn't seem very long or you haven't missed 3rd, then it may well be changed already.

I like the 4.10's in my 97! hasn't changed fuel mileage noticably either

Karlfly · 05-13-2003, 11:08 PM

Jesus! You guys all work for after market shifter companies, or what? I l will buy one. I am used to driving a Honda Prelude for the last four years. That car has a great gear box. So, I do know what a good gear box is like. I must be lucky with my Cobra and have a freak shifter. Because I have never felt any hint of a problem between second and third gear. I just personally can't imagine saying to myself..."Hmmmmmmm I can either increase my 0-60 time by six tenths of a second....Or I could have smoother more positive shifts." You guys must have a lot more self control than me. Because I want to go faster first. When my stock shifter does get in the way of me realizing my dream of 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Then it'll be the first to go.

05-07-2003, 08:30 PM	#1
Karlfly Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Houston, TX. Posts: 30	What mods first? I just bought a stock '97 Cobra. The following is a list of the mods that I intended to perform. I will take any advice as to what order to do them in and any additional info would be helpful. This isn't the order that I am going to put them in I'm just segregating them by what I can afford to do at a given time. As to not get a divorce in the process. Thanks 1. 3:73 Gears. 2. Complete Exhaust. 3. Timing Advance. 4. Cold air kit. I'm doing a few suspension upgrades too but I'll hash those out.

05-07-2003, 09:47 PM	#2
rpalmer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: North of Boston Posts: 67	If it's truly 100% stock the absolute number one first thing you should do is a Steeda Tri-Ax shifter (or equivalent from another manufacturer). Hands down. -RP __________________ '99 Rio Red Red Red, Magnaflow cat back, C&L MAF, 4.10's

05-08-2003, 01:05 PM	#3
smashedheadcat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Geneva, Switzerland Posts: 1,727	I think the 3.73 gear idea should be scrapped for either 4.10's or 4.30's. This, would be my first mod. I shift my car nice and easy, so a shifter wasn't a priority. I do need one though to prevent transmission damage though. Gears would be my first, then followed up by the shifter. __________________ Josh 2003 Oxford White Cobra Coupe Twin Turbo Solid Axle Automatic Return Fuel System 1997 Triple Black Cobra Convertible Forged and Blown. 511rwhp 398 rwtq Sold

05-08-2003, 02:54 PM	#4
Ken 01-Cobra Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 764	I agree that the shifter should be the first thing, though you might want to take a look at the Pro 5.0. Then the cold air kit (or a C&L MAF, which includes a K&N filter). The shifter and cold air kit can be done in an afternoon. Then gears (4.30's if you are leaving the car N/A) and exhaust. <-- this is just MY opinion. __________________ Ken's Home Page <-- Click to visit!

05-10-2003, 09:50 AM	#5
Karlfly Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Houston, TX. Posts: 30	Shifter I know Mustangs aren't known for their great gear box, but what's the big deal with the shifter?

05-13-2003, 09:34 AM	#7
Karlfly Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Houston, TX. Posts: 30	It's not a great gear box. But I've yet to miss third or any other gear. Maybe you shouldn't drink and drive? Just kidding. I've heard a lot about the sloppy shifter. It's just not that bad to me. Besides if I'm going to spend $200 on my car right now, it's going to be something to make it go faster, handle better or look cooler. A shiifter will be pretty far down my list of priorities, as it is pretty long at the moment.

05-13-2003, 03:06 PM	#8
Ken 01-Cobra Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 764	Ummm, is this the first standard tranny car you've owned? Or have all your standard tranny cars been American made? Not ragging on your or anything like that, just wondering how anyone could think of that shifter and gearbox as "not that bad". It must be a relative thing. And if you've never missed third with the stock shifter, you ain't shifting it hard enough. __________________ Ken's Home Page <-- Click to visit!

05-13-2003, 05:57 PM	#10
97whitevert well, maybe.... Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: anywhere, everywhere....NC Posts: 11,730	shifter 1st! but if it doesn't seem very long or you haven't missed 3rd, then it may well be changed already. I like the 4.10's in my 97! hasn't changed fuel mileage noticably either __________________ Lisa 97 white convertible #99 Born on 1/28/97 03 sonic blue coupe #323 Born on 6/4/02 86 SVO Mustang track beast- The older brother of the SVT ! 99 green BAT 95 laser red F150 06 sonic blue Escape "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." -- Mahatma Gandhi

05-13-2003, 11:08 PM	#11
Karlfly Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Houston, TX. Posts: 30	Jesus! You guys all work for after market shifter companies, or what? I l will buy one. I am used to driving a Honda Prelude for the last four years. That car has a great gear box. So, I do know what a good gear box is like. I must be lucky with my Cobra and have a freak shifter. Because I have never felt any hint of a problem between second and third gear. I just personally can't imagine saying to myself..."Hmmmmmmm I can either increase my 0-60 time by six tenths of a second....Or I could have smoother more positive shifts." You guys must have a lot more self control than me. Because I want to go faster first. When my stock shifter does get in the way of me realizing my dream of 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Then it'll be the first to go.

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