Opinions wanted: Modded Terminator or Modded C5?

[Stangman701]

I'm looking to unload my cobra and get something a little more radical. Initially I was looking at a terminator with a 3.4 whipple or turbo(s). I wanted to get something that was already done just because it's way cheaper to do it that way. It would be a lot more fun to do all the mods myself, but it just doesn't make sense to do when you can get a professionally built car for less.

I've been watching that market for a while and haven't really found the "perfect" car for me. Well in the mean time one the the crazy chevy people on this board *cough* Bish *cough* got me looking at vettes. To my surprise you can get a built C5 for about the same or less than an equally built terminator.

So this brings up my dilemma. I've always been a Ford guy, always hated Chevys, and now I find myself seriously considering a vette. My dad and all of my uncles have or had nice Fords, so I grew up around them. I do take some solace in the fact that Ford doesn't really make anything equivalent to the vette aside from maybe the GT which is obviously in a much different price category. I will also still have my old fox body so that will help some too. Just not sure which way to go. Emotionally I'm leaning toward the terminator still, but my more rational side says the vette is the way to go.

So I turn to my fellow Ford enthusiasts(I'm sure the chevy boys will chime in too) and ask for opinions. Built terminator or built C5.

In either car I'll be looking at something with at least 650RWHP and will most likely get something with more than that or make a few tweaks after I get it so that it makes more than that. It will mostly be a cruiser with a few rare trips to the track. I plan on taking road trips in the car and one of the things I worry about in the vette is storage space. I know when I went cross country in the cobra I had the trunk and back seat packed. Not sure if I would have gotten all the stuff in a vette. The lack of a back seat is a bit of a negative on the vette as well. I obviously don't have people in the back of the cobra often, but it is nice to have the option. Since it will probably go on some long trips it is nice that the vette will get better gas mileage. I also like the fact that I would be more comfortable to tear into the motor on the vette myself vs the 4V in the terminator.

Those are a few of the major pros/cons I've come up with. Let my know your opinions and why you feel that way :beerchug:

[map22]

My opinion is to just build your cobra. I am biased tho lol. Also, you already have your 03 so you dont have to go through buying/finding something else. The power possibilities are endless it seems. I dont know much about corvettes but i wouldnt trade my cobra for one any day. Just my .02. But good luck with whichever route you go! :awsome:

[PaxtonShelby]

Aren't you just a KB and maybe a clutch upgrade away from the 650rwhp neighborhood? I know that means some $$$, but then you have a car that you know front-to-back, and that you obviously like a LOT. On top of that, factor in the hassle ( and cost ) of selling your car and finding / buying the new car ( sales tax/travel ), and the gap shrinks further. Just a thought...

Plus - do you want to have to explain to your Dad & Uncles why you...uh...switched teams? ( Not that there's anything WRONG with that... )

I hear ya on the Vettes. They are nice cars - especially the Z06s like u1arunit has. WOW! But if you need, or ever will need, your toy to have 4 seats, you might as well stick with the Cobra. The unwritten rule at my home is that, since we have 2 daughters, all toys need to have 4 seats. ( My Daytona coupe will have to wait until the girls are through college and moved out!! )

[Silverhatch]

I thought an '03 Cobra was a Terminator? On gas mileage, once the vette is modded to 650hp, how good is gas mileage gonna be? The c5s are reasonable, but for a few thousand more, you can get a c6 that has the power of a c5 Z06 and an updated bodystyle. :twocents:

[Mitternacht]

C5 Corvette's my next sports car if all goes well. I say Corvette.

[NateSVT]

Terminator > C5

Terminator < C6 Z06

[jaa55]

never been a big fan of corvettes.... especially seeing as how the interior looks like a cavalier in that car...a terminator is way more bad ass

and maybe this isnt important to you but honestly think in the future the terminator is going to be way more desirable

[pRojekt02GT]

never been a big fan of corvettes.... especially seeing as how the interior looks like a cavalier in that car...a terminator is way more bad ass

and maybe this isnt important to you but honestly think in the future the terminator is going to be way more desirable

Kind of agreed somewhat with the vett/cavy interior, i've seen a few of the clusters being closely related, or maybe its just chevy's "genre".

I would honestly keep the car, you already have a solid platform to start on, plus like stated above, you know the car top to bottom and obviously love it. When I get into the position to make a decision on another sports car, which won't be for a while, but it will be a Terminator.

My vote is = Keep it!

[Terminated]

Just build yours, you know what is in it and who put the wrench time in.

Buying one already done, there is no guarantee a "professional" built it.

[cemnt guy]

honestly i cant believe anyone would ask such a question! when a vette rolls thru town only old guys even notice it. when i drive the 03 cobra with kenne bell and full exhaust into town, it scares women and children. just sayin.good luck with whatever you decide:awsome:

[Martin0660]

it just doesn't make sense to do when you can get a professionally built car for less.

Others mentioned it, but there is a trap in this ... buying someone else's mess ... Building what you have, you know what's done (at a price premium) ... Even in the Vette world, I think buying a built car is loaded with more land mines than up sides ...

Random .02

[Stroked03Cobra]

Just build yours, you know what is in it and who put the wrench time in.

Buying one already done, there is no guarantee a "professional" built it.

Very true there. Before I knew what I was doing with my Terminator, I was looking between the 2.8 KB Mammoth with the Liquid Cool option or the new Whipple 2.9 crusher. The 3.4 is a little overkill for anything under 23 or 24psi. On pump 93 tune at 17 to 18 psi the 2.8 and 2.9 will out perform the 3.4 esp. on stock engine. I did weeks of research talking with KB and whipple. If you do decide to keep yours and do turbo, you can help fund the build from all of the factory SC parts that you would not need, front cover, intake, intercooler, heat exchanger, pulley bridge, eaton blower and so on. Theres just something about the 03 and 04s that never get old! Best of luck with however which way you go.

[Terminated]

honestly i cant believe anyone would ask such a question! when a vette rolls thru town only old guys even notice it. when i drive the 03 cobra with kenne bell and full exhaust into town, it scares women and children. just sayin.good luck with whatever you decide:awsome:

My favorite is when little kids give me thumbs up. Reminds me of when I used to see Mustangs as a kid.,

[PaxtonShelby]

On second thought, I think you should just buy Stroked03's car...:biglaugh:

Some really good advice here, especially on knowing the car and what has been done to it.

Can you add a poll to this thread??

[PaxtonShelby]

My favorite is when little kids give me thumbs up. Reminds me of when I used to see Mustangs as a kid.,

I love it anytime I get a thumbs up - usually in the '66. But when a little kid does it, it is an awesome feeling!! :yes:

[John4cam]

I'm a complete c-5 fan for many reasons. If you do opt for a c-5 just get one done with the money you get from your termy. There are some very well put together vettes out there, and you can tell when something is done right.

That being said, how expensive is it to get to mid 600's with an 03-04 cobra? Next car I buy will be done and the person I buy from is taking the hit instead of the other way around.

Only problem with a C5 vette is you see them everywhere!

[jaa55]

Only problem with a C5 vette is you see them everywhere!


how true is this^^

I get sick of people saying you see too many mustangs, Ive seen maybe two other 11 GTs in my area....go to a car show, more vettes there than anything. c5s are everywhere....c6s i dont see as often. I never see 03-04 cobras

[SAC81]

I'm not brand loyal at all and really like C5s...but with you already owning a Terminator, I can't imagine dumping it for someone else's "built" C5.

And I dunno...having put blowers on a few of my previously N/A cars, I can't imagine swapping your Eaton for a Whipple or KB could possibly be that tough. I'd stick with what you have, put a better blower on it along with whatever fuel system upgrades you need, and enjoy it.

[map22]

I never see 03-04 cobras

I never unless i have mine out, then it seems like every other car is see is an
03/04

[Stroked03Cobra]

On second thought, I think you should just buy Stroked03's car...:biglaugh:

Some really good advice here, especially on knowing the car and what has been done to it.

Can you add a poll to this thread??

Lol especially if you want a sonic blue cobra with 4,900 original miles with no engine, no transmission, no fuel system and no rear end! I told the guys from Street Lethal that I am building the car once! Them guys are great over there!

[Stroked03Cobra]

I never see 03-04 cobras

lol Jim, thats because everyone here up north is still on that ricer kick and dont know what a real car is!

[John4cam]

I mean the two years production run vs the 8 years is easily the reason but it's still the truth.

[jaa55]

lol Jim, thats because everyone here up north is still on that ricer kick and dont know what a real car is!


lol this is very true......lots of civics and eclipses running around with every distasteful mod you can make to them. Im going to send you a link to a FB page I just saw that proves this haha


I followed a terminator up the parkway out of pittsburgh on saturday...anyone on here? it was silver or white I couldnt get a good look at it. If I was following a C5 i wouldnt have even noticed!

[Stroked03Cobra]

lol this is very true......lots of civics and eclipses running around with every distasteful mod you can make to them. Im going to send you a link to a FB page I just saw that proves this haha


I followed a terminator up the parkway out of pittsburgh on saturday...anyone on here? it was silver or white I couldnt get a good look at it. If I was following a C5 i wouldnt have even noticed!

lol ZachTTLM on here knows about that ... shop haha. Zach is a awesome guy and has shown me that not all import guys are the same!

[jaa55]

no they are not all distasteful..........then the next guy.....beat to hell car with stick on fender vents and a muffler from auto zone that melted a hole through the bumper cover!

[Stroked03Cobra]

no they are not all distasteful..........then the next guy.....beat to hell car with stick on fender vents and a muffler from auto zone that melted a hole through the bumper cover!

Now that made me laugh pretty hard... I had the Fairlane out last week and had 3 guys come up to me and tell me that I need to be older to drive that car... What the heck! Anyways back to the thread, so its about 85% Keep the terminator and about 15% C5

[Mark Aubele]

I prefer C5s to the Mustangs for many reasons, most have to do with turning the steering wheel. Incredible car out of the box, and very light. But if I wanted 650 trouble free rwhp as a goal, it would be the Terminator, hands down.

[Stangman701]

Well I'm definitely not keeping my car. It's not gone yet, but I do have a deposit on it. For what I'm selling it for, I could pick up a car that already has a whipple on it pretty easily.

I was planning on a 3.4 whipple cobra just because I plan on running E85. So I'll be running around on 25+ PSI of boost most of the time. The thing is I can sell my car and can buy one with a built motor, tranny, and rear and I'm only out an extra $4-5k. I'd pretty much only be able to buy the whipple and fuel system for that. Then I'd still have a lot else to do.

Turn the tables back to the vette for a second. For an extra $2500 over what I'm getting for my car I can get an 04 vette with a built motor making 830 to the wheels that was built by ECS which is one of the best known vette builders(so I'm told)

Like I said originally, building it myself would be great, but like John mentioned, I want to let someone else take the hit of building a high hp monster.

I agree that it's more rare to see an 03 cobra, but in general there's no way that a cobra is going to turn more heads than a vette, lets be honest here. Personally I couldn't care less about this portion of the decision though. I wouldn't care if everyone else on the road thought it was an ugly POS as long as I liked it. I'm buying the car for me, not the 9 year old in the back of a minivan(not that it isn't cool to see them excited about your car)

Just replying to a few of the things that were mentioned. Keep the opinions coming other than build my car, cause that isn't going to happen.

[ZachTTLM]

Zach is a awesome guy and has shown me that not all import guys are the same!

Thanks! but I am not just an import guy, I am a car enthusiast :) I enjoy a good build on any car. But to go on the topic of this thread, stay away from the c5, they are a dime a dozen and it is something about every middle aged man going through a mid life crisis goes and gets...

[jaa55]

stay away from the c5, they are a dime a dozen and it is something about every middle aged man going through a mid life crisis goes and gets...


I laughed out loud at this one:laughing:

[SonofaBish]

you guys are funny....

whoever thinks a C5 interior is like a cavalier has apparently never sat in one.... the radio cluster is just the chevy style, no different than any other manufacturer.... but the rest of the inteior has no resemblance at all... and when you sit in a Mustang, it doesn't give you that "feeling" that a vette does.... hell, when i sit in my TA now, even knowing what's under the hood, it doesnt give me that "feeling"

I'm all about letting someone else take the big hit on building a big HP car, then buying it for cheap... i've been on both sides of that fence, and i much prefer to be the one ripping someone else off, instead of getting ripped off :D

if you don't care about how someone else "oogles" over it, and you're looking at it strictly from a performance stadnpoint, then a built C5 does everything a Cobra does and more (especially the one you're looking at)... but you can't say the same the other way around....

i really don't think you can go wrong either way...both would be awesome cars.... but i will say this.. if you buy a 'Vette, you won't EVER go back to a Mustang... so keep that in mind, as its something to seriously consider... I did the switch back, and i really miss the 'Vette, regardless of it being far slower than the TA


And, if it gives you any consolation on the amount of room in the car... i was able to fit 2 suitcases, 2 sets of golf clubs, and random other stuff in my 'Vette, and that was dealing with the roll-cage... if you get one without a cage, there's lots of room on that back deck... and there's lots of storage space under the "false floor" as well... wont' have the room a mustang has, but still has more than people would like to believe

[SonofaBish]

Well in the mean time one the the crazy chevy people on this board *cough* Bish *cough* got me looking at vettes.

what you talkin' 'bout Willis?




:pinkthumb:

[Stangman701]

you guys are funny....

whoever thinks a C5 interior is like a cavalier has apparently never sat in one.... the radio cluster is just the chevy style, no different than any other manufacturer.... but the rest of the inteior has no resemblance at all... and when you sit in a Mustang, it doesn't give you that "feeling" that a vette does.... hell, when i sit in my TA now, even knowing what's under the hood, it doesnt give me that "feeling"

I'm all about letting someone else take the big hit on building a big HP car, then buying it for cheap... i've been on both sides of that fence, and i much prefer to be the one ripping someone else off, instead of getting ripped off :D

if you don't care about how someone else "oogles" over it, and you're looking at it strictly from a performance stadnpoint, then a built C5 does everything a Cobra does and more (especially the one you're looking at)... but you can't say the same the other way around....

i really don't think you can go wrong either way...both would be awesome cars.... but i will say this.. if you buy a 'Vette, you won't EVER go back to a Mustang... so keep that in mind, as its something to seriously consider... I did the switch back, and i really miss the 'Vette, regardless of it being far slower than the TA


And, if it gives you any consolation on the amount of room in the car... i was able to fit 2 suitcases, 2 sets of golf clubs, and random other stuff in my 'Vette, and that was dealing with the roll-cage... if you get one without a cage, there's lots of room on that back deck... and there's lots of storage space under the "false floor" as well... wont' have the room a mustang has, but still has more than people would like to believe


I actually tend to agree with these guys on the interior. I'm not crazy about it. I like the gauges, but the rest of it definitely looks even older then it actually is. That being said, the interior on the mustang isn't all that great either. Either of those two things aren't really weighing in on my decision all that much anyways though. My G8 has a nice interior, but that doesn't mean I'd rather drive it than my mustang. The only thing I really wish it had that the G8 has is the steering wheel controls for the radio. I do use those pretty often.

I would agree performance wise though. Clearly with equal hp the vette is going to be faster because of the weight difference. Also one major draw back is that most high hp cobras are going with straight axles. The IRS is one thing I really love about my cobra. It definitely makes hustling around back roads in PA more fun and I really do think it hooks better even in a straight line on the street. It's just better for how I'm looking to use the car which isn't going to the track every week.

We'll see how things shake out. I think when it comes down to it I wouldn't mind paying a little more for the right cobra but I do think it will be a little more difficult to find than a suitable vette so I have a feeling I might end up with a vette.

[SonofaBish]

it'll definitely be easier to find a well modded 'Vette that fits into your budget.... you've got 8 years of manufacturing, plus there's a lot more guys modding them than i ever realized before i bought one.... best part is, often they're modded and then not beat on... guys with vettes love to mod just to say they did it... then let the car sit in their garage

patience is a virtue in either situation

[scott5]

Corvette

[yeahloh95]

knowing how good a turboed cobra can run i would look for one of those , the quality of the vette just doesnt impress me as much as their perfomance

[GOT SVT]

it'll definitely be easier to find a well modded 'Vette that fits into your budget.... you've got 8 years of manufacturing, plus there's a lot more guys modding them than i ever realized before i bought one.... best part is, often they're modded and then not beat on... guys with vettes love to mod just to say they did it... then let the car sit in their garage

do you know mark? :sticktonge::rofl:

sorry mark, i could not pass it up

stangman - good luck in your decision

[SonofaBish]

do you know mark? :sticktonge::rofl:

sorry mark, i could not pass it up

stangman - good luck in your decision

hahaha... :pinkthumb:

[jaa55]

whoever thinks a C5 interior is like a cavalier has apparently never sat in one....

Ive sat in and drove one......I guess im just not a fan of their interior quality. I expect it in mustangs, T/As, Camaros because they are a budget minded performance car. the vette on the other hand is supposed to be top of the line chevy and I just dont see what I think I should. I think the interior was dated when they were new

there are going to be a bunch of biased opinions on here because we are on a mustang forum after all

[u1arunit]

do you know mark? :sticktonge::rofl:

sorry mark, i could not pass it up

stangman - good luck in your decision

Notice me not laughing. <grin> I put on 2100 miles in one year!


hahaha... :pinkthumb:

Hey! ;)

[ModularMike]

Terminator > C5

Terminator < C6 Z06
Nate pretty much summed it up.

[John4cam]

Thought a little more on this.

Get a built FRC C-5.

That way it's rare, and fun. Plus if it's built the power to weight ratio is going to favor it over the Ford. I really can't say I just look past a c-5 because I looked at two when passing them today. I personally think the FRC's look incredible.

[Stangman701]

Thought a little more on this.

Get a built FRC C-5.

That way it's rare, and fun. Plus if it's built the power to weight ratio is going to favor it over the Ford. I really can't say I just look past a c-5 because I looked at two when passing them today. I personally think the FRC's look incredible.

There are some decent ones for sale out there, but I actually prefer the targa tops. I like having the option to take the top off and the "hatch back" makes it slightly more versatile.

And to address the few C6Z comments, they're definitely bad ass, but they're also at least $35-40k still. That's a good $10-15k out of my current price range. After looking at quite a few different vettes recently, I've come to the conclusion that I like the looks of the C5 better than the standard C6's, but I like the C6Z's and the GS' much better than the C5's.

I'm hoping a terminator pops up that wins me over, but it's looking more and more like it will be the vette.

[SonofaBish]

I'm hoping a terminator pops up that wins me over, but it's looking more and more like it will be the vette.

oh snap! :pepper:

[scott5]

I like it! Do it ray

[SonofaBish]

Thought a little more on this.

Get a built FRC C-5.

That way it's rare, and fun. Plus if it's built the power to weight ratio is going to favor it over the Ford. I really can't say I just look past a c-5 because I looked at two when passing them today. I personally think the FRC's look incredible.
I'm with ray on this....i really don't like the FRC's.... I mean, don't get me wrong, i like the C5Z's, but only because of what they were on a performance standpoint... never did like the FRC, not necessarily because it doesn't have a removable roof, but just because i thought the hatch had a much more sleek look

[Terminated]

Arctic White FRC C5 Z06 -- probably the only other car I'd trade my Terminator for.

I love Z06's in Arctic White.

[John4cam]

I'm with ray on this....i really don't like the FRC's.... I mean, don't get me wrong, i like the C5Z's, but only because of what they were on a performance standpoint... never did like the FRC, not necessarily because it doesn't have a removable roof, but just because i thought the hatch had a much more sleek look


Really? I think they look perfect. Pretty nice having different options though.:thumbsup:

[Killercanary]

Arctic White FRC C5 Z06 -- probably the only other car I'd trade my Terminator for.

I love Z06's in Arctic White.

I loved them too until I realized they were only made in 2001 and didn't have the 405hp engine.

I must say that buying my C5Z06 was the best car decision I have made. I LOVE this car!!! It does everything well, and I mean everything. I don't know which would make for a better 600hp machine as I do not know enough about these C5's to know how they fair at those kinds of power levels. I will say that I will never own or buy a mustang earlier than 2011 after having this car. I, dare I say it, hate driving my mustang now. It is so completely different than the vette it isn't funny. I plan to keep the Z06 I now own completely stock save for a new set of wheels/tires but if I could get the money out of my mustang that would warrant selling it I would either buy a modded C5Z or better yet a stock 2008 C6Z. I can say that I am pretty certain that I will at one point own a C6Z, especially after owning this car. I will also add that my stock C5Z demands a lot more attention from the driver than my mustang does, and what I mean by that is that the mustang doesn't scare me but the vette has given me more "oh shit" moments than I came to mention. It is a blast now that I am comfortable with the car but for a while I thought it wanted to hurt me! With 600hp I can only imagine how much greater that sensation would be. My rear tires are the stock ones that came on the car so that might be 99% of why it scares me like it does. This car runs so well stock that I can't imagine how good it would be with another 100-200hp. Ask Scott how it runs against his TA... :sticktonge: J/K!

[Killercanary]

I'm with ray on this....i really don't like the FRC's.... I mean, don't get me wrong, i like the C5Z's, but only because of what they were on a performance standpoint... never did like the FRC, not necessarily because it doesn't have a removable roof, but just because i thought the hatch had a much more sleek look

I felt the same way until I owned one, now I feel completely opposite. I now prefer the FRC style over the hatch, although it would be nice to take the top off.



And by the way, I have a wife and two children yet 3 of our cars are two seaters. The vette actually comes with the LATCH mechanism for car seats and an umbrella stroller fits just fine in the trunk! The lack of a rear seat has thus far proven to be a non-issue. If we all need to go somewhere car related with the kids we just take 2 of the 2 seaters!

[scott5]

Hardy har har paul!!

[speedracer]

Hardy har har paul!!
I didn't have any trouble out running the mullet wagon... Paul and I had to pull over and wait for the F bodies to catch up too...

[Killercanary]

Hardy har har paul!!

LOL! I see you are paying attention. :thumbsup:

[zxgto06]

Anything with a LSX engine>Anything with a mod motor.

[Stroked03Cobra]

Anything with a LSX engine>Anything with a mod motor.

... I beg to differ lol, Ill put the FRPP Boss Block up against any lsx with the same supporting mods, especially boost! Sorry im just Ford through and through!

[Cam99]

Take it from a guy that got boned on two modified cobras, just build yours. There is nothing better with these cars than building them yourself and knowing it was done right.

[jaa55]

Anything with a LSX engine>Anything with a mod motor.



:jackit:

[jaa55]

instead of taking the initial hit on a supercharger you could always scan SVTP that stuff comes up for sale on there all the time

[Stroked03Cobra]

:jackit:

lol you thought that also? noooo wayyy hahaha

[zxgto06]

lol you thought that also? noooo wayyy hahaha

Lol i respect your opinion.

In the end this is a ford forum the cobra will always get more votes here. As the vette would on LS1 tech. You just gotta get what you think suits u the best.

[Stroked03Cobra]

Lol i respect your opinion.

In the end this is a ford forum the cobra will always get more votes here. As the vette would on LS1 tech. You just gotta get what you think suits u the best.

Lol no feeling hurt, its all fun and we need some chevy guys on here to make it interesting sometimes! It will be a never ending battle!

[jaa55]

It's nothing but a pissing match once they are both modified. Money is the only secret to hp

[John4cam]

Money is the only secret to hp



Credit....Lol:goodidea:

[jaa55]

Credit....Lol:goodidea:

Lol yes no interest for 15 months = whipple supercharger



just seen this one SVTP

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/terminators-buy-sell-254/803670-silver-04-29k-miles-2-3-whipple.html

may or may not be sold

[scott5]

It's nothing but a pissing match once they are both modified. Money is the only secret to hp

True statement in this whole sentence. To me, I have owned both sides and there are plus and minus. Personally IMO the best car to me WILL be a sn95 mustang with a lsx in it.

[jaa55]

both great engines, whats to argue......

this thread has had me on SVTP looking at terminators......comp orange with black seats:hump::drool5:

[scott5]

both great engines, whats to argue......

:goodidea::goodidea::goodidea::goodidea::goodidea: :goodidea:

[o4c0b|2a]

It's all into what you really want. The vette (leaving power out for now) has great handling, lower weight (cobra is 400lbs more), and way more aerodynamic. You add 650 hp to that and you got one hell of a beast. Vette's also feel more solid than the cobra. On the other hand I've seen quite a few cobras make over high 600's with the 3.4 or the 2.8 kb's.. More if the motor is built (E85 conversion etc) so tons of potential there too .. Cobra's are somewhat more rare to be seen too (least out where I am at). Although I've got more thumbs up, looks, and nice car in the "old man" vette than I ever have in the Cobra. It is a downfall not having back seats.. So if you travel a lot with people and that is a big deal you may wanna stray away from the C5. The trunk space in the vette is not big, but not bad. Unless you going on a weeks vacation there shouldn't be any reason you can't fit a few smaller bags in the back. Bottom line, whatever you packing in the vette (say 650 hp) the cobra's going to need more hp than that to hang with it.. At the end of the day, the cars are really in two different categories. Hence why the vette cost more from the get go. You get what you pay for. Doesn't mean either car is bad, but once you drive a vette or any car similar to that, you really don't itch for your cobra nemore. Just trying to give my honest opinion.. good luck with whatever you decide. :thmbsup:

[u1arunit]

It's all into what you really want. The vette (leaving power out for now) has great handling, lower weight (cobra is 400lbs more), and way more aerodynamic. You add 650 hp to that and you got one hell of a beast. Vette's also feel more solid than the cobra. On the other hand I've seen quite a few cobras make over high 600's with the 3.4 or the 2.8 kb's.. More if the motor is built (E85 conversion etc) so tons of potential there too .. Cobra's are somewhat more rare to be seen too (least out where I am at). Although I've got more thumbs up, looks, and nice car in the "old man" vette than I ever have in the Cobra. It is a downfall not having back seats.. So if you travel a lot with people and that is a big deal you may wanna stray away from the C5. The trunk space in the vette is not big, but not bad. Unless you going on a weeks vacation there shouldn't be any reason you can't fit a few smaller bags in the back. Bottom line, whatever you packing in the vette (say 650 hp) the cobra's going to need more hp than that to hang with it.. At the end of the day, the cars are really in two different categories. Hence why the vette cost more from the get go. You get what you pay for. Doesn't mean either car is bad, but once you drive a vette or any car similar to that, you really don't itch for your cobra nemore. Just trying to give my honest opinion.. good luck with whatever you decide. :thmbsup:

Very nicely written and well thought out reply from yet another individual who has had both. :goodidea::goodidea:

[ZachTTLM]

Lets solve it all..go out buy a STi or Evo get the boost to start with mod it up make it nuts less weight, less cylinders, same amount of power if not more and pissing off everyone on this forum that would be the winning way ;) just thought I would let me import roots shine alittle bit without disrespecting any brand because i like all cars and respect what each one can do.

[John4cam]

Lets solve it all..go out buy a STi or Evo get the boost to start with mod it up make it nuts less weight, less cylinders, same amount of power if not more and pissing off everyone on this forum that would be the winning way ;) just thought I would let me import roots shine alittle bit without disrespecting any brand because i like all cars and respect what each one can do.

Yeah but he is only interested in cobras and vettes.

[pwtmxracing]

For gods sake don't buy someonelses mess I would just mod yours I have Benny down this road believe me

[Stroked03Cobra]

Lets solve it all..go out buy a STi or Evo get the boost to start with mod it up make it nuts less weight, less cylinders, same amount of power if not more and pissing off everyone on this forum that would be the winning way ;) just thought I would let me import roots shine alittle bit without disrespecting any brand because i like all cars and respect what each one can do.

Lol Zach Zach haha, I still havent seen that stang?? whats up with that! lol

[ZachTTLM]

lol hey Brandon, we will have to get this scheduled in...it has been crazy, and tearing my shoulder this weekend has not helped at all hoping to get some good news out of it all. I am kinda surprised I didnt get more of a disturbing reply to my comment :) lol

[Steve-0]

You make any progress on this yet ray?
Here's a nice built/turbo cobra:
http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/terminators-buy-sell-254/805839-04-88mm-fully-built-cobra-fs-ft.html


Edit:
And looking back, I should have waited and just bought an already built car. Because now, I can get one for just a bit more then I paid for mine. Dissapointing, but the cobra market wasn't like this back then. Good time to buy for sure. Now I'm kinda stuck on what direction I want to go with mine also... Oh well.

[Stangman701]

You make any progress on this yet ray?
Here's a nice built/turbo cobra:
http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/terminators-buy-sell-254/805839-04-88mm-fully-built-cobra-fs-ft.html


Edit:
And looking back, I should have waited and just bought an already built car. Because now, I can get one for just a bit more then I paid for mine. Dissapointing, but the cobra market wasn't like this back then. Good time to buy for sure. Now I'm kinda stuck on what direction I want to go with mine also... Oh well.

Yeah, that guy seems to flip built cobras somehow. He just had a really bad ass TT DSG car that I was considering. I'm pretty much set on a Vette now. I've been a hardcore Ford guy all my life so I'm pretty surprised I'm saying that, but the price difference is kinda crazy. The car I'm most likely getting is an 04 targa top vette in kind of a DSG color. It's got a built motor with a s/c making 830 to the wheels. Picking it up for $21,500.

It's hard to find a cobra with that kind of power for that money. I decided I wanted a twin screw IRS car and I couldn't find anything that I liked. There were like three silver cars, but I really didn't want silver. There's a really sweet white car for sale down in TX right now. It's got some sort of wiring issues that the guy can't figure out. I don't think I'd want to jump into that mess, but it's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. 3.4 with the crusher setup, built tranny and IRS. Most 3.4 cars had a solid rear which I didn't really want.

It just seemed like you got more car for the money in the vette. There were quite a few C5's out there that were along the lines of what I was looking for. I think the markets are just different. Vette guys don't want a modded car, but cobra guys do. Lightly modded vettes are going for about the same as lightly modded cobras, but heavily modded vettes were going for less than heavily modded cobras. The car I'm hopefully getting was built by one of the best shops on the east coast, ECS, and the guy is taking it back there to be checked over completely before I pick it up.

I do still like the looks of the cobra better, but the vette isn't too bad either. It's been a tough decision, but in the end I settled on the vette. Hopefully the guy who wants my car can pick it up soon then I'll be on my way to Jersey to pick up this vette.

[PaxtonShelby]

Wow - sounds like one heck of a car. 830rwhp - holy schneikeys!!!!!!!

$25.90 per horsepower - gotta love that!!!

Is that a streetable / pump gas car or more of a track / short trip car...or somewhere in the middle?

Good luck on the purchase - I hope it all works out for you. :goodidea:

[KeystoneJohnny]

Good luck with with the vette if you get the vette or the deal falls through and you decide to keep the cobra. I'm selling mine just because I want to try a business venture. I loved the car though but honestly I barely drove it. I have drove a C5. I do agree about the interior not being very unique or "UP SCALE" in what is considered a premium sportscar. I to am a long time ford guy but having a second love to GM vehicles. I think alot of us get into the "brand" of cars we are raised around or lusted after growing up. My father had both before he passed. I was mostly raised around Fords though which is what I usually buy. I think you could be happy either way with the vette or the Cobra. I agree with I believe it was Scott in that money can equalize anything. And yes, you should buy whatever makes you happy. It's your money and you are the one that has to drive it..not any of us. I'm a car person in the end. I like lots of vehicles for different reasons. Until I get Jay Leno's money I can't own them all and have to settle with what fits the best all around bill for me in this department with what money I have to spend between my family responsibilities, and bills and all my other toys. I do agree about the Corvette being easier to work on vs. the 4V. I'm going through a debate as well with my 05 to keep it or go back to a 95 back 5.0 to save on money for parts and ease of build so I see where your coming from. However from what I have seen Corvette "goodies" seem to be just as expensive as their modular counterparts. Whatever you choose don't forget to tell us and post up some pics.

[Stangman701]

Wow - sounds like one heck of a car. 830rwhp - holy schneikeys!!!!!!!

$25.90 per horsepower - gotta love that!!!

Is that a streetable / pump gas car or more of a track / short trip car...or somewhere in the middle?

Good luck on the purchase - I hope it all works out for you. :goodidea:

I still haven't seen the car in person as it's out in NJ. It's got about 70k on the body so I'm not expecting it to be perfect, but it looks decent in pics.

The 830RWHP is on pump gas so it should be a street monster. That was on 15-16 PSI so there's probably a little more in it should I feel the need, lol. I do believe it has meth injection which I'm not crazy about, but I guess it can be reliable. It also has 4.10's, so I can't imagine how hard this thing is gonna pull on the highway. If I vette can be a sleeper this car is it. It looks bone stock except for a couple gauges on the A-pillar. I probably won't be able to pick it up for another 2-3 weeks at least, but I'm sending the guy a deposit today.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f122/mikerxix/corvette007.jpg



Good luck with with the vette if you get the vette or the deal falls through and you decide to keep the cobra. I'm selling mine just because I want to try a business venture. I loved the car though but honestly I barely drove it. I have drove a C5. I do agree about the interior not being very unique or "UP SCALE" in what is considered a premium sportscar. I to am a long time ford guy but having a second love to GM vehicles. I think alot of us get into the "brand" of cars we are raised around or lusted after growing up. My father had both before he passed. I was mostly raised around Fords though which is what I usually buy. I think you could be happy either way with the vette or the Cobra. I agree with I believe it was Scott in that money can equalize anything. And yes, you should buy whatever makes you happy. It's your money and you are the one that has to drive it..not any of us. I'm a car person in the end. I like lots of vehicles for different reasons. Until I get Jay Leno's money I can't own them all and have to settle with what fits the best all around bill for me in this department with what money I have to spend between my family responsibilities, and bills and all my other toys. I do agree about the Corvette being easier to work on vs. the 4V. I'm going through a debate as well with my 05 to keep it or go back to a 95 back 5.0 to save on money for parts and ease of build so I see where your coming from. However from what I have seen Corvette "goodies" seem to be just as expensive as their modular counterparts. Whatever you choose don't forget to tell us and post up some pics.

I agree that I would definitely be happy with either one. It's hard to do a straight up comparison just because they are such different cars. I think for what I want, a super fast street car, the vette is the better way to go. If I were planning on going to the strip more I'd probably go for the cobra. There were a ton of things that weighed in on my decision, but in the end the vettes just seemed like more car for the money.

[o4c0b|2a]

Nice color choice.. I cannot imagine how fast that car is going to feel lol, especially w/4:10's. Good luck with it.

[Stangman701]

Nice color choice.. I cannot imagine how fast that car is going to feel lol, especially w/4:10's. Good luck with it.

Thanks man. I'm liking the color too. Like I said, kinda in between DSG and MG. The color you have is probably my favorite. The closest thing they made to it in the C5's was Nassau Blue, but they're really rare, and of course even more rare to find one that's modded like I want. I was trying not to be too picky about color this time around.

[PaxtonShelby]

Santa needs to bring you LOTS of sticky tires for Xmas... :yes:

I absolutely love the gray/charcoal metallic colors. Clean and sharp without too much "HEY - LOOK AT ME!!" I like the loud colors too, but the gray/silver cars always seem to find me when I'm in the market...

[Stangman701]

Santa needs to bring you LOTS of sticky tires for Xmas... :yes:

I absolutely love the gray/charcoal metallic colors. Clean and sharp without too much "HEY - LOOK AT ME!!" I like the loud colors too, but the gray/silver cars always seem to find me when I'm in the market...

Haha, that's true! It's got brand new 305/35/18 555R's on it right now, but I think I'll probably save those for road trips where I might see some rain then get a second set of rear wheels that I can put some sticky mickeys on for driving around the burgh. I usually watch the radar like a hawk so I can hopefully steer clear of any local rain showers.

I agree with you on the gray. Back when I bought my cobra I was dead set on black, but DSG was a close second. I was a lot more open to colors this time around. You kinda have to be when you're looking for something that's already modded I guess. Really narrows down your choices. I'd like to see how the car would look with some black wheels, but i can't seem to find pics of C5's in this color with them.

[scott5]

Ray you wont regret it

[Steve-0]

Bad ass! I need a ride whenever you get it! Then in like 10 years when my car is built we will run haha. :thmbsup:

[Stangman701]

Bad ass! I need a ride whenever you get it! Then in like 10 years when my car is built we will run haha. :thmbsup:

You got it Steve. I'm hoping to bring it home in about two weeks, but we'll see how things work out. I'm holding my car for a wounded vet who's currently recovering in the hospital and he can't buy it till he gets out and he's not sure exactly when that's going to be. Either way I'm going to look at the vette the weekend of 11/12. There's a chance I can go ahead and buy the vette before I sell my car but I'd have to take on a little bit of credit card debt. Might be worth it to not have to take another trip out to NJ though.

[John4cam]

Good luck with the new car man. sounds like a beast!

[Stroked03Cobra]

does she still have the T56 behind her? The magnum is only rated at 700tq, I am going to be way over that rating also so I am unsure if I like the only options that I am left with. Before my tear down I had 711hp on a 26spline t56 and did not feel confident that it was going to hold much longer. Great looking vette, +1 for the color!

[Stangman701]

does she still have the T56 behind her? The magnum is only rated at 700tq, I am going to be way over that rating also so I am unsure if I like the only options that I am left with. Before my tear down I had 711hp on a 26spline t56 and did not feel confident that it was going to hold much longer. Great looking vette, +1 for the color!

Yeah, it still has the stock T56 and diff for now. It's been holding for the last 5000 miles so I hope it continues to. The consensus seems to be that I'll be ok as long as I don't do any hard launches at the strip. I have a feeling I'm gonna break something though. Hopefully as long as I don't power shift it I'll be ok for a while.

I hear ya on the options... I will NOT have an auto in my fast car. I'd rather get good at rebuilding T56's, lol. What I foresee happening is me getting greedy and cranking up the boost then just really destroying something.

[Stroked03Cobra]

Yeah, it still has the stock T56 and diff for now. It's been holding for the last 5000 miles so I hope it continues to. The consensus seems to be that I'll be ok as long as I don't do any hard launches at the strip. I have a feeling I'm gonna break something though. Hopefully as long as I don't power shift it I'll be ok for a while.

I hear ya on the options... I will NOT have an auto in my fast car. I'd rather get good at rebuilding T56's, lol. What I foresee happening is me getting greedy and cranking up the boost then just really destroying something.

Lol I feel the exact same! I know what the "smart" decision is... but I dont know if i can bring myself to do it. The other options are the Rockland Gear, Son of Tranzilla T56 Magnum, it is built for 800 ft pounds $3,500ish or the Tranzilla with 1200 ft pounds for only a mere $7,000ish plus $1,200 for the clutch.... decisions, decisions!

[PaxtonShelby]

$8k+ for a tranny / clutch is deserving of my second "Holy Schneikeys!!!!" in 2 days!!!

[Stroked03Cobra]

$8k+ for a tranny / clutch is deserving of my second "Holy Schneikeys!!!!" in 2 days!!!

Lol... and this is why I am 23 and still living at home :(

[PaxtonShelby]

Lol... and this is why I am 23 and still living at home :(

Hey - good for you buddy. Have fun and get the car just how you want it. If you wait until later it'll take so much longer as any "extra" $$ finds its way to other "necessities." I built my car for 8 years ( 1992 - 2000 ) and it still isn't really "done." ( Married in 1993...house in 1996...daughter #1 in 2000...daughter #2 in 2005 :veryhappy: ). I wouldn't change a thing, but it all sure made the build take FOREVER!! Can't wait to see how everyone's rides turn out!! :awsome:

[Stroked03Cobra]

Hey - good for you buddy. Have fun and get the car just how you want it. If you wait until later it'll take so much longer as any "extra" $$ finds its way to other "necessities." I built my car for 8 years ( 1992 - 2000 ) and it still isn't really "done." ( Married in 1993...house in 1996...daughter #1 in 2000...daughter #2 in 2005 :veryhappy: ). I wouldn't change a thing, but it all sure made the build take FOREVER!! Can't wait to see how everyone's rides turn out!! :awsome:

I hear you lol, everybody tells me to do it while I can, and I am doing that! It will be nice to see everyone's rides finished, if there is such a word haha

[Steve-0]

Yea that's absolutely insane. I would definitely go auto at that point, or just hope something doesn't break. Built autos with a manual valve body aren't that bad to drive. Especially when you are making piles of power to back it up.

I moved out (officially bought my house that is) about a month ago and I'm 26. Bought my cobra basically for myself for my 24th birthday haha. And it's true with buying a house, I can see my car modifying days getting smaller every week. Thank god for overtime at work though, as that is what I'll have to rely on if I want to go in a interesting direction with the cobra.:goodidea:

[SonofaBish]

Your T56 will be fine... my TA has had 700+rwhp for 8K miles, plus it had 70K miles on it before that, and its still going fine and dandy......

Plus, imho, i'd rather destroy a T56, which are a dime a dozen, than a 3K rear end... if somethings gonna give, i'd prefer its the cheaper of all those...

[Stangman701]

Figured I'd updated this thread. Went out to Jersey to look at the gray C5 that I posted a pic of. Ended up not coming home with it. Was just really unimpressed. I'm not sure if my expectations were too high or if the car just didn't have the advertised power. I really think the tune was off or something because it really didn't pull as hard as I expected. It was a tough decision, but I decided to let it go.

So now I'm back to the drawing board. Starting to lean towards building my car, but if I find the right car out there before I start buying parts I might pull the trigger on it. Be it a cobra, vette, or something else. I sold my truck and I'm buying a cheaper one so I'll have some extra cash from that transaction to put towards something. Pretty excited about this new truck too. 73 F250 :goodidea:. I always wanted a 70's F series and now I'm hopefully getting one. Heading to VA to look at it on Friday and hoping to be driving it back. I'll post up some pics when/if I get it.

[scott5]

Buy bish's tt ta!!!!!!!!

[Stangman701]

Buy bish's tt ta!!!!!!!!

Haha, I think I'm gonna drive it once he gets it tuned. Maybe it'll impress me enough to buy it. Maybe he'll want trade me for my cobra. I hear he's a big ford fan :sticktonge:

[scott5]

Haha i gurantee you will wanna buy it, the power and how its delievered and doesnt stop is crazy. I was gna buy it till my car ran what it ran in the 1/4.. Definetly the ultimate street car

[somethingclever]

Pretty excited about this new truck too. 73 F250 :goodidea:. .


:pinkthumb::pinkthumb:

[Stangman701]

:pinkthumb::pinkthumb:

:jump::jump:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/ur4ford/73%20Highboy/73highboy001.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/ur4ford/73%20Highboy/73highboy002.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/ur4ford/73%20Highboy/73highboy007.jpg

[turbo83coupe]

Wow, after reading through this whoe thread adn talking about 700+ wheel cars, i would have never ever expected your next purchase to be a 73 F250 lmao!! regardless, thats an AWSOME truck!! Looks gorgeous!! Little more info on it??

[Stangman701]

Wow, after reading through this whoe thread adn talking about 700+ wheel cars, i would have never ever expected your next purchase to be a 73 F250 lmao!! regardless, thats an AWSOME truck!! Looks gorgeous!! Little more info on it??

Haha, seriously! I had always planned on selling my 04 F150 and getting a cheaper truck to fund the horsepower addiction. That just led me down the road to the 70's F series that I've always wanted. I honestly don't know a ton about those trucks(yet) but this particular one has a relatively stock 460 and a 4 speed and 4.10's. I hope I don't get too attached to it to actually use it as a truck(trips to lowes, play in the snow, etc.)

[somethingclever]

looks awfully nice to use as a real truck. :)

460/4-speed FTW....

[turbo83coupe]

Sooooooo, how do you like your truck??

[Stangman701]

So far so good. I haven't really driven it too much. Maybe a couple hundred miles since I've had it in the burgh. Thinking about some different tires. I'd really like to get 39.5 x 18 x 16.5 boggers, but I'm pretty sure I can't clear them without a little extra lift. I think I'm going to "settle" for 36 x 16 x 16.5 boggers.

I'm in the process of building a driveway back to my garage so it doesn't get covered in mud every time I take it out. Hoping to get that wrapped up in a couple weeks. I don't really have too many plans for it right now other than tires and a few other minor details here and there.

It's amazing how many comments I get on it every time I take it out. I've gotten more comments and thumbs up in a month that I ever had in the cobra.

[Stangman701]

This is the pic that got me wanting the 39.5 x 18's. If they weren't so damn expensive($2100) I might consider lifting the truck a little more to fit them.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=178547&.jpg

[somethingclever]

It's amazing how many comments I get on it every time I take it out. I've gotten more comments and thumbs up in a month that I ever had in the cobra.



I've said this for 10 yrs..."Nothing turns heads like a classic."


I've never had swamper boggers but can't imagine they would ride or wear very well...

Looks? A+
Offroad? A+
Street manners? F

LOL

[turbo83coupe]

i have a set of 38.5x15.50-16's we could test fit :D

[turbo83coupe]

MAAYYYYYYY be interested in getting rid of the tires too, got a line on a real nice body that i may cut my boatsides off and put a full obdy on it and start driving it.... It just sits....

[Stangman701]

I've said this for 10 yrs..."Nothing turns heads like a classic."

No doubt about that. People seem to really love this truck. It's borderline annoying how much I have to talk to people about it, lol.



I've never had swamper boggers but can't imagine they would ride or wear very well...

Looks? A+
Offroad? A+
Street manners? F

LOL

Yeah, I'm basically getting them for the looks. I doubt I'll do much offroading with it. I cringe at the though of trying to get mud out of every nook and cranny. Since the wheels are 16.5 x 12 I'd like to get something wider than 12.5 and that really limits my options. I'm already extremely limited by the 16.5 itself as no one seems to carry that diameter anymore much less if I want something wider than 12.5.

I'm sure it'll be noisy and ride like crap, but the truck is already noisy and rides like crap, so what's a little more, haha. I'm really tempted to get these just because they're so damn cheap... http://www.trailworthyfab.com/Goodyear-Tire-Radial-37x12.50R16.5-Take-Off-s.html They're roughly 1/3 the price of the boggers, but I know I'd regret it every time I looked at the truck. They'll just be too tall and skinny for my liking

[Stangman701]

i have a set of 38.5x15.50-16's we could test fit :D


MAAYYYYYYY be interested in getting rid of the tires too, got a line on a real nice body that i may cut my boatsides off and put a full obdy on it and start driving it.... It just sits....

Interesting... Let me know. You got any pics of them on the truck? I'm pretty picky when it comes to these things. There were tires I thought I'd love till I saw them on a truck.

[turbo83coupe]

http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/83/183/2/59/30/2203259300101350132ULWdzh_th.jpg

[turbo83coupe]

baahhhh!! they keep coming up as asmall picture. not working for me. they wont look quit as wide as those u posted, they are olnly a 15.50 and they are on a 16x10 wheel. those are prolly 12's at least??

[Stangman701]

Here we go...

http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/3880/2203259300101350132S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/47775/2171418210101350132S600x600Q85.jpg

Looks like a fun ride :awsome: I'm not sure I'd like the black wheels on my truck though and the wheels I have are 16.5's. Let me know if you decide to sell the tires and how much you'd want for them. Might be worth buying some new wheels for them for the right price.

[turbo83coupe]

i see, they may not look bad with the black bumpers and everything painted black underneath it. But i understand, i think black wheels are either something u like or dont. but we could at least test fit them and see if you have any rubbing issues and see if you would have to lift more... plussssss id get to see that truck up close and personal :D