School me on 99 Cobras / problems / recall !

[Troll]

So, I came across this ad today on CL for a '99 Cobra and it got me thinking... I remember Ford recalled all the '99 Cobras because they were down on power. I did a little bit of research today and it said Ford replaced the lower intake because of built-up flashing in the aluminum that was impeding flow, restricted mufflers and a too-conservative tune. Some people claim it was down 20-30hp.

Could/did these three things rob a n/a motor of 20-30hp?

The car on CL has a cat-back and it says "chip", so would the lower intake be THAT big of a deal?

If this particular car hadn't been fixed, will Ford still honor that recall from ~13 years ago?

Would a dealer be able to tell me with the VIN if the car was recalled/fixed?

What is in the bottom end of a '99?

Thanks.

[97LaserRed]

I do remember hearing about that. I think most people did claim around 25hp short. The dealer will be able to tell from the vin if the recall was done. Not sure on the bottom end but I dont think it differs much from the 96-98 cobras. I think ford should still perform the recall if parts are available. You would have to call and ask.

[somethingclever]

Doubt they would honor the recall now, but it would be interesting to find out.

Bottom ends are alum teksid block, forged crank, powdered metal rods and not sure if cast or hypereutectic pistons...typically good for around 450-500rwhp and conservative timing.

An 03/04 cobra is a much better choice for just a few more dollars IMO...assuming you want a play toy that has more power than you can use...

[crazylou]

they will always honor recall no matter who owns it...

[Terminated]

Doubt they would honor the recall now, but it would be interesting to find out.

Bottom ends are alum teksid block, forged crank, powdered metal rods and not sure if cast or hypereutectic pistons...typically good for around 450-500rwhp and conservative timing.

An 03/04 cobra is a much better choice for just a few more dollars IMO...assuming you want a play toy that has more power than you can use...

x2 to this. I was thinking the same thing before I bought mine. Save 4-5k and buy a 99/01, but I wanted to be able to get in and drive it and have that power instead of wishing it was faster.

[jaa55]

They wont honor this recall.....

safety only, there was a time window they were doing this in.

theres dots on the intake and TB you can check to see if it was performed on the car. I cant remember what paint dot colors mean what. some were acid dipped, some were hand ported...even if it didnt have the recall its not like its that hard to fix it. take the soft plugs out of the intake and smooth out all the flashing in the casting.

[Troll]

x2 to this. I was thinking the same thing before I bought mine. Save 4-5k and buy a 99/01, but I wanted to be able to get in and drive it and have that power instead of wishing it was faster.

good point!

They wont honor this recall.....

safety only, there was a time window they were doing this in.

theres dots on the intake and TB you can check to see if it was performed on the car. I cant remember what paint dot colors mean what. some were acid dipped, some were hand ported...even if it didnt have the recall its not like its that hard to fix it. take the soft plugs out of the intake and smooth out all the flashing in the casting.

or replace it with a KB. see above.

[95riosnake]

not sure on recalls and such, but one thing I know about the 99 cobras is their IRS only has 28 spline axles and diff, compared to the 31 spline of the 03/04 (01 also have 31 spline but the half shafts are not as strong as 03/04 half shafts). I believe 99 also did not have a diff support brace, which can also lead to problems. You can beef up the 99 IRS but you're better off with either one out of an 01+ or just buying an 03/04 to begin with.

[somethingclever]

You can add a diff brace out of an 03/04...then the only other difference is the axle spline count...

WOuldn't want to drag race one on dr's...

[95riosnake]

You can add a diff brace out of an 03/04...then the only other difference is the axle spline count...

WOuldn't want to drag race one on dr's...

Yea that's part of what I meant by beef it up, I would personally rather just get an 01+ at least, do delrin bushings and have fun without the worry of carnage.

[SonofaBish]

recalls? on a Ford Mustang? say it ain't so?!?!?!?!

[yeahloh95]

guys were getting these and putting them on chassis dynos and not making the power they should unlike every other stang that put down more than claimed power , so ford did a recall and ported the intake, put new mufflers on and a new tune and picked them up to claimed power .