03 SVT Cobra. Stock, what parts should I look to replace while maintaining a stock feel?

[Justin in NC]

Recently got a clean title, 1 owner garage kept 03 Cobra coupe with about 12.8k miles on it, drives great and i've got no issues with it so far. I don't have any plans to modify it currently, and would like to keep it a weekend garage queen in more or less stock condition.

so, my questions are.... what should i have replaced when i have the tires swapped out this week? Sparkplugs seem like a no brainer, but what else typically should I tell my mechanic to double check on while that's being done? It already passed inspection so I don't anticipate any major malfunctions, and I don't have any mechanical concerns currently. it seemed to run more or less like she rolled off the factory floor yesterday but it is a 20+ year old car and stuff breaks down with time. I'd like to do everything i can to keep her running in this condition for a long time and am turning to experienced Cobra owners and experts here. Educate me on keeping my dream car in dream condition. No need to let something that could've easily been replaced/fixed become a major problem.

a 2nd question is this... i know certain things like alternator, a spare supercharger belt, spare sparkplugs, etc aren't a bad idea to keep around for the inevitable so in the months ahead i may consider grabbing a few low end spare parts like that since they would get used in time... but is there another part that typically fails on the 03 cobra i should maybe plan ahead for as well? What should i look out for as problems big or small?

Thanks for all the advice guys, it's appreciated and i'm all ears. This is my dream car, i've had my eyes on this car since i couldn't afford one in 03 and settled for a GT going into college instead, and i'd like to keep it in the condition a car like this deserves. Happy to be a part of the SVT family

 

[Badaz01]

With that low of mileage I’d say not much. Maybe check wheel bearings, bushings, toe end links. Short throw shifter is always a good idea also. Maybe catback exhaust pulley intake and tune just to wake it up a bit and smooth out some of the corners ford cut. No matter what you do keep all the stock parts.

 

[Bullitt1448]

Change all the fluids and filters. I would change the brake hoses and flush the brake lines and put in new brake fluid. Check all the ground connections, clean and tighten as necessary. As your doing this, do a very thorough inspection,

 

[01yellercobra]

Since you're stock I wouldn't overly worry about the supercharger belt or alternator. Same with the plugs. Just replace them as a maintenance item. I agree with the fluid swap. And check the suspension bushings. Time isn't kind to rubber parts. I think you can get replacement rubber bushings to keep the factory ride.

 

[01vert]

Your question will get more replies in the terminator section if you want to post there

However, Have your mechanic look at all the bushings in the IRS for degradation of the rubber, IRS knuckles having torn boots on the upper joint as well. Anything rubber needs to be looked at for replacement.
Plugs and a fuel filter (pita to get at due to the IRS) at a minimum. Age of the battery to tell you about needing a new one. Get a battery tender if it doesn’t get out much, cheap insurance versus a dead battery.


If you don’t know when it was last done:
Belts. Replace the coolant and the intercooler coolant. Replace the brake fluid and put a decent fluid in. You would be surprised how bad it’s going to look. Replace the power steering fluid. Oil, filter and trans fluid as well.


Problems: Alternators die occasionally. Get a good aftermarket one. They are pricey but the remans are known to not last and the job is a pain.

Congrats on the car.