03 Cobra has run its course
- Thread starter BadAzztt
- Start date
Ditto. Any current photos of your '03 Cobra?
I read through this thread and I'm still shaking my head. What you're planning is one of the worse ideas I've yet heard here relative to a new build. Your logic makes zero sense to me, but hey, it's your Cobra, you have the right to destroy it. Like so many have already said, there are much better power-train options for your '66 Mustang project.
So if you pull the Terminator motor you then have to get it installed in your '66. That's not going to be a remove and install snap. You're going to put more money and time into that part. I could understand doing it if the body was wrecked, but it's apparently perfectly good. So sell the Cobra with its 33K miles and take the $23k or so and have an engine builder build you a nice motor and do a number of upgrade mods all around. More on that below.
Speaking of motors, you do know that the Terminator 4.6 overhead cam engine is physically bigger than a Boss 429, right? And, it won't fit between the '66 Mustang shock towers with alterations like shaving. You're making the installation of the 4.6 sound like it will be relatively easy to do. I get you want something really unique, but getting there will be a path of headaches. So consider a few much better, equally unique, engine choices.
Here's an idea for you. Sell your Terminator and use some of the proceeds to modernize/improve your '66 overall. Like upgrading the brakes, suspension, electronic engine control/fuel injection, seats, lighting, transmission, engine (maybe a built 5.0 with fuel injection or a built 351), sound system, instrument panel, electrical system, wheels, and more. Plopping in an impractical and huge 4.6 motor without addressing any of the other really needed mods I mentioned seems so pointless in the long run.
Do yourself a big favor and take the time to really think this project through. IMO the engine choice is less important than addressing those other areas. You will still then be driving a classic, older Mustang that will, well, drive like an older Mustang. And that ain't good. Update the other areas and go with a less expensive and better motor, and you're going to be driving that '66 with a huge smile on your face, and turning a lot of heads as they check out all of the mods you've done from front to back, and inside. JMO.
I read through this thread and I'm still shaking my head. What you're planning is one of the worse ideas I've yet heard here relative to a new build. Your logic makes zero sense to me, but hey, it's your Cobra, you have the right to destroy it. Like so many have already said, there are much better power-train options for your '66 Mustang project.
So if you pull the Terminator motor you then have to get it installed in your '66. That's not going to be a remove and install snap. You're going to put more money and time into that part. I could understand doing it if the body was wrecked, but it's apparently perfectly good. So sell the Cobra with its 33K miles and take the $23k or so and have an engine builder build you a nice motor and do a number of upgrade mods all around. More on that below.
Speaking of motors, you do know that the Terminator 4.6 overhead cam engine is physically bigger than a Boss 429, right? And, it won't fit between the '66 Mustang shock towers with alterations like shaving. You're making the installation of the 4.6 sound like it will be relatively easy to do. I get you want something really unique, but getting there will be a path of headaches. So consider a few much better, equally unique, engine choices.
Here's an idea for you. Sell your Terminator and use some of the proceeds to modernize/improve your '66 overall. Like upgrading the brakes, suspension, electronic engine control/fuel injection, seats, lighting, transmission, engine (maybe a built 5.0 with fuel injection or a built 351), sound system, instrument panel, electrical system, wheels, and more. Plopping in an impractical and huge 4.6 motor without addressing any of the other really needed mods I mentioned seems so pointless in the long run.
Do yourself a big favor and take the time to really think this project through. IMO the engine choice is less important than addressing those other areas. You will still then be driving a classic, older Mustang that will, well, drive like an older Mustang. And that ain't good. Update the other areas and go with a less expensive and better motor, and you're going to be driving that '66 with a huge smile on your face, and turning a lot of heads as they check out all of the mods you've done from front to back, and inside. JMO.
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Do you drive the '67 a lot now? I think you're going to find after you do this swap, you won't drive it that much, either. If the cobra feels like old technology, a 67 with a Cobra drivetrain is going to feel positively ancient.
The impression I get from your first post is you like the newer cars - newer chassis, modern everything, and nice creature comforts. A 2003 Cobra is pretty raw and under-optioned compared to those cars, but it's miles better than cars from the 60s.
I'd sell the Cobra and put that money toward the more modern vehicles since (I think?) you'll be happier with the newer vehicles.
My 2 pennies, but probably not worth that much
The impression I get from your first post is you like the newer cars - newer chassis, modern everything, and nice creature comforts. A 2003 Cobra is pretty raw and under-optioned compared to those cars, but it's miles better than cars from the 60s.
I'd sell the Cobra and put that money toward the more modern vehicles since (I think?) you'll be happier with the newer vehicles.
My 2 pennies, but probably not worth that much
DON’T LISTEN TO THESE GUYS @BadAzztt!!!!! They are only looking at this project from the destruction of the Terminator point of view.
I HAD THIS SAME EXACT PLAN!!!!! I even went as far as purchasing my convertible to do this EXACT SAME THING!!!!
The ONLY thing that stopped me was once I got the Convertible home my wife said she wanted it for herself. Told me to go buy a wrecked Cobra for my 65 Mustang project LOL.
I agree with you 100% BadAzztt. I looked at this project many different ways and it is WAY MORE cost effective to start with a complete Cobra. I looked at this back in 2016 and everyone wanted $10K plus just for a Terminator engine and 6 SPD transmission.
I got the WHOLE car for 15K (had 75K on the odometer). Now I have EVERYTHING I need to do the swap. And what I do not need I could part out (everyone with a 99-04 Mustang wants Terminator front and rear bumpers, spoiler and hood). Doors are worth good money, convertible top is worth good money, and so on.
Yes, I agree, there are different ways to build the 67. I personally think a Terminator swapped 67 is a hell of a lot more interesting than a Coyote swapped 67.
Yes, there are things to consider (i.e. size of Terminator motor vs 67 engine bay size). However, there are front end kits out there that allow you to remove the shock towers in order to put the Terminator motor in the early Mustangs.
Also, if you (BadAzztt) are having someone set up your front end and rear-end to accept the Terminator parts you’re already half way home as the Cobra parts “SHOULD” bolt in if they built your 67 correctly.
I say GO FOR IT. Every time you look in the market and search the WTB threads they always want a coupe. Convertibles do NOT get that much love in the Terminator world.
This is the car that planted this idea in my head and is still my dream car to this day (but in a different color LOL):
SN65 03/65 Mustang – Build Threads
I HAD THIS SAME EXACT PLAN!!!!! I even went as far as purchasing my convertible to do this EXACT SAME THING!!!!
The ONLY thing that stopped me was once I got the Convertible home my wife said she wanted it for herself. Told me to go buy a wrecked Cobra for my 65 Mustang project LOL.
I agree with you 100% BadAzztt. I looked at this project many different ways and it is WAY MORE cost effective to start with a complete Cobra. I looked at this back in 2016 and everyone wanted $10K plus just for a Terminator engine and 6 SPD transmission.
I got the WHOLE car for 15K (had 75K on the odometer). Now I have EVERYTHING I need to do the swap. And what I do not need I could part out (everyone with a 99-04 Mustang wants Terminator front and rear bumpers, spoiler and hood). Doors are worth good money, convertible top is worth good money, and so on.
Yes, I agree, there are different ways to build the 67. I personally think a Terminator swapped 67 is a hell of a lot more interesting than a Coyote swapped 67.
Yes, there are things to consider (i.e. size of Terminator motor vs 67 engine bay size). However, there are front end kits out there that allow you to remove the shock towers in order to put the Terminator motor in the early Mustangs.
Also, if you (BadAzztt) are having someone set up your front end and rear-end to accept the Terminator parts you’re already half way home as the Cobra parts “SHOULD” bolt in if they built your 67 correctly.
I say GO FOR IT. Every time you look in the market and search the WTB threads they always want a coupe. Convertibles do NOT get that much love in the Terminator world.
This is the car that planted this idea in my head and is still my dream car to this day (but in a different color LOL):
SN65 03/65 Mustang – Build Threads
Personally, I'd sell the Cobra and go hog on the 67 build, but it's not my car. At the end of the day, you do whatever you want with it. I wont support the Cobras dismantling, but who cares what I think?...
Wouldn't be my first course of action....but at the end of the day, it's your car. For the rest of us, that's just one less terminator in the gene pool weighing down value.
Good luck it! Post pics of the swap!
Good luck it! Post pics of the swap!
Might as well just LS swap that 67 coupe..
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I agree
Does everything have to be the most current? If it was me, I’d rather build something period correct in that 67. Sell that Cobra as is and let another gear head enjoy it. You already have fast cars. Hell, I’d rather have the 67 lol.
Wrecking a terminator... for a coupe 67'..... oh my lord.. Hope you plan on a tube chassis. End up twisting the uni-body with 675hp if it hooks. To do this build the right way it's going to cost more than you think. Why, cause its been done before... At least use a fastback. Not a coupe. Better leaving the terminator, updating the suspension on the 67 and build the 289. Plenty of power can be made from a 289/302/351w..
Be better off tearing up the vette and swapping into the 67'
BOO, on both counts LOL. Big Thumbs down on anything related to Chevy being transplanted into a Ford............
This +1000
Guys you seem to think I haven’t done my homework here and I’m guessing about all of this. I have been building cars for 20 yrs. the shop I have doing the framework wrote the book on mod motor swaps, I mean literally wrote the book:
How to Swap Ford Modular Engines into Mustangs, Torinos and More
I know all the dimensions, the parts needed, etc...I have the mechanical know how to do all the motor/trans work. It will take some time to get it all worked out but once it’s done I would be able to get way more for a restomod 67 then the basic 289 C code will fetch. And it will turn heads at every car show. If these things held their value more it would be different but it will be some time before they come back up, and mine is heavily modified. As for keeping the 67 period correct, that’s a concept that is just plain boring. Let’s face it, if better tech was available when they were built the factory would have used it. Old school cool, with a 20th century KB 2.2 scream.
On another note, I won’t be ripping apart the Z06, that thing pushes over 900hp to the tire and is a blast to drive...it scares even me a little bit.
like godstang said, there are so many better options. I would honestly throw a coyote motor in the car. Just adding a supercharger you are going to have a rocket. The cobra was like sstated, was cool 15 years ago. its over. lol. I know people on this forum get a little upset when I say the 03 cobra is over. lol. But it is. Its old news and technology.
By doing a coyote swap, at the same time, you will not be hacking up a perfect cobra. Its your car but, I wouldn't hack up the cobra.
Look, I have owned my 03 cobra since 2003. I also have ran my course with the car. Its old technology. and I wouldn't even hack up my car. The coyote will make more power easier and is the future of making big power. yea the terminator is still bad ass and still fast. I get it. But, its ran its course as well.
By doing a coyote swap, at the same time, you will not be hacking up a perfect cobra. Its your car but, I wouldn't hack up the cobra.
Look, I have owned my 03 cobra since 2003. I also have ran my course with the car. Its old technology. and I wouldn't even hack up my car. The coyote will make more power easier and is the future of making big power. yea the terminator is still bad ass and still fast. I get it. But, its ran its course as well.
Sorry, but I disagree. The 03-04 are still enjoyed by many owners, including me. Just because it’s not the latest and greatest doesn’t mean it still isn’t a great car for enthusiasts.
And a TVS Cobra can still hang with most of what is out there. I will agree there are great advancements and tech these days, but that doesn’t mean the Terminators are obsolete.
When my old and out dated 04 screams past everything on the highway at 150 while I'm listening to the radio and have the a/c blowing I'm positive no one is thinking "wow such an old car just blew my doors off"
super strong utilization of caps lock, bold, underline and exclamation points in this here post
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