Hi there everyone, I’m about to purchase an 03 cobra with 82k miles but I have a question about the aem failsafe gauge. The dealership sent me two pictures, in one it’s reading 16.8 at idle and the other it’s reading 17.6. They said it evens out when driven. I just want to know if this reading is high and what I should look out for, and what other problems I should look at before purchasing it. It is a very accredited dealership with great reviews. The car has a ported blower, cam, intake, headers and a full exhaust. Thanks for all help.
Help before I purchase this cobra
- Thread starter Tench96
- Start date
That would be something you'd need to get with a warranty and get a datalog out to a legit tuner asap or tow it to a local guy who is good with them. Its hard to tell, mine can jump all over the place sometimes but you really want it to snap to 12 something at WOT and stay there.
Would it do me any good to get them to hook it up to see if it threw any codes? Seems like a good car that’s the only thing throwing me off
You can't really judge that gauge by two split second pictures. Widebands bounce around a lot as mentioned. I'm sure I've seen 16+ on mine driving around. Things change with throttle position and such. It's at WOT that you would be concerned with the reading. If it's just the gauge bugging you jump on the car. Then have the tune either checked out or have it retuned by someone you know and trust.
How far is this car from you? It would be great if you could find a good shop to check it out for your peace of mind. And check it out yourself. These cars aren't cheap and they're getting older, so it should not be out of the question to request this from the dealership IMO. What kind of warranty is the dealership giving you? The traditional 30 day, or none? I have some info in my Terminator FAQs that might help you evaluate this Cobra. If doesn't replace a good shop checking it out or seeing it in person, but it has good tips. Here's the link.
What Things Should I Check For When Buying A Used 2003-2004 Cobra?
I hope everything works out for you.
What Things Should I Check For When Buying A Used 2003-2004 Cobra?
I hope everything works out for you.
This, and wrong section. I’ll move it.
Thank you, and the car is 45 minutes from me. I’m going to request they put it on the lift and let me check it out underneath and hook it up and check for codes. Whether a warranty comes with it or not I’m not sure but I’m gonna talk to them and see if they can’t give me a 30 day warranty considering I’m going to be driving it 1000 miles back to Georgia when I make a trip back home
Well there is a lot advice that could be given here, But man if you are only 45 minutes away you should not buy it until you drive it----and bring a code reader with you. They are not going to give you a warranty except for a Tail Light warranty-----which is when you drive away and the tail lights are gone (not seen) the warranty is over.
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Go look at it yourself. Have them put it on the lift. Bring a code reader as mentioned. The Pic of the gauge doesn't mean anything. They could've started it two seconds prior to taking the Pic. It should read 14.5-15.5 once the 02's take over. A few tenths of a point swing in either direction doesn't matter at idle.
A Cobra is not the car to buy based on pics when they're modded. Also, if the wideband sensor is incorrectly installed, this can give inaccurate readings, which is another reason to check the car out in person. Any Cobra is an awesome car to have, but bad tunes, poor maintenance and dumb owners contribute to a car the looks good in pics hiding some major issues.
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Geez only 45 minutes away! Go physically look at the car. Everything I want it always 15+ hours away.
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LMAO!!! Don't you wish you could find a Fox body 45 minuets away Brady??????
That's how it works when you live in southern Canada....haha
Congrats on the purchase. The stock fuel set up uses twin pumps. You might need to upgrade them eventually though.
Post up some pics of the car!
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