So I've got a 2003 Cobra with just under 23k miles on it. The car was making 750+ hp.
Last spring it developed a tick or a light knock. It was hard to locate the sound, even with several car guys and mechanic friends doing their best. I brought it to a local shop who has a reputation for extensive experience with Mustangs. They had no definitive answer either. It honestly didn't sound bad at all. I've heard worse last for a long long time.
I contemplated putting the car on my dad's two-post lift and working on it during the weekends that I visit. But I realized that would probably end up taking years. Eventually, I decided to send the car off to Livernois. I wanted the job done once and done right. I expected it to be a little spendy, but it would be worth it for piece of mind.
Long story short: Livernois pulled the motor and found some extensive damage. The block was already .020" over, we knew that, so it's useless. Crank is still good, cams are still good. Those are the big money items. Piston ring lands were peeled up, heads were pretty chewed up. Supposedly the bearing were showing wear and rods may have gotten hot. I am still a little shady on the details of these parts right now. Parts list of the damaged motor and pictures are below.
I just got my quote to get the car fixed and back in my possession, its going to cost over $26k. That price is a complete stroker build and installation including the crank and cams, rockers and all the little stuff, so it's a little overshot. But Ill still be around $20k after skimming off whats left off my motor. At that price I'd just buy another Cobra. The car ran and drove fine and power didnt seem to effected. I almost wish I had kept it and enjoyed it while it ran, for that price. What's the worse that would happen, I'd need a new motor??
Question: What would you guys do in this situation? I'd like to stay in the 700-900hp range (i know, its going to cost money so I cant be too picky). I've considered taking the car back and pulling parts in over the next few years. Or parting the car out to get a little cash and getting another one. I can t justify spending more than the cost of another cobra just to get this one running again.
Engine Parts list:
Engine:
.20 over stock iron block
Diamond pistons
stock manley rods with upgraded arp rod bolts
arp main studs
arp head studs
cometic head gaskets
Crower stage 3 cams
comp beehive springs retatainer and locks
exhaust port port matched to headers
supercharger:
polished KB 2.8 H
accufab single blade throttle body
billet flow upper pulley(3.4, 3.1")
metco 9" lower
metco belt tensioner
HBH cai
sct 2600 mass air meter
low vacuum actuator
fuel system:
sumped gas tank
CPR billet fuel rails
seimens deka 60lb injectors
twin bosch 255 lph external pumps
CPR fuel filter
aeromotive fuel pressure regulator
-10 supply line
-8 return
Last spring it developed a tick or a light knock. It was hard to locate the sound, even with several car guys and mechanic friends doing their best. I brought it to a local shop who has a reputation for extensive experience with Mustangs. They had no definitive answer either. It honestly didn't sound bad at all. I've heard worse last for a long long time.
I contemplated putting the car on my dad's two-post lift and working on it during the weekends that I visit. But I realized that would probably end up taking years. Eventually, I decided to send the car off to Livernois. I wanted the job done once and done right. I expected it to be a little spendy, but it would be worth it for piece of mind.
Long story short: Livernois pulled the motor and found some extensive damage. The block was already .020" over, we knew that, so it's useless. Crank is still good, cams are still good. Those are the big money items. Piston ring lands were peeled up, heads were pretty chewed up. Supposedly the bearing were showing wear and rods may have gotten hot. I am still a little shady on the details of these parts right now. Parts list of the damaged motor and pictures are below.
I just got my quote to get the car fixed and back in my possession, its going to cost over $26k. That price is a complete stroker build and installation including the crank and cams, rockers and all the little stuff, so it's a little overshot. But Ill still be around $20k after skimming off whats left off my motor. At that price I'd just buy another Cobra. The car ran and drove fine and power didnt seem to effected. I almost wish I had kept it and enjoyed it while it ran, for that price. What's the worse that would happen, I'd need a new motor??
Question: What would you guys do in this situation? I'd like to stay in the 700-900hp range (i know, its going to cost money so I cant be too picky). I've considered taking the car back and pulling parts in over the next few years. Or parting the car out to get a little cash and getting another one. I can t justify spending more than the cost of another cobra just to get this one running again.
Engine Parts list:
Engine:
.20 over stock iron block
Diamond pistons
stock manley rods with upgraded arp rod bolts
arp main studs
arp head studs
cometic head gaskets
Crower stage 3 cams
comp beehive springs retatainer and locks
exhaust port port matched to headers
supercharger:
polished KB 2.8 H
accufab single blade throttle body
billet flow upper pulley(3.4, 3.1")
metco 9" lower
metco belt tensioner
HBH cai
sct 2600 mass air meter
low vacuum actuator
fuel system:
sumped gas tank
CPR billet fuel rails
seimens deka 60lb injectors
twin bosch 255 lph external pumps
CPR fuel filter
aeromotive fuel pressure regulator
-10 supply line
-8 return
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