New here, Maintnance?

[Sp3edD3m0n]

Hi guys-

I am new to the website but not new to forums. I know where the search button is and know how to use it and plan to get to know it very intimately. I bought my first mustang two weeks ago, also my first v8 vehicle, and I am looking into doing maintenance before I look into modding. The car is a 2003 Cobra with 77k miles. The car is in decent condition, but needs some aesthetic work. Things I have noticed is the car was wrecked at one point but appears to have been minor. Still has original hood and looks like the fender and bumper might have been replaced. I did run a car fax report on the car before I bought it and it was not on there however I still bought the car because it was a pretty good deal and the car ran great. The car has a Tri-ax shifter and the what the owner said was a bassani cat-less exhaust. I am not sure how to tell though as I don't see a stamp.

Maintenance I am looking to doing is:
Engine Oil
Transmission Oil
Radiator fluid flush
Eaton Oil change
Spark Plugs & wires
Fuel filter
Air Filter
What else?????

Pics of the car

 

[Jimmysidecarr]

Hi guys-

I am new to the website but not new to forums. I know where the search button is and know how to use it and plan to get to know it very intimately. I bought my first mustang two weeks ago, also my first v8 vehicle, and I am looking into doing maintenance before I look into modding. The car is a 2003 Cobra with 77k miles. The car is in decent condition, but needs some aesthetic work. Things I have noticed is the car was wrecked at one point but appears to have been minor. Still has original hood and looks like the fender and bumper might have been replaced. I did run a car fax report on the car before I bought it and it was not on there however I still bought the car because it was a pretty good deal and the car ran great.
The car has a Tri-ax shifter and the what the owner said was a bassani cat-less exhaust. I am not sure how to tell though as I don't see a stamp.

Maintenance I am looking to doing is:
Engine Oil
Transmission Oil
Radiator fluid flush
Eaton Oil change
Spark Plugs & wires
Fuel filter
Air Filter
What else?????

http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...erminator-oil-recommendations-capacities.html

Assume the radiator and I/C coolant are old and flush and change both.

The super charger oil can be purchased at Ford or GM since both use and offer Eaton superchargers, they will both have the correct oil.

Spark plugs: Use the search feature there are literally hundreds of threads to pick from.

Wires::dw: There are no wires, there are 8 coil boots(basic part #12A407) or you can buy 8 coils(12029) if you feel you need them.

Fuel filter: If you replace this yourself you are in for a treat, it's a bitch! Price out having it replaced somewhere, then crawl under the car and take a look.(behind the IRS)

Air Filter: Is it stock? Is it dirty? Yes replace if stock or clean if it has an oiled aftermarket cleanable gauze type.(K&N?)

 

[Sp3edD3m0n]

http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...erminator-oil-recommendations-capacities.htmlWires::dw: There are no wires, there are 8 coil boots(basic part #12A407) or you can buy 8 coils(12029) if you feel you need them.

:bash: Dont I feel like a dumb ass......
\
Mmmm... if its that much of a PITA, I might wait on the fuel filter.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[05satinGT]

You have a good list going so far. Change the wheels and clean this bad boy up! I also highly recommend getting it dyno tuned because who knows what tune is in there right now. Better safe than sorry. If you get the car in the air post pics of the exhaust so we can tell you what setup it is. Congrats :beer:

 

[hotcobra03]

there isnt alot to do as to keeping up on this car...i clean air filter/maf/air inlet weekly..live in dust ball..

i change oil alot...

and i pressure wash engine weekly..

fuel filter isnt that bad...helps to take 3mins and remove tail pipe..but get a good fuel line tool,,not the plastic type..

i havent changed trans fluid or supercharger...322k now

i try to always use oem parts...

use the search function alot it will save you tons of cash,,along with how to fix before you try to repair...

example...coil by itself 80 bucks...times 8=640 bucks....ford racing kit is same coil but 225 for 8...

your electric fan will go..ford want 400 bucks...dorman sells same fan 85 bucks

read terminator facts/question from cobrabob..it has everything you have asked about with details...see talk section stickys...
before you post read...

 

[2003SLVRSNAKE]

Welcome, congrats on the new ride. There's tons of info on this site.

 

[xsboosted]

Don't forget to burp the coolant system after you flush it.

 

[timspony]

Welcome to the site & best of luck!

 

[dlc03]

I would be careful pressure washing the engine. Water can get in the coils. And for sure get it retuned.

 

[Sp3edD3m0n]

there isnt alot to do as to keeping up on this car...i clean air filter/maf/air inlet weekly..live in dust ball..

i change oil alot...

and i pressure wash engine weekly..

fuel filter isnt that bad...helps to take 3mins and remove tail pipe..but get a good fuel line tool,,not the plastic type..

i havent changed trans fluid or supercharger...322k now

i try to always use oem parts...

use the search function alot it will save you tons of cash,,along with how to fix before you try to repair...

example...coil by itself 80 bucks...times 8=640 bucks....ford racing kit is same coil but 225 for 8...

your electric fan will go..ford want 400 bucks...dorman sells same fan 85 bucks

read terminator facts/question from cobrabob..it has everything you have asked about with details...see talk section stickys...
before you post read...

Well, I am changing the all the fluids because I am not too sure how the car was treated before and would like a fresh start.

I also need to replace and find some interior trim pieces. I need the door trim piece that holds the controls for the window and probably that control as well since its glued on and the trim piece is broken........

Will the interior pieces from a gt or v6 work?

 

[hotcobra03]

I would be careful pressure washing the engine. Water can get in the coils. And for sure get it retuned.

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/terminator-talk-229/789685-pic-day.html

 

[SVTDice]

You may also want to look at my MAF thread along with my other thread. Two more things to add to your list!

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/greasy-spoon-418/859080-power-steering-fluid-pictures.html

 

[mike_b_svt]

I also need to replace and find some interior trim pieces. I need the door trim piece that holds the controls for the window and probably that control as well since its glued on and the trim piece is broken........

Will the interior pieces from a gt or v6 work?

The switches will push out with a firm pinch and some wiggling, unless a previous owner actually did glue them in.

The door pull / door cup is the same for gt, v6 or cobra - but different for convertible vs coupe. 'Vert's have more switches for the back windows.

Break out your volt meter and check the battery and alternator. If you have a hydrometer, check the battery with that too.

Oh, and make sure you check the blinker fluid - if your car has the sequential mod, it will go through that fluid pretty quick! ;-)

 

[hotcobra03]

Well, I am changing the all the fluids because I am not too sure how the car was treated before and would like a fresh start.

I also need to replace and find some interior trim pieces. I need the door trim piece that holds the controls for the window and probably that control as well since its glued on and the trim piece is broken........

Will the interior pieces from a gt or v6 work?

go to dealer for door cups..they are cheap...

fog light benzels are also cheaper at ford

window switch see orieleys auto..

 

[dom418]

I would add changing the rear diff fluid as well just for insurance

 

[Sp3edD3m0n]

The switches will push out with a firm pinch and some wiggling, unless a previous owner actually did glue them in.

The door pull / door cup is the same for gt, v6 or cobra - but different for convertible vs coupe. 'Vert's have more switches for the back windows.

Break out your volt meter and check the battery and alternator. If you have a hydrometer, check the battery with that too.

Oh, and make sure you check the blinker fluid - if your car has the sequential mod, it will go through that fluid pretty quick! ;-)

glue.......oke:

 

[RDJ]

:bash: Dont I feel like a dumb ass......
\
Mmmm... if its that much of a PITA, I might wait on the fuel filter.

Thanks for the advice!

you might want to consult your owners manual as well. all of this shit is in there. if you didnt get the one that came with the car you can pull one down from fords website.

 

[redrocket16]

Was this the Cobra that has been on the Austin craigslist for quite a while now? I think the recent price I saw was 15.5?

 

[Sp3edD3m0n]

Was this the Cobra that has been on the Austin craigslist for quite a while now? I think the recent price I saw was 15.5?

Yeah, it was. I ended up getting it for $13.5K.

 

[redrocket16]

Yeah, it was. I ended up getting it for $13.5K.

13.5 for a termi? Makes me wonder what was/is wrong with the car. Hopefully its nothing major like a hidden wreck or something. Nothing worse than buying a car to find out its been in a major wreck that was covered up.