11/09/99

These are the first pictures that were taken of the Cobra. This was about a week after I bought it. Everything was still completely stock, including the tires. :(

The stock tires were old, and hard, making the Cobra scary to drive. You could easily overpower the tires in both first and second gear.

I never made any 1/4 mile runs while the cobra was in it's stock form.

12/24/99

Two months after purchasing the car, I make my first major mod. I had Fairway Ford install a Kenny Brown level 4 suspension kit, as well as a Bassani Cat-Back exhaust. I also replaced the running horse grill emblem with a more appropriate Cobra emblem.

The suspension changes make the Cobra handle so much better. Under hard acceleration, the rear end stays straight, instead of fishtailing. The car is lower to the ground, improving looks and helping me out at the autocross. The suspension makes the car predictable, and safer when pushed to its limits.

1/17/00

With the suspension finished, I wanted to give the car some more traction. I bought a set of Cobra "R" wheels which are 1 1/2" wider than my stock wheels were. Then I had them stripped and powder coated black. When the wheels were finished, I wrapped them with a set of 275/40/17 Yokohama AVS Sports.

I was excited about the darkened look, so I also tinted the windows and added black racing stripes.

At this point, I took the Cobra to Carlsbad raceway in Southern California and ran a best time of 14.1.

6/8/00

With the suspension finished, and grippier tires underneath the car, it was time increase the power output.

I opted for the new 10psi Vortech SQ Trim supercharger, complete with aftercooler.

The battery had to be re-located to the trunk to make room for the aftercooler reservoir.

The stock 3.27 rear end was replaced with new 4.10 gears.

7/12/00

The Cobra had a lot more go because of the supercharger. Unfortunately, that also meant that it was harder to stay in the seat. Stock Cobra seats are huge, soft and comfy, but the side bolster are almost non existant.

The solution: I installed a set of Daytona Cobra seats from Sube Sports. I also threw in a momo shift knob to help liven up the interior.

8/16/00

Installed a Steeda Tra-Ax shifter to make the shifts shorter and more crisp.

Installed clear corner turn signals.

Replaced the stock throttle body with one from the 2000 Cobra "R." To make it work, the upper intake had to be removed, and the "bridge" had to be cut out. Thank goodness for the dremel tool. :)

12/25/00

Replaced the stock Mass Air Meter with a new Pro-M 80mm unit.

Replaced the Yokohamas with Nitto Drag radials in hopes of improved traction. I get it, and am rewarded with a 12.7 sec. 1/4 mile time. 0-60 is down to 4.6 seconds.

I put a red pinstripe around each wheel and deem it "the cheapest mod ever."

1/5/01

I replaced the stock brake rotors with cross drilled, Brembo versions.

I noticed that at about 5500 rpm's, the car's power started to drop, despite boost levels increasing. It felt like hesitation, and when I posted to the Cobra list about my problem, a few people suggested that the spark was getting blown out. So on went the MSD ignition system.

The MSD fixed the problem completely and the Cobra pulled hard all the way to redline.

I bought a Steeda Cobra "R" hood with cowl induction, and Cervini Stalker side scoops and rear wing. Quigley's Autobody applied the paint.

1/10/01

Took the Cobra to PowerTrain Dynamics to have it dyno tuned.

A KenBelle "Boostapump" was installed to help get the necessary fuel pressure.

The result: 468.5hp at the wheels.

5/23/01

In late February, I had a Saturday autocross. On Monday, when I started the car, I heard a knock. It turned out to be a spun bearing. Ford replaced the motor under the extended warranty.

Word is, that the 4.6's have a bit of an oiling problem when high rpm's are maintained for a good length of time. To remedy the problem on the new motor, I had an 8 1/2 quart Canton oil pan installed along with a bigger windage tray, an oil cooler and dual remote oil filters.

At the same time, a dual friction kevlar clutch replaced the stock one, and I finally got my 2000 Cobra "R" Brembo brake calipers installed. Ford Motorsport ceramic coated shorty headers were installed as well.

7/30/01 - Started working on giving the website a much needed face lift since it is now hosted at the Corral and I have more webspace.

This past weekend, I installed the Ford fender flares, and Saleen style tail lights bezels. Here are two latest pics of the car: (update: one month later I ditched the Saleen light bezels, just couldn't get used to em)

1/21/02 - Whew. Haven't updated in forever, and I haven't finished the new site yet. :( Hope to finish it soon.

A couple weeks ago I had an Anderson Power Pipe installed. It had to be modified to fit with the aftercooler. I also installed a pair of wheel spacers to make the rear wheels flush with the fender flares.

7/02/02 - This past Friday I got the Cobra back from the shop (Powertrain Dynamics). Replaced the Pro-M 80mm MAF with with the new '01 90mm Ford Lightning MAF. We also ditched the FMU and went with 47# (modified) injectors.

Bought a set of '01 Cobra "R" 18" wheels and had them powdercoated black. Decided to try some Khumo Ecsta V700 racing tires instead of the Nitto Drag radials.

I ditched the normal Bassani cat-back, and replaced it with Bassani's side exhaust. Bassani only makes it for the 94-95 mustangs, but Steve at Powertrain Dynamics was kind enough to midify it to fit my 98.

And finally, I've been needing to post a more recent dyno sheet: 485.5rwhp and 411ft/lb. torque.

1/24/03 - Cool. My cobra got into it's first magazine. It happened at the first car show that I've ever entered. I also took home first place in the "Ultra Modified Class" and took home a swanky glass trophy. :D

2/28/03 - SOLD! Yup, I found a good home for the Cobra...