Cobra Shortblock questions

[Motorhead350]

Good morning. Looks like what I wanna do is get a Cobra shortblock in the end. My question is how far back can I go? Were they iron in 1996? I have found a few on-line, but I'm not completely sure what I am looking at.

Here are examples...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-96-MUSTANG-COBRA-TEKSID-SHORTBLOCK-4-6-DOHC-ENGINE-/110580631352?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19bf1e8738#ht_12544wt _1012

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-01-Mustang-SVT-Cobra-engine-heads-8-bolt-steel-crank-/190457393981?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c5825333d#ht_500wt_9 75

Now it seems fine, but I don't know if it's Iron or not. It is mentioned that it's what Marauders have, but Mach 1 and Cobra engines are common mistakes. A lot think we have Cobra engines, as we do not.

Is there a code to look for. Should I just stick to 03 and 04 only?

Thanks.

Can't wait to get it back on the road to 18psi! :burnout:

.........someday. :alone:

[russell072009]

my understanding is other then the iron 03-04 cobra blocks they are all, including marauder blocks, aluminum. best bet is to stay 03-04. ford spent a lot of money making those engines special to take boost for a long time. both ebay listings you have listed are aluminum blocks. the teksid block is supposed to be very strong but it's internals are probably not hardened and would need to be upgraded.

[ImpalaSlayer]

You want an 03 or 04, anything else is the same as what you have, aka junk

[yjmud]

the aluminum block has a forged crank but the rest would need to be changed

[FordNut]

You want an 03 or 04, anything else is the same as what you have, aka junk

ditto.....

[RacerX]

Hehe! Block failure... More like rotating assembly failure that aerated the block! ;) 03-04 Cobra blocks are iron. They're only 80lbs more, have a completely forged rotating assembly and are usually cheaper. I really advise you to spend the $20 at a big book store and get Sean Hylands book or one of the other good 4.6/5.4 mod books before you actually start looking. Good luck!

http://www.jegs.com/i/S-A-Designs/840/SA82/10002/-1?parentProductId=1193628

[Joe Walsh]

Hehe! Block failure... More like rotating assembly failure that aerated the block! ;) 03-04 Cobra blocks are iron.
They're only 80lbs more, have a completely forged rotating assembly and are usually cheaper. I really advise you to spend the $20 at a big book store and get Sean Hylands book or one of the other good 4.6/5.4 mod books before you actually start looking. Good luck!

http://www.jegs.com/i/S-A-Designs/840/SA82/10002/-1?parentProductId=1193628

Yep, haven't seen lots of aluminum block failures...usually a stray rod or two does them in.

"only 80 lbs more"...

That's the weight of the entire aluminum block....personally I like driving around with one less 'bag of cement' over the front tires.
I think that cast iron does a great job.....in trucks.

[RacerX]

This is Dom we're talking about... :D I think he may be better off with a slightly used 03/04 Cobra sb or lb. Call me crazy. Maybe he can lose some weight... :burnout:

[Motorhead350]

Thanks for the info guys. I will have plenty of time to look.