Just purchased : Ford Racing Cobra Upper & Lower Manifold (opinions please)

[jakester888]

Some of you know I'm doing a donor build from a stock 93 Mustang LX. The engine is out and on the Engine Stand. Now taking things apart for cleaning & paint.

Decided to just replace the upper & lower intake manifold. Debated to myself between the Trick Flow Twisted (better performance) and Ford Racking Cobra Polished (looks & some performance boost). I elected to go the Ford Racing Cobra route.

Reasons:

1) Increased airflow. Taller heads and some reviews on the mustang forums about additional 25-50 HP improvements. True???
2) Looks, love that polished aluminum and of course the "5.0 Cobra" emblem.
3) Stock swap easily done - couldn't be sure of this with the Trick Flow <-- newbie.

What are your thoughts?

Incidentally, I bought online for $475 from JEGS (saved $62 by referencing the same product sold by LMR). Link to product is here:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford+Racing/397/M-9424-Z51P/10002/-1

Photo is here:

4877

[JNC]

If you're going to use the stock TB, MAF, heads, injectors & cam, then I highly doubt that you'll gain any power. I agree that they look good though...:)

[Raceral]

If you can find the money for heads and cam... then you will be talking!! But believe me.. I am the king of budget building. So we all understand if you can't swing it.

[skullandbones]

jakester,

You look a little young to be driving a race car! I have a website (article) that will really put things into perspective. It did for me. Have a look see: http://racingarticles.com/article_racing17.html It's about a guy who experimented with components over a 5 yr period and got his stang from running 15s to the high 11s. So if it was in the budget and improved his time he kept it. If it didn't help, he trashed it. But it helps to show what works and what doesn't.

You definitely have the cool factor covered with the new manifold. WEK.

[Richard Oben]

We have installed a bunch of them. If you can swing heads great, if not do that after the car is done. It is pretty easy to build 350 HP with that intake and the best thing is it makes power (torque) down low, very driveable. HTH, Richard.

[jakester888]

Wow - all good stuff guys, learning alot from this forum and the links you provide. Sounds like my manifold choice will mostly just look good under the hood. What am I getting into? - changing heads/cam, sounds intimidating.

Not intimidated by $$, more by skill level required. None of my neighbors are mechanics either. ;)

What should I consider when thinking about heads/cams and how can I get it done right without f@#ing up?

[dsblk93gt]

I have one on my car and had one on a previous one as well. They work fine, maybe a 20hp gain if that on a stock motor. For heads, it depends what your goals are but TFS, Edelbrock, AFR, etc are all fine. You can't run anything with a 2.02 valve other than the TFS though without piston notching. I have Edelbrocks now and had TFS on my 331. They all work well.

[skullandbones]

You should start with a good repair manual such as Haynes or Chilton. The procedures for changing heads and cam are step by step usually with good illustrations. You can also post here for clarification on anything that stumps you and get more than enough info and support. I think the cam install is a little intimidating too but if you watch "Horsepower" TV a few times you will have the basics or go to the web, you can see videos that will help, also. Once you have the cam in, the rest is simple assembly. You just have to make sure to follow instructions to the letter and if you don't understand just ask. There are experts as well as "shade tree mechanics" who know a few things too. Good luck, WEK.

[dsblk93gt]

Check ebay for an original Ford manual, I have one and it is a life saver. It is 10x better than anything else out there other than hands on experience.

[UpstateCobraGuy]

Sent you a pm.

[JJ'snakepit]

Here is a Good deal on some bling for later down the road... I would put the word out that your looking for some GT40 heads. You will find good deals if you look for them... Good luck

http://www.cfrperformance.com/FORD_MUSTANG_5_0_SERPENTINE_PULLEY_BRACKET_KIT_p/hz-4300-kit.htm

[Mesa Mike]

Since you already have the intake it's too late to change but it's a pretty good system. But, as said by others you won't see alot of HP gain without increasing the throttle body size and heads. I had a basic engine and over the years replace about all the parts and then replaced with a complete different engine. Nice thing about a SB Ford is you have lots of parts around. Watch the "for sale" section and sooner or later you'll see some heads for sale. Good ones....Edlebrock RPM profermers. Match with Edlebrock Victor Jr. intake system and you'll see 350 HP. Oh, I just happen to have the Victor Jr. intake available.