5.8 Liter from a 95 Ford Mustang Cobra R?

[trojansouthpaw05]

Hello everybody,

There is a pretty good deal online for a 95 Cobra R mustang. It has a 5.8 rated at about 300 hp. I was wondering if anybody could weigh in and let me know if;
A. this engine would fit in the MK4 without a ton of modification
B. How difficult engine modifications would be on an engine like this? I know there is an abundance of 5.0 performance parts, but I have been struggling to find performance parts for this particular engine.
C. Is it absolute sacrilege to tear apart a 95 Cobra R and use the running gear from it?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[Gumball]

Well, I felt bad using the drivetrain and brakes out of '94 SVT Cobra #831, but at least the shell lived on in the form of a track car built by a friend. There were 5,000 of those in '94 and a similar number in '95, so the "regular" SVT Cobra's weren't really rare. But, there were only a total of 300 of the Cobra Rs built in '95 (none in '94), so those are truly special. I usually don't offer my opinion on how someone uses their car, but in this case, particularly since you asked, I do think it would be better to leave that car intact and use another donor. JMHO, though.

[skullandbones]

Hi southpaw,
That sounds too good to be true but if it is and you get it, restore the Cobra R and find another donor. Then you will have two hot cars. Good luck! WEK.

[Gale K]

A. 5.8 has just got to be a 351, and if so, no problem on fit. I would do a little digging to verify, but if it is the 351, easy pie!

B. Same story if you're dealing with a 351. Plenty of options for making great power.

C. As I have aged, I get less sentimental about stuff like this. If it's a great deal, I personally would not have issues with using it as a donor. Do what makes sense to you and satisfies your requirements. JMHO. :)

Most importantly, have fun!

[Jeff Kleiner]

C. Is it absolute sacrilege to tear apart a 95 Cobra R and use the running gear from it?



I won't comment on sacrilege but if it is a real R (eighth character of the VIN will be "C") and not rolled up into a ball it would be foolish. A legitimate, intact Cobra R has a value well into 5 figures which is out of donor territory. I'm thinking that if it is a "great deal" it ain't real!

Jeff

[OCCPete]

What he said ^

If it's REALLY a Cobra R and it's not completely beyond repair, it would be insane to use it as a donor. That said, there's nothing all that special about the engine, so unless it's a rediculously low price, you'd be better off getting a crate 351W or build one staring with a truck block.

To answer your questions:
A. Yes, it would fit with no problems, it's just a 351W
B. Parts are readily abundant, it's a 351W
C. YES!

Pete

[mrmustang]

C. Is it absolute sacrilege to tear apart a 95 Cobra R and use the running gear from it?

Instead of tearing up an original 1995 "R" Model (I've owned #99 in the past have worked on and repainted 7 others in the past), you could get yourself a 351W/385hp Ford crate engine and couple it to a Tremec TKO (or 600 for that matter) and have yourself a better drivetrain.

The question I have for you is, what # 95 "R" are we discussing, as there are one or two that are wrecked beyond repair.

Bill S.

PS: For the record, there were only 250 1995 Cobra "R" Mustang produced that year, not 300. There were 300 2000 Cobra "R" Models produced........

[MPTech]

If it's a really good deal and in good condition, buy-it and resell it at a profit.
Use that money to buy a FRP 351 crate.

Did a quick google and saw 4 listed for $20k, $29k, $35k, and $50 respectively.


Built to Race! (Does not have air conditioning, rear seat, radio, power windows/locks/mirrors, sound insulation or fog lights)
:D

[mrmustang]

If it's a really good deal and in good condition, buy-it and resell it at a profit.
Use that money to buy a FRP 351 crate.

Did a quick google and saw 4 listed for $20k, $29k, $35k, and $50 respectively.




:D


Low mileage units are as high as $28,500 (actually selling prices), high mileage units or those modified are in the 18,200-23000 range right now. Wrappers (IE: never dealer prepared) are selling in the mid 30's......The Rosie Diner car (1st sold to the general public and raced in the One Lap of America that year) just sold for under $23,000 with it's original short block and the race motor already in the car.

Bill S.

[skullandbones]

I forgot to mention why I think keeping the R intact is important. Of course, you can sell it for some bucks but the real reason would be the ride you get in a very special car. A lot of thought when into making that cobra worthwhile. It reminds me of my first ride in a 62 "409". It was hairy and the hood raised about a foot on every gear change. So when I hear the song now, I go right back to that night. I think each muscle car has it's on unique sort of ride experience to give you. That's probably why so many guys want to replicate the cobra roadster! WEK.

[Gale K]

Great info on the "R" model. OK, I change my answer. :) If it is the real deal, and a great buy, buy it, resell, spend the money on the FFR! Or keep it for another play toy!!!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Just an interesting follow up. I was cruising ebay motors for something else Mustang related a bit ago and came across 3 listings for '95 Rs:
#13; 6,700 mi., Reserve not met with a current high bid of $10,100
#234; 5,900 mi., Reserve not met with a current high bid of $23,500
#228; 9,300 mi., Buy it now price of $25,900

Jeff

[AC Bill]

An R decal, doesn't make it an R.. Lots of the Stang guys putting together R clones, Perhaps they have actually convinced themselves that it's a real one..:rolleyes:

[CraigS]

If you can verify it's a real "R", I'd never use it as a donor. Way to cool and valuable to strip. After all the engine is just a mild 351 which could be easily outdone as an FFR engine w/ a near stock 351 shortblock and Edel heads and intake.