Since its introduction, the Mustang Cobra has undergone many changes. Over 35 years since the original GT350, metal has transformed into plastic and the high-performance engine of the popular ponycar evolved into a computer-controlled, fuel injected 4.6-liter. But, even with the technological innovations, today's Cobra continues its racing legacy. A person can still buy a Cobra from a dealership and have an enjoyable outing at the local race track or drag strip.
Take Aaron Archer of Locust Grove, Ga., for example. A business analyst by trade, this year Aaron and his brother Ryan started Team Archer Racing. With his supercharged '97 Cobra convertible, Aaron competes in the 11 Fun Ford Weekend events in the Mod Motor Class. Aaron won the Epping, N.H. event last summer and finished 2000 fourth in overall points.
Indeed, this Cobra was made to tear up the quarter-mile. Boasting a best time of 10.89 at 125 mph, the white convertible has a long list of modifications. A Vortech S-Trim supercharger punches the custom built 281 to over 500 horses. A Tremec TKO transmission, aluminum driveshaft and 4.30 gears distribute power to Bogart wheels wrapped with Mickey Thompson slicks.
Improved aerodynamics and weight reduction comes by a Saleen S-351 spoiler and R model hood. Yes, the Cobra racing heritage is alive and well in Aaron's ride.
The road to owning the 10-second ragtop began in 1997 at the Legacy Ford Mercury dealership in McDonough, Ga. The Cobra caught Aaron's eye while sitting on the showroom floor. Three hours after the dealership closed, (he wanted more money for his trade- in, a 1996 GT) Aaron struck a deal and drove the snake home.
The Cobra stayed in stock condition for about a year until Aaron decided to give the snake some bigger fangs by way of the S-Trim Vortech. Shortly after installing the supercharger and 3.73 gears, the snake threw a belt and broke the oil return line at the pan. Undeterred, Aaron was resolved in making his Cobra scream down the track.
The job of upgrading the Blue-Oval serpent fell into the hands of Tommy Higgins of Higgins Ford Performance in Douglasville, Ga. Starting with the stock 4-cam mill, Higgins replaced the oil pan and installed SHM long tube headers, a BBK twin 62mm twin throttle body, C&L 80mm mass air meter and a Superchip computer module.
The suspension was fortified with Global West lower control arms and subframe connectors. Next, to make the Cobra breath, an H-pipe with high-flow catalytic converters exhaling into Flowmaster mufflers was welded onto the snake. Out back, 4.10 gears connected to an aluminum driveshaft replaced the 3.73s.
After driving the car to work for about a year, Aaron decided to take the car to a local drag strip. The Cobra ran 12.30s on drag radials, but wasn't running like expected. A week later there was smoke streaming from the engine, and a teardown revealed a broken a piston.