3 Top Tips to Help NOT Blow up Your Cobra

[@mlquillen56]

2004 Cobra. Pullied Eaton. 500 hp. WOT pull up a hill in 5th for like 20 seconds. Boom. Melted a piston. Rebuilding it now.

[@unlawfulorder2127]

Just got a Terminator and I’m glad I watched this. Thank you for the video. I’m going to check all of these things.

[@Intervention302]

Thanks man I appreciate it. I really am happy to help

[@NextLevelTruth]

Same here

[@codyk9084]

That’s so crazy because the last scenario you laid out is exactly what happened to my car. Ported Eaton making 500 that had those issues and now I have a blown head gasket… hoping that’s all it is and there’s nothing deeper

[@marine0331inf]

Sounds like good info for a GT with a Kenne bell coming at some point soon.

[@Lethal_Venom]

A KMJ alternator is on my list of things to buy over the winter

[@KenMileyJr]

Let me know when you're ready!

[@Lethal_Venom]

@@KenMileyJr Defiantly, I've contacted you on FB before, its on my list just working off buying a few other things that I'll need for the springtime as well.

[@NextLevelTruth]

Same here

[@Lethal_Venom]

@@NextLevelTruth I have it now, probably going on this weekend

[@stever.9171]

I have replaced so many alternators I can do it in 12 minutes by myself. My leads have quick connects on them. That being said. The best alternator you’re going to put on that car is a nations auto 180 amp or higher amp. They have external regulators. The diodes burn out on all the others unless they have an external regulator. so far, 3 years later, my alternator is still strong. They are not cheap! But worth it.

[@ElliottErnst]

180 amp or higher with new wiring Kit? Is the best

[@Wretched2JZ]

3rd time I’ve watched this, first time realizing you said alternator pump 😆

[@Intervention302]

I get tongue tied sometimes lol

[@justinstraub1404]

Awesome video, picking up my first Terminator this week with 32K on the clock. Very informative!

[@edwardstanley8375]

Proud to say I’m a new owner of a modded terminator with only 18 thousand miles and I gotta say your info was well worth it for me keep up the good work your one of the main reasons I ended up buying one and man I love this car!

[@theironsushi9837]

As soon as I'm done paying my truck I'm getting one of these bad boys they are just so damn expensive they hold their value incredibly well

[@michaelgraham4795]

Thank you for this video. I've done at least 2 of these things and i am ashamed. I've fixed all the issues of course but the mere fact of my ignorance. Thank you for the video.

[@Intervention302]

Helping new owners is what it's about

[@ApexxPredator1]

Dude then blue idlers look sexy af along with the valve covers. My Bosch intercooler pump went out again so I decided to go with one from VMP. We will see how it works. Great video and bad ass Terminator!

[@3500camarz]

Really good advice about the intercooler pump. My Lightning was pinging going up a steep hill in 100+ degree weather and it took me a little bit of troubleshooting to figure out my pump needed new electrical brushes. It cost me $10 to fix that pump, and that simple fix could’ve cost me my motor had I kept driving it that way. Definitely check the intercooler pump!

[@moffettcoates6455]

What gauges are those, very nice.

[@CheesusSVT]

Just bought an 03 terminator with 24k miles thanks so much, Funny thing is I got it home and the alternator went out. Learned so much, Subbed and thanks again!

[@CheesusSVT]

It didnt just go out, it burned out completely. Scary stuff. I'll look into what you suggested for sure!

[@dylanthusing6211]

This video was great, looking to buy a Terminator in the Spring.

[@f4turbo]

Thanks for the tips. Good to see guys still making videos on these cars.

[@paulciprus9582]

Cool vid....as a long time Cobra owner...almost 18 years 35,000 mi...what you said makes a lot of sense..I won’t do more than 140 mph...I’ve buried the Speedo...long time ago..got a good alt..bigger pulley on it to slow it down..4lb lower..3.25 upper...4:10 gear..Tremec TR6060..Crower stg 3 cams..Whippled..and many other mods..one of the best things to have is a oil temp gauge..keep your eye on engines life blood..it does move quite a bit depending on how you drive..and outside temp...all in all great cars..I enjoy it and appreciate it for what it is....

[@judeh101]

This video should apply to GT500s as well lol. I knew the intercooler pump was going on mine. Had to physically punch the pump to work again. Well, one day, while I was making a pump, i heard some pinging, which was unusual. To find that the pump had quit completely. Replaced it with a Davies Craig DC9040 pump, and all is good. It flows way faster than the stock bosch pump, and it's brushless. Still not quite enough juice if I want super low IATs

[@Sweet83GT]

Great advice! I've got experience with these issues and learned the hard way unfortunately many years ago.

[@Coldheart1903]

Don’t own a Terminator, but I like the videos. 👌

[@CM-qh3jv]

Very nice! I dont have a cobra yet but someday i will, ill keep my eye on all these👍

[@infineon222]

Maybe a video about the values of these cars seemingly spiking currently or in the near future. Maybe an example of how much it costs to build a 900whp terminator? I personally own a 700whp cobra on e85 with a 2.8H kenne bell blower. I was thinking about selling the kenne bell and getting maybe a used whipple. I would also like to upgrade the blower cooling system.

[@Intervention302]

Good idea! But what if the wife saw the "how much $$$ does it cost to build a Cobra?" What if, even worse if I died, she sells it for what I told her is in it! Jokes aside. She knows my money is mine, and hers is hers. I can spend what I want, when and how I want

[@Dutch1982]

Awesome video! Would you fear buying a Terminator with 88k miles on it? I don’t know the average lifespan of these machines.

[@Logan-te3iq]

No definitely not

[@Justin_in_NC]

If you wanted to keep your terminator all stock, what alternator would you recommend keeping on hand for the eventual day? I’d like to have one ready or even pre-emptively swap it out, but I have no intention of modifying the car & keeping it stock so there’s not really a need to go full overkill I’m just looking for the best reliability, I’m not looking to swap pulleys to gain power yet

[@11105angel]

Bought to put my 2.3 whipple on and I’m definitely upgrading my alternator. Thanks for the info!

[@martinzeosex]

lol same

[@Intervention302]

No problem 👍

[@sergiodoordie319]

What else is needed to be done to the engine before upgrade to a whipple supercharger? New belt new fuel pump or just a swap?

[@11105angel]

@@sergiodoordie319 sct tuner if you don’t have one $500 Gates belt $70 I put a j2fab alternator $600 Supercharger oil change $70 Dyno tune $500 Kenne bell boost a pump $250-300 Some complications may arise if you have a failing fuel pump there fire needing to either replace the whole pump or go with a brand new system to be safe

[@sonidosaborlatinodallas]

Great video, I have a terminator thanks for you advice

[@JrSVT]

All good tips...love the Cobra content.

[@Intervention302]

Glad to hear it!

[@alecgriswold6440]

PMCS, preventative maintenance checks and services, to conduct daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly.

[@CashMoneyKC1]

Love your SB😍

[@stephenalexander2427]

Im kinda a new owner , I’ve had mine 2 1/2 years . I’ve replaced those same things ! Could you talk more about beating the rev limiter to death ! I stay away from mine , heard it cuts fuel , goes lean , chance of burning a piston . Thanks

[@sfcjerryharris]

These things make me want to leave her alone and just be happy

[@JplGamer]

What would be considered high charge temps cruising around, the weather here has gotten up to high 90s where I’m at and my charge temps are 140-150 stop and start traffic temps and 130-140 cruising highway the pump runs at idle just seems high to me

[@brianwdodge1]

At what point/horsepower level would you say the 03/04 Cobra starts to lose its reliability/daily driveability? I’ve heard a lot of people say to just port the stock Eaton blower for around 500-550 rwhp (depending on other mods) but don’t go beyond that. What’s your opinion? Thanks and Love the channel!!

[@midnight347]

Dude these engines are stout you can easily swap to a better blower and be in the 600-700+ rwhp range no problem. Did you listen to this video? Power isn't really the problem it's the other shit he mentioned just have proper supporting mods and use the best fuel you can and get a good tune which goes without saying it'll be fine. This car can be dalied if you want but honestly I wouldn't recommend that. The car will drive just as docile at 700-800 wheel as it would with a ported stock Eaton. It is up to you and your right foot when you see the power. Under part throttle it will be as docile as it would be stock.

[@mazuranwv6717]

Great video man! I'm browsing Terminators atm. Just wish my Vette would sell so I could make a move 😂

[@DriesOG]

I'm in the same boat... I have a 2010 GrandSport C6 and I'm thinking of trading it/selling it for a termi...

[@NextLevelTruth]

@@DriesOG just bought mine 5 days ago, couldn’t be happier

[@DriesOG]

@@NextLevelTruth I'd love too, Have to figure out my corvette situation first...

[@josephkrause5290]

Just picked up my mystichrome cobra yesterday, thanks for the tips. What’s the specs on your wheels?

[@Intervention302]

BC Forged TD03 I'm a vendor if you're interested in picking up a set

[@CashMoneyKC1]

Love the channel. What wheels are those? What’s the 302 mean, are you in Delaware ?

[@03cobratermi24]

Too late for me brother. I did exactly what you said a highway pull and by the time I got to the off ramp my termi was rough idling. I’m pushing 511 to the wheels so I see why you say what you said about 500 hp cobras. I’ll be taking it to the shop next month. But any feedback on what it might be? It’s cylinder number 2 and it has low compression

[@midnight347]

Chances are it melted a piston. I hope not for your sake but it sounds like it. Doing 5th gear wide open highway pulls are bad...

[@thomasmaymnard]

Got a question for you, so... the terminator cobra uses the same deck height and a shorter stroke than the coyotes and a stronger connecting rod. And I know the valvetrain is of a similar level of quality (if not safer bc of lack of vct which causes issues). Coyotes regularly rev out to 8,000 rpm tuned with minimal upgrades. Have the cobra guys messed around with turning the revs up? Theoretically, by moving power up in the band you could actually make the same or more power safer since overall torque is staying the same or likely going down. Also, just stumbled onto your channel. Love your cobra man. I hope to have a similar story to your mustang with mine, I’ve had mine 5 years already and I still haven’t fallen out of love with it.

[@Intervention302]

I know some of the drag racers have increased the revs considerably. For me, and my cam specs it's not really in the cards

[@jbsvt9126]

The wheels look so good on this car! Are those 18’s?

[@Intervention302]

18*9.5/18*11

[@jbsvt9126]

@@Intervention302 great choice! 315’s on the back?

[@ericjames6693]

You are a big help thank you so much

[@jamiesvt]

Great vid !

[@_massouda_]

Great video! Would the head cooling mod be in this list? Cheap but not easy to install

[@djmartin4776]

I agree 100%. Seemed like it should be easy

[@jpsjustcruising33]

Very good Video

[@Nitroxdude]

And did you get the 200 amp? Or did you go more ?

[@insanekiller9256]

What kind of coolant are u using if u don't mine me asking

[@2003cobramustang]

Thanks for this I’m considering getting a cobra in the future! Very helpful info!!

[@Intervention302]

Glad I could help!

[@anthonyhales4192]

So did you get the car

[@Brett321]

Do you ever consider switching to Gen5? Or what are your thoughts

[@Intervention302]

I'm holding the G4 Crusher for now. If/When a G6 comes out, I'll see what I can do. T56 Magnum install first

[@Nitroxdude]

How much grinding do you have to do to make these alt fit ?

[@sergiodoordie319]

Thank you

[@josephvella3688]

Should look up j 2 fabrication alternators

[@joecobra2192]

Really want those rims for my terminator!! What kind are they??

[@Intervention302]

BC Forged TD03 I'm a vendor for them if you're interested

[@joecobra2192]

@@Intervention302 awesome I’m very interested

[@DriesOG]

Now can the WOT problem be solved with better gearing?

[@Intervention302]

Is 140mph really not enough though?

[@DriesOG]

@@Intervention302 Honestly no, I'd like to be able to achieve like 160-170 without worrying about melting a piston...

[@ricer0cket25]

Don't forget oil pumps thats the most common problem. But when you realize it's bad it's already too late

[@speedfiend925]

This car seems to be rather high maintenance. Should this discourage someone from purchasing one?

[@Intervention302]

Its a 20 year old car , now making nearly 225-250% the HP it came from the factory with. There is going to be some maintenance

[@midnight347]

It's really not hith maintenence at all. Just pretty simple rules you gotta follow in order to not blow it. They can take a ton of power reliably as long as you follow these simple rules. If you wanna go faster than 4th gear can do for whatever reason put taller gears in it lol.

[@ericjames6693]

How can have a one on one question about my 03 cobra

[@TheMGChannel]

Great video 👍🏻 Definitely avoid 5th and 6th gear pulls, it’s not worth the risk, another thing these cars really didn’t have the best cooling for the cylinder heads, specially the driver head, making such a long pull creates an insane amount of heat and your cylinder #7 and #8 can be the first ones to go on vacation lol

[@Intervention302]

That's a good addition. I actually only put the head cooling mod on last year 😅

[@TheMGChannel]

Intervention302 That’s awesome, did you notice any difference in temps after installing the mod? I’ve been thinking about doing it but again I never do really 5th gear pulls or really abuse the car and my car it’s only a pullied cobra so I think for now my car should be Okay

[@paulsvt1118]

What are the signs if your terminator is running lean?

[@Intervention302]

Gets a wideband or a real dyno tune. It's not worth it. If you hear detonation it's game over already

[@paulsvt1118]

I have a dyno with tuner and have done the full exhaust ,pulley cai etc. Just got a new Afco heat exchanger not installed yet but car is stored. currently 476 rwhp 62000 miles.

[@TakedownNoobs]

#4 not checking up on 4 thread spark plugs

[@Intervention302]

Crazy that I haven't had an issue with mine yet!!!

[@TakedownNoobs]

@@Intervention302 I haven’t had any issues with my 03 with the 4 thread heads either but I’ve definitely heard some horror stories

[@11105angel]

My car vibrates and I mean shakes bad at 130 mph , do you happen to know what the problem could be?

[@Intervention302]

likely tires/wheels. But could be driveshaft, axles, diff, or really any driveline component. Put on a new set of wheels, or bring your wheels to a shop to be rebalanced

[@11105angel]

@@Intervention302 sounds like the drive shaft brother.thank you!

[@cobra20500]

Mines got the vibration also starts around 70mph. Had the tires road force balanced , new drive shift suspension checked thoroughly still vibs. Now car is at Kurgan Motorsports and he said my swaybar stabilizer needs to be replaced so going to see if that makes a difference or not.

[@11105angel]

@@cobra20500 it’s too sketch ! Bouta change the whole suspension lol

[@11105angel]

@@Intervention302 I forgot to reply to you about what happened . My motor mounts were almost gone 😂😂

[@azor0211]

Hello from Dallas tx I have aquestio so If someone offered you good money, would you sell it? I'm looking for a car Like that one it's beautiful.

[@Intervention302]

$50,000

[@azor0211]

@@Intervention302 what year and millage

[@Intervention302]

03 39k miles

[@yannyfrag]

@@Intervention302 love your price. Every time I get ask the same question I say $100k in cash, it's just a easy way to keep the car for ever lol. Love your video.

[@seanelawrence]

Bonus tip: Don’t run a tune hotter than the pulley you have on the blower. ;)

[@Intervention302]

Yes.... thats not good haha

[@cobra20500]

You mean don't run a smaller pulley then what was tuned on?

[@seanelawrence]

@@cobra20500 yes, that may have happened.

[@richkersey3199]

Nations makes the best alternators because the regulator is remote.

[@xx87gt306xx]

Did you ask your wife for a wireless mic for christmas?

[@Intervention302]

I had tried this one out for in car stuff, but I definitely need a wireless one next

[@anthonyhales4192]

Id like to talk to some stock cobra owners because this seems like overkill to the max.

[@Intervention302]

Overkill to the max to watch a nearly 18 year old alternator and intercooler pump?

[@anthonyhales4192]

@@Intervention302 my 97s gts alternator is original and the water pump didn't need replacing I just did it while I was swapping intake manifolds out. They're good parts thats what makes ford the best in the domestic market. Id like to own one of these , but stock minus exhaust. I just dont see the need to replace something thats not broken. Ive done it before and all it caused me was problems. If im paying 25k for a car with 20 30k on the clock I shouldn't need to worry about alternator and intercooler coolant pumps that's just rediculous

[@Intervention302]

The 97gt alternator is not comparable to the alternator woes 03-04 cobras have. You do you... If it works it works. Until it blows up, and you'll remember this video. It takes seconds to rest your alternator

[@tomkjr1]

I could never understand why someone would pay top dollar for a beautiful Terminator and then turn around and cheap out on spare parts when the time comes to replace them. I would also like to add a 4th top tip to help not blow up your cobra = Get a wideband Air/Fuel Gauge. Many new Terminator owners don't realize how important keeping an eye on your engine's air to fuel ratio is, especially when modifying the car. Having a lean fuel condition in a boosted car can quickly become a fatal disaster for your engine and the A/F gauge will show you right away if that safe ratio (stoic) of 14.7(for pump gas) change, hopefully before any damage is done. That gauge could mean the difference between life and death for your engine!

[@Intervention302]

I would agree My gauges normally go: AFR Spark Advance Charge Temp Battery or Fuel Pressure

[@mboost3151]

@@Intervention302 when your alternator went bad in previous video did the ford dash through a battery light? I'm very concerned as my 03 silver vert seems to have original alternator (60k miles) and I have no voltage gauge yet. Plan to upgrade but worry about it failing on me during a ride in Spring. Thanks again for all content and the reference to Pete. He is awesome. Loving the channel

[@tomkjr1]

@@mboost3151 You can get an inexpensive voltage meter that plugs right into your cigarette lighter. It is cheap insurance for your cobra.

[@mboost3151]

@@tomkjr1 Thanks

[@Justin_in_NC]

@@tomkjr1do you happen to have any recommendations for that?

[@stephendwinells8260]

I can add one thing.. You can’t blow up your cobra if you leave it in the garage and buy a lightning and beat the shit out of that… has to be a second gen… Not for nothing I have way more fun in the lightning.

[@SOLODRIVEN]

Great video brother, definitely some good tips and I’m glad you shared and decided to make this video. Will be using the intercooler pump tip for sure 💪🏼 Come check my channel out sometime.

[@edwardzimmer2052]

Would like to talk to you. Do you have email I can contact you on? I would really appreciate it. I have an 04 Cobra. It is at the BB Racing in Florida right now. Let me know or I can give you my number.

[@samdyson465]

Treat treat my car like a little baby. No add-ons no nothing.

[@Intervention302]

Stock... not really my cup of tea. Hell, I can't keep anything stock. I modded my lawnmower first week

[@samdyson465]

@@Intervention302 i’m a collision technician. I love beautiful cars. My car will haul ass to be stock. Some guys like to race them., some don’t. I just drive it very slow

[@martinzeosex]

@@Intervention302 hehe hell yea buddy!

[@Toosick023]

I have roughly 700 at the wheel that I never use lol I try not to hit boost too much

[@midnight347]

​@Toosick023 why? These things are stout bro if you got a safe tune and plenty of octane for your boost and tune and didn't skimp on supporting mods there is no reason to be afraid of ripping on it long as it's warmed up to operating temp.

[@johndelson667]

3 tips dont race it... dont beat it... and dont let no woman drive it.

[@codprocamp4690]

These cars are impossible to blow up

[@Intervention302]

Not really. Quite easy honestly

[@midnight347]

They're impossible to blow up if you have plenty of octane and supporting mods and a good tune and you don't do overdrive wide open throttle pulls. They can take alot of abuse if you follow these simple rules. If you don't they can melt down pistons at 500 wheel like he said.