Frequently Asked Questions


Table of Contents

  1. How can I identify the model year of a SN-95 Cobra?
  2. What changes were made between '96 and '97 Cobras?
  3. What changes were made between '97 and '98 Cobras?
  4. Do the cupholders supplied on SVT Cobras suck?
  5. Which is the best radar detector?
  6. Which is the best oil filter?
  7. What are the stock wheel/tire types and sizes?
  8. What rear-end gear ratio should I run?
  9. How do I get my SVT certificate?

How can I identify the model year of a SN-95 Cobra?

Taillights

'94 and '95 Cobras have horizontal taillights, while '96-'98 have vertical taillights.

Rocker Panels

'95 and up Cobras have a flare at the front of the rocker panel, just behind the front tire.  '94 Cobras don't.

Grille

'96 Cobras have a honeycomb grille (unless it was removed as part of the cooling upgrade TSB), '97 and '98 Cobras don't.

Wheels

If it has Cobra R style wheels, with a black SVT centercap, it's probably a '98.

The openings on the '96 and '97 wheels are painted gray, '94 and '95 are not.

Clock Pod

Starting with the '98 model year, the clock pod on the dash was deleted.


What changes were made between '96 and '97 Cobras?

  • '97s do not have an under hood light..
  • '97's have the cooling upgrade.
  • Several of the under hood plastic pieces around the radiator and headlights were deleted on '97s
  • Mystic and Laser Red finishes in '96, Rio Red and Pacific Green in '97.

What changes were made between '97 and '98 Cobras?

  • '98s have a dual cup holder instead of an ashtray.
  • The dash clock pod was deleted in '98.
  • '98s don't have the export brace under the hood.
  • '98s have 8-inch Cobra R style wheels.
  • Rio Red and Pacific Green finishes in '97, Atlantic Blue and Yellow in '98.

Do the factory cupholders supplied with SVT Cobras suck?

Yes


Which is the best radar detector?

Valentine One


Which is the best oil filter?

Click here for a site with an extensive oil filter survey



What are the stock wheel/tire types and sizes?

See the wheels page


What rear-end gear ratio should I run?

The ideal gear ratio will obviously depend on a variety of different circumstances.   The recommendations below were derived from a survey of SVT Cobra owners on the SCOA mailing list.  These recommendation are intended as a "rule of thumb" for those running stock gears and trying to decide what ratio to switch to.

5.0 Cobra

Street Driving / Road Racing 3.27
Road Racing and Drag Racing 3.55
Drag Racing 3.73 (or numerically higher)

 

4.6 Cobra

Street Driving / Road Racing 3.73
Road Racing and Drag Racing 4.10
Drag Racing 4.30 (or numerically higher)


How do I get my SVT certificate?

Call 1-800-FORD-SVT