Ran my neighbors 99 cobra convertible that just got the new mods (new intake manifold, idler pulley, and exhaust). We ran them back in October when my L was brand new and the L just walked away. The new mods on the cobra helped alot, but the L keeps impressing me. She gained a 2 car lead up to 60 then just inched ahead further up to 120 when we shut them down. The results were consistant, as we started from various speeds (stoped x 2, 10,15,and 20 where I kept the tranny in 1st manually fearing the dreaded early shift). We also launched once where we just nailed it to see who would hook up first (winner L), boy can that cobra put out some smoke though. Since first time we ran them I have installed an X pipe ($75.00 custom exhaust system bolt on mod that sounds like a 1100.00 system)in place of the muffler which seems to make it pull harder up top with very little if any penalty down low. It sure is nice to have friends that are into this also so we can really see what these mods truely do for us.

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99 Black Lightning
Built July 26, 1999
Build # 2883 of 4000

[This message has been edited by shonut (edited 03-05-2000).]

 

Hey Bid D
Running these was a good time. I bought my x pipe exhaust mod from another member (cobrarose)who lives 5 miles from me. He had it built for $75.00 and decided it was too loud for his wife and occasional long hauls pulling his race mustang. The x pipe is nothing more that 2 pipes (same size as stock) bent to form an x that is cut and welded in the center to allow balancing of the two pipes. Same effect as an H pipe that is common among hot rodders. It truely adds a very healthy sound that even my wife likes. It now sounds like a true v-8. Someone equated the sound to a big block boat that has straight pipes exhausting in shallow water. The whole install only requires loosening 4 c clamps and pulling off the stock muffler and tips. The tips are then bolted onto the x pipe to give it the stock look. I am fully happy with the system, and can now spent the saved money on other mods ie. a chip and intake system. Before you spend the money, pull off the muffler and see what you thing of the sound.

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99 Black Lightning
Built July 26, 1999
Build # 2883 of 4000

 

Shonut

Thanx for the advice!

I assume that the x-pipe replaces the muffler? Are you still street legal?

 

Yes the x-pipe is a direct replacement for the muffler. 4 clamps and it is back to being stock. Not sure of the legal requirements but have been next to police and they had no problem with the sound levels. It is actually not that loud at idle due to the backpressure and muffling done by the cats. Put your foot into it and the lion roars! I did ask the legal question but have got no answer as of yet. I have heard that after the cats and O2 sensors, the exhaust is fair game. Any input from others is appreciated. Anyway, I have no problem with a potential fix it ticket if it is illegal. The truck now sounds like it should have when it came from the factory. Word to the wise though, before you pull the triger (as cheap as it may be) unbolt your stock muffler and see what you think. As I said earlier, Who needs a radio now anyway...HaHa

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99 Black Lightning
Built July 26, 1999
Build # 2883 of 4000

 

Hi shonut,

Your "test runs" sound like fun. Would you please list the changes in your exhaust system, and the cost of each mod. The part numbers would also be of value to some of the board members.

Thanks for your help

...BigD...

 

Back to top due to recent posts on running cobra's with the "fix"

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99 Black Lightning
Built July 26, 1999
Build # 2883 of 4000