LowFlight

Hey guys and gals, I am new to this forum. I just sold my 1994 Corvette ZR1 and am wanting to get into something a little less expensive (not less fun, just less expensive) I am looking at an 03 Cobra Sonic Blue Convertible with 7k miles on it and I am also looking at a like new 02 Pewter WS6 with 18k on it. I am in a real dilema here because I like both. I love the supercharger and power of the Cobra as well as the fact that it is a vert, however, I think that inside and outside, the WS6 is a better looking car, but how much slower is it stock vs stock?

Will a full exhaust w/headers and a lid make the WS6 just as fast?

I need opinions fast!!! I am making my decision this weekend!!

Thanks

APeteSS

Yes, a few bolt-ons will make the WS6 faster than the mustang...if it isn't already, the hardtops weigh ~250-300lbs more.

Tranzor

Hey... ummm, you're asking this question on an LS1-based message board? what answer do you think you'll get here? And if you ask this question over on a 'Stang message board, what do you think they'll say?

That's like calling Pepsi and asking which one is better, Pepsi or Coke.

All kidding aside, of course, I would choose the WS6. The WS6 will be cheaper than the Cobra, and with the money saved you can make the WS6 a real beast.

MOBE

For what the cost difference is between them, I'm sure you could pay a fraction of that to mod the WS6 to run with an '03 Cobra.

jhelms

iTrader: (2)

My vote is for the 03 Cobra, I've had 4 fast 4th gen fbodies but would love to have a SB03C.

Plus, intake, pulley, exhaust, chip, and 500rwhp is yours

02PHOENIX

The 03Cobra is one of few cars on the streets that'll humble me. Those things can be made quick very easy.

02WS6Bird

iTrader: (2)

Either is probably nice...but is TRUELY VERY EASY to make a WS6 a bit quicker in a 1/4 mile...my guess is that the WS6 has an M6 which are truely very nice from what ive read....but yeah F-Bod over Stang any day....looks more aggressive...and depending on where you live....arent as common on the road...so ill have its uniqueness

LS1 Brent

WS6 is the way to go.

jhelms

iTrader: (2)

Speaking from experience (my 99 Z28 M6/H/C/N2O went 10.8 @ 129 years ago) we all know how easy it is to through a heads/cam package together and get 400rwhp or so, that would barely keep up with a similarly modded Cobra (say more boost rather than a cam change on that). And I would think a Cobra convert would be just as rare as a WS6.

I'd rather have the Cobra for ~$29k than a $19k WS6 with $10k in mods. Just look at all the heads/cam/headers/bolt on cars on our classifieds site selling for a couple of thousand more than blue book (or should I say, sitting there advertised at a couple of thousand more than blue book).

02PHOENIX

Yup. The 03Cobra is not to be underestimated.

skunk50

get the Cobra man....it's got a built motor and 450rwhp is only a few boltons away.....around $1500 with a tuned chip. for my LS1 convertible auto, 400-430 rwhp on an LS1 is around $6000 for stage 2 H/C including LS1 edit/dyno tuning and maitenance parts (wp, oil pump, timing chain, etc)....but i'll be sporting a loudass car, emission illegal and 14 mpg. plus $2500 12-bolt ...pay now or later...$350 for install?

i think a WS6 T/A looks much better than a Cobra, but the Cobra looks better than a Z/28.....while the Cobra is much more comfy and better as a daily driver in terms of general ergonomics. what i hate is is the Fbody's massive doors, cat hump on passenger side and the nose can't be seen....with the top down, it doesn't feel like a convertible vs. a Mustang convert.....ride in both and you'll see what i mean....the aerodynamics and design on the Fbody is just too good while the '79 Fairmont chassis on the '03 Cobra, while sucks from a performance standpoint...is great for that open air feeling.

'02 WS6 are still going for like $20-23k right? convertible '02 WS6 are even higher. i've seen '03 Cobra Converts for $28-31k with under 3k miles. should drop even more once the '05 Mustang bodystyle hits all the dealerships.

unit213

I have owned an LS1 and I now own an '03 Cobra. The decision should be based up your own preferences. It's obvious that both cars can be very fast. The Cobra can be turned into a 500rwhp monster very easily without having to pull the valve covers. For that matter, there are '03 Cobras with 700+rwhp with zero internal work. The block is iron and the internals are forged. With only a pulley change, exhaust, and tuning, you will hit 460rwhp. The problem is that it takes more power to pull the Cobra because it's heavier. Fit and comfort are much better in the WS6. Ford quality is a bit of a oxymoron. With the Cobra you get big power, a good tranny, and a IRS rear end. A WS6 will give you big power (with a nice chunk of change), a good tranny (same T-56), and a 10-bolt rear end.

Overall, I think styling and quality is nice with the WS6. I personally would rather have a WS6 if it had 500rwhp.

The choice is yours. Feel free to ask questions...

Jorday

I'd really like to have one of those mustangs.

locosteelersfan

If you get the Ford just make sure
you buy an extended warranty, seriously.
03 Production was already stopped once
for reliability concerns. The 99 had
a class action lawsuit on it by owners.
Ford just doesn't make good cars. Ask
pretty much anyone in the car service
business. Ford keeps those guys busy.

Go ahead and bitch about using 1/2 qt oil.
Its better than break downs. Piston slap
also isn't a LS1 or GM thing either. ALL
manufacturers have it.

98SS Blackattack

I would go with the 03Cobra. It will also hold its value alittle better.IMO pre 03 Cobras are and have been overpriced. You can get any year SS or ws6 cheaper than the same year Cobra.Even though the F-bodys were better all round before 03.

Ryan04Silverado

Get the WS6 and slap a blower on it and you have 450rwhp and you are still 6 grand up.

unit213

Do NOT buy the extended warrany...like I did. Ford is voiding out warranties left and right. You'll be wasting your money. There are no real "break downs". There are tinks, ticks, clunks, etc...nothing major IMO. My car has ZERO piston slap and it uses no oil between changes. My LS1 slapped so bad it sounded like a diesel and it used a quart between changes.

skimms98

iTrader: (7)

C'mon ....a WS6 lightly modded keeping up with a 03 Cobra? Ummm No....I've watched too many STOCK Cobras on nittos go 12.60's @ 110 plus mph to believe it would even be close, don't get me wrong, I really like my Z, but it would be heads, cam, LSX, LT's and all the regular bolt ons to even get close to an 03 with a CAI, catback, pulley and a good tune. Build quality? I must say, I got out of driving a Ford everyday (I still have it) and the overall feel of quality is far superior in my 10 year old coupe than it is in my 6 year old Camaro. Sorry, but it's true. All, I have to do is walk outside after it rains and just cringe 'cause I know there's 2 inches of water in the back floorboard of the Z.
My mustang never took on a drop of water. My mustang has a BS T5 trans but the camaro has a puny unexcusable 10 bolt.....the arguement rages on, I'm sure and can we thought of both ways, but from someone who has owned 22 performance vehicles over the years from a 69 six pack Super Bee to a 87 Grand National, I can tell you I want an 03 Cobra BAD....but I also won't sacrifice my Z to get it. Something about an LS1 with a big stall and a little bit of gear reminds me of the good ole days.....

bottom line? get the Cobra...you won't regret it, especially with the top down.....

unit213

Don't forget a few grand for the rear end, because the 10-bolt can't handle 450rwhp. Ton's of guys are running low 9's cutting 1.6 60's on the stock Cobra IRS. Oh, and you'll have to upgrade internals. No way I'd boost a LS1 without strengthening the bottom end. People do it, but I wouldn't.

unit213

Here's a 660rwhp Kenne Belle 'vert...just some food for though.