Not sure if this should be here (if not move it), but I, and maybe some others, would like to know the differences so if we run into one, we know.

But im trying to look around for pictures and things but cant find much. Im wanting to know the differences in looks of 03 and pre 03 cobras, since the performance difference is so great.

Only thing I can really find is some cowel style hood vents on the 03, but im not sure. Unit should know this, and im sure theres plenty other cobra owners on here. so let me know! I need to better educate myself on the "enemy"

P.S. pictures would help.

 

The cowl hood, and the spoiler, or lack there of are what give away 03 cobras. 01 Cobras look nearly identicle to 03 cobras except for their hood isnt as menacing and they almost always have a spoiler that raises just slightly off of the trunk.
Atleast thats the method I always use. Pre 01 Cobras I generally do not worry about unless I hear a whistle/whine or see a purge coming my way.

 

look at the foglights. 99 and 01 cobras have teardrop shaped foglights. 03 and 04 cobras have elongated oval foglights.

 

Here are some links

1999 Cobra

2003 Cobra

 

Also you can check svt.com they have a gallery of every svt product out there, pictures included.

 

The biggest difference......BLOWER!!!! ARGHHHHHH!!!! just kidding, lots of sutble changes in body ...front end, rearend, spoiler, hood, molding along the bottom of car. Once you see one you will always recognize it.

 

Those links above should show you the differences. I can tell by the front end right away. The bigger fog light holes along with the additional holes for the brake ducts if you want them. The hood, bumper cover and rear valance are all different so take a look and the link and you'll see the differences.

 

99, 01, and 03/04 all have different spoilers.

99 Spoiler

01 Spoiler

03/04 Spoiler

The rear of 99 Cobra's says "MUSTANG". On 01 and 03/04, it says "COBRA".

The front of 99 and 01s are different than 03/04:

99/01

03/04

Hoods are different too:

99/01 Hood

03/04 Hood

There are some other more subtle differences, but that should help.

 

thanks bob that made it much easier for me to notice then the previous links.

I guess if your driving the only way to tell is the attached spoiler, since you wont get a good view of the hood/front before the race, specially in the dark.

good stuff.

 

If it says "C O B R A" on the rear, and dosnt have a spoiler hold on tight and be ready for the fight

 

03/04 Cobra brake lights are all red like GT's, years prior had amber by the reverse light. Front bumpers on 03/04's have bigger opening for intercooler on bottom.

 

I don't think Federal Regulations allow amber brake lights. Perhaps you meant turn signals?

 

Still had red lights but under the 2 of the vertical red there was amber and 1 clear for the reverse.

 

to me easiest way to tell other than trying to judge if the hood looks different or not is the side mirrors are painted to match the body on an 03 where as pre 03 the are black hope this helps.

 

The indented COBRA letters are bigger on the 03/04's too.

Lots of people get a good look at these

https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachmen...achmentid=9416

 

Ah. Yup. I guess my point was that those were turn signals vice brake lights. No biggie....I'm gettin much too picky.