RedTwilight Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 (edited) I guess I'll finally make a thread for the build up of RedTwilight ZERO. My 1996 laser red Cobra. I purchased it used back in Sept. 1999 with approx. 47,000 miles on the odometer. This was my first manual car, but I have been driving tractors and four wheelers since I was little. So it didn't take me long to get used to it. It was completely stock except for the intake air silencer removed and a K&N conical filter. I drove it this way until Feb. or March when I couldn't stand it any longer. It was too quiet. Something had to be done. So I ordered up a 2 1/2" BBK off road H-pipe and 2 1/2" MAC Flowpath cat back. The difference and sound was outstanding and just what it needed. I drove it like this for quite a while. Daily driven, cruising, racing, and even car shows. All the things one would want to do in such a vehicle. I have been through more clutches than I care to count, and even obliterated 3rd in the original T-45. So with that happening came it's first big change. The almighty and revered T-56 6 speed transmission! I said I could either spend $1000.00 to rebuild the T-45 or put that $1000,00 towards acquiring the 6 speed. And the later is exactly what I did. So after a call to D&D Performance a T-56 with aluminum drive shaft was on the way. At the same time I also upgraded to an 11" clutch. And this is pretty much the way it has stayed while slowly acquiring parts for paint and body, suspension and other items. It currently has well over 200,000 miles and several dents from daily driven duties and deer impacts. It's current list of installed mods are: Engine and Drivetrain removed air silencer K&N cone filter 2 1/2" BBK off road H-pipe 2 1/2 MAC Flowpath cat back exhaust Weapon X coil packs Taylor 10.4mm ignition wires Custom Ignition wire covers Tremec T-56 Cobra spec 6 speed Fidanza aluminum flywheel 11" Centerforce dual friction clutch Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter Aluminum drive shaft '03 Cobra radiator and fans Exterior and Appearance Painted body matching calipers One piece clear projector headlights Red Cobra grill emblem '03 GMC Envoy fog lights with HID's Interior Cheap Cobra Misano L replica seats (true Misano L's to be purchased one day) '03-'04 Ford Racing leather 6-speed with silver medallion shift knob Autometer gauge bezel gauge pod Autometer electric Phantom water temp and oil pressure gauges Super bright LED's in factory dash cluster Parts awaiting to be installed: (someday) '03 IRS (waiting to purchase brake lines / fittings and FTBR bushings and diff cover) Saleen rear bumper Saleen side skirts H.O. Fibertrends 1 1/2" cowl Cobra hood Shinoda Boss decklid spoiler (still have but I've decided on a different spoiler) ABC Exlusives Cobra front bumper extension / air dam (still have but unsure if I'll use) Side Scoops (Stalker style) Coil on plug conversion kit '04 Cobra C.O.P's '04 Cobra C.O.P. valve covers '94-'98 Export side mirrors Bullet style pedals Maximum Motorsports 4 bolt Caster / Camber plates '04 Cobra front lower control arms Trunk Springs with Bumpers Dome light door switch Door Hinge pins Front bumper cover hardware Spoiler delete trunk lid Slowly collecting parts for an Eaton swap! Griggs Racing GR40 carbon fiber decklid spoiler Carbon Driven '03-'04 Cobra carbon fiber side skirt splitters Carbon Driven carbon fiber cowl panel ThomasW's carbon fiber Firewall panel Aerocatch carbon fiber hood latches Rovos Durban Satin Bronze wheels 18x9 front / 18x10.5 rear Stiffler's "Fit" system subframe connectors, jacking rails, and matrix braces. Stiffler's tubular transmission crossmember ZERO Engine Calipers painted to match. Custom plug wire covers T-56 Cobra spec 6 speed '03 Independent Rear Suspension '03 Envoy Fog lights and custom brackets H.O. Fibertrends 1 1/2" Cobra Cowl hood Authentic Saleen Side Skirts Edited December 30, 2019 by RedTwilight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95riosnake Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Very nice, I'm jealous of the T56! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Psychorugby Posted August 14, 2014 Moderators Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Man, that IRS... I wish I'd known that was a thing when I started. Lookin good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det_Riot Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 I'm digging it!!! You're gonna love the 6-spd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted August 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 I'm digging it!!! You're gonna love the 6-spdBeen loving it for 10+ years now! PS - been diggin the build thread for the Whale Cannon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det_Riot Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Been loving it for 10+ years now!PS - been diggin the build thread for the Whale Cannon!Thanks man! Are you pushing your car towards any specific purpose or just cruiser/fun? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GearGambler Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 How did you manage the reverse lock-out on the t56? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted August 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Thanks man! Are you pushing your car towards any specific purpose or just cruiser/fun? Right now mostly cruiser / fun. But I live only a short 30 min drive from VIR. So I will be setting it up for a bit of handling. How did you manage the reverse lock-out on the t56?I wired up a switch to the solenoid. I mounted the switch under the little power jack / cigarette lighter door in front of the shifter. The small round rocker switch fit perfectly and the door closes over top. No one would be able to tell it's there.It is a little more of a pain and a little slower to shift into reverse than wiring to the brake switch. But I like it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GearGambler Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 That can be a little cumbersome. I also had a switch wired up for some time, until I came across a MUCH better solution. You can replace the spring in the reverse lockout solenoid with a different one. It still functions exactly like it is supposed to while you are driving - you can't possibly get into reverse. If you are parked and ready to go into reverse, you can push through the gate, but it takes some effort. Send a PM to Shifter on the corral. The springs are cheap I believe. I loved it - no more pain in the ass buttons! If you do go that rout, Mention Geargambler please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted August 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2014 That can be a little cumbersome. I also had a switch wired up for some time, until I came across a MUCH better solution. You can replace the spring in the reverse lockout solenoid with a different one. It still functions exactly like it is supposed to while you are driving - you can't possibly get into reverse. If you are parked and ready to go into reverse, you can push through the gate, but it takes some effort. Send a PM to Shifter on the corral. The springs are cheap I believe. I loved it - no more pain in the ass buttons! If you do go that rout, Mention Geargambler please! Thanks for the tip. But I've gotten used to the switch and it really doesn't take me any more time now to flip it on. I did do the Anti-Venom mod to the shift stop however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted August 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2014 Thought I'd finally post a little exhaust vid of ZERO.Pay no attention to the smoke! LOL It's running quite rich! Also after well over 200,000 miles there is probably a little leakage around the valve seals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted August 25, 2014 Report Share Posted August 25, 2014 sounds great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-Oh Posted August 25, 2014 Report Share Posted August 25, 2014 Love the sound of DOHC motors! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmage Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 *squeak squeak* Sounds great man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted September 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 I've been rethinking my choice of rear spoiler. Currently I have a new in box Shinoda Boss spoiler. Below are a few examples I've found. I like the way the Boss spoiler looks and flows into the body lines better than the S281 spoiler. But I don't really like that it's soooo freakin big!Originally I wanted to go with the Steeda wing until I found the Boss spoiler. But now that I have it and have seen how big it is in person, I'm not so sure anymore.So know I'm stuck planning on what I want to do here before paint and body work commences. I'm either going to stick with the Boss spoiler, modify it to shorten it, sell it and buy a Steeda wing, sell it and buy a Griggs GR40, or attempt to make my own spoiler that encompasses what I'm really looking for. I'd kinda like to try making my own. But still not sure I'd be able to pull it off. I guess I'll just have to try it and see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tabres Posted September 2, 2014 Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 Have to be honest with you, I've never liked the Boss spoiler. Way too big for the car, in my opinion. Of your listed options, I'd rock the Grigg's spoiler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prokiller Posted September 2, 2014 Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 i was never much of a fan of the boss spoiler. too ridiculous that it actually has cup holders in it. it's like flat out saying that they don't care about how it looks as long as you can eat your lunch on it. i do love a steeda wing though and a GR40 is pretty sweet too. i would get another trunk lid and try and make on yourself but if that doesn't work out you can always go with a different one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-Oh Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 Mmmmmmm love me some Steeda wing! Can't wait for mine to be painted and put on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det_Riot Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 buy a nascar take off spoiler and modify it to your car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted September 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 First I think I'll try to make my own. It'll probably end up looking like a cross between the Boss and the S281 spoilers. If that doesn't work then I'll save for the Grigg's GR40.I thought about going with the spoilerless look. But with the Saleen side skirts and rear bumper, it'll look way off. I've also thought about the Kaenan S281. But it's over played. Looks good, but everyone has one. LOL Now to read up on mold making and stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted June 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 Nearly forgot to update the thread. I haven't gotten around to doing much to the car at all lately. But at least I finally got one thing out of the way Rebuilt the oil cooler in the Cobra. Hopefully this will take care of the oil leak and coolant loss. The Dirty! The Cleaned! The problem! Maybe I'll be able to start making updates to the thread more often! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmage Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 did you ever find a coolant hose? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted June 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 did you ever find a coolant hose? Not yet. I'll pull the hose off this Saturday and take it to the parts stores to find a hose that is close and trim to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted June 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2015 Finally I'm able to drive the Cobra now! Got a new coolant hose that was close and just cut it to length. So now NO MORE OIL OR COOLANT LEAKS! So next up will be to finish the rear end on the '93 then maybe I can get to doing a few little things here and there on the Cobra. But first I've got an RC plane to finish airbrushing then I'll gonna airbrush a shirt for my dad's Father's Day gift. I going to paint his drag car launching off the line on the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted July 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 Not any progress, but an update and one step closer to progress. Got a set of export mirrors and Bullet style pedals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted July 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2015 Some new parts to eventually install. LOL Maximum Motorsports 4 bolt caster / camber plates. '04 Cobra front lower control arms Parts for eventual Eaton (Kenne Bell / Whipple) swap. Some shown above with the control arms. MMR stage III '04 Cobra heads with Manley valves and springs and titanium retainers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted August 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 Slight update. Not really any work done, but moving closer to starting.I got some guide coat, glazing putty, sandpaper, and sanding blocks. I then pulled out the H.O. Fibertrends hood to begin preparation for the endless process of sanding and primer and more sanding all before paint. Also ordered a few pieces for the eventual restification of the Cobra. New trunk springs with bumpers Dome light door switches Door hinge pins Front bumper cover hardware Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmage Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 resto parts clean shit up so nicely too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted August 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 resto parts clean shit up so nicely too!Yesireebobo! Just gotta get the rest of the car up to snuff before these go on. I figured since I was gonna be replacing the hinge pins I'd go ahead and order some of the other little bits and pieces I'll need. Now if i can just find some new hood nostril inserts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted August 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2015 I pulled to H.O. Fibertrends Cobra cowl hood out of storage yesterday and started block sanding and prep for primer. The hood is a really nice piece. The only thing I don't like about it is that the scoop bezels were molded in instead of being a 2 piece design like the factory. So now before I get too far I've got to decide on what to do with the scoops on the hood. Do I want to 1. ~ cut out the moulded in bezels and make mount for the factory scoop bezels? 2. ~ go in with a dremel, files, and sandpaper to sharpen up and deepen the outlines of the moulded in bezels? 3. ~ or fill the outlines and smooth the area around the scoop. Scoops as pulled out of the box. Scoops with guide coat on after a little block sanding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CompOrangeSN95 Posted September 1, 2015 Report Share Posted September 1, 2015 nice work man. I'd probably fill the area and try to blend them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CompOrangeSN95 Posted September 1, 2015 Report Share Posted September 1, 2015 also, I just noticed we started our build threads exactly 1 year apart haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted September 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2015 nice work man. I'd probably fill the area and try to blend them in. Thanks. But I think I've decided to cut them out and fix it to use the factory bezels. That's just the level of detail that I'd hope to achieve throughout the entire car. also, I just noticed we started our build threads exactly 1 year apart haha Yeah but I've had the Cobra since September of 1999. I've been slacking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted November 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2015 Got myself a spare Teksid block. I plan to start building this one for the Eaton / Whipple / Kenne Bell swap while still being able to drive the car. It was a good deal that included the Cobra Engineering timing dowel upgrade kit and ARP main side bolts. Also I found a spoiler delete trunk lid. So now I don't have to spend all that time to fill the holes for the spoiler in my factory trunk lid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmage Posted December 3, 2015 Report Share Posted December 3, 2015 was the tool a rental or did you buy the plate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted December 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2015 was the tool a rental or did you buy the plate? Bought it all together from one seller. So Teksid, CE dowel upgrade plate, 8mm timing dowels, and ARP main side bolts for $350.00 picked up locally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmage Posted December 3, 2015 Report Share Posted December 3, 2015 damn thats a steal man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted July 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2017 Been a while since I've updated this thread. I haven't really done anything to the Cobra other than drive it. Though I have just pulled it into the shop and hope to start doing some body work to it soon. I did purchase a new SVE FR500 steering wheel in black when it was on sale. I'll get another pic when it comes in comparing it to the factory steering wheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted July 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2017 The SVE FR500 steering wheel arrived the other day, and WOW does it feel so much better than the factory wheel. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted October 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
