Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Some interesting news

Thought you guys might be interested to know that in the next model year of the Mustang GT, there will be a very limited production run of cars with the cobra engine dropped in. I guess they had more cobra engines than orders for them, so they are selling them in the GT's. And a quick question, how can you tell the difference between a 98 and a 98.5 Contour? Thanks.

Andrew

These DOHC Mustang GT's will be called "Mach 1's".

If it has a "GL or "16v" badge, it's an early 98. Also, if it's an SE with drum brakes or an LX with a plain looking interior, it's a 1998.5.

Best to look at the driver's door jamb for date of manufacture. I think after 7/97 they were 98.5's

Thanks for your help

You are so wrong about that. The Cobra's for 2003 are already sold out! The new car that Team Mustang is releasing is called the Mach 1 and it is not just a "cobra motor". It is entirely different actually with many new and different parts including a functional hood scoop from the origional Mach 1 (same part number and everything).

Don't know where you got your information, but there is no overflow of motors... especialy ones that they will just "toss in" another car... trust me.

My information came from the General Sales Manager at a Ford dealership here in Colorado. We were talking on Sunday morning and he told me that they had a overage of 2002 Cobra engines, and that they were going to get one model of the Mustang GT with one of those engines in it. I would think that the new Mach 1 will only be at the SVT stores, but the Glenwood dealership isn't an SVT store, so I don't think that is the same car. I could be mistaken though.

FAQ is working just fine.

1998 -> 1998.5 (Trim level changes)

GL is no more. Now only the LX, SE, and SVT. Basically, now LX=GL, SE=LX, SE + sport package=old SE
More decontenting: split rear seats only available on the SE
Clock in radio, no longer in dash
SVT wheels changed to Cobra style, strut dampenings changed
Rear window/brake light design changed
Color revisions

I doubt you could just mistakenly make more engines than needed in todays world. Production is so closely watched and calculated and peoples jobs depend on being correct. Cobra engines are hand built so I know they aren't going to flub that up. Too much money on the line.

I must have misunderstood him then. Thanks.

Andrew

Or, the dealer is talking out of his a$$. Wouldn't be the first time for that phenomenon. I think they go to a special school to learn how to move their lips in synch with their schphincter.

Well, this general sales manager also happens to be my girlfriend's dad, so I don't think he was doing that.