2003 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra

Despite the fact that the Mustang's nemesis for 35 years, the Chevrolet Camaro, went out of production following the 2002 model year, the Mustang enters 2003 stronger than ever. In addition to the base 3.8-liter OHV V-6 version, Mustangs can be had with 4.6-liter V-8s including the GT's 260-horsepower SOHC 16-valve version and the Mach 1 model with its 300-horsepower 32-valve DOHC unit. All three engines come in either hardtop or convertible bodies. However, the ultimate production Mustang is the SVT Cobra. John Coletti, chief engineer for Ford's Specialty Vehicle Team described the '03 Cobra best when he said "you open the throttle and get gratification on demand. It just goes!"

At the heart of this beast is a 4.6-liter DOHC V-8. It features 32-valves, aluminum cylinder heads and a beefy cast-iron block.

Beginning with the original SVT Mustang in 1993, every car since has raised the performance bar. The 2003 version is no exception. At the heart of this beast is a 4.6-liter DOHC V-8. It features 32-valves, aluminum cylinder heads and a beefy cast-iron block. Even though this combination produced 320 horsepower in the 2001 model, buyers wanted more. Ford needed only look as far as the SVT F-150 Lightning for the solution. Installing the Lightning's Eaton supercharger and water-to-air intercooler bumps horsepower of these hand-built engines to 390. Thanks to the supercharger's 8 psi of boost, torque is also raised from 317 lb.-ft. to an equally impressive 390 lb.-ft.


"One of the favorite modifications for Mustangs is putting on a supercharger," said Coletti. "Enthusiasts have figured out that if you really want to increase power output from a Ford modular engine, you install a blower. So now people can get it right from the factory with our engineering know-how and warranty behind it." However, he also pointed out that the Cobra is expected to be multi-talented. "One-dimensional cars don't fit the SVT philosophy. This car isn't just about straight-line performance, Coletti said." But, it's hard to avoid the fact that it will rip 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds and beat many cars that cost twice as much. Because of this truly great performance, we'd rate the Cobra's acceleration at quite a few ticks better than average—and the biggest reason to buy it.

Driving the Cobra through a series of tight, medium speed corners is where its tires and accompanying suspension package really shine.

Backing this monster engine is a T-56 6-speed transmission, which routes power through an aluminum driveshaft to the 3.55:1 rear gears. With the exception of the limited-production 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, the 2003 Cobra is the first production Mustang to get a 6-speed gearbox. As you would expect from a T-56, it's smooth shifting with gear spreads which keep the engine in its proper rev range.


Besides the engine, one of the biggest differences between a regular Mustang and an SVT version lies in the suspension. In place of the venerable solid axle found in the rear of regular Mustangs lies an independent rear suspension (IRS) system. Even though the 2001 model was the first SVT Mustang with IRS, much has changed for 2003. Upgrades include revised bushings and stiffer spring rates for the coupe. A new tubular cross-brace has been added which stabilizes the differential under hard acceleration. At all four corners, gas-charged Bilstein dampers work to keep the suspension under control while providing a ride that's like Goldilocks' porridge—not to firm and not to soft. It's just right. The rack-and-pinion steering system gets a new, low-lash intermediate shaft and higher rate steering gear bushing for 2003. These changes noticeably improve steering feel by helping to reduce play in the system. Additional upgrades include tubular anti-roll bars that are thicker than stock, 26mm rear and 29mm front.