The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was a pony car built by Ford Motor Company through the Special Vehicle Team division. It is a high-performance version of the Mustang built by Ford, sitting in the model range above the Mustang GT model. On three occasions, Ford also produced an even higher performance Cobra R variant. Although the Shelby GT500 Mustang is built in part by SVT, and bears the Cobra badge, it is not considered an SVT Cobra, as it is licensed by Shelby and doesn't have Cobra anywhere in its description or name.
1993
Fox Body Windsor SVT Mustang Cobra
Overview
Production 1993
5,100 produced
Assembly Dearborn, Michigan
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine 5.0 L Windsor V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase 100.5 in (2,553 mm)
Length 179.6 in (4,562 mm)
Width 68.3 in (1,735 mm)
Height 52.1 in (1,323 mm)
Curb weight 3,255 lb (1,476 kg)
The 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was launched during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show. It was the premier vehicle of Ford's newly established SVT division, designed to showcase SVT's four hallmarks of Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value.[1] The exterior of the 1993 SVT Cobra does not represent a radical departure from the year's GT model: However, there are subtle differences, as explained below.
The true redesign and upgrade occurred beneath the bodywork: The powertrain was driven by a 302 CID V8 (5.0L) motor, producing 235 hp (175 kW) and 280 ft·lbs (380 N·m) of torque. According to Road & Track, this could send a Cobra through the 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds at a top speed of 98 mph (158 km/h). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) took 5.9 seconds.[2] The drivetrain received an upgraded transmission, rear disc brakes, and for the first time on a factory Mustang, 17" unidirectional wheels. The suspension was not neglected, either: Cobra models received a softer, more compliant ride compared to the GT model. This was accomplished with model-specific springs and sway bars.
Note: Ford part numbers are listed below. In many cases Ford has two separate numbers for each part, the Ford production number (the fourth character is a Z), and an engineering number. The engineering number is usually what is stamped/cast on the part itself (the fourth character is E for engine parts, F for electronics, and C for chassis).
Engine
The 1993 SVT Cobra's short block (cylinder block, crankshaft, rods, and pistons) was carried over from the GT model. To this, Ford SVT engineers added the following performance items:[3]
Cylinder Heads: GT-40 "High Flow" Cast Iron heads were installed. They were milled for 62.5 cc combustion chambers. Valves measure 1.84" (46.7 mm) intake, and 1.54" (39.1 mm) exhaust. The valves are actuated by Cobra-specific 1.7 ratio roller rockers, constructed of aluminum and produced for Ford by Crane Cams. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-6049-B (head), F3ZZ-6507-A (intake valve), F3ZZ-6505-A (exhaust valve), F3ZE-6529-AB (rockers).
Intake Manifold: The Cobra upper manifold was unique to the 1993 Cobra and had a 2.75" (70.0mm) diameter round throttle body opening, diverting air into (8) round staggered ports, each 1.64" (41.7 mm) diameter. The lower manifold was identical to the GT-40 manifold used by Ford Racing; it redirects airflow to a rectangular port configuration as needed by the cylinder heads. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-9424-C (upper manifold),F3ZZ-9424-D (lower).
Camshaft: The cam is of the hydraulic roller type (same as the GT). However, the Cobra cam has unique specifications of 0.479"/0.479" (12.2 mm/12.2 mm) intake/exhaust lift, (209°/209°) duration at 0.050" (1.27 mm), and a lobe separation of 118.3°, Part Number: F3ZE-6250-CA.
Air/Fuel Delivery: The increased airflow and fuel consumption of the Cobra required these upgraded components: Larger (compared to the GT) 24 lb/hr fuel injectors, 2.75" (70.0 mm) MAF meter, 2.56" (65.0 mm) throttle body, and matching EGR plate handle the increased breathing of the motor.
