Posts: 35
Joined: 6/2/2003 From: United States Status: offline
my dad has a 1980 cobra with the turbocharged four cylinder and i was wondering how rare it was. we've asked around and noones even seen one before . any ideas?
A new turbo-charged 2.3 liter I4 was introduced which was rated at 143 bhp and its lighter weight gave the Mustang better weight balance than the heavy 302 V8. But the turbo was a mixed blessing. It generated more horsepower than the old tech V8, but there was substantial turbo lag which hurt driveability and performance. The Turbo engines also suffered from oil lubrication problems that caused some turbos to fail and others to ignite(!) Clearly, the Turbo Charged engine was not quite perfected yet. A Cobra package was available which included the Turbo Charged I4, TRX tires and wheels, and additional trim items. Also available was a new "flip-up, open-air roof" which was the closest thing to a convertible available in 1979. The Mustang was picked to pace the Indy 500 race for 1979, and Ford celebrated by producing about 11,000 Indy Pace Car Replicas which featured outlandish decals and functional Recaro reclining bucket seats.
quote:
Performance: 2.3 I4 Turbo: 0-60 in 9.1 seconds, 1/4 mile in 17.4 seconds @ 82 mph
the indy car had the same motor
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91 Ford Mustang LX 2.3 Turbo/T5 256bhp/334ft-lbs (outdated) 94 Ford Ranger Splash 2.3 Turbo/C4-fully built and ready to put back together
Posts: 6
Joined: 12/19/2005 From: Elk City, Nebraska Status: offline
I recently bought a '79 Cobra with the 2.3 Turbo, and I've only found eleven registered online. I found my information at 1979 Cobra Registy. Maybe you might find some links there. Good luck and congradulations on owning a classic Mustang! If I find anymore info. I'll definately let you know. Oh, yeah, the 2.3 Turbo motors are rated at 143 bhp, that's 9 more ponies than the 302 V8 offered the same year. In fact the lil' four banger was the most powerful motor available until 1982 when Ford Motor Company designed the 5.0 HO. Have fun man.!!!
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80 cobra - 
