After one year out of the marketplace, the SVT Mustang Cobra returned for 2001 with a full 320 horsepower and five new exterior colors and a number of exterior changes that included a return to the word COBRA embossed into the rear fascia. Inside, SVT gave the Cobra new, more-supportive seats and in-dash CD player.
The Cobra returned with a 320hp 4.6L DOHC V-8, “COBRA” engraved in the rear bumper rather than “MUSTANG,” new interior, and the same spoiler found on standard and GT models. Also new was the interior, “COBRA” marked in the rear bumper and the same spoiler used on both the V6 and GT models. The 2001 Cobra Mustang included a independent rear suspension system, raising the standard for muscle car performance. New colors for 2001 were True Blue, Zinc Yellow, Mineral Grey, Performance Red and Laser Red.
2001 Cobra Features
While the 2001 Cobra shares almost all the same components of the 1999, some changes were made including:
The engine block was changed from the Teksid block to the Windsor Aluminum Plant or WAP block. The WAP block is regarded to be weaker than the previous Teksid block. Some 2001s received the Teksid, either from the factory or as a replacement motor
Revised cylinder heads.
Cobra owners have reported “ticking/pinging” noise coming from the drivers side head of their cars. As due to insufficient cooling around cylinders #6/#7/#8 which allowed the valves to overheat and therefore seat improperly. Ford remedied the situation by issuing a TSB (TSB#03256/NHTSA#10008278 and NHTSA#10003118/TSB#03164) to remove and replace the affected heads with a version that featured altered coolant flow.
Cobra-specific seats with a combination of leather and Alcantara [suede-like microfiber] inserts and lager headrests – 1999 Cobras had normal Mustang seats.
A rear bumper that reads “COBRA”, instead of “MUSTANG”, as the 1999 Cobra had.
A rear badge on the trunklid was changed to say “SVT” instead of “SVT Cobra” as the 1999 Cobra had.
A new steering wheel and upgraded Mach audio.
The wheels for the 1999 and 2001 are 17×8. The ’99 & ’01 were sold with silver powder coated aluminum wheels.
The 2001 had the option of polished wheels in the same style.
The T-45 transmission in the 1999 model was replaced by the 3650 in the 2001 model.
The axle shafts and differential were changed from 28 splines in 1999 to 31 splines in 2001.
The rear decklid spoiler was redesigned.
The original two-piece audio unit consisting of radio with tape deck and a separate CD player was upgraded to a larger, single face 6 disc unit
The center console and trim were redesigned.
The buttons for the fog lights, the rear window defroster and the anti skid system were moved to a panel below the new radio
The emergency brake was fitted with a ‘boot’ of leather to cover the hole in the console where it protrudes.
The headlights were changed from a chrome background to a black background. The newer headlights are sometimes referred a “smoked” or “tinted” but this only refers to the black background. The actual lenses are clear and identical to that of the 1999 (these headlights were actually first used in the 2000 Cobra R and for the 2001 model year introduced to all Mustangs).
The color of the odometer digits and instrument cluster lighting was slightly changed.
Two blocks of the SN-95 2 SVT Mustang Cobra have the extra ribs designed to impart strength to the weaker WAP.
Note the hatching in valley of the Teksid is square, while the WAP has diagonal hatching.
Total Produced:7,251
Total Coupe Produced: 3,867 Total Convertible Produced: 3,384
Colors & Numbers
Exterior & Interior Combos Colors
Coupe Colors
Color
Dark Charcoal Interior
Medium Parchment Interior
Total
Crystal White
227
146
373
Ebony
827
152
979
Performance Red
226
0
226
Laser Red
330
226
556
Zinc Yellow
347
0
347
True Blue
229
87
316
Silver
556
0
556
Mineral Gray
459
55
514
Convertible Colors
Color
Charcoal with Black Roof
Charcoal with White Roof
Parchment with Black Roof
Parchment with Parchment Roof
Total
Crystal White
125
32
6
180
343
Ebony
759
0
52
131
942
Performance Red
130
0
0
0
130
Laser Red
238
0
13
297
548
Zinc Yellow
316
0
0
0
316
True Blue
163
0
12
117
292
Silver
431
0
0
0
431
Mineral Grey
356
0
26
0
382
VIN Decoder
The VIN is stamped on the plate which is riveted to the driver’s side of the dash, visible through windshield; the certification label is attached to the rear face of the driver’s door. For full details see our 2001 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra VIN Decoder page.
Technical Specifications & Details
Summary
Built at: Detroit, Michigan, USA Engine: 90-degree, DOHC 32-Valve V8 Displacement: 4.6L / 281 CID Bore: 3.55 in Stroke: 3.54 in Power: 320 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 317 lbs.-ft. @ 4,750 rpm Compression: 9.6:1 Front tires: P255/45ZR-17 Rear tires: P255/45ZR-17 Front brakes: 13 in. vented Brembo disc, PBR twin-piston caliper Rear brakes: 11.65 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper ABS: Three channel, four-sensor ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control Front suspension: Modified gas-charged MacPherson strut type with separate 500 lb./in. spring on lower arm, 29mm tubular stabilizer bar Rear suspension: Multi-link independent, steel upper control arm, fixed toe-control tie rod, aluminum spindle, gas-charged tubular shock absorber, 470 lb./in. coil spring, 26mm tubular stabilizer bar Wheels: 17 x 8 in. 5-spoke forged aluminum Tires: BFGoodrich Comp T/A P245/45ZR-17 1/4-mile @ MPH: 13.8 seconds Top speed: ~225.3 kph / 140 mph 0 – 60 mph: 5.4 seconds
Details
Available Engine – 4.6L DOHC V-8 320 hp
Configuration
Longitudinally mounted, 90-degree V8, cast aluminum block and heads, iron cylinder liners, fully counterweighted forged crankshaft
Bore x Stroke
90.2mm x 90.0mm
Displacement
4,601cc (280 cid)
Compression ratio
9.85:1
Horsepower
320 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
317 lb.-ft. @ 4,750 rpm
Specific output
69.6 horsepower per liter
Redline
6,800 rpm (fuel shut-off occurs @ 7,000 rpm)
Valvetrain
Double overhead camshafts, chain drive to exhaust cams, secondary chains from exhaust to intake cams, roller finger followers with hydraulic lash adjustment, oval-wire beehive- shaped valve springs, four valves per cylinder
Intake valves
2 per cylinder, 37mm head diameter
Exhaust valves
2 per cylinder, 30mm head diameter
Ignition system
Distributor-less coil-on-plug
Fuel system
Sequential electronic fuel injection
Intake manifold
Cast aluminum, tuned equal length runners
Throttle body
57mm twin bore
Mass-air sensor
80mm diameter
Exhaust manifolds
Cast iron
Exhaust system
Dual, stainless steel, 2.25-inch diameter; 3.0 inch polished exhaust tips
Suspension
Front
Modified gas-charged MacPherson strut, with separate 500 lb./in. spring on lower arm, 28mm tubular stabilizer bar
Rear
Multi-link independent, steel upper control arm, aluminum lower control arm, fixed toe-control tie rod, aluminum spindle, gas-charged tubular shock absorber, 470 lb./in. coil spring, 26mm tubular stabilizer bar
Steering
Type
Rack and pinion, power assist
Gear ratio
15.0:1
Turns, lock to lock
2.5
Turning diameter
37.9 ft.
Brakes
Front
13.0 in. (330mm) vented Brembo™ disc, PBR™ twin-piston caliper
Rear
11.65 in. (296mm) vented disc, single-piston caliper
ABS
Four-channel, four-sensor system. Linked to all-speed traction control
Dimensions
Wheelbase
101.3 in./2,573mm
Length
183.5 in./4,661mm
Height
53.2 in. (53.5in.)/1,351mm (1,359mm)
Width
73.1 in./1,857mm
Track, F/R
59.9 in.; 59.9 in./1,521mm; 1,521mm
Head room, F/R
38.1 in.; 35.5 in./968mm; 901mm
Leg room, F/R
41.8 in./29.9; 1,062mm/759mm
Curb weight
3,430 lbs. (3,560 lbs.)/ 1,557 kg (1,617 kg)
Fuel capacity
15.7 gal./59.4 liters
Weight Distribution
55.5/44.5 (f/r)
(Numbers in parentheses are for Convertible)
Drivetrain
Rear axle
8.8-in. ring gear with 3.27:1 limited-slip differential, aluminum case
Drive shaft
Steel, with hardened yoke
Transmission
Tremec™ 5-speed manual
Clutch
11.0-in. single-plate
Gear
Ratio
Maximum Speed In Gear
1st
3.37
45 mph (72 km/h)
2nd
1.99
77 mph (124 km/h)
3rd
1.33
115 mph (185 km/h)
4th
1.00
150 mph (241 km/h)
5th
0.67
Reverse
3.22
Final drive
3.27
Traction control
Accomplished by engine ignition timing, cylinder cut-off, brake application. Linked to ABS module and engine control module. Driver-controlled on-off switch