Storing a ride...Does it pay to fire it up?

[SVT 04]

My Owner's Manual for a 98 GT I had stated to start it every 15 days. The car had 37K when I bought it. It was previously driven all year round. Winter 01-02 was first time I stored it for the winter. Did I actaully do more harm than good by storing it? I did start it every 15 days per manual.

I know the 4.6 in 96-98's were pretty pathetic performers. I mean come on about 165-175 at the wheels. Yuck!

Mine was a manual.

It wasn't until year 4 that I took it to a DYNO shop. It ran like garbage. With 43K, it climed to 4000 RPM's and dropped flat on it's face. I had Ford run tests, 4 of the 8 cylinders lost compression. #1 being the worst. The tech claimed internal engine failure without tearing it apart.

Should have bought a COBRA!!!

Thoughts, Future Suggestions.........

:confused:

[ac427cobra]

My opinion would be unless you can actually drive it, don't start it just to let it idle.

Best thing to do is make sure you've run at least one full tank of non-reformulated fuel through it and store it for the Winter with a full tank of non-reformulated fuel. Take the battery out and put it in the basment at home either on a trickle charger or charge it every couple of weeks?

Try to put the car away late in the year (Nov.) and get it out early (Mar).

If you're talking long time storage it's much more involved.

Good Luck!



:thumbs: :cool: :beer:

[SVT 04]

Most of the time I would start just to hear the rumble. It moreless sat idling. Oh, well don't have it anymore.

I have a model of your '00 Cobra R in my basement. I have never seen one in person. :cool:

I actually have a set of chrome 2000 Cobra R Replica wheels with tires.

18x9.5 Y2K bought from Performance Wheel Outlet in California. Used 1 season.

Falken Azenis ST115 tires size 275/35-18 with 2K on them.

Have lugs, locks and invoices.
:D

:beer:

[46 Cobra]

I have a 97 Cobra which I have stored every winter from November through mid April since purchased new. All I have done is to place rodent control on the engine (mice love wire insulation), disconnected the battery (computer will draw it down to nothing in 3-4 weeks and then it will freeze which the only cure for is replacement) and placed plastic bags over each exhaust pipe (prevents air circualtion over the couple valves that are open and inhibits corrosion that that circulation would otherwise promote). Original battery was strong for 5 years prior to needing replacement and the car always started immediatley when cranked in the spring. As it was stored on a wood floor I did not put plastic under it but if was on concrete I would recommend doing so.

Starting a car and driving it less than 10 miles when the weather is cold has the potential to cause damage. What happens is combustion produces water that is very evident at the exhaust pipe when the car is first started. Until the engine is warmed up, the cats are lit, and the tailpipes are hot a shut down will leave some very corrosive mositure in the engine and exhaust system.

I would guess the damage to the engine was present when you pruchased the car.

[SVT 04]

:throwup: I should have had a V8 before I bought the car. Oh yeah, also a Compression test and a Carfax. :mad: I'll make sure that doesn't happen again.

Thanks for the storage tips. Sounds like you have all the bases covered.

I'm glad it's gone. The L makes me much happier. It was a good learning exp. :bna:


:allhail:

[46 Cobra]

Are the wheels & tires for sale?

[SVT 04]

Yes.

[SVT 04]

I have other parts from my 98 GT that would work with your 97 Cobra. I really have no use for these items at this time. My girlfriend is always giving me a hard time about it. :D

I have a full set of Black Cobra floor mats (used 1 season), Cobra grill emblem, Clear taillights with red bulbs, Steeda HVAC polished knobs, Saleen S351 wing (it's white), Wolf Evoulution 4 Car Cover.

I also have subwoofers in sealed and ported boxes and 3 Amps, from 2-5 channel.

I tried to make my GT look like a Snake. That's why I have some Cobra parts.

You're might be thinking, this guy reminds of those pesky cell phone salesman in the big malls. You walk by them and they say, "Hey can I ask you a question about your cell phone". No offense, if anyone works at one.

:beer: :shft