Are DOHC motors that much better and SOHC motors?

[Chowder Head]

Hey all.

I've been trying to find a 96-98 Cobra for quite some time now.  Reason those years is because I'm limited to around 7,500 and I like the SN95 body styles better.

It's been hard to try to find a nice Cobra for just 7,500 but I see 96-98 GT's all the time.  I know the DOHC motor is stronger but is it worth the 2-3000 difference?

If the SOHC motor would be more cost effective to mod, would it be better than 94-95 GT/Cobra that has the 302 motor?  I know the mod motors respond well to boost but the 302 is a proven performer.

Or a possible Fox Body?


I'm just throwing around suggestions.
Any opinion/comments are greatly appreciated.

[quake101]

I love my fox body and I personaly think a pushrod motor feels more powerful. Just my .02 tho.

[Evil95GT]

IMHO, you should try to stick to the 94-95 Cobra, if you're looking for an "economical" way to mod a car. The SOHC/DOHC motors are a bit more pricey to modify, and you're a tad more limited when it comes to bolt-ons. It's not so much that the pushrods are more powerful motors, it's the fact that they have low end..............the SOHC/DOHC motors have it all up top.

[BadAndy]

The DOHC engine is DEFINATELY worth the 2-4K more you pay for it. I take it you've never driven a 96+ Cobra? They are awesome cars but cost more to mod even though they have more potential. If I had bought a 96+ the most I would do to it is exhaust, cai, gears and maybe nitrous. They are just too much of a hassle to mod for the average joe. Then again, I'm biased because I own a '94 Cobra Much easier and cheaper to mod.

[Andrew01GT]

You do not want a 96-98 GT unless you want to do a PI swap.  Without it, they are turds

[BadAndy]

You do not want a 96-98 GT unless you want to do a PI swap. Without it, they are turds

Yes...very much the turds.