Page 1 of 32
Introduction
2
Cobra unique standard features
5
Engine/Transmission
7
Drivetrain
9
Chassis
10
Seating and energy management
11
Maintenance
14
Part numbers 14
Refill capacities 14
Roadside Emergencies
23
Wrecker towing 23
Fuses and relays 23
A word about warranty coverage
24
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or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage and retrieval system or translation in
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the contents without notice and without incurring
obligation.
Copyright © 2002 Ford Motor Company
Table of contents
1
Page 3 of 32

SVT HISTORY
The Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) was
established in 1991 to“Polish the Ford Oval”by
creating low-volume, factory-produced vehicles
designed for those select few whose idea of driving
is a high-powered, passionate experience—not just
a means of getting from point A to point B.
In a move to support this spirited enthusiasm, Ford
Motor Company carefully integrated the wide array of
talent in the company into a small, cross-functional
group of engineers, product planners, and marketing
people, housed together under one roof with a
common mission: to create vehicles specifically
designed to meet the unique needs and desires of the
knowledgeable driving enthusiast.
Each of the over 100,000 SVT vehicles produced
since the 1993 model year has been designed and
developed with the four SVT Hallmarks in mind:
Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value.
These hallmarks have driven the SVT Mustang Cobra
and the Cobra R, the SVT F-150 Lightning , the SVT
Contour and the SVT Focus.
We are proud and passionate about what we do, and
we’re glad you have made us your choice.
SVT OWNERSHIP BENEFITS
•SVT Authorized Dealers:A network of specially
trained and certified SVT dealers who are
dedicated to maintaining a culture within their
dealerships that understands the knowledgeable
driving enthusiast.
•SVT Premium Service*:As an owner or lessee
of a 2003 model year SVT vehicle, you will be
provided a complimentary loaner vehicle when
your 2003 SVT vehicle is in for service (includes
warranty work and routine maintenance, other
than oil changes). The dealership will also wash
and vacuum your vehicle upon request.
•
SVT Owner’s Association (SVTOA) One year
membership:
The SVT Owners Association
(SVTOA) is a club dedicated to enhance the SVT
Introduction
3
Page 5 of 32
•4.6L DOHC 32V Supercharged V–8 Engine with
Intercooler—390 horsepower, 390 lb-ft torque
•T56 6 speed transmission
•Aluminum flywheel
•Engine oil cooler
•Power steering cooler
•Anti-lock Brake System with Traction Control
•Limited-slip independent rear suspension
•SVT-tuned suspension and brakes
•17”x9”cast aluminum wheels
•275/40ZR17 BSW Performance Tires
•Specially tuned stainless steel exhaust system
•Decklid spoiler, hood, rocker moldings, front and
rear fascia
•Round fog lamps
•Color keyed fold away mirrors
•Unique cloth top (convertible only)
•Interval wipers with aerodynamic wiper/blade
•Electroluminescent cluster with boost gauge
•Sport seats with adjustable driver bolsters and
leather and preferred suede seating surfaces
•Sport pedals with aluminum covers
•Leather wrapped sport steering wheel
Cobra unique standard features
5
Page 7 of 32
4.6L DOHC SUPERCHARGED V–8 ENGINE
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Intercooler reservoir
10. Air filter assembly
11. Auxiliary power distribution block
12. Supercharger
Engine/Transmission
7
Page 8 of 32
Item Description
ConfigurationLongitudinally mounted,
90-degree V8, cast iron
cylinder block and cast
aluminum cylinder heads
Bore x Stroke90.2 x 90.0 mm (3.55 x 3.54
in)
Displacement4601 cc/280 cid
Compression ratio8.5:1
Horsepower239 kW @ 6000 rpm (390 HP
@ 6000 rpm)
Torque430 Nm @ 4800 rpm (390
lb.-ft. @ 4750 rpm)
Redline6500 rpm (fuel shut-off at
7000 rpm)
Specific output84.8 HP per liter
ValvetrainDual overhead chain-driven
cams, roller finger followers
with hydraulic lash
adjustment, ovate-wire valve
springs, four valves per
cylinder
Fuel systemSequential electronic fuel
injection
Mass air sensor90 mm (3.54 in) diameter
Throttle bodyTwin 57 mm (2.24 in)
diameter bore-simultaneously
open
Exhaust manifoldsCast-high silicon,
molybdenum iron
Exhaust systemDual-stainless steel
Engine/Transmission
8
Page 14 of 32
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.6L DOHC Supercharged
V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1632
Fuel filter FG-800A
Battery BXT-59
Oil filter FL-820S
PCV valve EV-153
Spark plugs* AGSF-12FM1
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information
(VECI) decal for spark plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidFill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil5.7L (6.0 quarts)
Engine coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored) or
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)15.2L (16.1
quarts)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FFill to between
MIN and MAX
lines on reservoir
Rear axle lubricant
2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant1.4L (2.9 pints)
Fuel tank N/A 59.4L (15.7
gallons)
Maintenance
14
Page 15 of 32

Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Intercooler coolant Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored) or
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.75L (3.96 qts)
Transmission fluid
3Refer to the label
on your
transmission3.9L (8.2 pints)4
Windshield washer
fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield Washer
Concentrate3.8L (4.0 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your
vehicle.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected, service is
required or the axle assembly has been submerged
in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any
time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill
6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below
bottom of fill hole. Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive
Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A for
complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
3The TTC T56 6 Speed transmission on your SVT
Mustang Cobra uses automatic transmission fluid.
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is
used as indicated in the label on your transmission.
4Service refill capacity is determined by filling the
transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the
vehicle on a level surface.
Maintenance
15
Page 16 of 32

OCTANE RECOMMENDATIONS
Your vehicle is designed
to use“Premium”
unleaded gasoline with
an (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 91 or higher for optimum performance. The
use of gasolines with lower octane ratings may
degrade performance. We do not recommend the
use of gasolines labeled as“Premium”in high
altitude areas that are sold with octane ratings of
less than 91.
If your engine knocks under most driving conditions
while you are using fuel with the recommended
octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician to prevent any engine damage.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
The concentration and level of engine coolant should
be checked at the mileage intervals listed in the
scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant
and water, which equates to a freeze point of -36°C
(-34°F). Coolant concentration testing is possible
with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester,
0014–R1060). The level of coolant should be
maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level
in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in theAdding Engine
Coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine
coolant and water concentration. If the
concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not
work properly.A50–50 mixture of coolant and
water provides the following:
•freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•protection against rust and other forms of
corrosion.
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance
16