my 79 cobra project
 

just purchased it washed it up ,now to figure out if i keep the 4 speed that is in it and 7.5 rearends i heard are not the best, but i do have the 302 which i will be using, interior is in great shape. I will keep the updates coming

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

7.5 may surprise you as to the abuse it can take.

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

Mustang 8.8s are so common and cheap to buy, I wouldn`t waste a dime on a 7.5" rearend.
The stock 79 4 speed is a weak, very poorly geared 3 speed with an overdriven 4th, again, I wouldn`t waste any time on it.
Assuming this is to be a Stocker project, it is much better to buy decent parts from the begining. When I started racing my 85 Mustang, I was running stock T5 transmissions for the first year. By the end of that year, I had 2 broken T5s, and a box of damaged parts.

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

really i didnt no that i have heard people tell me just get a 8.8, and i will probaly go with a c4

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

I was saying that about the 7.5 if you were just trying to get started racing with what you already have to work with. As stated, you definitely want the 8.8 if you are planning on making serious power. I've seen 7.5's take abuse but the 8.8 is the best setup ultimately.

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

I blew up three 7.5's in my '83 then put in a 9".....that was in '88...haven't broke anything since.
9" isn't required with a 302 2bbl auto, but if your ever going to step it up in the future it's required and the price is a wash or cheaper for a 9" imho.

Personally I'll always take a robust, removable carrier type rear, over a c-clip/tiny/weak/integral carrier type. Maybe I'm too old school?

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

The 8.8 is pretty decent, as long as you have the axle tubes welded to the casting, and get a decent spool and axles. I have been running my 85 Mustang for 11 years with a 8.8, with a stick, and with the bracket engine, have gone mid 1.3 60 foots. That said, if I did it again, I think I would use a 9". A 9 inch has a much better selection of ratios, most available in a "Pro" gear, which is not available for a 8.8. A 8.8 is definately cheaper, and easy to find, and bolts right in. Plus supposedly takes less HP to spin. And unless you want to spend even more money, the 8.8 is lighter. But the 9 inch is way better served ratiowise.

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

The best info I can share, talk to Mark Yacavone about a converter if you go auto. I was going to start with a 7.5 as well. You can get better axles, and they are 40lbs less than a 8.8. They will hold up to a 2bbl 302 and automatic. It depends on what you budget is and what you are looking to do. I bought a 79, and was going to build it as an 82 HO, but that's done with now. I tried to do it budget, but my 'budget' and a stocker 'budget' are vastly different...

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

where are you located? I have an 8.8 i'll let go cheap. Has 3.55's and stock trac loc axels etc, you may not need that stuff. I can sell the housing less those parts if you want, also have aftermarket control arms to go with it.

I'm in southern PA, near york.

cool project, keep the pics coming!

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

also when you get a chance post up pics of the interior

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

suburb of buffalo ny

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

here is a pic i took will be getting more soon

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

Nice.

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

It's been a few months since I posted but my wife's illness is priority over anything in the world to me but going out to putter around with it so like my original plan I'm doing this on a budget cash only used from sw or selling stuff that's been laying around and we all have stuff like that lol so if anyone has anything they are looking to get rid of that they think I might need let me no I would appreciate it I will post more pic as I go. I just want to get out on the track doesn't matter what times I am running just want to have some fun in a reliable safe car

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

Hope the wife is doing well. Keep chipping away at the car you'll get there.

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

She is thank you. Looking for a 8.8. Can't beleive there are none for sale locally Ilol

Re: my 79 cobra project
 

Well it's been awhile but I have since picked up a rearend,k member radiator, roll bar, and bunch more parts now I have to start the tear down