96 Cobra into a 2000 V6 in JAPAN!!!!

2000JDM · 05-24-2010, 11:20 PM

Hey. I came across this site thanks to the oracle (Google). Glad to see all the support here. I had a 2000 GT when I lived in the States, had to do some stuff to it because it's a Mustang...I'm fine with that and I feel comfortable with my level of experience and basic automotive knowledge and mechanical skills (thanks Dad). Anyway here's the situation.

I bought my girlfriend a 95 GT convertible out here in Japan...nothing but problems, in fact she's given up on it and so have I, but before we came to the decision of selling it she needed a driver’s side window. Parts are difficult if not impossible to come across out here. So there I was driving down the road one day when I saw the back end of a Mustang with a love seat sitting on top of it. Noticed that the driver’s side window was intact so I approached a Japanese dude who was outside. I don't speak Japanese but my girlfriend does (well not when it comes to mechanical stuff, same as in the States). So by the time she got done asking the guy how much he wanted for the window, she told me he wanted 20,000 for the whole car. I was like what??? Just the window. She said it was 20,000 Yen which is $200. I told her tell him OK. Deal was done. After looking at it closer I noticed it had Dual Exhaust. So I popped the hood and there it was, a big ole Cobra looking right at me saying "Get this F**'n love seat off me". So I started looking for a donor car to drop this snake into. Found a 2000 V6 for $4000, which is a steal out here BTW. the reason it was so cheap was because the A/C and brakes don't work. NP, cuz the Cobra will take care of all of that. Started the Cobra up after 6 years of sitting (with a love seat on it) without hesitation the Beast was alive. Shut her down after a gentle warm up, no leaks, so I got a guy doing a once over to replace the seals and give me the thumbs up on the internals.

Any tips tricks or things to be aware of while I plan out this swap?? Thanks again.

SchwaebzGT · 05-24-2010, 11:37 PM

out of curiosity, can the cobra be driven as is, is there something wrong wiht the car now, besides a loveseat on top of it?

****, yen is weird compared to dollars

2000JDM · 05-25-2010, 12:45 AM

looks like the Cobra hit an inanamate object at high velocity. Knocked the whole passenger wheel into the door. had to put a winky spare on it just to get it on the tow truck. Luckily under the hood everything is fine except i noticed the most curious thing. apparently the smog pump feeds into a T fitting and then to two, what look like acuators. Well the T fitting had been cut out. not remomed, CUT. so i have to try and order all new hoses from the smog pump to those actuator dealy-o's.

mczest · 05-25-2010, 03:01 AM

i wouldve done a smog pump delete lol

**taylor0987** · 05-25-2010, 03:42 AM

the 94-98 vs 99-04 cars had some extreme changes in how the wiring, fuel system, and some other things were handled
you're going to decide what your approach is

if you want to leave some of the wiring in the car and keep the fuel system the same in the 2000, then you will want to find a 99-04 v8 donor car and will need to get a lot of the wiring and computer from that to swap into the v6

if you don't mind stripping both cars, then you can use almost all of the wiring from the 95 car-- that means everything under the dash, most of the wiring going back to the trunk area, lots of the wiring in the trunk, the wiring going back to the fuel tank; you'll also need to run a return fuel line from the engine compartment to the trunk.

2000JDM · 05-25-2010, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylor0987

the 94-98 vs 99-04 cars had some extreme changes in how the wiring, fuel system, and some other things were handled
you're going to decide what your approach is

if you want to leave some of the wiring in the car and keep the fuel system the same in the 2000, then you will want to find a 99-04 v8 donor car and will need to get a lot of the wiring and computer from that to swap into the v6

if you don't mind stripping both cars, then you can use almost all of the wiring from the 95 car-- that means everything under the dash, most of the wiring going back to the trunk area, lots of the wiring in the trunk, the wiring going back to the fuel tank; you'll also need to run a return fuel line from the engine compartment to the trunk.

Thanks taylor. that's exactly the kind of info i'm looking for. getting a 99-04 GT donor is out of the question unless i get one from Main Land Japan. Not gonna drop another 8-9K. I will use most everything from the 96 Cobra minus the interior and out side body parts of course. I did see something very obvious which I'm wondering how to tackle it. On the V6 there's this huge cylinder attached to the brake lines, hydroboost or something like that? on the Cobra you can hardley see a cylinder at all. I know i have to change it because the DOHC won't fit with the V6 booster, but anyone know how both attached to the firewall? looks like a singe stud and nut and 3 rivets, could be wrong. thanks in advance.

**taylor0987** · 05-25-2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000JDM

Thanks taylor. that's exactly the kind of info i'm looking for. getting a 99-04 GT donor is out of the question unless i get one from Main Land Japan. Not gonna drop another 8-9K. I will use most everything from the 96 Cobra minus the interior and out side body parts of course. I did see something very obvious which I'm wondering how to tackle it. On the V6 there's this huge cylinder attached to the brake lines, hydroboost or something like that? on the Cobra you can hardley see a cylinder at all. I know i have to change it because the DOHC won't fit with the V6 booster, but anyone know how both attached to the firewall? looks like a singe stud and nut and 3 rivets, could be wrong. thanks in advance.

sorry I got mixed up with the 95 vs. 96 thing, substitute "96" for what I put in that post

vacuum=big; hydroboost=small

the v6 uses a vacuum brake booster. that is the big thing you see

the fasteners holding the brake booster in the car on the v6 are 4 nuts on the *inside* of the car. they also hold the brake( and clutch for manual trans) pedal assembly in the car.

the 96-04 v8's use hydroboost (hydro=hydraulic) the brakes are powered using pressure from the power steering pump. that has the smaller thing behind the master cylinder.

you need to swap the hydroboost setup from the cobra to the v6 body for the cobra engine to fit.

chaoticdismay · 05-25-2010, 02:12 PM

and it's not just the HB from the engine bay, the pedal assembly is also different and will need to be swapped as well.

2000JDM · 05-25-2010, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylor0987

sorry I got mixed up with the 95 vs. 96 thing, substitute "96" for what I put in that post

vacuum=big; hydroboost=small

the v6 uses a vacuum brake booster. that is the big thing you see

the fasteners holding the brake booster in the car on the v6 are 4 nuts on the *inside* of the car. they also hold the brake( and clutch for manual trans) pedal assembly in the car.

the 96-04 v8's use hydroboost (hydro=hydraulic) the brakes are powered using pressure from the power steering pump. that has the smaller thing behind the master cylinder.

you need to swap the hydroboost setup from the cobra to the v6 body for the cobra engine to fit.

Awesome. That's some good info. I figured it was a type-o 95/6. It's funny that my Japanese friends call me the "Mustang Guy", if they knew guys like you I'd just be an aveage Joe.

Thanks again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaoticdismay

and it's not just the HB from the engine bay, the pedal assembly is also different and will need to be swapped as well.

I was planning on switching pedal assemblies also becasue the V6 is an Auto and the Cobra obviously is Manual, but it's good to know how everything works.

* here's a little Japanese trivia: Did you know that in Japan there are two types of Drivers Licenses for driving an automobile? One is for an Auto an one is for Manual. And to get your Japanese Drivers License will cost around $3000 per flavor.

corydoitch · 05-25-2010, 04:48 PM

This is going to be a good thread, I love export cars.

2000JDM · 05-25-2010, 05:27 PM

I didn't realize that there was so much interest in JDM Mustangs. Wish I would have known....saw a 97 V6 in the junkyard here a few months back.... realize now I should have gone in and stripped it. I'll keep my eye out for any more at the yards for y'all.

atlanticblue98 · 05-25-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000JDM

I didn't realize that there was so much interest in JDM Mustangs. Wish I would have known....saw a 97 V6 in the junkyard here a few months back.... realize now I should have gone in and stripped it. I'll keep my eye out for any more at the yards for y'all.

the most popular part is the tailights with the amber in the lenses.

oh and the JDM sun visors are cool

2000JDM · 05-25-2010, 05:34 PM

If you guys know anyone moving to Okinawa and want to buy my GT here's a link:

http://www.okinawayardsales.com/item...temId=14842353

FordMotorsports · 05-25-2010, 07:42 PM

I would start by stripping the interiors, then start the harnesses from the tails forward. Then the fuel system, dash, brakes, etc etc. I am gonna say for sure you will have to turn the pats off with a tuner, because it might be a problem to get Ford to do it. Sounds like you got a hell's good donor car. Good luck.

punypony · 05-25-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordMotorsports

I would start by stripping the interiors, then start the harnesses from the tails forward. Then the fuel system, dash, brakes, etc etc. I am gonna say for sure you will have to turn the pats off with a tuner, because it might be a problem to get Ford to do it. Sounds like you got a hell's good donor car. Good luck.

if you have the keys to the other car you should be able to remove the lock cylinder, and you will obviously need the cluster and computer anyway, which would negate the need to mess with pats.

FordMotorsports · 05-25-2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punypony

if you have the keys to the other car you should be able to remove the lock cylinder, and you will obviously need the cluster and computer anyway, which would negate the need to mess with pats.

"Maybe" lol

punypony · 05-25-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordMotorsports

"Maybe" lol

yes, i suppose should would have been a bit more accurate than "would"

2000JDM · 05-25-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordMotorsports

I would start by stripping the interiors, then start the harnesses from the tails forward. Then the fuel system, dash, brakes, etc etc. I am gonna say for sure you will have to turn the pats off with a tuner, because it might be a problem to get Ford to do it. Sounds like you got a hell's good donor car. Good luck.

Thanks. Sounds like a good start. Oh did I mention in the midst of the transfer of electronics, drive train, etc. I plan on changing the color to a gunmetal or maybe dark shadow gray. So after I strip the V6 it's off to the paint shop and once it gets back it'll be a slow, methodical approach changing everything over while I bust rust and repaint. I plan on using all components from the Cobra, including ignition, door locks etc. I think that's the easiest and only way. There is no Ford support out here. The closest thing we got is a Mazda dealer with a "Ford Service" logo hidden in the Mazda Service Dept. Took my 95 Stang there once and they had it for 2 weeks before they told me they couldn't help because they had to call up to Tokyo everyday to get step-by-step instructions. That's why I appreciate all your help here. Mustang owners are a unique breed. And to speak to the donor car, both cars are a pretty good find in my humble opinion. Both have about 53,000km which is around 32,000 miles. Thanks Guys...and Gals if applicable.

SchwaebzGT · 05-28-2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000JDM

I didn't realize that there was so much interest in JDM Mustangs. Wish I would have known....saw a 97 V6 in the junkyard here a few months back.... realize now I should have gone in and stripped it. I'll keep my eye out for any more at the yards for y'all.

srsly, if you start doing that, you could make some money on here

Sanchez · 05-31-2010, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000JDM

* here's a little Japanese trivia: Did you know that in Japan there are two types of Drivers Licenses for driving an automobile? One is for an Auto an one is for Manual. And to get your Japanese Drivers License will cost around $3000 per flavor.

Thats not true.

FergusonRed6er · 05-31-2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sanchez

Thats not true.

I also just looked it up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_licence_in_Japan

There are many types but I don't see anything about manual and auto.

2000JDM · 06-01-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sanchez

Thats not true.

Ummm.... I live here. My girlfriend just got her license. She's can only drive an auto. She has to take another test to drive a manual. It wouldn't make sense to have two separate tests if one license would accommodate both license types.

2000JDM · 06-01-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FergusonRed6er

I also just looked it up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_licence_in_Japan

There are many types but I don't see anything about manual and auto.

I could go update wikipedia for you if you want. I don't trust everything on wiki, since people like you and me can go and edit stuff. It is a good reference but i wouldn't consider it the end all. Might just be Okinawa Japan and not Mainland.

Kurisu · 06-01-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000JDM

Ummm.... I live here. My girlfriend just got her license. She's can only drive an auto. She has to take another test to drive a manual. It wouldn't make sense to have two separate tests if one license would accommodate both license types.

Most countries (Japan included) have the licenses by the vehicle type, not by the transmission.

http://www.koyama.co.jp/english/english_01_03.html

2000JDM · 06-01-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurisu

Most countries (Japan included) have the licenses by the vehicle type, not by the transmission.

http://www.koyama.co.jp/english/english_01_03.html

My apologies. I could be wrong. I'm gonna go down to the Land Transportation Office and get the actual scoop. I haven't had to deal with an actual Japanese License because I'm with the U.S. Military and we just take a written test and get a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) License.

Sanchez · 06-01-2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000JDM

Ummm.... I live here. My girlfriend just got her license. She's can only drive an auto. She has to take another test to drive a manual. It wouldn't make sense to have two separate tests if one license would accommodate both license types.

Thats cool man I mean its not like I did a two years over there myself or anything. I must be totally ignorant to how I got my license over there and therefore completely talking out of my ass. I also guess every available resource saying youre wrong must also be incorrect. My bad man, Ill never doubt you again and just accept the fact that Japan and Okinawa must charge $3000 for a license depending solely on the transmission because you said so.

2000JDM · 06-01-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sanchez

Thats cool man I mean its not like I did a two years over there myself or anything. I must be totally ignorant to how I got my license over there and therefore completely talking out of my ass. I also guess every available resource saying youre wrong must also be incorrect. My bad man, Ill never doubt you again and just accept the fact that Japan and Okinawa must charge $3000 for a license depending solely on the transmission because you said so.

Wow. Take a chill pill dude. I said I could be wrong. I was going off my experience and what my girlfriend just got done going through. You said you did two years over here? in the military? if so, you know as well as i do things are different for us, "Professional Drivers". And I'm not saying every resource is wrong and I'm right, I was just saying that wikipedia is not 100% correct or 100% complete always. Doesn't really matter anyway because this tread is about a Mustang conversion which has nothing to do with Japanese licenses. MY BAD for even bringing it up.

2000JDM · 06-01-2010, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurisu

Most countries (Japan included) have the licenses by the vehicle type, not by the transmission.

http://www.koyama.co.jp/english/english_01_03.html

Again, something that doesn't make sense is if you look at the price list specifically where is says "License Obtained" they have AT and MT and there are two different price totals for each. Why would there be two different training programs and "License Obtained" if A single license would encompass all? Can anyone explain that?

http://www.koyama.co.jp/english/english_02_01.html