Behind the scenes, auto manufacturers and engineers often give their projects code names. This allows them to discuss those projects without leaking secrets to the public, but these nicknames often also indicate the spirit of the project. So, when Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) began developing a special supercharged version of the 4.6L DOHC V8 for the 2003-04 Mustang SVT Cobra, they called the engine "Terminator" — a name that conveyed it would be muscular and almost unstoppable. The Cobra Terminator would go on to become a legendary performance car and modern-day classic. AutotopiaLA recently featured this heavily-modified '03 Cobra Terminator, which makes 1,000 horsepower at the rear wheels.
A Terminator Dialed Up to the Max
In stock form, the '03 SVT Cobra produced 390 horsepower from its 4.6L V8 equipped with an Eaton M-112 supercharger, and could sprint from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. These were very respectable numbers at that time, but enthusiasts soon learned the Terminator V8 had even more potential. With a bigger supercharger and more boost, they could reliably produce hundreds more horsepower.
This Cobra, built by owner Tony Martinez, is anything but stock. He bought it with a few modifications, including a 2.3L Whipple supercharger. That was soon swapped out for a 2.9L Whipple Crusher, and the engine was completely reworked. The iron block was swapped for an aluminum block, and new forged bottom end parts were installed. Custom-ground cams and upgraded valvetrain completed the setup. It was tuned for E85 fuel on the stock ECU, producing around 1,000hp at the tire.
The built 4.6 was paired with a T-56 Magnum manual transmission and a built 8.8 solid axle rear end with a 35-spline spool. Subframe reinforcements and a set of Menscer Motorsports coilovers keep the car planted under hard acceleration, and it rolls on Weld wheels with Mickey Thompson tires. The rears are massive 28x10.5 M/T slicks with beadlocks.
"It hooks... it likes to go," says Martinez. The clips of him driving with AutotopiaLA host Shawn in the passenger seat speak for themselves. Shawn and his camera crew appear to be equal parts impressed and terrified.
However, contrasting with the heavily-modded drivetrain, the car's body and interior are almost completely stock. Original bucket seats are equipped with Corbeau harnesses and a harness bar in the back seat area, but Martinez says a full cage is in this car's future. The rest of the interior is extremely clean and almost looks factory-fresh.
Check out the video from AutotopiaLA below — this is one car you have to see and hear in action to understand how truly vicious it is.
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