i just ordered a pair of nitto 275/40/17s for the front of my 97 cobra. 275/40/17 DR's in back. i dont know how its going to look just yet, but would like 2 lower it at same time of tire change. how should i lower it w/out running me more than 3 or 4 hundred and how low. i live in chicago so roads are a little rough also.

 

from what i've heard u will be safe with as much as 1.5 inch drop. if u drop by more than 1 inch u need caster and camber plates to get alignment right. but with those wheels i don't know it shouldn't have that big of an effect though. I'm lowering mine so i've been resurching. and it will probobly cost u about $300-$400 unless u do all the work your self. Oh and your ride WILL suffer. it will be what some people call "a harsh ride" but i call it "better road feel". it's just what u like i would rather feel like i'm driving a go cart than feel like i'm sitting on my couch when i'm driving. but My dad had a '99 cobra and he did a 1.5 inch drop and the ride was still very nice and easy to live with every day. let me know what u decide to do. I also have heard that H & R make ssome of the best lowering springs for stangs. I'll be useing their's

 

mine sits on 275/40/17's all the way around with no rubbing to speak of and it's at least 2" lower than stock in front... probably 2.25. I run a very aggressive full coil over and tubular arm setup so don't think it's a good idea to lower that low without spending the bucks.

I'd probably get yourself some FRPP F springs, Tokico HP shocks and struts and spend the install money. You'll be at about double your budget to properly lower it but you'll like it.