AC Cobra

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

AC Cobra manual transmission fluid capacity ranges from 1,7 to 2,3 liters. Service intervals require a change every 4000 miles. The data covers 3 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
Cobra 428 (1967-1973)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,3 liter
  • Change 4000 miles
Cobra 427 (1965-1967)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Change 4000 miles
Cobra 289 (1963-1965)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Change 4000 miles

Additional Notes

  • The AC Cobra manual transmission fluid capacity holds at 1.7 liters across both the 289 and 427 engine configurations, covering model years 1963-1967.
  • The Cobra 428, spanning 1967-1973, carries a notably larger manual transmission fluid capacity of 2.3 liters, which is approximately 35% more than the 1.7-liter figure shared by the earlier 289 and 427 variants.
  • A 2.3-liter capacity typically reflects a physically larger or differently designed gearbox, as transmission fluid volume is directly tied to the internal dimensions of the housing and the number of gear sets contained within.
  • All three configurations share an identical service interval of 4,000 miles under normal use conditions, meaning routine driving without sustained heavy loads, extreme temperatures, or repeated towing.
  • A 4,000-mile change interval for manual transmission fluid is relatively short by general automotive standards, which often place manual gearbox service intervals at 30,000 miles or more, reflecting the performance-oriented nature of the Cobra platform.
  • The 1967 model year represents a transition point where both the 427 and 428 configurations overlap, yet the two carry different fluid capacities, making the engine designation the critical factor when determining the correct service fill amount for that year.

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