So what's a Saleen anyway?
A Saleen Mustang is a specially built, improved Mustang, much like the ShelbyMustangs of the 1960's. Saleen has produced fewer cars in 20 years than Shelbydid in 6 years.
From www.Saleen.com "The first Saleen street car was ready for sale in 1984. It boasted special aerodynamics, an attractive and highly functional co*ckpit and a precise handling suspension package. The result was a car built as a limited edition model with individual serial numbers assuring authenticity."
Saleens featured numerous engine performance, suspension, appearance, andinterior improvements as compared to a regular Mustang. Content varies somewhatfrom year-to-year, but generally includes engine options ranging from mild tohand-built supercharged engines. Suspension & handling setup has always beena Saleen forte'. Every year includes distinctive body upgrades as well.
Stop by ourMembers Gallery for some great examples of Saleens.
Also seeSAFE SALEENING below.
STOCKMUSTANGSALEEN MUSTANG
For example, here's list of what a 2000 Saleen would have included:
PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT
4.6L 2V SOHC Engine - 285hp @ 5100 / 315 ft-lb torque @ 4100
Saleen Power Flash Performance Calibration - Premium Fuel
Saleen / Borla Mufflers and Performance Exhaust System
Optional:
4.6L 2V SOHC Supercharged Engine - 350hp @5000 / 410 ft-lb torque@3000
Saleen Series II "Roots" Type SuperchargerSaleen Water to Air Intercooler
Saleen Twin Gauge Pod (Boost & Intercooler Temp)
AIR MANAGEMENT DESIGN
Saleen Urethane Front Fascia
Saleen Urethane Side Skirts
Saleen Urethane Rear Fascia
Saleen Louvered Side Scoops
Saleen S281 Rear WingSaleen C Pillar (Coupe Only)
RACECRAFT SUSPENSION
Saleen Variable Rate Front and Rear Springs
Saleen Front (N2) Struts and Bushings / Rear (N2) Shocks
Saleen Front Sway Bar and Pivot BushingsHigh Performance Wheel Alignment and Tuned Chassis
Saleen Five Spoke Alloy WheelsPainted 18 x 9" Front and Rear Wheels
Pirelli 255/35ZR18 front / 265/35ZR18 rearOptional:
Chrome 18 x 9" Front and upgrade to 18x10" rear
Pirelli 265/35ZR18 front / 295/35ZR18 rear
STYLING AND INTERIOR
Saleen 200 MPH Speedo/White Faced Gauges
Saleen Close Ratio Shifter
Saleen Momo Leather Shift Knob
Saleen Performance Driving Pedals
Saleen Graphics and Identification
Saleen Championship Wreath
Saleen Rear Deck Badge
Saleen Serialized Engine Bay Plaque
Saleen Serialized Console Plaque
Saleen Serialized Bumper NumberAlways be sure to practice "Safe Saleening" whenbuying ANY Saleen!
Quick check our sectionWATCH LIST
Invest in a copy of "The Saleen Book" BEFORE buying a car!
Check for bumper numbers, console plaques, and underhood plate, depending on year, as well as FORD VIN#.
Always contact Saleen to verify a vehicle BEFORE buying! You'll need the Saleen ID # and the last 6 digits of the Ford VIN number.
To reach Team Saleen call 949-597-4900 or email them at techline@saleen.comor teamsaleen@saleen.com
Buyer beware! If you're thinking about buying a Saleen,there's a couple things you MUST do while shopping. Imitation may be the most sincereform of flattery, but a less than ethical or unknowledgeable seller can beexpensive to YOUR wallet! You need to become knowledgeable about your potentialpurchase or you might get burned!Be sure to check the SaleenWatch List as well.
For the potential Saleen buyer, the VERY first thing to do is purchase a copy of The Saleen Bookby Brad Bowling. This is currently "the bible" for Saleens. The backhalf of the book is a registry listing car numbers, partial VIN's, and originaloptions. A GREAT place to start!
(Clickon the book to find out where to purchase)
Once you've read the book, it's time to begin shopping. If youcan, deal with a Saleen-specific dealer, like Mark at PerformanceAutosport. That's NOT to say that he's the only place to look though! Youmight get lucky locally, on one of the many internet message boards, Autotrader,or even Ebay!
Once you find a car, there's several Saleen features to lookfor, depending on the year you're looking at. (Hey, you DID purchaseand READ the book to know what you're looking for, didn't you?) It all begins at the front bumper.Unfortunately, many replicas have the bumper numbers already added, as they canbe found on Ebay for a couple bucks. Get thenumber anyway, and check it against the Saleen Book. Check for an engine bay plaque and write down all the info itcontains as well. Check for a console plaque inside. Do the Saleen numbers onall 3 items match? Does the seller have other documentation, like the windowsticker? Take down all this information, and the Ford VIN numbers from thewindshield AND door sticker. Check the Ford Vins against each other AND thetitle!
We highly recommend using the Ford VIN to run a Carfaxas well. You never know what skeletons might be hiding in the closet. Yes, itcosts a few bucks, but well worth the peace of mind.
Finally, before you pull the trigger,contact Saleen at 1-949-597-3880 or 1-800-888-8945 or email TeamSaleen@Saleen.com. They will need the "Saleen number" from the car as well as the last 6digits of the Ford VIN. Saleen can use these numbers to verify that you are indeedlooking at a "real" Saleen. You can also ask them for afax copy of the original window sticker, and a "Letter ofAuthenticity" for your car. The LOA may take several days for processing,but Saleen can verbally verify what you have pretty quickly! DO NOT skipcontacting Saleen!!! VERY IMPORTANT!
