There's no doubt that Saleen Mustangs generate lots of envious stares from many of us in the Mustang hobby. Saleens are cool cars that rightly take their place in the high-end of the Mustang world along with Shelbys, SVT Cobra models, and others. But there's more to this picture that most don't think about. When a Saleen Mustang is built, there are numerous factory parts removed from a current '02 GT to create the three versions of the S281 sold today-the base S281, the supercharged model, and the 425hp version dubbed the S281-E.
To find out about all the takeoff parts available, we stopped in at Saleen's Irvine, California, factory to get the scoop on what actually comes off an '02 GT on the path to creating an S281. You might be surprised at the desirable pieces available through Saleen's takeoff parts program, which gets little fanfare from either Saleen's print catalog, its Web site, or anywhere else.
Those of you with just about any kind of SN-95 Mustang will want to know what's available for your car-whether it's an earlier GT model or a V-6 of any year. And with the advent of the '01 Premium Package GT wheel (or Bullitt wheel, as it's sometimes known) now available for the past year, Saleen's takeoff parts program has gotten even better-especially since all S281s are built from Premium Packaged GTs.
But there's a lot more than just wheels available, as you'll soon see. Those of you with V-6 Mustangs can upgrade many suspension parts using factory GT items such as front struts, rear shocks, and front antisway bars. There are other goodies, too, and to find out what they are, all you have to do is read on.
One of the mainstays of the...
One of the mainstays of the Saleen takeoff parts program has been wheels. The advent of the Premium Package GT wheel makes the '01 GT even stronger, because this is by far the best factory wheel ever installed on an SN-95 Mustang GT. Just so we're clear on this, the Premium Package GT (both '01 and '02) and the '01 Bullitt use this exact same wheel. So while these can effectively be called "Bullitt" wheels, be aware the '01 Bullitt isn't the only '01 or '02 Mustang GT that comes equipped with these wheels. To refresh, these 17x8-inch wheels come equipped with Goodyear Eagle ZR45, 245/45ZR17 tires. Complete wheel and tire packages from Saleen run $999.99 or the wheels can be had for $699.99-which makes the tires a bargain at $300 If you want the tires by themselves, Saleen moves those for just under $500 a set. Keep in mind, these wheels and tires are, for all intents and purposes, brand new and come right off the cars as they go on the assembly line to become S281s. Incidentally, we've already seen these wheels on a Fox-body car and they look awesome. When converting a Fox to a five-lug bolt pattern, we'd be hard pressed to think of a better-looking wheel for you '79-'93 owners.
Factory GT exhaust systems...
Factory GT exhaust systems stacked up like cordwood make an appealing buy for V-6 owners who want to convert their car to true dual-exhaust setups. While many may opt for an aftermarket system, there's nothing wrong with the mellow tone of a factory system brand new from an '02 GT. And at about a 100 bucks for one of these setups, the deal sounds even sweeter.
A set of GT struts and shocks...
A set of GT struts and shocks would make a nice upgrade on a V-6 'Stang for just under $100. Combined with a set of Saleen Racecraft springs to lower the ride height, you'd have a nice setup for the budget-minded. Factory GT springs are also available-if you don't mind the pogo-stick ride height-for $79.99. Saleen even offers the front brake rotors and calipers off the cars they turn into S281s for a paltry $34.99. Of course, the rotors make fine stock replacements on older cars that need a standard brake job.
The front antisway bar from...
The front antisway bar from an '02 GT to upgrade a V-6 car to a larger bar is available for $29.99.
Some V-6 cars came with rear...
Some V-6 cars came with rear spoilers and some didn't. Both the '99-2000 and '01-'02-style (photo) wings are available for $79.99 and $99.99, respectively. The wings are available in several factory-painted colors.
A GT front fascia is available...
A GT front fascia is available for about $200, and, more importantly, the GT hood with the fake ram-air scoop is an ideal upgrade for V-6 cars at $299.99. Foglights are also offered-including the switch-at $99.99 a set.
As mentioned, the rear wing...
As mentioned, the rear wing off an '02 GT (same as the '01 models) is available for about $100. In what we consider to be the most significant body panel piece for you V-6 owners, Saleen offers these rear fascias for $169.99. Why are these important? Because their cutouts at the bottom for the exhaust-system tailpipes, combined with a GT exhaust system, make this the only part other than the hood (the hood is different on '01-and-newer cars only) to differentiate a V-6 car from a GT. Put one of these panels and a GT exhaust system on a V-6 Mustang and combine it with a set of the Premium Package wheels and you'd be hard-pressed to differentiate the V-6 from a GT without looking at the emblems mounted on the front fender.
Although there's probably...
Although there's probably not much interest in these sidescoops, since all square-edge Mustangs have them, they're good to know about in case you need replacement pieces. At only $35.99 a pair, you could even buy a set in your car's color to have them on hand in case of any mishap.
The same goes for these side...
The same goes for these side skirts underneath the doors ($39.99 a set) as for the scoops. Rear quarter-window C-pillar panels are also available for the same $39.99 price. And remember, all these parts are factory painted and ready to go in whatever color you need.