Researching an S281

[lastdeployment]

Hi all, I'm here for some information. I used to have an 01 GT that unfortunately is no longer with me. She was wrecked a week ago when I let someone use it to get to work... That will never happen again.
Anyway, I found a 96 S281 and verified the VIN and serial number. Saleen has verified that it is a real S281 and not a clone. I'm going to be traveling quite a ways to look at it. Is there anything I should look for or be on the lookout for? Any help that can be offered will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Dave]

Hi all, I'm here for some information. I used to have an 01 GT that unfortunately is no longer with me. She was wrecked a week ago when I let someone use it to get to work... That will never happen again.
Anyway, I found a 96 S281 and verified the VIN and serial number. Saleen has verified that it is a real S281 and not a clone. I'm going to be traveling quite a ways to look at it. Is there anything I should look for or be on the lookout for? Any help that can be offered will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!


Hi!

Maybe someone can correct me, but I vaguely recall that some of the mid/late ?90s cars had a problem with the wheels cracking. Not the Speedline produced wheels, but the ones Saleen made. So, look at the spokes of the wheels. If you want originality, make sure it still has its original Saleen content, as well Ford and Saleen additional options.

Basics like the Saleen serialization plates, Borla/Saleen catback exhaust, sparkplug wires, etc. Look at the body kit; check the condition of the front bumper for both road rash and sagging? the noses can lose their shape. In ?96 Ford was still placing VIN stickers on all the major body panels. So look at the inter fenders, doors, quarters, trunk, hood (if it does not have the Saleen hood) to see if any on these panels were replaced.

If you?re looking for a collectible, see if the original sales material, contracts, window sales sticker, owners jacket still exists with the vehicle.

Hope this was some help.

Did Team Saleen also tell you the original options to the car?

Good luck!

[lastdeployment]

I didn't check about the options installed. I still need to figure out how to get the car to me. I'm thinking about flying down and renting a uhaul and trailer to bring the car back.

[walc3]

Why not drive it back, if you buy it, and enjoy it. :?:

[XEVIOUS]

Hey i have a 96 s281 speester, the suggestions you got were good.
The biggest thing is how it drives. Ive been in one major accident with mine and although it was more cosmetic the original speedline wheels (that didnt have the embossed saleen logo's on them shattered)
They were GREAT rims very light (ceramic) and the saleen produced rims are magnesium alloy) two types. the grooved five spokes (common saleen rims) and the flat edged five spokes (which i believe are the speedlines)
just be carefull with bumps and remember the speedlines are italian made.

The seats may or maynot be recaro as it was optional. The ford seats werent bad at all very comfortable on long drives. just the leather cracks after age.

I tell all if your saleen handles like its on rails. go to an alignment shop to have its specs recorded for later use. Alignment shops dont have saleens specs and will use normal mustang or cobra specs killing some of that crisp handling.