Q: 1996 S281? - Restore OR Part Out
 

My S281 has been sitting in the yard for years. It has a new 03-04 Cobra long block with a 2.5L kenne Bell blower, Foxlake ported heads, and a Pauls High Performance automatic. It's convertible. The paint is totttally gone, and the seats are falling apart. Should I restore it or just sell the good parts? Due to an ECM problem it's never been tuned. Replacing the ECM and wiring harness with a Marauder ECM and harness would be necessary. I tried using a T-bird EEC for the auto trannt conversion, but the battery voltage pins are not the same and causes all kinds of tuning issues. I used to own part of SCT so I can explain the ECM issues if anyone wants to know, but I don't need tuning advice. Swapping to an ECM with a new harness will fix that problem and support the auto trans.

Can I even find the necessary decals and trimn parts needed for a restore?

David

The 1996-98 S281 GT-based Saleen Mustangs are pretty low on the want-list as of today. Your decision to keep or scrap will be based on your desire for this vehicle.

Yes, you can find some of the exterior decals and exterior styling components. If we ignore the cars with optional Recaro seating, most of the SN95 S281 are stock Mustang GT with regards to interior parts.

If you have the financial means, finish it at least mechanically. The cosmetics can be figured out later.

Most people want to pay pennies on the dollar for projects (that includes me) and rightfully so. Nothing is ever as simple as it sounds or you think.

Appears you have the know how to get it running right, so you should do so.
At worst it will run right and you can sell of the cobra engine which has a lot of value when it can be tested.