Serialization plaque differences?

[Agent_177]

Looking to buy a 1988 Saleen, but the plaque is on the driverside strut tower and is doesn't look the same as the 90's.
Was there a difference between years?

[Dave]

Yes.

1984-86, no engine compartment serialization plate.

1987-88, serialization plate on the driver side apron. Plate only features the Saleen Mustang built number.

1989-93, serialization plate on the passenger side of the firewall. Plate features Saleen Mustang build number, build date, and Ford VIN.

[Agent_177]

Thank you Dave.

Any idea where to find certain info on the different year decals and emblems?
Kind of new to the foxbody stuff.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Agent_177

Any idea where to find certain info on the different year decals and emblems?

Kind of new to the foxbody stuff.

The Saleen Book by Brad Bowling.

For the aero cars you're considering... 1987-88 had "Saleen Mustang" hatch emblems. The 1989-93 either had the traditional "SALEEN MUSTANG" decal or a less common "SALEEN." The RACECRAFT fender decal is the same over the 1987-93 era.

1987 through early 1989s feature the tri-stripe lower decals, while later '89s through 1993s have the multi-line "S" logo stripes.

[tennesseemustangperformance]

Originally Posted by Agent_177

Thank you Dave.

Any idea where to find certain info on the different year decals and emblems?
Kind of new to the foxbody stuff.

The interior badge has changed locations and designs a few times as well. The Foxes had them in front of the shifter on the console. In 1994 it was on the back (upsweep) of the shifter bezel, where it remained until 2005 when it was relocated to the passenger side dash. Best bet, get the VIN and post it up here to verify the car. If it has the correct style shifter bezel, that would be a great hint. I have not seen fake shifter bezels for Fox Saleens, although I have seen them (occasionally) for 1994-1998 and 1999-2004. Also note the build location and verify it corresponds with that year. The engine bay badge will reflect the plant location such as Long Beach, Irvine, etc. Look for the alteration decal on the door too, and make sure that the dates are right for the build.

[SA10#04]

There were many different designs on the plates used under the hood too. The size stayed the same but the design changed on the plate as Saleen moved facilities and the company evolved. The triangle A logo wasn't used extensively until the 89 model year and as Dave eluded to many of the early 89's got carry over parts from the 88 model year because they just needed to get cars out to fulfill demand.

So all of that to say that the design on the engine plaque of the 88 you're looking at will be a different design from the 89-93 style but the same size.