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-   -   Terminator Cobra Vs. Saleen S281? (https://saleenforums.soec.org/showthread.php?t=7435)

GT500916 04-16-2010 06:06 AM

Terminator Cobra Vs. Saleen S281?
 
does a saleen have a solid rear end? i know cobra has independant and i have seen some guys conver to solid rear end for less wheel hop?

what car would be more of a valuable collector car in 10 years, terminator or 99-04 saleen?

i think a cobra is more of a power car and saleen is more of a style with power car, in your guys honest opinion, what do you think about the terminator?

i love how the saleens look, and i love the cobra power, i think there was an option to get a cobra with saleen body kit from the factory, not sure if i ever seen one, but seems like that would be the best of both worlds??

is it still possible to get a cobra and get saleen body from dealer or best bet be off ebay?

for years i couldnt decide on what to get, cobra saleen cobra saleen!!! ...

Agent_177 04-16-2010 08:27 AM

Saleen did convert cobra's into saleen's. They are hard to find.

Dave 04-16-2010 10:00 AM

Welcome to the forums!!! :biggrin:

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36046)
does a saleen have a solid rear end? i know cobra has independant and i have seen some guys conver to solid rear end for less wheel hop?

Saleen Mustangs have a sold rear axle. 1999-01, 2003-04 SVT Cobras have IRS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36046)
what car would be more of a valuable collector car in 10 years, terminator or 99-04 saleen?

Depends on the Saleen. I feel the 2002-04 S281 Extreme model will be an interesting vehicle. The 1999 S351 is already an item of interest. Saleen Custom Paint vehicles will also hold a special spot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36046)
i think a cobra is more of a power car and saleen is more of a style with power car, in your guys honest opinion, what do you think about the terminator?

I like the 2003-04 Cobra. Both the performance and the factory SVT styling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36046)
i love how the saleens look, and i love the cobra power, i think there was an option to get a cobra with saleen body kit from the factory, not sure if i ever seen one, but seems like that would be the best of both worlds??

As stated above, there are a few serialized S281s built off the SVT Cobra chassis. They are somewhat uncommon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36046)
is it still possible to get a cobra and get saleen body from dealer or best bet be off ebay?

If you wanted to build your own S281 styled 2003-04 Cobra, you could after a bit of Saleen parts scrounging.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36046)
for years i couldnt decide on what to get, cobra saleen cobra saleen!!! ...

Really you have three options. :smile:

1. Concentrate a search for a real, serialized 2003-04 S281 Cobra.
2. Purchase a pre-owned 2003-04 Cobra and build a Saleen tribute car.
3. Purchase a 1999-04 S281 and do a 2003-04 Cobra powertrain swap.

thgach 04-16-2010 06:32 PM

There is no denying that the 03-04 terminator cobra with its forged motor could be one the best ford only products made behind the original boss 302-429.

You can get a saleen cobra and it is sexxxy. Saleen took ok styling small wheels a high ride height and made a great car... incredible. Lets face it Steve Saleen has got one of the best eyes for styling and the total package i have ever seen. The guy never made an ugly car. With that said ...lol..a 99 saleen s351 r will slap a terminator cobra. The s351 has just got too much torque, but a cobra will beat a supercharged s281. I have been lucky enough to be able to drive all of these cars and they are all great cars the 03-04 terminator cobra reminds me of the 87-93 5.0 motor both cars were used to terrorize the streets of America and are the weekend mechanics favorite car to modify.

All the best in your search:smile:

GT500916 04-17-2010 03:46 PM

it would be nice to find a saleen cobra, but im sure the choise would be limited to colors and miles... puting a body kit on a cobra on another hand, thats an excellent idea, i might be looking at around $3,000 for the whole kit and have it painted? or can i order already painted saleen kits from factory?

i wanted a white or silver cobra, and i think the saleen used the same color codes on both cars, so if i can get white cobra and white kit from factory, that would save a tons of time and money, and surely someone will buy cobra panels for their GT conversion.

question is, would it be best, or smarter to just convert to a S281 or to a S351 kit?

thgach 04-17-2010 04:11 PM

this one vs the s351, i've never ordered a body kit before but i like this rear spoiler better and i'm pretty sure the kits come unpainted, but this is how the terminator saleen comes not sure how the kits come rear spoiler wise????? its gonna look awesome when your done good luck!!!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/...b8d9a956f3.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/...58b6244235.jpg

Dave 04-17-2010 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36158)
it would be nice to find a saleen cobra, but im sure the choise would be limited to colors and miles...

Limited choice, though it would be serialized.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36158)
puting a body kit on a cobra on another hand, thats an excellent idea, i might be looking at around $3,000 for the whole kit and have it painted? or can i order already painted saleen kits from factory?

You will have to find a painter to finish your Saleen aero package. These Saleen kits were/are sold unprepared, meaning composite flaws and surface prep needs tackled before the pieces can be painted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36158)
i wanted a white or silver cobra, and i think the saleen used the same color codes on both cars, so if i can get white cobra and white kit from factory, that would save a tons of time and money, and surely someone will buy cobra panels for their GT conversion.

Saleen Performance could produce an S281 Cobra in any factory offered color. The hues of the vehicles produced just depended upon what the customer ordered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT500916 (Post 36158)
question is, would it be best, or smarter to just convert to a S281 or to a S351 kit?

For the most part, the 2003-04 Saleen S281 Cobras featured the 2002-03 S281 wing. Unless the Cobra was a factory wing delete from Ford, the stock Cobra spoiler leaves a gaggle of mounting holes in the trunk lid that the 2002-03 Saleen S281 wing conceals.

Speaking of wings, you have the following:
1999 S351
1999-00 S281
2001 S281
2002-03 S281
2002-04 S281 Extreme (standard on the entire line of 2004 S281s)

The body kits are practically the same, except for the center exit rear bumper cover used on the 2002-04 Extremes and 2004 S/C. Optional on the 2004 S281 2-Valve and featured on the 2003 HH cars (among other places).

Cobra Chris.

thgach 04-17-2010 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave (Post 36164)


Cobra Chris.

ha!! Yes dave Cobra Chris...this saleen cobra was just stunning to me...the porsche costume just needles wackett everytime he sees it:biggrin:

Dave 04-30-2010 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thgach (Post 36170)
...the porsche costume just needles wackett everytime he sees it:biggrin:

I'd take a Porsche. Forum member Gerry Ayers has a neat factory special order deal that no one drove.

cobraguy 06-07-2010 03:22 PM

just like everyone has said you have a few options. the most cost effective would be converting any cobra you made decide to purchase into a saleen "clone" "tribute" what have you..

If you want a numbered car which is nice but your not gonna find one for less than 35k in really any condition.

I've seen them for sale but theres no more than 50 between the 2 03-04 model years.

best way to do it is to buy the full kit and have it painted and installed and find a set of saleen wheels as well.

I'm speaking from experience telling you it's not a cheap route... but it is a lot less expensive than finding a numbered s281 cobra.

I'd say your looking at roughly a 4-5k conversion. thats on the high side but will give you an idea.

should you do it? if you like it. Hell yeah.

but what can i say... im a little bias :)

http://i50.tinypic.com/2vxlpg8.jpg

SonicBlue 06-08-2010 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobraguy (Post 39042)

SO now the question is....yours appears to be a numbered CObra!? Is it a cobra Tribute that you put the numbers on or a real saleen cobra?

Eithrway it looks really good and I woudl have zero complaints on driving a cobra/saleen tribute clone!!! In fact I recently bought the FULL Kit for a backuo to our saleen. Everything form a the bodykit, to wing, to c-pillars, badges, hood...all spares in case we get into an accident. OR if I decide to get a 03-04 cobra down the road! :biggrin:

cobraguy 06-08-2010 10:30 AM

mines numbered on the bumper just for the look. When i had the work done and came to pick it up, one of the saleen tech's asked if i wanted a number on the bumper, cuz in his opinion it looked wierd without one. Well i agree it really does look awkward without one so he said he'd put one on.


He told me that the number is off a car that he'd seen totalled but he wasn't positive he remembered it right. Oh well i don't care really but it has been a lucky number in the lotto a few times for me! so he did a good job :)

Dave 06-08-2010 12:14 PM

I'm unsure if I spy the elusive Saleen quarter window trim.

SonicBlue 06-08-2010 02:17 PM

DAVE:
You would be hard pressed to tell from the above pic!!!! LoL

COBRAGUY:
THere are a few Quarter Window Trim pieces floating around for sale if you want to finish it off! Mach1registry & SVT Performance Websites both have some for sale!
Some REAL Saleen wheels too unless you have those already!?

cobraguy 06-08-2010 02:24 PM

oh ive got the wheels already and yes i dont have the quarter trim. when it was at saleen in troy they didnt have any c pillars in stock still so i just didnt get it. i may get some at some point but if i remember theyre pretty expensive.

SonicBlue 06-09-2010 01:09 PM

Saleen Cobra Production – Coupes 2003

03-013 White Coupe
03-097 Redfire Coupe
03-182 Black Coupe
03-211 Redfire Coupe
03-250 Black Coupe
03-291 Extreme Rainbow Coupe

1 of 2
Black Saleen Cobra Coupes manufactured in 2003

1 of 6
Saleen Cobra Coupes manufactured in 2003

1 of 128
Saleen Cobras made (1996-2004)


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=300435542273

Agent_177 06-09-2010 02:29 PM

Not sure if its only me, but those black wheels look blah on the car.


http://i.ebayimg.com/04/!Bun3+Iw!Wk~...Ho5Q-Q~~_3.JPGhttp://http//i.ebayimg.com/04/!Bun3+...Ho5Q-Q~~_3.JPG

Dave 06-09-2010 04:40 PM

I think Chris has and white, white and blue one. Seems to "pop" in this scheme.

thgach 06-09-2010 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave (Post 39196)
I think Chris has and white, white and blue one. Seems to "pop" in this scheme.

+1... but well you said it not me, as a member of the black saleen mafia, i actually can't admit in public that i like white :smile:

black one looks awesome btw

SonicBlue 06-10-2010 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent_177 (Post 39192)
Not sure if its only me, but those black wheels look blah on the car.

I've NEVER liked BLack wheels on a Black Car....or any other color car in my opinion! Not sure why this even became a fad...looks like Crap IN MY OPINION!!!

Sorry if I offend anyone, it's just my opinion!

homer 06-11-2010 11:36 AM

seemed to look on my old truck

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...withwheels.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...Picture281.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...Picture285.jpg

Werecow 06-12-2010 12:59 PM

I liked the white wheels on the white cars and the silver on the silver cars. I hate the solid black on black and yellow on yellow. But, if the owner likes it, the hell with the rest of us, afterall they are the ones that have live with it.

Dave 06-12-2010 02:22 PM

Awww. Those yellow and yellow 1994-95 SRs and S351s are pretty cool! I'd cut my arm off for one. :smile:

Werecow 06-14-2010 02:53 PM

I would have to agree with that. Those bionic bumble bees where pretty awesome!

Coderedsaleen 06-16-2010 10:14 PM

I like the look of the new edge Mustang Cobras. As you can tell from mine, LOL! Sorry I keep posting it all over the SOEC forums.

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x...p/IMG_0065.jpg

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x...p/IMG_0093.jpg

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x.../Parkway-2.jpg

Werecow 06-21-2010 08:33 PM

Dude! I was looking into putting that steering wheel in my car! How hard was it? Do the all buttons work?

Coderedsaleen 06-21-2010 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Werecow (Post 39698)
Dude! I was looking into putting that steering wheel in my car! How hard was it? Do the all buttons work?

It is easy to put on with some cutting, machining and welding. Yes all the buttons work, at least they do now.

Werecow 06-22-2010 01:24 PM

I like the cutting, welding and machining with very easy in the same sentence...lol I a intersted in performing this mod as well. If I give you my e-mail could you be a bit more specific, or is it a trade secret

Coderedsaleen 06-22-2010 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Werecow (Post 39740)
I like the cutting, welding and machining with very easy in the same sentence...lol I a intersted in performing this mod as well. If I give you my e-mail could you be a bit more specific, or is it a trade secret

I like the fact that I am the only one to have a 05 steering wheel on my 01. It is a trade secret... LOL! I will PM you my email address.

UBBSDave 06-22-2010 02:46 PM

GUYS!...Help me understand!..JUST what IS THE terminator PKG(?) for the SVT Cobras(?) of late '90's-early '00s? I've been ib 1/2 dozen car clubs 'thru the YEARS(!!!), ...I've seen the phrase Terminator Cobra(?)Mustang(?)..Just what is dff. between SVT Cobras...?...Terminator Mustangs?...Sal;een Cobra Terminator Mustangs?(whoo....).. ALSO...Theoretically...Could a guy buy an AUTOMATIC 2011 GT500..AND Have it SALEENED at Factory(?)..Whatever?..(Kinda' like...Sorry!...A Shelby???THNX!

Coderedsaleen 06-22-2010 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UBBSDave (Post 39747)
GUYS!...Help me understand!..JUST what IS THE terminator PKG(?) for the SVT Cobras(?) of late '90's-early '00s? I've been ib 1/2 dozen car clubs 'thru the YEARS(!!!), ...I've seen the phrase Terminator Cobra(?)Mustang(?)..Just what is dff. between SVT Cobras...?...Terminator Mustangs?...Sal;een Cobra Terminator Mustangs?(whoo....).. ALSO...Theoretically...Could a guy buy an AUTOMATIC 2011 GT500..AND Have it SALEENED at Factory(?)..Whatever?..(Kinda' like...Sorry!...A Shelby???THNX!

I will try to break it all down for you, the Terminator was just the code name for the build for the 03 and 04 Cobra. You can find the word, "Terminator" on the stickers that are on the under sides of some of the side scoops, console, and other parts. It was never a name that was given out side of the manufacturing plant.

SVT was a department of Ford that made the Specialty Vehicles, hence the acronym SVT, Specialty Vehicle Team. They made the Cobra, Lighting, Cobra R, and host of other vehicles.

The Ford GT was a collaboration between SVT and Saleen.

There were a few 03-04 Cobras converted into Saleens but never carried the name, "Terminator".

Theoretically, no you can not have a GT500 Saleenized since they never made a body kit for the GT500. I maybe wrong but you can always call Saleen or SMS and see what they say.

A Shelby is a Shelby GT500 it is not an after thought, they are built that way by Ford. A Saleen Mustang is built off of a complete GT. They add all the parts to Saleenize it. The new SMS is done the same way. That is why you see two different prices, one states the car price and the other has the price for the Saleen/SMS conversion.

I hope that answers some of your questions.

cobraguy 06-22-2010 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UBBSDave (Post 39747)
GUYS!...Help me understand!..JUST what IS THE terminator PKG(?) for the SVT Cobras(?) of late '90's-early '00s? I've been ib 1/2 dozen car clubs 'thru the YEARS(!!!), ...I've seen the phrase Terminator Cobra(?)Mustang(?)..Just what is dff. between SVT Cobras...?...Terminator Mustangs?...Sal;een Cobra Terminator Mustangs?(whoo....).. ALSO...Theoretically...Could a guy buy an AUTOMATIC 2011 GT500..AND Have it SALEENED at Factory(?)..Whatever?..(Kinda' like...Sorry!...A Shelby???THNX!



phew ill try and decipher the rest of this..

No you cannot buy a automatic GT500 from the factory you CAN convert it to one at a shop.

Like codered said Terminator and svt are not packages. They are separate car's which were made by SVT. Only the 03-04 cobra's have the Terminator nickname.

and to comment on ur post in general WOW that was alot of quotes/every other character in the numeric alphabet... hard to read.

Coderedsaleen 06-22-2010 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobraguy (Post 39769)
phew ill try and decipher the rest of this..

and to comment on ur post in general WOW that was alot of quotes/every other character in the numeric alphabet... hard to read.

LOL, it was like a special code he used. Being in the military it kind of reminded me of some type of encryption code. LMAO! I hope that I was able to help him out though with what info I could give.

UBBSDave 06-22-2010 10:46 PM

Whew!...THNX!, No No No!..No codes or encrytion!..I'm just a lousy typist. I still have lots to learn about typing AND Different Mustangs!..THNX!, Alot! Dave UBBSDave :eek::frown::redface::rolleyes:


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