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2005-2009 Saleen Mustang For all S281, S302, H281 and H302 models based on the Ford S-197 Mustang platform, with the exception of the S302 PJ (see below). Be sure to specify year, model and equipment if asking for help. |
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HELP: GT500 or Saleen? - Dilemma...
First, let me say I am, and always will be a Saleen enthusiast. That being said, I'm at a point where putting $40k+ into a garage queen is a hard pill to swallow, so I'm looking for the best bang for the buck.
I just lost out on a local deal on an Extreme that was awesome. A similar one won't be coming around anytime soon with the same build package and pricing. DILEMMA: For grins, I checked into the GT500's. Wow, I'm not sure Saleen is providing me the best option for wallet happiness. 2011 GT 500's can be picked up brand new right now in the mid to upper $40k range!! What the heck! That's brand new, 3 year warranty, and 550HP (Saleen extreme level). http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national FORUM HELP: What are your guys opinions (albeit somewhat biased) on this price/performance disparagement? My understanding is the GT500 engines are also stronger internally, when compared to the regular S/C 197's, and the 2011's have an all new aluminum block!! This of course allowing for the "super snake" package with 700+HP safely. I'm trying to make the best decision on my garage queen, but don't want regrets a year, heck six months from now. Of course I find the exterior as a whole much better on the Saleen. I just can't get past the durability, performance and price aspect the GT500 may offer over a Saleen SC?!? I've got my financing all lined up...just need to find the one and pull the trigger!! Any and ALL feedback from the gallery is very much appreciated!! |
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Exclusivity+Exotic Looks = Saleen S281 SC/E |
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Like mentioned above. If you're not worried about the Saleen look, the GT500 is a good option. The engines are stout and you'll have lots of upgrade opportunities for even more power.
Depending on the size of your area, you're likely to see a lot more GT500s driving around than Saleens, but that may not be a big deal. I'm in a small area and there's only one of each around me - my 2008 Saleen and a 2007 GT500. |
#4
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I love the look of the 05+ Saleen mustang but if I had a choice of which one Id have to stray and say go GT500, Put a set on twins on it too!!
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#5
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Here's an idea that would make your car Extremely rare, buy a GT500 (which I recomend until Saleen offers a forged option) and fit it with the Saleen S281 body kit! Best of both worlds and it will be VERY unique and rare!
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Jason | 281 Motorsports NO PM'S - PLEASE CALL | 714-575-1505 1996 Cobra Vortech SC / Track prepped 2015 Coyote Powered F-150 Check out our facility promo video here: http://bit.ly/1yHNfxM Email: 281motorsports@gmail.com Web: www.ProSpeedMustang.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mustangperformance Youtube: http://bit.ly/1zOxanf "Doing the job right...is the ONLY option we offer!" |
#6
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Order a 2011 SMS 302 4-Valve coupe.
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Are they actually selling those yet? When I was at the Press Day, the cars still in Prototype mode as told to me by Sean. Has the blower been finished?
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Jason | 281 Motorsports NO PM'S - PLEASE CALL | 714-575-1505 1996 Cobra Vortech SC / Track prepped 2015 Coyote Powered F-150 Check out our facility promo video here: http://bit.ly/1yHNfxM Email: 281motorsports@gmail.com Web: www.ProSpeedMustang.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mustangperformance Youtube: http://bit.ly/1zOxanf "Doing the job right...is the ONLY option we offer!" |
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Spring said the 460s are underway now, 302 4-Valve for June. Late summer for the 302 SC. |
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I've got a better idea....
....just order a 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0L 4-Valve Coupe...get every option available; 6 Speed Manual, Glass Roof, Brembo's, 19's, 3.73 and so on and so on....you'll have a bad *** ride at a much lower cost & more bang for your hard earned buck than the SMS Version.
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12 Boss 302 -0948 Performance White 12 F150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew Ingot Silver |
#10
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Too funny....didn't expect so many "straying" opinions! Unfortunately, I can't afford to order a new SMS, and wouldn't go naturally aspirated anyhow. With a couple of 2011 GT500's out there in the $46k range, with the aluminum block 550HP, it's hard to even think about paying top dollar for an SMS or regular GT optioned out. I didn't want to end up that high, dollar wise, but it's definitely the best deal going! I was to stay in the $30-$40k range, obviously attempting to get the best bang. Thanks for all the input so far!!
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#11
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That thought has definitely crossed my mind!! Can't remember what the cost of a Saleen body kit is off hand. Do you know if there are body mods that have to be done when putting the Saleen kit on? For the somewhat obvious reason that if I should want to sell said GT500 after the fact, it could be refitted back to stock??
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#12
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Forgive my ignorance..."twins"?? You talking turbos??
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__________________
Jason | 281 Motorsports NO PM'S - PLEASE CALL | 714-575-1505 1996 Cobra Vortech SC / Track prepped 2015 Coyote Powered F-150 Check out our facility promo video here: http://bit.ly/1yHNfxM Email: 281motorsports@gmail.com Web: www.ProSpeedMustang.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mustangperformance Youtube: http://bit.ly/1zOxanf "Doing the job right...is the ONLY option we offer!" |
#16
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You could badge it as an S331 w/ Truck badges.
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12 Boss 302 -0948 Performance White 12 F150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew Ingot Silver |
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Your terrible Steve!
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Jason | 281 Motorsports NO PM'S - PLEASE CALL | 714-575-1505 1996 Cobra Vortech SC / Track prepped 2015 Coyote Powered F-150 Check out our facility promo video here: http://bit.ly/1yHNfxM Email: 281motorsports@gmail.com Web: www.ProSpeedMustang.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mustangperformance Youtube: http://bit.ly/1zOxanf "Doing the job right...is the ONLY option we offer!" |
#18
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Just a wee bit!
Good luck on the quest; can't wait to see what you end up with.
__________________
12 Boss 302 -0948 Performance White 12 F150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew Ingot Silver |
#19
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yeah..good idea..youll see the car in 2014..lmao..
__________________
281 RAD COVER.3.2 PULLEY ROUSH BELT TENSIONER 3.73 MAX GRIP DIFF,JDM TUNE GT500 FUEL SYSTEM,KOOKS LONG TUBES HTO PLUGS,AFCO H/E,MGW SHIFTER TECHCO INTAKE,ESCORT 9500CI PIONEER AVH-P8400BH CARDINALE ENGINEERING FRONT SPLITTER UPR STRUT CAPS FORGESTAR F14 MATTE BLACK RIMS QTP ELECTRIC CUTOUTS SALEEN FUEL DOOR,CHICANE TOWER BRACE MESH HOOD INSERTS,281 LOWER MESH GRILLE FAYS2 WATTS LINK,CAL PONY HOOD STRUTS WMS STEALTH HOOD PINS CUSTOM VALVE COVERS,281 COILPACK STICKERS 281 SUPERCHARGER DIPSTICK |
#20
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OK, so while we're throwing out opinions... Find a low-mile, unmollested extreme, and then keep your mods to the minimum... aim for ~=500-550RWHP (not too difficult to reach in an extreme), and you will have a car that you will absolutely love... There are some great prices on used Extremes right now (although finding an unmodified one can be tricky, as you can guess from the slant towards modding on here).
There will always be a "newer/faster/better" model along (although how long they can keep the HP race going this time, I have no idea...). Thats why I think its important to pick a car that has something else going for it - and thats a Saleen! True, you can't beat a GT500 for bang-for-the-buck, but there are *so* many GT500s compared to Saleens... Lets face it, we buy these cars to impress people - either ourselves, or other people. If big Horsepower numbers are what floats your boat, then a GT500 can't be beat. But if something *special* is what makes your heart beat a little faster - then a Saleen is the one for you... Chris.
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1968 GT500KR #03655 "Shelby" 1990 Ford F250 4x4 7.3l IDI "Betty" 2001 Ford F350 4x4 7.3l "Lara" 2005 BMW F650GS "The Wasp" 2008 MINI Cooper S "Lola" 2008 Saleen S302E #11 "SallyX" |
#21
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yeah what he said
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#22
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I picked up my Saleen S281 Extreme #06-0139 that was bone stock with 11k miles on the clock for $35k... I could not be happier with another car and it gets more attention than i want.. I would take it over a new or used GT500 any day of the week!
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#23
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I've been a Mustang/Saleen enthusiast since high school though (when fox bodies were king...did I just date myself?) Anyhow, it's basically to impress me. At my more mature age now though...I have to balance impressing my wallet as much as my lust for thrill. I was pleasantly surprised at how refined and "close" to luxury the 281SC was when I first drove it. Looked to me like Mustangs/Saleens have "grown" up! So here I am. Oh...and about the "great prices"...see next comment.... Quote:
As far as the GT500's go...I love the front end look, very aggressive. The rest of it leaves much to be desired when compared to a Saleen. But honestly, being able to get a bullet-proof 5.4L aluminum block with forged internals and 550HP, off the showroom floor with 3 years of Ford warranty, for under $50k is highly impressive! What's a "matured" guy going back to his younger days too do. |
#24
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Chris.
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1968 GT500KR #03655 "Shelby" 1990 Ford F250 4x4 7.3l IDI "Betty" 2001 Ford F350 4x4 7.3l "Lara" 2005 BMW F650GS "The Wasp" 2008 MINI Cooper S "Lola" 2008 Saleen S302E #11 "SallyX" |
#25
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I know what you are talking about coming from a 2005 fully modded S4, and one of the most powerful 335's around at the time when they were newer, i know what it is like to push the envelope on an expensive European car and in the end it just becomes too much! I like the fact that if i blow my extreme motor i can grab another aluminator 4.6 fully forged for $3k! A blown motor in my 335 would have been an easy $27k so screw that, plus i get a lot more attention in the Saleen than i did the Audi or the Bimmer, and i enjoy driving it more than either of them.. By the way i didnt know that the new aluminum block GT500 used forged internals? Does anyone know what the limits of that motor is and the compression? |
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Oh, and as far as my knowledge base goes...I had the understanding that all GT500's after '08 had forged internals. Otherwise I don't think they could add the SuperSnake package to them and still be safe since that's 700+ HP. I know 2011 has the 5.4L Aluminum, but I haven't asked/researched if it's forged. I'm sure someone could enlighten us both?! |
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Oh this is a great thread. I am in the same boat as you Rs4. In November I will be looking very hard into this 2 vehicles. My wifes Edge goes up in lease and she wants a new mini van. So I am going after either a 2011 Shelby or Extreme. The year was great for us, so we are taking advantage.
I have a 04 Saleen and love it. Will never sell it. But I have to agree with you on the Shelby. 3 year warranty - 550 HP - and the front end looks so mean..etc..... But the saleen's always turn heads. Ctan's car is awesome! along with any other Extreme/saleen on the site. But I like the idea of warranty. Especially on a 550 HP car that you know - you won't be easy on all the time. ;) |
#28
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Buy the Shelby and Mod it the way you like when the extra money is there.
I tried to order one with no hood stripes (keeping the side stripes) and they would not allow me. So I took my deposit back. Eric |
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#30
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The striping doesn't cost extra if I recall?? I went into a local Ford dealership and was looking at a GT500. The stripes are obviously vinyl and when I asked one of the managers, I was told they are easily removed. That was important to me because if I get a GT500, ALL the strips are coming off. The only striping I would leave on is the dark gray on Black paint. Can hardly notice them and it looks pretty sinister! Good luck on your hunt/order! |
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#34
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Too bad you cant get a hold of a Red Flag or American Flag new. I got mine for about 46K Brand new. Of course a few months later as the recession really picked up they had her sister (I have #60, they still had #59) for 39K...I was ****ed but thats life.
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#35
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Yeah...I was very interested in a Red Flag, but it sold pretty quick before I could make the move. I always have been and always will be a sucker for black on almost any sports car. Ridiculous to keep clean, but when it is....wow.
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#36
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HELP question...
...anyone on here from the PA area? I need to hopefully get a hold of someone from up there. PM me if you are or know someone I should PM myself!! Thanks in advance
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#37
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Specific question with pics...
...these are photos of the engine compartment on a Saleen I'm looking to purchase. It's not local, so I'm looking for some opinions since it's "sight unseen". My question that I want to get some opinions on is the possible corrosion (white corrosion/buildup). This car has low miles but is from the northeast, hence my concern with corrosion. (we don't have the issue where I'm located)
...Look at left side of engine compartment...hoses, valve cover and metal box below fuse box. Looks like calcium buildup (from someone not familiar with corrosion associated with the northeast)?? They obviously tried to clean up the large hose a bit, probably because I requested the photos for this reason. Looks like they may have cropped the last picture quite a bit because it's so long like a panoramic (to crop areas they didn't want me to see??) Here's a couple more close-ups of the area... ...Any educated opinions on this? Should I be concerned at all with under 5k miles?!? Thanks in advance guys. I want to pull the trigger on this one if possible! |
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Looks like the engine just needs a good cleaning. Looks like it has just sat for a long time. I'm sure the throttle body has the same build up. Nothing to be worried about.
It has the 475 HP upgrade (blue injectors and upgraded intake) Well I can't see the pulley but it at least has the 2 of three items that accompany the 475 HP upgrade (or it is a 2007). It has the Saleen firewall badge so it's probably a real Saleen. That's all I can tell from the pictures. What about HID's, tire upgrade, rear diff upgrade/gears, stereo? Lot's of other things Saleen's have to offer... Hope this helps.
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Mike Wigton #06-409 MMR 1000S 302 Stroker, BBR Stage 2 cams 3.0 pulley 39# injectors, upgraded CAI, 20" Chrome w/275/35ZR's, 14 in Front Brakes, GT500 Heat Exchanger and Walbro Super Car dual fuel pumps, Rear bumper inlays, Shaftmaster 3.5 Alum Driveshaft, AEM Wideband A/F guage, Pypes Long tube headers X-pipe w/o Cats, Extreme chin spoiler, Steeda Tri-Ax short throw shifter, Hood Struts WMS stealth hood pins, Adj upper and lower rear control arms. tuned by Lito. |
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#40
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Hey Rs4ockies I live in Lancaster PA...what part of PA is the car in?
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Saleen. Im sorry, was there a queston?
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HARD CORE MUSCLE Address: 11421 Woodside Avenue Santee, CA 92071 Phone: (619) 596-1202 Email: bluffmaster007hcm@yahoo.com FS: Parts List <---- Click here for a full list of parts |
#42
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ohh my god 1000 rwhp...frigin crazy!
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281 RAD COVER.3.2 PULLEY ROUSH BELT TENSIONER 3.73 MAX GRIP DIFF,JDM TUNE GT500 FUEL SYSTEM,KOOKS LONG TUBES HTO PLUGS,AFCO H/E,MGW SHIFTER TECHCO INTAKE,ESCORT 9500CI PIONEER AVH-P8400BH CARDINALE ENGINEERING FRONT SPLITTER UPR STRUT CAPS FORGESTAR F14 MATTE BLACK RIMS QTP ELECTRIC CUTOUTS SALEEN FUEL DOOR,CHICANE TOWER BRACE MESH HOOD INSERTS,281 LOWER MESH GRILLE FAYS2 WATTS LINK,CAL PONY HOOD STRUTS WMS STEALTH HOOD PINS CUSTOM VALVE COVERS,281 COILPACK STICKERS 281 SUPERCHARGER DIPSTICK |
#43
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FYI- Had the pleasure of viewing a friend of mine dynoing his Super Snake this past Saturday. To give a little history on this vehicle, it was one of the first 100 SS packages produced. It was equipped with the TVS due to it being a 'Vert. The owner is a racer @ heart, and could care less about show/shine; he is all about power & performance. The engine cracked a #7 piston, and after tiring of fighting w/ SA and Ford over warranty, he tossed in a GT40 Aluminum block motor w/ a special set of cams and ported heads, set the TVS to the side and bolted a KB 2.8 on top and added Methanol Injection. I witnessed three pulls on a break in tune and a large 3.5 blower pulley...the best 682rwhp / 605rwtq. They were changing the pulley to a 3.0 when I left, I'll fill you in when I get the numbers. I really love GT500's now, don't you? Just thought I'd share that w/ you before you make your purchase. I know...I'm evil!! LoL
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12 Boss 302 -0948 Performance White 12 F150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew Ingot Silver |
#44
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Imagine all the fun you would have trying to tame that beast!
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#45
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Thats what you said and i said I was in Lancaster PA trying to help you.
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#46
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Rs4Rockiie(?)..I'm Computer Newbie..Anyway!...Perfect solution , MAYBE! Find one of the 9 S281E Ultimate Bad Boy Editions?! I saw Molly-Pop-Saleen's Red one(only NON Black car).. I own (in 4 1/2 years!) #o7-25 made.. I thought price(ASKING PRICE!) was around $42,000..I know that's over your comfort zone, but these UBBs are the REAL-DEAL! I just got my Car tunes At Paul's High-Performance, in Jackson, MI., Dyno-ed at 507-510RWHP, with close to 500FLBS. of torque! Power band comes on 3500rpm, and holds till 6200 rpm..!! Car was Rated at 600 hp from factory, and that's the 15% powwer from flywheel loss to RWHP. 510hp. This car has as standard equipment, 15" brakes 20x10', large throttle body ..cooling mods, and Racecraft mods that are JUST NOW showing up at Saleen, Roush, Shelby 620 Super-Snakes! Paul wanted to be EXTRA Careful on my car, which I wanted stock, anyway! Forged internals from Saleen11 See On net videos with tim Porter, et al...Ferrari-Porsche 505 hp ;Vette Eater!! LOTS of GRAPHICS were Available, so no 2 were exactly alike! or fing a Liztick Red Saleen!! Those are 'da bomb!!..Good Hunting!! I though Miss Molly's UBB was listed recently..3-4mos. ago?/
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#47
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WOW!..I just read the 5.0Mustang@SuperFords posted earlier on this site. When I answered , I hadn't even seen her car...IN THIS CONFIGURATION!! There also was an Ult. bad Boy listed in doPont Registry..He was asking $85000!! I don;t think he'll get it!! Please see videos: You Tube??I can;t remember!!THNX!
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#48
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Two comments:
1. regarding the hose in the picture....it might be from salt that was kicked up into the engine bay. Seeing as they salt the roads pretty heavily in the northeast....it could mean that they left it outside and/or drove it through the snow and didn't wash off the salt. Then again...it might not be. That's just what it kinda looks like to me. 2. Think VERY hard before you buy a lizstick paint job (or any of the special ones). There was a guy on another forum that had a lizstick and loved the color, but he was freaked out to get a scratch on an $18,000 paint job. He loved the attention the car got, but he could never bring himself to drive it because he was too scared to mess it up. He eventually sold it and bought a GT500.
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07 Porsche 911 Turbo 02 Saleen S/C Speedster 3.73 gears Chicane 66mm Pulley SCT custom tune SVT Focus Fuel Pump 13" Brembo Brakes LFP Heat Exchanger and Supertank TorkTech Intake SVT Cobra single blade TB Chicane Intercooler 42lb injectors 90mm MAF FPRP Aluminum Driveshaft Maximum Motorsports LCA's, Subframes, Torque Arm, Panhard Bar, Steering Shaft, Front Control Arms and Aluminum Rack Bushings MM Coilover kit with caster camber plates |
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#50
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The gray hose simply looks like it's got a mold release agent on it -- often it's wax -- used during the manufacturing process. I wouldn't consider it a problem.
I'll agree with wiggywigton -- most everything else just looks like a mild cleaning will take care of it. A car that has been sitting can oxidize underhood because of built-up moisture that doesn't ever get to evaporate from engine heat. I follow a washing with 1 part Mothers Protectant and 2 parts distilled water in a fine mist sprayer which generally takes care of everything from plastics to metals to hoses.
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Email me: jimd@soec(dot)org Aiding The Addicted™ SOEC Headquarters Huntington Beach, CA USA Join Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club on Facebook Meet Steve Saleen at the following Signature Events co-hosted by SOEC: |
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