*In my opinion* this is the best S197 out there, period. I like everything about it--the styling, color, performance and exclusivity are hard to beat. As I've said before, if I had known it was in the offing I would bought one myself--high praise from a true drop-top addict. Enjoy!!!!
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Satin Silver 2005 Saleen S281 SC Convertible HP upgrade kit, 14" brakes, Chrome Wheels and HID headlights
OMG!!! Your pics look better than all their publicity photos combined! That is one sweet ride and I know a little something about Grabber Orange. Dayum, you're killing me here!
I'm really torn between the PJ and a standard 281SC-- both about the same price once the SC is optioned out.
One would expect the SC to be quicker considering its 65hp advantage. But perhaps the PJ has more low-end torque. I've never seen dyno curves for either car so it's hard to tell.
Aside from the exclusivity quotient, what advantages, if any, does the PJ have over the 281SC?
I haven't gone 'all out' with the car as it only has 200 miles on it so far, but I can make a few remarks.
Throttle response - immediate - no lag, just loud power. Did I say loud? Yes. that's it. Really loud. This thing screams. Forged internals, reworked valvetrain, cams, lighter flywheel, all calibrated for 400 hp and 390 ft-lb of torque. The torque peaks at a relatively low 4000 rpm, so there's more usable power throughout the rev-range.
I can't comment on the 281SC because I don't own one. But some people will opt for a naturally aspirated option if throttle response is important to them (racing, etc..). The 281 SC with the HP upgrade is awesome. Many on the board will be able to give you advice on those. By all means, this shouldn't be a 302PJ vs. 281 SC thread.
The PJ handles very well, and feels lighter and more balanced than a stock GT IMHO. The watts-link rear end makes the best out of a non-IRS situation, and the car has little to no body roll on hard cornering.
I guess the best way to sum up why I chose the PJ over a similarly priced Saleen or other vehicle is balance. If you like the authentic race car performance with reference to a legend, or if you're a 1970 Boss 302 fan, or if you just like Saleens but don't care for all the extra body cladding of the 281s, maybe you'll like the PJ --- Oh yeah, this one is signed!
The 2005-2006 SC cars had throttle lag, bad. The 2007 cars and the 2005-2006 cars with the HP upgrade have had this lag almost completely removed. It is still there to a very small degree and I bet if you were to drive the PJ car back to back with the SC car you'd notice it.
Maybe Chuck should go test drive a 2007 SC and report back with a full comparison
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1968 GT/CS Sold 2006 S281 SC #469
475 HP kit (more like 465), 3.73 Gears, "E" Panhard & Lower Control Arms
No throttle lag here with my S281 SC and I have yet to install the upgrade kit. I guess yet another reason to install it when I have the time. I think both cars the PJ or the S281 are downright awesome. I could only think of an S7 as a more desirable Saleen, however I don't have the resources to make that an affordable option. CHEERS!
Posts: 3868
Joined: 3/31/2005 From: Indianapolis, IN Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: dramsey Aside from the exclusivity quotient, what advantages, if any, does the PJ have over the 281SC?
Not to take away from the 500 PJ's being built (because they are sweet), but there will be less than 500 S-281SC's built and they will most likely be 1 of 50 or less by the time you factor in color and other options. Fork over another 15k (Beryllium, Extreme Rainbow, etc.) and you would probably have a 1 of 1 vehicle
But then again PJ is only for one year Whats a person with $60K burning a hole in their wallet to do
ORIGINAL: dotbomb Get that upgrade kit and drive it the first day and tell me if you think, upon reflection, that the original SC setup had throttle lag or not