Aside from the several aftermarket upgrades to the engine and the suspension, I'm curious what you'd with the Saleen if you could take ideas to their design group? I love this car andthe stock finish is outstanding. What would you change/add/take away from the stock config?

Mike

Great question Mike! (you're in Austin, but are you on a clandestine mission in Saleen's employ?) [8D]

I LOVE my car, but a few niggling things that have caused me to say "gee, it would be even better if:"

Side skirt fitment
Trunk lid fitment
Improved stereo
Less reliance on double-sticky and more on actual bolts/pins
IXNAY on the IFTSHAY OBKNAY -- the metal one was discontinued after 05 I'm told, but I'm still dealing with it
Mesh on front lower bumper, in front of radiator (discussed in another thread started by NCPonyGirl)
The PJ Watts Link is getting solid props from those who own them -- I've heard they're making this stock for 08 (rumor?)

All of that said, the #1 improvement I'd dream of is not specific to the car, but to improving the quality of dealer cooperation/knowledge

All of this based on an 05 of course. Others may have more to add...

My name isnt Saleen... But....

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas

Side skirt fitment - I've brought this up, I'm doing a report on it to have it retooled. I'm late with the report. But! If you want to help me, send me pictures of your side skirts as well as your comments on how you feel about them to Jchavez@Saleen.com

Trunk lid fitment

Improved stereo - Not really our cup of tea right now, but we are starting to do some stuff, we are offering an iPod hookup through aftermarket now.

Less reliance on double-sticky and more on actual bolts/pins - Double sided tape is less evil than everyone makes it out to be. You cant use bolts and screws on everything (the top of the sideskirts as an example, or the black out covers on the lights)

IXNAY on the IFTSHAY OBKNAY -- the metal one was discontinued after 05 I'm told, but I'm still dealing with it - I can sell you an 06 shift knob if you want one. We do have them available for a reasonable price.

Mesh on front lower bumper, in front of radiator (discussed in another thread started by NCPonyGirl) - I dont think we have any plans on adding these to the S-series cars. It reduces the flow of air to the heat exchanger. We arent the only company that does this. Look at the Lancer Evolutions for instance, they dont use screens in front of their coolers either. As much as people are afraid of something happening to their heat exchanger I maybe get orders for them once every two months due to a rock or something hitting them. 99% of the time they are ordered is because the car was in a front end collision.

The PJ Watts Link is getting solid props from those who own them -- I've heard they're making this stock for 08 (rumor?) - No, it wont. It is not even available as an option that I know of. Watts-Link will probably remain strictly an aftermarket upgrade, but you can arrange to have it installed before it arrives to the dealership.

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas

Great question Mike! (you're in Austin, but are you on a clandestine mission in Saleen's employ?) [8D]

I LOVE my car, but a few niggling things that have caused me to say "gee, it would be even better if:"

Side skirt fitment
Trunk lid fitment
Improved stereo
Less reliance on double-sticky and more on actual bolts/pins
IXNAY on the IFTSHAY OBKNAY -- the metal one was discontinued after 05 I'm told, but I'm still dealing with it
Mesh on front lower bumper, in front of radiator (discussed in another thread started by NCPonyGirl)
The PJ Watts Link is getting solid props from those who own them -- I've heard they're making this stock for 08 (rumor?)

All of that said, the #1 improvement I'd dream of is not specific to the car, but to improving the quality of dealer cooperation/knowledge

All of this based on an 05 of course. Others may have more to add...


I do think a lot of Amy's "problems/complaints/suggestions" are strictly 05' things. My stereo is awesome (Shaker 500), it gets compliments all the time from my buddies that hear it. The shifter on my car is fine, then again it is aftermarket but my brother had an 07' GT and I drove that and it felt good to me (don't know if it works the same as Saleens). As far as the sideskirts, one of mine is coming loose [>:]so I need to get the taken care of. Something I will add is the hood fitment. I don't know the exact name of the thing it scratches the top of when closed, but it is on top of those pieces between the grill and headlights.

I would work on fabricating lighter components for Saleens to bring the overall weight down. As heavy as Mustangs are now, they are getting to the point where they need obscene amounts of horsepower to stay competitive.

Likewise, this would enhance its overall uniqueness......for the "what's so different about a Saleen conversation?" The reply could then include motor, suspension, interiorand...oh by the way, they weigh 300 pounds less than a GT ;).

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas

Great question Mike! (you're in Austin, but are you on a clandestine mission in Saleen's employ?) [8D]



Ha, Amy. Not so clandestine as maybe an online focus group meeting, huh?

Some of my aftermarket mod plans (besidesa fewengine tweaks) would be to change the side mirror matte finish and get anupgraded radio (branded). If I could make some changes to the standard equipped machine, I'd make the HID standard and do some soundproofing for the interior.

I really enjoy the car and respect the marque. Good stuff!

ORIGINAL: mills281e

I would work on fabricating lighter components for Saleens to bring the overall weight down. As heavy as Mustangs are now, they are getting to the point where they need obscene amounts of horsepower to stay competitive.

Likewise, this would enhance its overall uniqueness......for the "what's so different about a Saleen conversation?" The reply could then include motor, suspension, interiorand...oh by the way, they weigh 300 pounds less than a GT ;).

+1,000,000!! That is the best idea to date Mills!!

ORIGINAL: 06Saleen3V

My stereo is awesome (Shaker 500), it gets compliments all the time from my buddies that hear it.


Mickey: have you/your buddies lost your mind, or just your hearing? [8D] I have the Shaker 500 and it the poorest excuse for a stock sound system I've had since my 65 Mustang. Not only is the sound mediocre, but the thing skips like a flat rock in a Montana stream. :) To each his/her own, however: no harm done. If you're happy with it, YAY because it'll save you some upgrade money down the road.


ORIGINAL: MikeRokkit

Ha, Amy.Â* Not so clandestine as maybe an online focus group meeting, huh?

Some of my aftermarket mod plans (besidesÂ*a fewÂ*engine tweaks) would be to change the side mirror matte finish and get anÂ*upgraded radio (branded).Â* If I could make some changes to the standard equipped machine, I'd make the HID standard and do some soundproofing for the interior.

I really enjoy the car and respect the marque.Â* Good stuff!


Mike: I'm with you on the side view mirrors! Good one! However I wouldn't want HID's so am glad they're an option. And tho it will sound totally contrary to my above whining about the Shaker 500, I also wouldn't want to soundproof the interior. I like to hear Georgia purr/roar depending on the conditions. :D

Haha Amy. I think my system sounds very crisp and nice. Maybe the guy that had the car before me upgraded the speakers or something, because it sounds great I think. And being that Georgia is stock, DO NOT soundproof that interior haha. The stock setup is kind of weak...[&:]

Ok Jared, since you are listening and providing the feedback- all I ask for isfour SIMPLE mods that I'm sure the average Saleen owner wouldn't even noticeas an extra$1000 additional on their sticker price. Not options....STANDARDS:

#1 - Take off the damn valve covers and give them a nice black powder coat finish with a nice yellow SALEEN sticker in the finish.

#2 - Give us a simple CAI kit with a metal higher flowing inlet tube and ditch the hideous looking factory box.

#3 - Take off the cheasy, RUSTY stock exhaust manifolds and put on a nice set of stainless shorties

#4 - For the N/A cars, have adecorative Intake Cover made up that is custome for Saleen (much like the '07 GT's had standard with the pony on it)

Thats all - nothing else ;)

BTW I have to agree with Mickey - the Shaker 500 is the best sounding FACTORY system I have ever owned, and one of the best I've ever heard. I added a MTX ThunderForm (custom molded for the Mustang trunk) with a built in 200W amp and it just rocks now.

as far as the 99-04 years i wouldn't change anything on the exterior. My focus would be on the interior. Saleen should customize the interior a little more. It is pretty boring in there.

and maybe a few more saleen mods to the N/A motor to distance itself from a GT in HP.

ORIGINAL: LL04286

and maybe a few more saleen mods to the N/A motor to distance itself from a GT in HP.


I definitely agree with this, especially considering that the Saleen is heavier making themrelatively the same in performance [>:]

I try not to sound like a negative nancy most of the time so sorry if I come off that way, but I dont work for new car so I really have no idea what their plans are. But, as far as Aftermarket goes....

ORIGINAL: sowaxeman

Ok Jared, since you are listening and providing the feedback- all I ask for isfour SIMPLE mods that I'm sure the average Saleen owner wouldn't even noticeas an extra$1000 additional on their sticker price. Not options....STANDARDS:

#1 - Take off the damn valve covers and give them a nice black powder coat finish with a nice yellow SALEEN sticker in the finish. - We are working on getting custom valve covers. We are looking for a couple different vendor samples and seeing which ones can make the best ones for us. It will probably be available in the future. We wont have stickers on them, they will be engraved if anything. Stickers would come off too easy with the heat.

#2 - Give us a simple CAI kit with a metal higher flowing inlet tube and ditch the hideous looking factory box. - I dont know what the plans are for production in the future, but the inlet tube that is on the S281 S/C and E is already a high flow inlet tube. I know in aftermarket we will probably be offering the JDM/SpeedLab cold air kit later on that will be a cold air version of this tube, just like JDM uses.

#3 - Take off the cheasy, RUSTY stock exhaust manifolds and put on a nice set of stainless shorties - Not gonna happen, its honestly not cost efficient to take stock headers and get polished versions, we can't add performance headers without having issues with emissions in some states. Might be available as an aftermarket option.

#4 - For the N/A cars, have adecorative Intake Cover made up that is custome for Saleen (much like the '07 GT's had standard with the pony on it) - I'll kick that around to the people upstairs and see what they think. I'm always willing to pass along feedback like this.

Thats all - nothing else ;) - Good! All these questions are making me thirsty! [sm=icon_guiness.gif]

+1 on the valve covers. Black powder coat with red Saleen logo to match the Series VI would look killer. Put heatsink grooves in the valve covers for heat dissipation.

Ditch the '70 Cuda looking rear end plastic pieces.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/PolkThug/s197hemi.jpg

ORIGINAL: PolkThug

+1 on the valve covers.Â* Black powder coat with red Saleen logo to match the Series VI would look killer.Â* Put heatsink grooves in the valve covers for heat dissipation.

Ditch the '70 Cuda looking rear end plastic pieces.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c192/PolkThug/s197hemi.jpg



I like my car's rear end! [8D]

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas


I like my car's rear end! [8D]

I would be willing to bet my life on the fact that if I hadn't in fact pointed this one out, Jazz would be hopping on this quote by Amy right now!! So I just thought I would be the one to say, yes Jazz, we understand the sexual connotation behind this comment, no need to turn yet another thread into a sexual battle between you and the lovely Amy. :)

ORIGINAL: 06Saleen3V

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas


I like my car's rear end! [8D]

I would be willing to bet my life on the fact that if I hadn't in fact pointed this one out, Jazz would be hopping on this quote by Amy right now!! So I just thought I would be the one to say, yes Jazz, we understand the sexual connotation behind this comment, no need to turn yet another thread into a sexual battle between you and the lovely Amy. :)

Not bad weedhopper.......

ORIGINAL: tim1200

Not bad weedhopper.......

Hey hey haha...whats that supposed to mean? [&o]

ORIGINAL: 06Saleen3V

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas


I like my car's rear end! [8D]

I would be willing to bet my life on the fact that if I hadn't in fact pointed this one out, Jazz would be hopping on this quote by Amy right now!! So I just thought I would be the one to say, yes Jazz, we understand the sexual connotation behind this comment, no need to turn yet another thread into a sexual battle between you and the lovely Amy. :)


This sentiment coming from an 18 year-old male? I'm worried about ya, Mickey. [8D]

Weedhopper....grasshopper - same thing. Its just a friendly connotation towards your youth ;) BTY - that was a good one Mickey because I was thinking the same thing [8D]

BTW - thanks to Jared for taking the time to read our thoughts and taking some ideas up the ladder :D

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas

This sentiment coming from an 18 year-old male? I'm worried about ya, Mickey. [8D]

Hey now, sometimes we must look past the fact that I am 18 ;)haha

ORIGINAL: sowaxeman

BTW - thanks to Jared for taking the time to read our thoughts and taking some ideas up the ladder :D


Agreed. Good ideas listed here.

A wishlist for my Saleen? I guess I would ask for:
1)A nicer (leather?!) dashboard cover and center console cover (more places for Saleen logos;));
2) Side skirts and boost gauges that fit as they should[:@];
3) A Saleen CAI kit;
4) Optional deep dish, lighter Saleen-branded wheels (this could be a real $$$ maker for Saleen); and
5) A mechanical (rather than electronic controlled) throttle.

Nothing else. As my wife likes to remind me weekly, I love this car way more than I should...

And thanks, Jared, for listening and passing on the thoughts of some very passionate Saleen owners.

If I had to recommend some changes for the newer body styles:

1. Make the extreme look very different than a S/C. I thought for awhile the only way you could tell an extreme saleen from a S/C was the splitter/rear diffuser and the 1/4 panel window blanked out. Then I found out that the 1/4 window is optional...so it's really just a little tiny extreme symbol on the side and the carbon fiber on the bottom that differentiate the two. If I was spending lots of money on an extreme, I'd want everyonewithin 12 blocksto know that it's an extreme.

2. Customize the interior a little more than just seat covers,pedal coversand gauges.

3. Enclose the certificate of authenticity with the car. It's a small thing, but it helps us owners feel special. I know it's only like $35 to buy, but that's exactly why Saleen should include it.

3. Enclose the certificate of authenticity with the car. It's a small thing, but it helps us owners feel special. I know it's only like $35 to buy, but that's exactly why Saleen should include it.
[/quote]

You mean to say that the certificate does not come with the car, it has to be purchased?

Whiskey......Tango......Foxtrot ......over........

It only has to be purchased by "second" owners if it wasn't passed along with the car. If you are lucky enough to get the registration papers from the dealer when the car is bought new, then you will get the Letter of Authenticty sent to you at no charge when you fill out the registration/survey and send it in.....well, at least thats the way it worked up until 2005 [&:]

Ok that makes sense.

I may get some slack here but if I had some say in what I would change I would have everything stay the same but the interior. My 05 GTO's interior was the most comfortable 4-Adult Passenger High Performance car I've owned. The exterior was lame but was a sleeper. Being that the GTO was made in Australiait had a real niceeuropean feel and the quality of the materials were top notch. I've come to like the interior of my Saleen now, but after about 150 miles I'm looking to get out of my saddle for a break.

local://upfiles/66677/EEBAE51268BA46CAB1ECF88B83332B8B.jpg

ORIGINAL: gadway41

I may get some slack here but if I had some say in what I would change I would have everything stay the same but the interior. My 05 GTO's interior was the most comfortable 4-Adult Passenger High Performance car I've owned. The exterior was lame but was a sleeper. Being that the GTO was made in Australiait had a real niceeuropean feel and the quality of the materials were top notch. I've come to like the interior of my Saleen now, but after about 150 miles I'm looking to get out of my saddle for a break.

local://upfiles/66677/EEBAE51268BA46CAB1ECF88B83332B8B.jpg

I drove 1,000 miles straight in mine and felt very relaxed!

ORIGINAL: 06Saleen3V

ORIGINAL: gadway41

I may get some slack here but if I had some say in what I would change I would have everything stay the same but the interior. My 05 GTO's interior was the most comfortable 4-Adult Passenger High Performance car I've owned. The exterior was lame but was a sleeper. Being that the GTO was made in Australiait had a real niceeuropean feel and the quality of the materials were top notch. I've come to like the interior of my Saleen now, but after about 150 miles I'm looking to get out of my saddle for a break.

local://upfiles/66677/EEBAE51268BA46CAB1ECF88B83332B8B.jpg

I drove 1,000 miles straight in mine and felt very relaxed!
Tack on another 30 years to your youthfulbody and things "may" be different, but maybe it's just me. I remember when I was your age I had a 85' Celica GTS Conv. and drove it non-stop except for gas from Upstate NY to Miami FL.close to two thousand miles. That car was similar to our Mustangs Ride, didn't bother me at all, but today no way would I attempt that.

Folks don't get me wrong I new exactly what I was getting myself into when I bought this car a Fast, Un-parallel in it's looks, but very un-impressive interior compared to others, but that's ok. Looks and speed make up for the interior.

ORIGINAL: 4DC
Whiskey......Tango......Foxtrot ......over........


[sm=WTFsgign.gif]does this mean?

Jazzer

He was using the Military code for what you just said.... WTF...Over. That was in response to a previous post..

ORIGINAL: 04#231SC

He was using the Military code for what you just said.... WTF...Over. That was in response to a previous post..


Ummmm.... I think he knew that. ;)

[sm=smiley4.gif]

The funny part about these last few posts is the phrase "4 Adult Passenger.....Car" [sm=icon_rofl.gif]I can't speak for the Goat cause I've never been in one, but to say an adult....even a KID is going to fit in the back of a Mustang is a joke. Now I KNOW people do it, but you can't tell me it is comfy. As a guy that is 6'1", I don't believe in putting my seat forward so somebody can sit behind me - therefore I have a rule when it comes to my 'Stangs. TWO PASSENGER CARS ONLY [8D]

I can fit two girls in the back of my car no problem :)...when I first got the car, I went for a ride with my mom and dad and I sat in the back to give them the full pleasure of the ride. I am pretty much 5'11 and I had no problem fitting behind the passenger seat (and it was not near all the way forward) ;)

1.) I have always wondered why they don't offer a viper T-56 six speed option as it seems like that would be a hot item.
2.)As long as you have all the coverings off the seats, why don't theyadd seat heats as an option.
3.) I would also think maybe a bit of chassis stiffening parts would be a good addition and easy for Saleen to throw on during build.

8-rib pulley system. Just do it.