Saleen S281
Encyclopedia
The Saleen S-281 is a variant introuced between the 4th and 5th generations of Ford Mustang
which was produced by the American manufacturer Saleen, Inc. By 2005, Saleen departed from being a company of modifying existing Ford Mustangs as well as various other Ford automobiles, and now became an official Original equipment manufacturer
. This was easily distinguishable with the body work designed by Phil Frank on the S-281's as well as the various other models offered by Saleen.
Previously referred to as Saleen Mustang, Saleen now introduced a model designation based on the Cubic Inch Displacement (CID) of the engine, now referring the car as Saleen 281 CID, or simply S-281. Any distinguishable options purchased by the customer is indicated with a suffix added after the 281, designating its difference.
Several models were introduced:
version of the S-281 was first introduced as an option for the New Edge
Mustang in 1999. Designated as Saleen 281 CID SuperCharged, this designation was widely recognized as a separate model in 2000 with more options becoming available by Saleen. Notable internal differences of an S-281SC introduced a dual gauge instrument cluster above the dashboard, while the only external difference was a Saleen Heat Extractor hood. With the introduction of the Fifth-generation Ford Mustang
, the supercharger was now installed in an upside-down configuration to provide better performance.
.
Limited Edition (S-302PJ), the H-281 3V was available in different colors. Key cosmetic differences from the Parnelli Jones
Limited Edition include a smaller front air dam, omission of the chrome fascia trim, lack of a hood scoop, the addition of fender badges and a matte-black hood center. Production was limited, as only 60 models were produced: 49 Coupes & 11 Convertibles. Only 6 Grabber orange models where produced.
Trans-Am racer. Only a run of 300 (100 Blue, 100 Red, 100 White) were built.
Blower Supercharger. These vehicles were exclusively offered through the SOEC
website and were only available as a Speedster/Convertible configuration.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was initially based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, as a "1964½" model, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A...
which was produced by the American manufacturer Saleen, Inc. By 2005, Saleen departed from being a company of modifying existing Ford Mustangs as well as various other Ford automobiles, and now became an official Original equipment manufacturer
Original Equipment Manufacturer
An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by a company and retailed under that purchasing company's brand name. OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product. When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a...
. This was easily distinguishable with the body work designed by Phil Frank on the S-281's as well as the various other models offered by Saleen.
Previously referred to as Saleen Mustang, Saleen now introduced a model designation based on the Cubic Inch Displacement (CID) of the engine, now referring the car as Saleen 281 CID, or simply S-281. Any distinguishable options purchased by the customer is indicated with a suffix added after the 281, designating its difference.
Variants
From its first introduction in 1996 until 2009, the S-281 has been introduced in several variations:Several models were introduced:
- S-281/S-281 3V: Naturally aspirated Coupe/Convertible Model
- S-281SC: Supercharged Model
- S-281C: Saleen variation of the SVT Cobra first introduced in 1996.
- S-281E: Supercharged Extreme Model (supplied Saleen engine)
- S-281RF/S-281AF: Supercharged American Flag AF model sold to veterans. Supercharged Red Flag RF Model
- H-281 3V: Naturally aspirated 3-Valve Heritage Model
- H-281DG: Supercharged Heritage Dan Gurney Model
- Racecraft 420-S: Lighter, Sportier version of the S281 with minimal modifications, also known as the S-281SC Sport
- SA-15: 15th Anniversary Production Model (1998)
- SA-20: 20th Anniversary Production Model (2003)
S-281
First introduced in 1996, the Saleen 281 utilized a naturally aspirated stock 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 engine as well as Racecraft Suspension upgrades, an aerodynamic body kit and became the flagship model for Saleen with the largest production of all Saleen Vehicles until 2009. This car was commonly based on a Mustang 4.6L GT or an SVT Cobra 4.6L platform. The S281 could also be built if the customer has provided a stock Mustang 4.6L GT. With the introduction of the Fifth-generation Ford Mustang, the designation now became recognized as S-281 3V for the use of three valves per cylinder in the engine; while the 1996-2004 model was unaffected as an S-281 2V designation did not exist.S-281SC
The SuperchargedSupercharger
A supercharger is an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle,...
version of the S-281 was first introduced as an option for the New Edge
New Edge
New Edge was a styling theme used by Ford Motor Company for many of its passenger vehicles in the late 1990s and early 2000s and initially authored by Jack Telnack, who served as Vice President of Design for Ford from 1980 to 1997...
Mustang in 1999. Designated as Saleen 281 CID SuperCharged, this designation was widely recognized as a separate model in 2000 with more options becoming available by Saleen. Notable internal differences of an S-281SC introduced a dual gauge instrument cluster above the dashboard, while the only external difference was a Saleen Heat Extractor hood. With the introduction of the Fifth-generation Ford Mustang
Fifth-generation Ford Mustang
-Mustang:The 2005–2009 base Mustang is powered by Ford's cast iron block 4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6, replacing the 3.8 L Essex OHV V6 used in 2004 and older models...
, the supercharger was now installed in an upside-down configuration to provide better performance.
S-281C
With the SVT Cobra now introduced with a 4.6L 4V DOHC V8 engine in 1996, Saleen introduced the Saleen 281 CID Cobra to customers to have purchase or receive their Cobra with Racecraft Suspension upgrades and the Saleen aerodynamic body kit, while the V8 engine itself was left unmodified. This option lasted until 2004, when the SVT Cobra was no longer in production. This designation continued to remain unmodified even with the introduction of the Supercharged Cobras between 2003 and 2004.S-281E
Making its debut in 2002, the Saleen 281 CID Extreme model now utilized a Saleen-built 4.6L 3V SOHC V8 Engine (Spark Ignition Configuration) which replaced the stock Ford 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 Engine. Notable external differences on the S-281E featured a rear fascia with center exhaust, an unintergrated large spoiler and replacement of the Ford Mustang fender logos with Saleen logos. With the new Fifth-generation Ford Mustangs introduced in 2005, a front splitter and rear diffuser were introduced below the front and rear fascias to improve vehicle aerodynamics. Interestingly, the 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual transmission used from the 2005-2009 era was originally in use for the short lived 2004-2006 Pontiac GTOPontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is an automobile built by Pontiac Division of General Motors in the United States from 1964 to 1974, and by GM subsidiary Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. It is considered an innovative, and now classic muscle car of the 1960s and 1970s...
.
S-281RF/S-281AF
Only introduced in the Fifth-Generation era, both the Saleen 281 CID Red Flag and the Saleen 281 CID Aerican Flag models were Supercharged, but offered at a lower price than an S-281SC. Notable detail parts such as the SC vented hood, SC rear wing, quarter window trim, and standard S281 seating are omitted. The RF is available in Black or Alloy with standard red decals while the AF is available in Torch Red, Vista Blue, and White with Red, White, Blue exterior decals. Both models are equipped with manual transmissions and chrome wheels.H-281 3V
Introduced in June 2007 with a run of 100 vehicles, the Heritage 281 CID 3 Valve version was introduced. Sharing some bodywork features with the Parnelli JonesParnelli Jones
Rufus Parnell "Parnelli" Jones , is a retired American racing driver and racecar owner. He is most remembered for his 1963 Indianapolis 500 win, and almost winning the 1967 Indy 500 in a turbine car...
Limited Edition (S-302PJ), the H-281 3V was available in different colors. Key cosmetic differences from the Parnelli Jones
Parnelli Jones
Rufus Parnell "Parnelli" Jones , is a retired American racing driver and racecar owner. He is most remembered for his 1963 Indianapolis 500 win, and almost winning the 1967 Indy 500 in a turbine car...
Limited Edition include a smaller front air dam, omission of the chrome fascia trim, lack of a hood scoop, the addition of fender badges and a matte-black hood center. Production was limited, as only 60 models were produced: 49 Coupes & 11 Convertibles. Only 6 Grabber orange models where produced.
H-281DG
Only introduced in 2008, the Heritage 281 CID Supercharged Dan Gurney model was based on Dan Gurney's 1969 Boss 302 MustangBoss 302 Mustang
The Boss 302 Mustang is a high performance variant of the Ford Mustang originally produced in 1969 and 1970, but revived in the 2012 model year. It was produced for the Trans Am racing series, while the Mustang Boss 429 which was produced the same years was built around a larger engine.-First...
Trans-Am racer. Only a run of 300 (100 Blue, 100 Red, 100 White) were built.
Racecraft 420-S
Making its debut in July 2008, the Racecraft 420 Horsepower Supercharged model was introduced as a demonstration to steer away from the Saleen name and to also offer Mustang fans a cheaper, yet sportier version of a supercharged Saleen. Using the infamous suspension name recognized on Saleens, the Racecraft 420-S was a lightly modified Ford 4.6L 3V SOHC with a Saleen Twin-Screw Supercharger. The success of this car and product name, Racecraft, failed to gather the attention the promoters hoped for with only 89 units built as most true Saleen fans did not appreciate the infamous Saleen name to be replaced with another.SA-15
To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Saleen in 1998, ten specially customized S281's were introduced. Officially designated as Saleen Anniversary of 15 Years, these ten vehicles were the first of the S281 series to be equipped with a Series 1 EatonEaton Corporation
Eaton Corporation is a global diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. The company is a leading provider of electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment;...
Blower Supercharger. These vehicles were exclusively offered through the SOEC
Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club
Saleen Ownersand Enthusiasts ClubEstablished1991AbbreviationSOECMottoAiding The AddictedTypeSocial and Special InterestLocation United StatesService AreaInternationalPrincipal FocusSteve Saleen and his Vehicles...
website and were only available as a Speedster/Convertible configuration.
SA-20
To mark the 20th anniversary of Saleen in 2003, ten specially designed S-281SC's were built. Officially designated as Saleen Anniversary of 20 Years, these SA-20's now included a Saleen Series IV Screw Type Intercooled Supercharger and Saleen Powerflash performance calibration system. The most notable external difference on the SA-20's was the introduction of a new 20th Anniversary Tonneau Cover with an integrated light-bar design, S-281E Spoiler Wing, and center exhaust. The SA-20 was introduced as a Speedster/Convertible only.Popular culture
- A Silver Saleen S281 was Josh Harnett's Car in the action film Hollywood HomicideHollywood HomicideHollywood Homicide is a 2003 American action comedy film starring Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett.The film also features Lena Olin, Lolita Davidovich, Martin Landau, Bruce Greenwood, Isaiah Washington, Keith David, Dwight Yoakam and Master P in supporting roles, with Eric Idle making a cameo...
- This vehicle was used as the DecepticonDecepticonThe Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
BarricadeBarricade (Transformers)Barricade is the name of four fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Barricade first featured in 1990 as part of a Decepticon race track patrol team, his vehicle mode being a Formula One racing car....
in the 2007 live-action Transformers movie. - A Red S281 Extreme made a cameo appearance in the 2002 film 2 Fast 2 Furious2 Fast 2 Furious2 Fast 2 Furious is a 2003 street racing action film directed by John Singleton. It is the second film in The Fast and the Furious film series following The Fast and the Furious . It stars Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Eva Mendes, Devon Aoki, and Chris Bridges; and was directed by John Singleton. The...
- The 2000 model of Saleen's S281 was featured in the popular racing game Forza Motorsport 3Forza Motorsport 3Forza Motorsport 3 is a racing video game developed for Xbox 360 by Turn 10 Studios. It was released in October . It is the sequel to Forza Motorsport 2 and the third installment in the Forza Motorsport series...
only available when disc 2 is downloaded.