Build thread - 1985 Mustang Saleen (clone?)

[erratic50]

I've decided it's time to start a build discussion thread on my 85.

Last month I took the extra step suggested in the new addition to the stable thread of contacting Saleen.... it's not but so much of one is there and has always been there it looks like.

it's time to get going on this project. Made it official and ordered the decal - 006.

goals..... I want to drive a "finished" car to MCA next year. Finished - yea right.. they are never finished. But I want to drive it

first question is what should it roll on.
[edit - question answered Sept 30 2017 with 16x8 ARE mesh wheels with Saleen caps. Wheels from Craigslist - thanks Joe - caps bought from eBay. Thanks to 1986-0026 and the other Saleen(s) that were the Selling parties behind these original caps!]

[edit - solved. Other options would have been Enkei 15x7, Hyashi Racing, SSR formula mesh, Riken Mesh wheels (the 16" late 85 option from Saleen) no longer considering]

Other ideas were (me - MST MT16's. available in 17x9 5 lug) (trey) ESR Wheels. An obvious departure from "correct" but 17x8.5. with 30mm offset. Factors considered were 4 lug vs 5, etc. (trey missed his chance to sell me those 16" enkei rims so he could get some proper TRX clones)

Next stop is tires. Will probably size match 255/40/16 to my 16x8 rims.

I have a 30K mile 90 5.0 on the stand that's going in this car with 1.7:1 rockers. It's an E7 head motor. I might play with it some I might not.

Im looking for parts of course.
- 85 Saleen front airdam (1401 or 1402 - WTB ad, have leads)
- 85 Saleen spats behind rear wheels (1418 - wtb ad, have leads)
- 85 Saleen passenger side dash plaque for grey interior. Ideally, autographed.
- 85 Saleen Escort radar detector cord and case
- correct Wolf Racing steering wheel and hub adapter and horn button [I have a 10 bolt Momo like was used on 86's with an 86 horn button right now]
- full uncut roofskin. Can be sunroof, T-roof, or regular. All trim and glass needed for non solid roof ideas. matching doors and hardware needed for T-roof idea.
(Now have)- correct stainless door lock set
Pieces to add a mechanical fuel pump to the 90 longblock. Pump essentric, front cover, fuel lines
Stock (maybe mcparts or reman) 1985 fuel pump
FMS shorty headers
catted H-pipe
Convertible style motor mounts (may just order new)
1985 ignition parts
(Now have)-Bellhousing for T5 to 302, release fork and pivot stud
(Now have)-T5 or T5Z if the price is right.
(Now have)- 14 lb flywheel
((Now have) - (will get a new clutch and pressure plate).
Smog pump? Only if I go to a 50 state intake (have eliminator)
stock alternator (or I'll buy a reman from autozone)
stock starter (or I'll buy another reman)
AC compressor and condeser and lines (may just buy the LMR kit)
ps lines
dual snorkel air cleaner housing

BOLTS! Just about every last bolt you can think of that's needed for assembly is MIA!

Have active leads on:

Other stuff to make it more complete


Have now bought
- Saleen "Racecraft" rack offset bushings - NOS used on 87+
- radiator (*S thanks Shane)
- fan, shroud, fan clutch *S
- overflow tank *S
- 302 HO distributor (from 83, will need a steel gear or exchannge it for a reman with steel) *S
- stock engine brackets
- stock crank, waterpump, altenator pulleys (sourced from my parts stash -- they were removed from my 86 in the name of upgrades)
- impossible to find NOS 85 Saleen shifter knob
- foxbody steel driveshaft
- vintage black stock PS pump with stock pulley
- brackets and tentioner for AC, PS, altenator, smogpump!
- vintage momo 4 spoke wheel. also went to american muscle and bought "70006 - MOMO USA Steering Wheel Hub (84-04 All) Item #: 70006"
- vintage *working* Saleen Escort Radar detector!
- vintage Saleen caps for Riken wheels
- vintage 16x8 ARE mesh wheels
- NOS leather shifter boot
- shifter bezel
- [glidethunder owes me a hurst competition plus shifter]
- carbon fiber brake pads
- BBK 170 MPH Speedometer (now for my 86)
- Actual Saleen gauge cluster from 1986-045
- 5-speed console bezel
- Edelbrock 600 CFM carb
- Edelbrock Air Gap intake (may switch to 50 state intake)
- Saleen Cal Customs Air Cleaner lid
- vintage Ford Motorports window stickers for the rear quarter glass

I am building a 5 lug fox width 8.8 with 3.90:1 gears and SN95 rear brakes for my 86, then the SN95 8.8 will get redone with 3.55's and fox width parts appropriate for whatever lug arrangement I decide upon

All of this make it run/drive and have the right parts to finish it as it goes in for paint

This car will be built as Medium Canyon Red with grey/silver trim. Its the only four eyed color combination that was never made afaik