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  1. #1
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Default Build thread - 1985 Mustang Saleen (clone?)

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Size:  66.9 KBI'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
    Last edited by erratic50; 02-06-2018 at 04:14 AM.

  2. #2
    FEP Super Member 84StangSVT's Avatar
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    Brock
    1984 Mustang LX Convertible 3.8L V-6/Auto (SOLD)
    1984 Mustang GT Hatchback 5.0 V-8/5 Speed

    I'm an FEP Supporter and proud of it. Are you?

  3. #3

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    I want to know if it's some sort of Saleen.......

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Distance wise those Rims are a long ways away. Those would definitely work and are likely what it had at one time given all of the other parts on the car.

    still researching history on this car..... making it how I think it should be in the mean-time.

    Me too..... but I mainly just want to drive the hell out of it.....
    Last edited by erratic50; 09-16-2017 at 10:12 PM.

  5. #5

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    I can't wait for the work to kick off, it'll be a btchin' ride, that's for sure.

  6. #6
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    It certainly will turn a few heads. That window tint job is epic and in great condition.

    Thinking of painting it black and doing the grey stripe kit below gray 85 GT belt trim. I might do the dark red metallic just for something a little different given it looks like that is what it started out as.

    Wheel color to complement the trim and stickers so it doesn't break stuff up too much. I like the look of the car with the lighter wheels. Both are damn sexy rides, don't get me wrong.
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    Last edited by erratic50; 09-17-2017 at 01:54 AM.

  7. #7
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    I found some wheels that I'm trying to determine if they would fit

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/253138138592
    17" MST MT16 Wheels 17x9 5x114.3 20 Black Rims Set

    Obviously they are 5 lug so a conversion is required. Will they clear the 85 brake hats or do are SN95 setup required?

    Next thing is how much trouble will I have in front trying to fit this 9" rim. My friend has an 86 with 9" rims but the rack is limited

    Then there is the discussion about wheel color. Those would need to be painted a gray to look right.

    seems like it could be a nice exaggeration of the original style

  8. #8
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    In my experience you need a 24/25mm offset with a 9" wheel to fit properly. Depending on how you do your 5 lug swap these may or may not work. I can't guarantee.

    The big question would be if they would clear the Fox rotor snout either due to length or diameter. No pictures of the inside of the wheel to help verify.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  9. #9
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    It seems like it would be spacers required (which make vibration likely) and also SN95 spindles possibly required. Hmms.

    Maybe I will just throw a spare set of welds on it and focus on the work needed to make it go under its own power for now.

  10. #10
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    My friend said he's running 17x9 with 27mm on all four corners. He's running spacers in the rear to fine tune. He could use a spacer in the front or an X2 balljoint as the rims are dangerously close to the A arms and show where under extreme conditions on a track they have made contact at some point.

    His car rides on 255/40/17 tires and the rack is limited because of front tire rubbing.

  11. #11
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by erratic50 View Post
    My friend said he's running 17x9 with 27mm on all four corners. He's running spacers in the rear to fine tune. He could use a spacer in the front or an X2 balljoint as the rims are dangerously close to the A arms and show where under extreme conditions on a track they have made contact at some point.

    His car rides on 255/40/17 tires and the rack is limited because of front tire rubbing.
    The 27mm offset is deeper than the 24/25mm so you can tune the fitment a bit with spacers. A 20mm offset would be less deep which means the wheel will have more inner clearance, but my have clearance issues at the fender which you can't tune with spacers.

    Again depending your specific front suspension setup will determine what does and does not fit. As you widen the front track with SN95 spindles and/or Sn95 control arms you will need more offset in order to clear the fenders. I personally run a 255/40/17 on my 17X9 Cobra R with 24mm offset and SN95 spindles/fox control arms and I only have rubbing with the wheels turned when going over a speed bumper or going up a incline with a dip like a driveway with the wheels turned.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  12. #12
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Found a rare NOS Saleen part that's exclusively 1985 and early 1986 Saleen specific ..... I just had to have it. Shifter knob. Now if only I knew what the stick is supposed to look like.....

    I also bought a FRPP aluminum driveshaft today for my worn out old 86GT. I plan to redo the stock style driveshaft with a new slip yoke and U joints then have it balanced.....

    Many parts to find....

    for those keeping score, today was a $450 parts day. I also bought a full snapon set used for T5/C4/AOD bushing replacement for another $275.
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    Last edited by erratic50; 09-18-2017 at 01:12 AM.

  13. #13

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    Practically any Snap-on set for $275! Very nice job

  14. #14
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Doing my best to keep the list up top accurate. 2nd chance cobra has some parts we are going to horse trade on.

  15. #15
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Input from my friend with the 86GT that runs SCCA often. 17x9 with 20mm on fox width rear with an 1/8" shim and SN95 front spindles no shims is near perfect. He's using a +27 then spacing to +20.

    hmm... those MST MT16's are tempting..... but do force me to switch to 5 lug

  16. #16
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Started advertising some want to buy

  17. #17
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Made progress on tracking down parts. Trying to balance my preferences vs what seems to have been on the car before.

    The 85 facia and 85 rear spats will be epically expensive compared to a full 86 repopped body kit!

    Saleen is having a door buster soon where the $300 stripe kit is free with an $899 1986 body kit order. I have to buy the stripe kit regardless so it's hard to argue with a $600 complete kit vs $700 for a recreation of the 85 facia alone... [edit the info was advertised still but it was a 2014 sale- bummer]. . I still need rear spats which can be cut out of a $300 reproduction 86 bumper or sourced from an enthusiast who may be able to mold them for far more. This vs having them new in a kit.

    I am starting to think to go 86 parts and sell off the extra side skirts. Dollars wise the kit starts to make sense. Arg. How badly do I really want this 85 how it appears that it was. Do I $$$$ like the 85 stuff better. And what about crash parts heaven forbid.

    Ive heard of early run 86's with the 'more desireable' front 85 facia .... so does that mean all of the actual 1985 Saleens had the three piece facia?

    Just bought another $120 worth of stuff - this time off Saleens web site. That what I get for shopping accessories. What I actually wanted to buy totaled up to 1200 so in that regard I sort of behaved myself ..... sort of.
    Last edited by erratic50; 10-01-2017 at 04:33 AM.

  18. #18
    FEP Senior Member Tigger's Avatar
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    Early 85's had the "big" rear wing and a fiberglass 3 piece front facia. At some point in 85 the 3 piece front facia's switched to urethane and the wing changed to what you have on your car now. Not sure when that change was made off the top of my head. Not sure about the side skirts and rear spats either. They might have been fiberglass early on as well and then went to urethane? I know I have read about this stuff but it has been a while. Mike Charles (86199) will know too as he has a very early 85.

    Early 86's used the left over 85 spats and front facia's before they changed over to the "86" parts. Also on the early 86 facia's, the 2 vents on either side of the opening in the front were closed. The later facia's had them open.
    67 Mustang Coupe
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    86 Saleen #179

  19. #19
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    85 Front fascia seems to be like looking for a unicorn.... all in the know have said buy an 86 and be done so this is what I may end up doing. Darn.

    85 Rear spats are reportedly the same as those used in front of the wheels on the SVO. Or an 86 Saleen body kit rear bumper can be cut up where the quarter steel meets the bumper then body worked in as a straight and flat transition seam.
    [they are not the same but a good starting point vs nothing]

    Reportedly either looks OK. The SVO spats are reproduced.

    I want some for my 86GT anyway so I'll order them....problem solved -- hopefully.


    Updated the parts wish list up top.

    I might end up just buying a parts car unless truly cheap parts start becoming available.
    Last edited by erratic50; 09-19-2017 at 11:26 PM.

  20. #20
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Huge thank you for the information!

  21. #21
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    The SVO spats can be swapped side to side and used at the rear of the wheel opening, but the shape is much different than the Saleen spats going towards the rear bumper cover.

    If you are unable to find a set of Saleen spats, the rear valance of a Saleen can have those sections cut off and used without the actual wrap around section of the rear bumper. You will need/want to smooth the transition a bit where the bumper meets up, but the final look will be almost identical to the original Spats. Yes, the true Saleen Experts will know, but probably no one else.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  22. #22
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    U joints and slip yoke in my 86's old driveshaft will need to be replaced before it goes into the Saleen. I've always just bought Mcparts ujoints and have lived with a small leak at the rear of the T5 due to a worn yoke. where is a good place to get a new one? The one I ordered was too wide across the flange to work on a fox driveshaft - waste of $50 for sure.

  23. #23
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    https://lmr.com/item/M4841B/Ford-Rac...oke-T-5-C4-Aod

    That should work for you assuming its a 28 spline unit.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  24. #24
    FEP Senior Member 83GTJIM's Avatar
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    I'm no Saleen expert but do any of these parts look legit?

    https://www.copart.com/lot/39422867/
    MCA #110307
    "Saved" 25k mi 83 GT - http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...ght=Wrecked+GT
    83 GT T Top
    83 GT Convt
    84 20th Anniversary T Top GT350 SOLD 11/17
    84 GT Convt SOLD 08/18

  25. #25
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 83GTJIM View Post
    I'm no Saleen expert but do any of these parts look legit?

    https://www.copart.com/lot/39422867/
    That's a Xenon body kit on the Mustang, not a Saleen kit. FYI
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

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