Photography from Jay Brown at Price Toyota Scion in New Castle, Delaware.
Throughout the 1980s, a common connection shared among these high-performance vehicles produced by Saleen were their construction and assembly in the trendsetting state of California. Though, during the dawn of a fresh decade, new methods of assembly as well as new challenges toward 1990s business survival caused revision to this shared link.
For model year 1991, a majority of Saleen Mustang production took place in Saint Charles, Missouri under the expertise of subcontractor Cars & Concepts. For historical context, it took about 14-years to again see large qualities of Saleen vehicles produced outside the state of California; with the introduction of Saleen Special Vehicles (SSV) and their Troy facility in Michigan for the 2005 model year.
With the close of 1991 vehicle production, a number of familiar items would go away. This model year marked the farewell for those famous 16-inch angular 5-spoke, or optional basket weave, design wheels from American Racing. Both the Saleen/FloFit seats, a staple since 1987, and grey cloth seating material would disappear. Model year 1991 would also be the final year Ford Motor Company offered the Mustang LX with black side moldings; opting for body color trim in 1992 and 1993.
Though these “lasts” account for minor alterations in overall product packaging, it does make the 1990-91 series of Saleen Mustang the final versions with the “totally 80s look” on display. With 1991 models specifically representing the final vehicle offerings from the original company known as Saleen Autosport.
When we examine model year 1991 using our feature car, ID number 91-0025, we see Saleen produced an estimated 102 serialized Mustangs for the year. Of those, 92 units were standard models with 58 based on the 3-door hatchback body. It is believed 20 were painted Oxford White. When we review those 20, Titanium Grey interiors were in 12 units with seven featuring the optional 3.55:1 gearing. -DB
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[Source: Jay Brown]
You have to understand that in the mid-90s, what Saleen put out was all there was. You could not put larger injectors on without drivers, etc. We put the Moates chip in because it gets rid of the stupid FMU and Retard box set-ups. In the end, if all your internals are strong and in great working order, concentrate on the weak-points of the S351R, which are ignition, fuel and tuning. Well heat can be a problem too, but sounds like you have that liked already. We put in a Busch Grand National Spec Griffin Dual Pass Aluminum Radiator in the Mystic S351R (ala 1999 S351R spec) Cured the heat problem right there.
