2000 Saleen Mustang Specifications

by Chris Burrows

For the 2000 model year, high-end Mustang enthusiasts were offered only one model from the Saleen Studios --- the S-281 packing a racy 365 horsepower supercharged Ford V8. Available as a coupe or a convertible, only 974 were produced.

Engine

Powered by Ford's long-running 4.6-liter two valves per cylinder V8, and enhanced with a Saleen supercharger, the 2000 Saleen S-281 Mustang produced 365 brake horsepower (BHP) at 5,000 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. The power plant was further improved with a Saleen cast 356-T6 aluminum manifold and a stainless 2.5-inch high flow custom exhaust, and was mated to Saleen's own Quick Ratio five-speed transmission. This setup required Premium 92 octane gasoline.

Speed

The 2000 Saleen Mustang went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, reached 100 mph in 11.9 seconds and could gobble up a quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds. Stopping power came from four-wheel vented discs assisted by a dual piston ABS system.

Drive Specifications

Like all 2000 model-year Mustangs, the Saleen edition came with a live rear axle, but upgrades to the suspension included MacPherson struts in the front and Saleen Racecraft struts and shocks all around. The S-281's 18-inch wheels were fitted with high performance Pirelli P7000 tires and were steered by a power-assisted rack-and-pinion system.

Measurements

Standing at 53.1 inches, the 2000 Saleen Mustangs measured out to a 101.3-inch wheelbase and 183.2 inches in total length. Weight was distributed 56 to 44 front to back.

References

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