Since my car's gone for the next 5-6 months, it gives me time (too much, probably) to look at bits and pieces. That said, I'm currently in debate about wheels. The previous owner didn't opt for the upgraded 10" rear wheels, so it's 18x9s all the way around. So, my question is this: I can get authentic Saleen 18x10s for about $400 each (which makes my butt quiver a little) + rubber. Total being about $1000-1100 (after mounting/balancing) or I can get a whole set (2 x 18/9, 2 x 18/10) of replicas + all new rubber for approximately the same cost. The pro of the replicas: I could use those and save the chance of curbing the originals. While still having a full extra set of wheels/tires, if needed. The con, I'm kind of a perfectionist. I'd rather have authentic wheels on the car. But the money the originals would require, especially for only two wheels, seems a little illogical. I guess the real question is, is it really worth $1000 to get an extra inch/inch and a half of meat in the back? I think I know the answer to that. For $1000-1100, I could probably get a smaller pulley, injectors and pump upgrade, and maybe a tune. Which would probably be money more-well spent.
well personally i could care less about authenticity. honestly i feel that if the replicas perform the same job, whats the point of have the real thing. plus youll probably be the only one who knows they are the real thing until you tell someone they are. Unless you have butt loads of money and the price isnt an issue in that case go for it. 1100 can do alot under the hood. you can put it on the bottle safetly with that much money
What type 9 inchers are on there currently? 9" wheels w/ a 40 series tire is a nice combo. They can be rotated and are plenty wide enough. On a skid pad, the 10" wheel/35 series tire on the rear may not perform as well either. It kinda boils down to a pressure per sq. in. at the tread. GT
If I was making the choice I would take the originals off, and keep them stored safe and sound and put the replicas on. If you ever sold the car you arent really going to get more for the car by saying "original Saleens"...by now you ought to know that you never get your money out of your mods. Really this comes down to you figuring out what makes you giggle like a school girl when you get behind the wheel of YOUR Mustang. I can see both sides
Saleen had so many quality issues with its wheels!! Chrome peeling off etc. It used to be a never ending battle between owners and Saleen to try and get them replaced. The replicas are better than the Saleens!! Save yourself some cash and upgrade something else on the car. Just get two replica 18x10 rears and tires. I had the 18x9 replicas to start with, and then just upgraded the rear. Different company but the colors matched perfectly. My 295 KDW2s are so much better than the old 275 Pilot Sports I had before.
It's got the 18x9 Silver Saleen (how it came from the dealership) wheels (all the way around). That said, it's got Kumho 712 265/35 on all four corners (still plenty of tread left). The more I'm thinking about it, the more it seems it's a lot of cash for no real gain. The car is stock at the moment (except an offroad H). I'm not really wanting to do major things to it (forging, etc), for the simple fact that, if some day, I do want to sell it, I can do so with it being an original Saleen, as opposed to modified. You never get mod money back, I know that much, even though some try(go to autotrader and look up Supras, it's laughable). But spending $1000 on it for a few bolts ons and a tune, wouldn't be too out of the realm. Something that could easily be UN-done, if I should be tempted to sell it in the future. It's only got 18000 miles on it as well (which is why I'm hesitant to do any major upgrades), along with being one of five coupes they made that year, that color. While I'm not expecting to get retirement out of it in the future, I have to believe there's SOME hope of appreciation, from a collector's standpoint, eventually. Right now, the market/economy is dog*****. Winter sucks. It just gets the mind going... bboylobo I have no doubts I'd be the only one that knew. Given the area I live in (a rural town of 3000), most don't even know what "Saleen" is, and those that do, ask "is it a real one?" Another guy in town (retired cop, cool guy) has a '96 convertible S281 (non-sc). Haven't seen too many others though. 007, I've got the silver wheels (one of the distinguishing differences with my car vs the other 4 Rio Red coupes that year). Three had chrome (non-SC), two had silver (SC). I have heard horror stories about the chrome wheels though, glad I don't have them. I'm not much of a chrome fan anyway.
Give up on appreciation if you plan on driving the car. It would only hold value if the mileage was really really low. It already has 18k. I dont see its value going up for a very long time, not at all if you continue to increase the mileage.
Yeah. That's what I've been thinking/hearing. If it were an S351 maybe... Bah. Might as well have some fun with it. 500 at the wheels is a nice round number.
