If you’re thinking that this is just another Mustang, you’re wrong. Built by 281 Motorsports, this special 2008 Saleen Extreme S302 Mustang lies near and dear to Ken Schaffer’s heart. During his most recent deployment in the Middle East with SOCOM, Ken had a dream to build this unique and rare Mustang and give tribute to the US Special Operations Soldiers that have lost their lives fighting for our freedom.
Schaffer purchased this car on his deployment and made arrangements to have it shipped to his house. Being number 1 of 56 cars built, Schaffer knew this Mustang would be the perfect candidate to fit the niche of SOCOM. Schaffer met with Jason Cenora of 281 Motorsports and unleashed his idea about the build. Being that Special Operations Soldiers get the best of the best when it comes to gear and equipment in the field, Schaffer wanted the best, highest quality parts for his Mustang build too. With backing from companies like HRE Wheels, ACT, CSF Radiators, Toyo Tires, BMR Suspension, and Barton Industries, this Saleen S302 Mustang definitely has the high quality parts to fit the concept of this build.
Engine Performance
Under the hood of this Special Ops themed Mustang lies a Saleen aluminum block 302 stroker paired with Saleen’s Series VI ported supercharger and Super Shaker ram air system. With Ernie Elliot aluminum CNC ported cylinder heads, billet stage 2 camshafts, Manley forged rods, and CP forged pistons, this motor can handle some serious power. Dynatech Racing long-tube headers with high-flow cats help the motor breathe better and produce an awesome sound for those around the vehicle to hear. To top it all off, Torco racing oil was used to keep all new internals fresh and lubricated.
Cooling
To keep the motor cool while under load, 281 Motorsports installed a CSF high performance radiator and Meziere extreme duty double bearing water pump with Goodridge steel braided hoses and AN fittings to keep coolant flowing at an efficient, constant rate. Also installed for extra cooling was a Saleen heat exchanger with SPAL fans.
Fuel system
Feeding fuel to the aluminum block 302 was a no-brainer with Aeromotive‘s A1000 Stealth Fuel Pump and A1000 bypass regulator with pre and post filters. When the fuel finally gets to the rail via Goodridge steel braided lines and AN fittings, it is evenly distributed through Injector Dynamics 700cc high flow injectors.
Drivetrain
Having a lot of horsepower is great, but putting it to the ground is even better. 281 Motorsports went with an ACT twin-disc clutch and a billet steel flywheel followed by a bullet proof Tremec TR6060 6-speed transmission. From there, the power is sent down the driveshaft to an Eaton Tru-Trac Posi-traction differential with 3.73:1 Ford Racing gears. HRE Wheels was more than excited to be a part of this build, so it was only fitting that they sent over a set of their fresh new Flow Form FF01 wheels in a satin black finish. “We thought they would be a great set of wheels for the project and we’re really happy to be involved,” stated Patrick Moran of HRE Wheels. The wheels measure out to 20×9 in the front and 20×11 in the rear and are wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888 rubber for amazing handling.
Suspension/Brakes
To help the car handle all of the power and improve ride quality, a set of CorteX Xtreme-Grip coilovers, watts link system, and rear lower control arms were installed. 281 Motorsports fabricated a custom DOM roll cage with dimple die gussets as well as a custom upper core support brace also with dimple die gusset plates. Shaving weight while adding structural rigidity was solved by installing a BMR tubular K-member, A-arms, radiator core support, and subframe connectors. Behind the beautiful Flow Form HRE Wheels are Saleen ST60 6-piston calipers with 15-inch two-piece rotors up front and 14-inch Baer Eradispeed two-piece rotors out back.
Interior
Gracing the cockpit are limited edition Saleen leather seats with Schroth 6-point cam lock race harnesses, while gears are selected with a Barton billet aluminum precision shifter. Entertainment is provided by a Pioneer multimedia head unit wired to Realm speakers and the factory Rockford Fosgate subwoofer. More room for beautification in the engine bay was handled by moving the battery into the trunk with a Moroso battery relocation kit.
This build was executed beautifully thanks to Eric Cheney, Kalen Lawrence, and Robert Cox of 281 Motorsports and we’re sure that those who lost their lives fighting for our country would be more than grateful for this tribute. We’re happy to see builds like this because it shows that there are people and businesses alike are more than happy to show support for our troops and those who we have lost.
Network
If you’re thinking that this is just another Mustang, you’re wrong. Built by 281 Motorsports, this special 2008 Saleen Extreme S302 Mustang lies near and dear to Ken Schaffer’s heart. During his most recent deployment in the Middle East with SOCOM, Ken had a dream to build this unique and rare Mustang and give tribute to the US Special Operations Soldiers that have lost their lives fighting for our freedom.
Schaffer purchased this car on his deployment and made arrangements to have it shipped to his house. Being number 1 of 56 cars built, Schaffer knew this Mustang would be the perfect candidate to fit the niche of SOCOM. Schaffer met with Jason Cenora of 281 Motorsports and unleashed his idea about the build. Being that Special Operations Soldiers get the best of the best when it comes to gear and equipment in the field, Schaffer wanted the best, highest quality parts for his Mustang build too. With backing from companies like HRE Wheels, ACT, CSF Radiators, Toyo Tires, BMR Suspension, and Barton Industries, this Saleen S302 Mustang definitely has the high quality parts to fit the concept of this build.
