In keeping with the Saleen theme, Shaun had the crew at StangWerks (Rancho Cucamonga, California) wave the magic wand over the Pony's flanks. Adding to the previously installed Speedster kit is a Saleen 281E hood and Saleen S281 front and rear bumpers. Adding some personality to the car was accomplished by removing the Saleen lettering in the rear bumper along with all the emblems and badging. Completing the exterior look is a Mach 1 grille-delete kit and a USA-themed running-pony grille emblem.
The car was originally Bright Atlantic Blue, and since Shaun flat-out loved the hue, he had the car fully repainted. "A lot of people ask me about it because you don't see that many around in that color," Shaun says. "I love the color and couldn't be happier with it." Once the paint was dry, Recaro seats out of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 (a reminder of his long-lost days in the wilderness) were bolted to the floorboard on custom brackets fabricated by Wedge Engineering. Shaun then threw in a few painted interior trim pieces (Bright Atlantic Blue, of course) and an instrument panel full of Auto Meter Cobalt 2 gauges to complete the look. Pumping the tunes above the performance exhaust system is a Panasonic head unit wired up to a Fosgate subwoofer and a HiFonics Zeus Z400 amplifier.
The awe-inspiring stance of the Pony can be attributed to numerous suspension enhancements. H&R Sport springs drop the car on all four corners, while improved handling comes in the form of Maximum Motorsports caster/camber plates, subframe connectors, and lower control arms. Bullitt Mustang-spec calipers and TCE two-piece rotors were installed up front, while out back the stock GT braking system remained. The car graces the pavement thanks to DPE R05 polished 18x9 front and 18x10 rear rims. The five-spoke wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich KDWs all around, with 265/35/18s under the fenders and 295/35/18s under the quarter-panels.
"Cruising around in the Mustang is so peaceful at night," Shaun says. "The car looks badass with the top down and the Auto Meter gauges lit." As is the case with most, this Mustang isn't done yet. "I always try to push myself to bring it to the next level," Shaun says. "I still live at home, which is the only way I can afford this hobby. Being compulsive and having an eBay account doesn't help much either."
Even if Shaun did leave, it wouldn't be for long. His stray Pony knows its way back home.