As early as 1985, Saleen began offering superchargers on their
Mustangs. Until late 1998, they used aftermarket (Paxton and Vortech)
centrifugal superchargers, sometimes supplied "in the trunk" for
dealer installation to avoid legal restrictions. In 1998, Saleen began working
to develop an emissions-legal in-house system.
1985-1998 superchargers were a centrifugal design.
1998-2002
superchargers were a roots design
2003-up superchargers are a twin screw
design.
For more information about each design type, check the following links:
Supercharged Saleen
(Independent site)
Supercharger
Basics
Roots
Superchargers Explained
Twin-Screw
Superchargers Explained
Centrifugal
Superchargers Explained
Kenne-Bell
Twin-Screw vs. Roots
Install
Manual Series 1 Supercharger
pdf format
Saleen
Series I
The Series I supercharger is based on the Eaton M90 (1500cc)
"roots-type" blower. Visually, the Series I can be distinguished by the flat top, small size, and
natural finish. Some cars have "Saleen" lettering on the top of the
supercharger case, others do not.
The Series I was first installed in the 10 1998 SA-15
cars. Those cars had a unique intake manifold to match the non-PI heads. Since it was VERY expensive to certify the system
for only 10 cars, Saleen received an Executive Order that allowed them to
install the Eaton M90 supercharger on those 10 cars after they
"became" Saleen Mustangs.
In 1999, the Series I became available in April on any S-281
for $3995, or as part of a $6440 "R-code" package that included the
13" brake upgrade. Horsepower improved from 285hp @ 5100 to 350hp @5000 rpm
with the supercharger installation. Torque jumped from 315 to 410 ft-lbs. Only
109 of the 373 S281 Mustangs were equipped with superchargers in 1999.
In 2000, the supercharged cars got their own pricing system,
but were not designated as a separate model. Power figures remained the same as
1999. 435 of the 979 S281's produced were supercharged.
Saleen Series II
The Series II supercharger debuted in 2001, although there are
some reports of late 2000 cars also receiving Series II superchargers. The
system is based on the 4th generation M90 supercharger case, with a contoured
top appearance, and natural finish case. A bypass valve is included, and power
improved from 350 (in 2000) to 365hp @ 5800rpm. 467 of the 911 S281's produced
in 2001 wore superchargers.
The Series II continued into 2002 unchanged, with 441 of the
835 S281's produced wearing superchargers.
Saleen Series III
You'll never find a Series III - they weren't produced! Series
III was the designation assigned to the Eaton M112, which was the M90's larger
brother tried during development on the S281E. Excess heat at higher boost
caused Saleen to abandon the Series III, in favor of a Twin-screw design blower.
The Eaton M112 displaces 1840cc, and was later used by Ford on the 2003-2004
Cobra.
Saleen Series IV
The Series IV debuted in 2003. It's a 1600cc Lysholm
screw-type supercharger, distinguished from earlier units by it's black case.
The more efficient design caused horsepower to increase to 375hp @5800, with
maximum torque of 415 ft-lbs @ 3500rpm. 228 of the 388 non-"Extreme"
cars produced in 2003 were supercharged. The Series IV was also used in 2004.
Saleen Series V
The Series V is the big brother to the Series IV. It was used
on S281E (E=Extreme) cars. It's a 2300cc version of the Series IV, and is
distinguished by a larger case.
Saleen Series VI
The Series VI debuted in 2005 with the new 3-valve 4.6 engine.
SCOA
SALEEN SUPERCHARGER GUIDE
