ForceFedS281

Ive just finished bringing an 02 saleen s281 sc back to life. It was sitting for 4 years and i just got it started today. It runs like ****.
Now, it had 3/4 of a tank of gas in it, unknown what octane. I mixed in about 4 gallons of fresh 93 and a bottle of Lucas treatment. It toom alot of coaxing to get it to finally fire. It wanted to fire about 5-6 times before it finally fired and belched and burbbled till it died. Each time I started it thereafter it started easier and ran smoother than the previous attempt.
It wont hold an idle. Theres clearly a vacuum leak somewhere because it whisles. If i hold the gas pedal just slightly it runs smooth at around 1000 rpm. Ive not yet brought it up to temperature as Im still burping the coolant system.
After 4 years, is the old gas the culprit here? I know that for long term storage its good to top off the tank. Being this had 3/4, whats your all take on the matter?
Thanks guys!
At any rate im stoked that its a runner as there was concern that the motor was popped.

Z28KLR

Yeah I would think that gas that old is gonna be pretty nasty stuff. Same situation with my '67; it sat for about 4 years and took a while to start and ran like dogsh!t when it finally did. It took a few fillup's to run all the old stuff out.

Dropping the tank is a pain in the ***, especially with that much gas in there. I would attempt siphoning out as much as possible, replace the fuel filter and then put another 5 gallons of fresh fuel in it and see where you stand from there.

ForceFedS281

I was able to siphon about 13 gallons out. It was topped off 3/4 tank plus 4+ gallons of fresh. So im thinkin theres +/-3 gallons in there of 75% crap 25% 93 octane.
Should be good!
BTW, to those wondering, i used refrigerator ice maker water line. $1.85 for 25 feet at home depot. Took about an hour and a half to drain.

Z28KLR

So how's it running? Any change?

ForceFedS281

It runs better with fresh gas, but its still running rough. Its up on jack stands in my garage. Once I put it on the ground and I can give it an "italian tune up" im sure it will be fine. If not, ill swap out the plugs and see what Ive got.
I havent even revved it yet. Ill keep you updated.

dhavi4226

Would be nice to see pics. What # is it?

2004GTconvertable

I hope that you did change oil and oil filter. Now may be the time for a Sea Foam treatment also. Just read the instructions on the can but skip the adding to oil step. You may have some dirty injectors also. I recently brought a Fiero back to life that had been parked for 12 years and had to send the injectors off for cleaning. Good luck with it and keep posting your progress.

ForceFedS281

Actually, the injectors are ok. This Saleen was put down, but the previous owner had taken the supercharger, fuel rail, injectors, ecu and all related hardware and installed in on his other GT. When I bought this Saleen from him, I made him put the supercharger and everything back on or no deal. He swapped the 5 spd into his other car too. It was alot of work on his part to have to reverse. Lol

ForceFedS281

Its number 407. I cant post pics from my phone but Ill try to get some up from my laptop another time.

This car has alot of history and a story behind it. Ive always wanted a Saleen and now I have the satisfaction of saying "I built that" as well. Im putting together a binder full of pictures. Ive also got a letter of authenticity and the original window sticker.

dhavi4226

Very Nice! Have you been to the Saleen Owners & Enthusiasts forum yet. Mine is 97-0156.