After MK 1 production ended in mid-1992, the SAAC MK II entered the picture. Evidently, people wanted their SAAC cars in colors other than Wimbledon White because that's the most notable change from the MK I version. The MK II was available in black or red, as well as the introductory Wimbledon White. The black version featured the same stripe design, but in gold, while the red MK IIs received white stripes. The other big news was that you could get a MK II convertible version as well.
During the midst of the MK II production, there was demand for an AOD-equipped SAAC offering. The only problem was, no one thought the AOD would be able to handle the extra horsepower brought to the table by the GT-40 engine package.
They were probably right, and the SAAC guys didn't want a bunch of warranty claims on their hands due to failing transmissions. The fix was to offer a stock-engine SAAC car, which came to be called the SAAC Snake. The Snake would be equipped with a stock 225hp 5.0 engine. Problem solved, right? Well, yes and no. SAAC answered the call for the click-click crowd, but not a single person ordered an AOD-equipped Snake. SAAC's efforts were for naught.
SAAC planned to build 250 cars but only 65 were built. Of the 65, 11 were Snakes, which includes eight hatchbacks and three convertibles.
There are reasons why SAAC cars didn't make production. First, the cars were hand-built, which took time, and they were expensive. When you could buy a GT or LX for less than $20,000, the SAAC cars were roughly twice that amount-a hefty premium for sure.
Another factor for the limited production numbers was news of the '93 Cobra, which featured many of the same GT-40 components as the MK I and MK II models at a cheaper entry price.
However, if you do own a SAAC car, you are in possession of one of the most highly sought-after Mustangs ever produced. These are among the more exclusive Fox Mustangs.
While they don't yet enjoy the cult following of Saleen models of the era, seeing an SAAC car at a Mustang event or show is like seeing a unicorn in a horse race. You know it's a Mustang, but you definitely know it's different than the rest of the stable.
The MK I and MK II models...
The MK I and MK II models received a GT-40 intake and heads; a 65mm throttle body; ceramic-coated, short-tube headers; 1.6 rockers; underdrive pulleys; and a Centerforce clutch. These items were straight from the Ford Racing Performance Parts (Ford Motorsport) catalog. The GT-40 components helped the small-block deliver a reported 295 hp and mid-13-second quarter-mile times. Snake models featured a stock 5.0 engine with no power upgrades. According to car owner Craig Stockard, his MK I is one of four equipped with a ball-drive Paxton supercharger.
5.0 Tech Specs
Engine And Drivetrain
Block Stock 5.0
Bore 4.000 in
Stroke 3.000 in
Displacement 302 ci
Crankshaft Stock
Rods Stock
Pistons Stock
Camshaft Stock
Heads Ford Motorsport GT-40 iron
Intake Ford Motorsport GT-40
Power Adder Paxton ball-drive supercharger
Throttle Body Ford Motorsport 65mm
Mass Air Pro-M
Injectors 30 lb/hr
Fuel Pump Stock
Headers Ford Motorsport ceramic-coated short-tube
Exhaust Borla cat-back
Transmission T-5, Centerforce clutch
Rearend 8.8 w/stock gears and axles
Electronics
Engine Management EEC-V
Ignition Stock
Gauges Stock
Suspension And Chassis
Front Suspension
K-member Stock
Control Arms Stock
Springs SAAC
Struts Koni adjustable
Caster/Camber Stock
Brakes Ford Motorsport M-2300 kit, five-lug
Wheels Simmons three-piece 17x7 1/2-in
Tires Goodyear Gatorback 245/45-17
Rear Suspension
Springs SAAC
Shocks Koni adjustable
Control Arms Stock
Brakes Ford Motorsport M-2300 disc brake kit, five-lug
Wheels Simmons three-piece 17x8-in
Tires Goodyear Gatorback 245/45-17
Chassis Stiffening Four-point rollbar, strut-tower brace