[ACademic]

Starting around #600 or so, there were some significant standard factory-installed enhancements that continue even to this day. Things like Wilwood brakes on all corners, a dropped footbox for the driver's side (provides more leg room) and a chrome roll bar. If you want a mod motor than you're better served with a newer chassis that moved the steering rods more outward for clearance. Nothing wrong with buying a 15 year old SPF as the build quality has been very consistent with each iteration. Those mid-late #600's should have been built in 1999 (or around that time), so that would help you qualify for that. Check the rear shock towers and make certain they have the RT upgrade from Cobra Valley. If not, plan on that being your first enhancement.

You will also want to check the coil overs, as the older cars had AVO's and the bushings tended to wear out prematurely. Later cars came with Bilsteins, which were an improvement but not valved right for the car and the spring pressures were also not optimized.

Again, just plan on some suspension upgrading to make the car safer and more fun to drive (if the previous owner hasn't done same).