1972 Saab 99 L - Green
Discussion
I-am-the-reverend said:
The EMS 99 had Bosch D Jet (same as a VW Variant) in 72/3 on the old Triumph engine iirc but they were rare. Saab only really took up fuel injection properly in the eighties.
Ah, the old EMS with football alloys. Just over 100bhp/tonne - that was Manta GTE or early Mazda RX7 power 
One of my primary school teachers had one of those. The mixture enrichment system didn't work - he had a piece of string into the cabin which had to be tugged to get it to cold start!
I love this thread. But I hate this thread. I've been Saab-less for too many years now. And I *really* miss my old 99 Turbo right about now
Yeah, Bosch D-Jet on the EMS.
Was also used on Mercedes and other cars.
Interestingly it used electronic fuel injectors on each cylinder. When they started putting fuel injection on other non-EMS models a bit later it was k-jet which is the continuous injection system which has no injector control. It just sprays fuel at a constant rate depending on airflow.
i.e. the early systems were electronic and later they used mechanical fuel injection. You would have thought it would be the other way around. They switched back to electronic fuel injection later on.
Was also used on Mercedes and other cars.
Interestingly it used electronic fuel injectors on each cylinder. When they started putting fuel injection on other non-EMS models a bit later it was k-jet which is the continuous injection system which has no injector control. It just sprays fuel at a constant rate depending on airflow.
i.e. the early systems were electronic and later they used mechanical fuel injection. You would have thought it would be the other way around. They switched back to electronic fuel injection later on.
skwdenyer said:
And I *really* miss my old 99 Turbo right about now
I miss Saab as a company, mainly the proper pre GM era. They were such good cars - solid, very well built and really pleasant to drive. Ze Germanz seem to have ruined their image with all the whizz bang pop drug dealer chav crap so a modern yet traditional Saab would have been a nice alternative. They just got left behind. Mind you I see some real a
holes driving modern Volvos now. Nothing is sacred. I-am-the-reverend said:
skwdenyer said:
And I *really* miss my old 99 Turbo right about now
I miss Saab as a company, mainly the proper pre GM era. They were such good cars - solid, very well built and really pleasant to drive. Ze Germanz seem to have ruined their image with all the whizz bang pop drug dealer chav crap so a modern yet traditional Saab would have been a nice alternative. They just got left behind. Mind you I see some real a
holes driving modern Volvos now. Nothing is sacred. Fantastic write up, loved it.
My very first car after passing my test at 17 in 1984 was a '74 99L in a beige although not cameo beige from slightly later years.
Reg was XFY122M
I thought it was fantastic obviously as my first motor.
I followed it up in the years that followed with a '77 topaz yellow 99GL, an '83 white 99GL then topped myself out with an '87 black 900 Turbo (8 valve) by time I was 22 years old.
Loved them all because they were rock solid, dependable and reliable.
My very first car after passing my test at 17 in 1984 was a '74 99L in a beige although not cameo beige from slightly later years.
Reg was XFY122M
I thought it was fantastic obviously as my first motor.
I followed it up in the years that followed with a '77 topaz yellow 99GL, an '83 white 99GL then topped myself out with an '87 black 900 Turbo (8 valve) by time I was 22 years old.
Loved them all because they were rock solid, dependable and reliable.
miniman said:
Our 99 definitely had the big red fasten seat belts light, right in the centre of the dash.
Our second 99 in the family did too I like this thread. As a kid my engineer dad had an early red 99 OCE533H from when it was a couple of years old then an orange with brown interior 99 Auto JGP302N I think. Had each of them for many years so lots of fond memories of going in them then
Good luck with this one
Thanks everyone for the comments, links and recollections - this car certainly seems to strike a chord!
As the owner struggles with her new-found fame (ahem), on the carb issue may be nearing conclusion at TR Autos... stay tuned.
On the question of fuel injection, twin carbs etc. - at the moment the cars is so original we're aimign to keep it close the spec it has. For the sake of single digit horsepower we're not planning any changes.
If the carb dissolved completely and the engine chain snaps, lunching itself, then we'll look at options, but Tommy at TR seems confident the CD175 (that no doubt has Saab specific items attached) will be back in action.
There is a rather lovely blue example form 1970 with chrome bumpers on the Bay at present... blue interior too... hmmm!
As the owner struggles with her new-found fame (ahem), on the carb issue may be nearing conclusion at TR Autos... stay tuned.
On the question of fuel injection, twin carbs etc. - at the moment the cars is so original we're aimign to keep it close the spec it has. For the sake of single digit horsepower we're not planning any changes.
If the carb dissolved completely and the engine chain snaps, lunching itself, then we'll look at options, but Tommy at TR seems confident the CD175 (that no doubt has Saab specific items attached) will be back in action.
There is a rather lovely blue example form 1970 with chrome bumpers on the Bay at present... blue interior too... hmmm!
Wonderful thread and that Saab 99 is such a great looking car, I still miss my old 900. It was an extremely scabby 2.0 carb car in hearing aid beige, I only paid £100 for it with a years tax and test! Drove it for a year spending virtually nothing on it then sold it to a scrap man for £20. Still wouldn't mind another one...
By the way, your good lady just appeared in my Facebook feed with her Saab - she's getting more famous as the days pass!
By the way, your good lady just appeared in my Facebook feed with her Saab - she's getting more famous as the days pass!
I-am-the-reverend said:
The EMS 99 had Bosch D Jet (same as a VW Variant) in 72/3 on the old Triumph engine iirc but they were rare. Saab only really took up fuel injection properly in the eighties.
Though sadly that's the bit that did for my Dad's EMS. Cost of repair meant he let it go to a chap who was looking to rebody a Turbo and bought a Nova SR. He's had a succession of small warm hatches since, though he reckons his R56 MINI - and the two R50s prior - feel like the 99. I wonder if it's that upright curved screen?
skwdenyer said:
Spinakerr said:
The 99 remains at TR autos for a a carb rebuild - the team down there are stretched but with the arrival of summer my wife is itching to get out and about!
While that 'Schrodinger's overdraft' hangs over us, I thought it worth posting up this from the latest issue of Top Gear, as my wife and 'Soil' were invited to a photo shoot with the supremely talented (and all round lovely person) Amy Shore. There may be more to come from those two days, but for now here's the headline image, and yes we do have a print of this up in our house!
Of course, depending on Tommy's investigation of our carb and engine this may be the last we ever see of it, but at least we have a good photo, right?
Three shots also here:While that 'Schrodinger's overdraft' hangs over us, I thought it worth posting up this from the latest issue of Top Gear, as my wife and 'Soil' were invited to a photo shoot with the supremely talented (and all round lovely person) Amy Shore. There may be more to come from those two days, but for now here's the headline image, and yes we do have a print of this up in our house!
Of course, depending on Tommy's investigation of our carb and engine this may be the last we ever see of it, but at least we have a good photo, right?
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/advertisement-fea...
congratulations
The 99 returned from its carb rebuild at TR Autos in August and has been in gentle use over the summer. It took us to Goodwood Revival weekend and behaved very well, despite the intense heat.
My main task before the events was to bring some life back into the cellulose paint, and thanks to PH members Bilt Hamber Auto Balm was the perfect product to gentle restore it. This photo gives an idea, but its much easier to see the glossy life in person. It reminds me of dogfood adverts saying your canine will have a 'glossy coat and clean gums'. Another layer or two of this should be beneficial.
Naturally on the night we were due to head down to accommodation, I couldn't help but accidentally open the expansion tank to check the level - it hadnt cooled down nearly enough after one of the hottest days of the year! A hasty few microfibres later, plus a few pints of dihydrogen monoxide, and the car was back to proper appearances before the wife arrived. Ahem. The coolant was still properly brown, so a radiator rebuild and full flush following my earlier half-efforts is required.
The 99 took four of us with significant luggage (hats...) with ease - it really is a deceptively large boot for a small car.
The electric fan (original) functioned well, but we found the heater is stuck 'slightly on', and so that and the heater box will need to come out, best to do that when the radiator is out!
Some highlights from the weekend, much has been written and there are plenty of videos, but here are some of my picks:
An Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint, on of my top cars of all time... one day...
This lovely 96 in the same Verona Green has inspired me to get the wheels refurbished in black and retain the chrome caps - I think would be a nice period update.
I also became obsessed with this Saab locking fuel cap. If anyone knows of one going (from a 95, 96 or 99) please let me know!
Welcome anachronism:
The route home was easier, despite the heat the Saab was weeping a little coolant and (a new one) oil, which seemed to be coming out of the dispstick or rocker. As TR had the cover off for checking valves and supplied a few new screws I'll take a look.
Next job is to get the wheels off and down to my friendly refurber, Jakes Powder Coating, who did such a great job on the MG 260 shadow chrome.
Oh, and I couldn't resist an eBay job lot of old lucking fuel caps... success!
My main task before the events was to bring some life back into the cellulose paint, and thanks to PH members Bilt Hamber Auto Balm was the perfect product to gentle restore it. This photo gives an idea, but its much easier to see the glossy life in person. It reminds me of dogfood adverts saying your canine will have a 'glossy coat and clean gums'. Another layer or two of this should be beneficial.
Naturally on the night we were due to head down to accommodation, I couldn't help but accidentally open the expansion tank to check the level - it hadnt cooled down nearly enough after one of the hottest days of the year! A hasty few microfibres later, plus a few pints of dihydrogen monoxide, and the car was back to proper appearances before the wife arrived. Ahem. The coolant was still properly brown, so a radiator rebuild and full flush following my earlier half-efforts is required.
The 99 took four of us with significant luggage (hats...) with ease - it really is a deceptively large boot for a small car.
The electric fan (original) functioned well, but we found the heater is stuck 'slightly on', and so that and the heater box will need to come out, best to do that when the radiator is out!
Some highlights from the weekend, much has been written and there are plenty of videos, but here are some of my picks:
An Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint, on of my top cars of all time... one day...
This lovely 96 in the same Verona Green has inspired me to get the wheels refurbished in black and retain the chrome caps - I think would be a nice period update.
I also became obsessed with this Saab locking fuel cap. If anyone knows of one going (from a 95, 96 or 99) please let me know!
Welcome anachronism:
The route home was easier, despite the heat the Saab was weeping a little coolant and (a new one) oil, which seemed to be coming out of the dispstick or rocker. As TR had the cover off for checking valves and supplied a few new screws I'll take a look.
Next job is to get the wheels off and down to my friendly refurber, Jakes Powder Coating, who did such a great job on the MG 260 shadow chrome.
Oh, and I couldn't resist an eBay job lot of old lucking fuel caps... success!
Following a few months of slumber, my wife declared on Christmas Eve that it would be an excellent idea to use 'Soil' for the festive tour of families and friends.
As it hadn't turned a wheel in 2 months, I didnt immediately agree with this idea ("We have an Alfa GTV that just passed the MOT and has everything working..."). However, her side of the debate argued that:
1) The gritters were not out, and it was going to be above 6 degrees pretty much everywhere in the UK
2) The boot was massive for all the cases/presents/food
3) We would need to transport 4 people occasionally
4) It needed to be moved out of the garage for me to get to that extension cord I have been grumbling about for a week anyway.
Fine. Let's get it out and double check everything...
Instant start, tyres have held pressure... no leaks other than the standard B series annoying water pump (no, I am not goign to tackle that right now). The water was a little low (see September Goodwood shenanigans above), some anti freeze added. Alternator belt screech cured with a slight tighten.
Damn. Looks like its all ok.
So off she went as we parted ways on Christmas Eve - WOULD SHE MAKE IT????!"?!?"
Spoiler: Yes. Yes she would.
As it hadn't turned a wheel in 2 months, I didnt immediately agree with this idea ("We have an Alfa GTV that just passed the MOT and has everything working..."). However, her side of the debate argued that:
1) The gritters were not out, and it was going to be above 6 degrees pretty much everywhere in the UK
2) The boot was massive for all the cases/presents/food
3) We would need to transport 4 people occasionally
4) It needed to be moved out of the garage for me to get to that extension cord I have been grumbling about for a week anyway.
Fine. Let's get it out and double check everything...
Instant start, tyres have held pressure... no leaks other than the standard B series annoying water pump (no, I am not goign to tackle that right now). The water was a little low (see September Goodwood shenanigans above), some anti freeze added. Alternator belt screech cured with a slight tighten.
Damn. Looks like its all ok.
So off she went as we parted ways on Christmas Eve - WOULD SHE MAKE IT????!"?!?"
Spoiler: Yes. Yes she would.
I may have spoken too soon - on the return leg from Chrsitmas jaunts, I received the following image of the 99 attempting to impersonate the Flying Scotsman.
The cap and expansion tank failed, necessitating some 'quiet time' while my wife sought out some coolant.
Hilariously, this occurred at a Shell station. You won't find these images on the advertising campaign, but it does prove she only ever fills up there!
As you might expect, some people (men) stopped to offer 'advice'. Most of which was wrong. My wife tolerated what she could, but let's just say the responses she wanted to give as people got in the way and kept blathering, would not be repeatable, even on PH!
Entropy progressed, and with a few clips/bodges to get the cap on, she nursed the car home. 400 miles completed over christmas, done.
The tank is really shot - mild steel and miserable - I've beens peaking to Jim at Alloy Racing Fabrications to make up a new one. Its a straightforward shape so I'm hoping that, plus a refurbed or new radiator, gets the 99 back on track for spring.
The cap and expansion tank failed, necessitating some 'quiet time' while my wife sought out some coolant.
Hilariously, this occurred at a Shell station. You won't find these images on the advertising campaign, but it does prove she only ever fills up there!
As you might expect, some people (men) stopped to offer 'advice'. Most of which was wrong. My wife tolerated what she could, but let's just say the responses she wanted to give as people got in the way and kept blathering, would not be repeatable, even on PH!
Entropy progressed, and with a few clips/bodges to get the cap on, she nursed the car home. 400 miles completed over christmas, done.
The tank is really shot - mild steel and miserable - I've beens peaking to Jim at Alloy Racing Fabrications to make up a new one. Its a straightforward shape so I'm hoping that, plus a refurbed or new radiator, gets the 99 back on track for spring.
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