Discussion
Either a 900, 9000 or GM900. Later and earlier Saabs can still be tuned but if you want the one with the unbreakable engine then go for one of my suggestions.
Each of them requires a different tuning method, it's only the engine block that is the same. The 900 and the 9000 share the same rear axle as well... but that's where the similarity between the three models end.
The 900 is a better track car because it's smaller and lighter than the 9000. It also has adjustable double-wishbone front suspension. It's harder to tune than the 9000 because it's not fully computer controlled. The 9000 and the GM900 have trionic 5 which can be fully mapped with free downloadable software. The chassis isn't as good.
The GM900 is tuneable as it has the trionic 5 ECU, it has the tough engine so it has great potential. Trouble is, it's essentially a Vauxhall Astra!
My choice would be the 900 with an upgraded ECU. But it's not easy or to dabble, you have to wade in deep if you want the best experience. Though that would be the same with other cars from other manufacturers. The difference with Saab is they give you something good to start with.
Each of them requires a different tuning method, it's only the engine block that is the same. The 900 and the 9000 share the same rear axle as well... but that's where the similarity between the three models end.
The 900 is a better track car because it's smaller and lighter than the 9000. It also has adjustable double-wishbone front suspension. It's harder to tune than the 9000 because it's not fully computer controlled. The 9000 and the GM900 have trionic 5 which can be fully mapped with free downloadable software. The chassis isn't as good.
The GM900 is tuneable as it has the trionic 5 ECU, it has the tough engine so it has great potential. Trouble is, it's essentially a Vauxhall Astra!
My choice would be the 900 with an upgraded ECU. But it's not easy or to dabble, you have to wade in deep if you want the best experience. Though that would be the same with other cars from other manufacturers. The difference with Saab is they give you something good to start with.
CB2152 said:
Apparently 9000 Aero 's are good for lots of power with some modifications. Later models need quite a bit more doing to the engine mechanics to reduce the chances of blowing up from what I hear...
Yep the trionic 7 cars. Ideally you want a car with a B204/B234 engine, The B205/B235 engines go bang at around 320bhp without forged internals. The earlier B204/B234 will take 4-500bhpCB2152 said:
Apparently 9000 Aero 's are good for lots of power with some modifications. Later models need quite a bit more doing to the engine mechanics to reduce the chances of blowing up from what I hear...
they lightened and weakened the engines for better fuel efficiency and lower production costs. The heads flow better... but you can retro-fit to earlier engines! 1984-2001 I believe are the approximate years with the tough engine. You're still responsible for the rest of the car that it sits in. Same as any other car, any other tuning project, etc, etc...
For a track day car the ideal situation is as follows:
Saab 99 2-door chassis, front and rear axles from a 1988-on Saab 900, 16v turbo engine from a 900 between 1984-1993, engine management from a 9000 from 1994-1998, a 4-speed chillcast Saab 99t transmission with a Quaife ATB LSD, 9000 front brakes from a 94+ 9000. A nice big garrett BB turbo.
For the road, a 1994-1998 Saab 9000 Aero, with a stage-1 ECU tweak. Get it all tarted up with nice tyres, paint, renew suspension components where necessary, air-con re-gas, i.e. all you’ve got to do to have a good car.
For weekends, a Saab 900 t16s convertible. 91-94 is best.
I could go on...
I bought a late '03 9-5 Aero Wagon in Oct..
Its very very fast. 250bhp and 380nm of torque standard. The mid range grunt is nothing short of astonishing. It will embarrass a lot of stuff in a straight line. Its no b road sports car, but it will go up a straight A road like a missile.
Its fully loaded too. The only downside is the fuel consumption. If you cruise at 70, you may get 30mpg, but if you drive it spiritedly, you'll be in the low 20's!!
Overall though, fabulous car for not much over a grand!!
Its very very fast. 250bhp and 380nm of torque standard. The mid range grunt is nothing short of astonishing. It will embarrass a lot of stuff in a straight line. Its no b road sports car, but it will go up a straight A road like a missile.
Its fully loaded too. The only downside is the fuel consumption. If you cruise at 70, you may get 30mpg, but if you drive it spiritedly, you'll be in the low 20's!!
Overall though, fabulous car for not much over a grand!!
Interesting that I should stumble across this topic, always liked the Swedish stuff and whilst looking I happened across this recently:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
Would you be able to extract much more power out of this one? Seems like quite a decent performance bargain if so.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
Would you be able to extract much more power out of this one? Seems like quite a decent performance bargain if so.
carl_w said:
PistonSmegs said:
Isnt one of the fastest stock saabs the 9-3 Viggen?
One of the magazines suggested it was no coincidence that they chose to launch it at a press event in Australia with many, many miles of straight roads. I believe the torque steer is incredible.
I had one for 80k miles and loved its Q car thing.
Abbott Racing can do some great work on the 2.3 Viggen though.
Digby said:
The cars mentioned are what I was also interested in before going much the same route with a Volvo.Don't rule some of those out either if you fancy a swift, Swedish, slab.
Agreed, I owned an 850 T5R, estate with a manual box and it was really something through the gears - wheel spin was crap off the line in anything but perfect conditions though. Third gear, from 50 to 100mph, a total eye opener for a car from 1995.Cheap tyres are to be avoided at all cost, mine came on four Nankangs, they were taken off as quick as I was able.
PistonSmegs said:
Many years ago i was making progress on the M25 in my 205 GTi 1.9 mi16 and thought a 9-5 aero wanted to play, it did and kept up to silly speeds. At that point he turned the blue lights on...under cover cop car! Doh!
Likely being a model of some power, it would presumably be able to do more than "keep up" I'd guess?That is unfortunate, though,
Axionknight said:
Digby said:
The cars mentioned are what I was also interested in before going much the same route with a Volvo.Don't rule some of those out either if you fancy a swift, Swedish, slab.
Agreed, I owned an 850 T5R, estate with a manual box and it was really something through the gears - wheel spin was crap off the line in anything but perfect conditions though. Third gear, from 50 to 100mph, a total eye opener for a car from 1995.Cheap tyres are to be avoided at all cost, mine came on four Nankangs, they were taken off as quick as I was able.
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