Interplanetary Saab 9,000 Aero
Discussion
I've always liked cars a bit leftfield, and I feel that in an ideal world there should be a car for every purpose.
My ultimate real world garage would contain:
1. Lightweight N/A hatchback for the occasional trackday
2. Turbo nutter 4 cylinder
3. V8 supersaloon
4. Daily workhorse
(Ideal garage adhering to the above for me would be Ph1 172, fast Saab, E55 AMG and V70 D5)
Until Friday evening I had 1. covered with my only vehicle, a Phase 1 Clio 172, which has been a brilliant car to own if a little unrefined for daily use.
Having owned a couple of highly tuned Saabs in the past (340 bhp 19t 9-5 and Faero's 480 bhp 9k), they really do get under your skin and I adore the idea of a sober looking old school hatch/saloon with copious amounts of power at its disposal.
So on Friday I came across this 9k in black with the original Super Aero alloys. Despite going beyond the moon in terms of mileage, 306,000, it's in stunning condition and has had the same owner for the last 170,000 miles and 15 years, which shows. So a couple of bids and I managed to win it for £1100.
Seller's description: "I have owned this 2.3 litre full-power turbo SAAB 9000 Aero for about fifteen years (it is my 3rd SAAB 9000), during which time it has been serviced regularly by Motorvation SAAB in Kent, and for the last 100000 or so miles it has additionally had the oil changed every 6000 miles. Over the course of my ownership it has had a new clutch, recon gearbox and new cylinder-head gasket, and the bodywork has been looked after by two Kent and one Cornish bodywork specialists. There are no signs of rust as far as I can see. Obviously after 300000 miles there has been normal wear and tear, and the air-conditioning failed a few weeks ago for the first time (I have not had time to have it repaired). Earlier this year I had the power steering belt and tensioner replaced, and also the handbrake cable. I think the headlamp wiper motors are inop., but to the best of my belief those are the only dysfunctional parts apart from the aircon. The sunroof is fine, and the windscreen, seals and surrounding trim were replaced about four years ago. To pass the next MOT it will require some work on the exhaust and attention to the headlight pattern (the car comes with a number of 2nd-hand spares, including winter tyres, headlamps & wheel arch trims)."
Only issue was I'm based in the East Midlands and this car was just outside Newquay, which seemed to put a lot of buyers off. Not me! Fortunately I managed to bag a 50 minute flight from Birmingham for £40; cheaper than a train to London!
Interior looks great from a distance:
On closer inspection the driver's seat could do with some leather treatment, not to mention some new black floormats (or shagpile?) and a bluetooth head unit:
Drove faultlessly all the way back from Cornwall, and the cruise control worked!
Came with half a tank of fuel and that got me home, just under 300 miles, with 50 miles to spare!
Only downsides are the MOT runs out in a week and it'll need a new exhaust to pass (found one for £70 in VGC), and the headlights need 'rechroming'.
Other than that it doesn't feel as fast as it should be so perhaps it's losing some boost.
Longer term I would like to refresh the suspension (it's a bit wallowy), and fit a Holset HX35 turbo along with uprated clutch, injectors, intercooler and mapping to 400+ bhp.
My ultimate real world garage would contain:
1. Lightweight N/A hatchback for the occasional trackday
2. Turbo nutter 4 cylinder
3. V8 supersaloon
4. Daily workhorse
(Ideal garage adhering to the above for me would be Ph1 172, fast Saab, E55 AMG and V70 D5)
Until Friday evening I had 1. covered with my only vehicle, a Phase 1 Clio 172, which has been a brilliant car to own if a little unrefined for daily use.
Having owned a couple of highly tuned Saabs in the past (340 bhp 19t 9-5 and Faero's 480 bhp 9k), they really do get under your skin and I adore the idea of a sober looking old school hatch/saloon with copious amounts of power at its disposal.
So on Friday I came across this 9k in black with the original Super Aero alloys. Despite going beyond the moon in terms of mileage, 306,000, it's in stunning condition and has had the same owner for the last 170,000 miles and 15 years, which shows. So a couple of bids and I managed to win it for £1100.
Seller's description: "I have owned this 2.3 litre full-power turbo SAAB 9000 Aero for about fifteen years (it is my 3rd SAAB 9000), during which time it has been serviced regularly by Motorvation SAAB in Kent, and for the last 100000 or so miles it has additionally had the oil changed every 6000 miles. Over the course of my ownership it has had a new clutch, recon gearbox and new cylinder-head gasket, and the bodywork has been looked after by two Kent and one Cornish bodywork specialists. There are no signs of rust as far as I can see. Obviously after 300000 miles there has been normal wear and tear, and the air-conditioning failed a few weeks ago for the first time (I have not had time to have it repaired). Earlier this year I had the power steering belt and tensioner replaced, and also the handbrake cable. I think the headlamp wiper motors are inop., but to the best of my belief those are the only dysfunctional parts apart from the aircon. The sunroof is fine, and the windscreen, seals and surrounding trim were replaced about four years ago. To pass the next MOT it will require some work on the exhaust and attention to the headlight pattern (the car comes with a number of 2nd-hand spares, including winter tyres, headlamps & wheel arch trims)."
Only issue was I'm based in the East Midlands and this car was just outside Newquay, which seemed to put a lot of buyers off. Not me! Fortunately I managed to bag a 50 minute flight from Birmingham for £40; cheaper than a train to London!
Interior looks great from a distance:
On closer inspection the driver's seat could do with some leather treatment, not to mention some new black floormats (or shagpile?) and a bluetooth head unit:
Drove faultlessly all the way back from Cornwall, and the cruise control worked!
Came with half a tank of fuel and that got me home, just under 300 miles, with 50 miles to spare!
Only downsides are the MOT runs out in a week and it'll need a new exhaust to pass (found one for £70 in VGC), and the headlights need 'rechroming'.
Other than that it doesn't feel as fast as it should be so perhaps it's losing some boost.
Longer term I would like to refresh the suspension (it's a bit wallowy), and fit a Holset HX35 turbo along with uprated clutch, injectors, intercooler and mapping to 400+ bhp.
Edited by Ph1listine on Wednesday 26th June 05:35
I had a 9000 Griffin a few years ago. Came with the V6 vauxhall engine. Was a lovely and comfortable car but driver's seat / no adjustable wheel made the seating position hard. I had it for 2 years, gave it to my friend, then he gave it to my brother who eventually sold it. Lasted well.
Had some weak spots, went through a number of heater matrix but it was easy to get to due to the `fake` bulkhead in the engine bay. Headlights were replaced due to the reflector material, numerous pipes in the engine would go brittle and snap off, had an electrical fault with key barrel which had worn out.
Was a lovely big comfortable car but they are just so old now. I always wanted a 9000 CDE 2.3 Turbo. or a Carlsson version.
What made you go for one ?
Had some weak spots, went through a number of heater matrix but it was easy to get to due to the `fake` bulkhead in the engine bay. Headlights were replaced due to the reflector material, numerous pipes in the engine would go brittle and snap off, had an electrical fault with key barrel which had worn out.
Was a lovely big comfortable car but they are just so old now. I always wanted a 9000 CDE 2.3 Turbo. or a Carlsson version.
What made you go for one ?
Countdown said:
Nice car OP.
However, given how nice the exterior looks, and the seller’s description about the bodywork being looked after by specialists, I have to say the interior looks a bit......manky?
Yeh guess the interior has been a little neglected but nothing a little elbow grease won't solve.However, given how nice the exterior looks, and the seller’s description about the bodywork being looked after by specialists, I have to say the interior looks a bit......manky?
wjb said:
Catching a flight to pick up a 22 year old 300,000 mile car with a short MOT that you've bought blind on eBay! What could go wrong?? 
Classic PH purchase!
Looking forward to seeing the modifications
Haha utter madness! It's a bit like free solo climbing, all that commitment and zero safety aids if it all goes tits up.Classic PH purchase!
Looking forward to seeing the modifications
sbk1972 said:
I had a 9000 Griffin a few years ago. Came with the V6 vauxhall engine. Was a lovely and comfortable car but driver's seat / no adjustable wheel made the seating position hard. I had it for 2 years, gave it to my friend, then he gave it to my brother who eventually sold it. Lasted well.
Had some weak spots, went through a number of heater matrix but it was easy to get to due to the `fake` bulkhead in the engine bay. Headlights were replaced due to the reflector material, numerous pipes in the engine would go brittle and snap off, had an electrical fault with key barrel which had worn out.
Was a lovely big comfortable car but they are just so old now. I always wanted a 9000 CDE 2.3 Turbo. or a Carlsson version.
What made you go for one ?
Yeh they do need a lot of TLC. I just love the look of them, they're the antithesis of all the financed blinged up fake exhausted cars of today, highly tunable and for what extra it costs in fuel over something more modern I should save with it being insurable on a classic policy.Had some weak spots, went through a number of heater matrix but it was easy to get to due to the `fake` bulkhead in the engine bay. Headlights were replaced due to the reflector material, numerous pipes in the engine would go brittle and snap off, had an electrical fault with key barrel which had worn out.
Was a lovely big comfortable car but they are just so old now. I always wanted a 9000 CDE 2.3 Turbo. or a Carlsson version.
What made you go for one ?
Another 9k!!
There’s a couple threads on UKS for the Holset builds, also take a look on thesaablink & saabcentral forums, a few have been done in the states. I was tempted to upgrade the GT3076R to Holset Super HX40 on mine, bit more lag but tons more too end oomph.
I think you’ll need a T3 flange for the hx35, you can get an older 9000 T3 flanged log manifold (if you can find one) sold mine a few years ago for £50 or get a T25>T3 adapter. Ext WG as well....go for a screamer pipe
Not sure I’d risk it on a high miler though
There’s a shop on eBay who used to sell/modify different Holsets, I think it was compressor racing? They had some crackers on there.
There’s a couple threads on UKS for the Holset builds, also take a look on thesaablink & saabcentral forums, a few have been done in the states. I was tempted to upgrade the GT3076R to Holset Super HX40 on mine, bit more lag but tons more too end oomph.
I think you’ll need a T3 flange for the hx35, you can get an older 9000 T3 flanged log manifold (if you can find one) sold mine a few years ago for £50 or get a T25>T3 adapter. Ext WG as well....go for a screamer pipe
Not sure I’d risk it on a high miler though
There’s a shop on eBay who used to sell/modify different Holsets, I think it was compressor racing? They had some crackers on there.
Leather dye for the seats, you’ll need ‘Rocky Black’
https://www.stevelewissaab.com/leather-dye-for-saa...
https://www.stevelewissaab.com/leather-dye-for-saa...
griffin dai said:
Another 9k!!
There’s a couple threads on UKS for the Holset builds, also take a look on thesaablink & saabcentral forums, a few have been done in the states. I was tempted to upgrade the GT3076R to Holset Super HX40 on mine, bit more lag but tons more too end oomph.
I think you’ll need a T3 flange for the hx35, you can get an older 9000 T3 flanged log manifold (if you can find one) sold mine a few years ago for £50 or get a T25>T3 adapter. Ext WG as well....go for a screamer pipe
Not sure I’d risk it on a high miler though
There’s a shop on eBay who used to sell/modify different Holsets, I think it was compressor racing? They had some crackers on there.
Haha yeh couldn't stay away for long. Thanks for the heads up on the manifold, I will definitely go to Compressor Racing for the turbo (HY35 sounds perfect), and SAS Auto Customs for injectors and manifold. Most complex part will be downpipe and exhaust so may hold out for a full 3" turbo back system.There’s a couple threads on UKS for the Holset builds, also take a look on thesaablink & saabcentral forums, a few have been done in the states. I was tempted to upgrade the GT3076R to Holset Super HX40 on mine, bit more lag but tons more too end oomph.
I think you’ll need a T3 flange for the hx35, you can get an older 9000 T3 flanged log manifold (if you can find one) sold mine a few years ago for £50 or get a T25>T3 adapter. Ext WG as well....go for a screamer pipe
Not sure I’d risk it on a high miler though
There’s a shop on eBay who used to sell/modify different Holsets, I think it was compressor racing? They had some crackers on there.
http://www.compressorracing.com/our-turbos.html
Many people have said 'don't big turbo it' but to me that's the whole point of these cars! Of course I'll keep hold of spare gearboxes but this kind of turbo should be easy on the gearbox given later boost and mechanical sympathy, and the Clio is for thrashing / track this is just a daily sleeper.
What clutch would you recommend?
I had the Sachs updated clutch with aero friction disc on mine from JamSaab, good for 425ft/lbs (ish) I’ve heard a few start to slip above 440. It can also ‘hang’ at redline if your ragging it. Happened once and scared the s
t out of me!
Or get someone like CG Motorsport to make one to handle more torque, I paid £750 for the 777 paddle kit on my v6 and that also came with the SMF so pretty cheap for everything.
Wouldn’t touch SPEC.
One thing I definitely would look at getting is a spare gearbox, I went through 4 boxes on mine. 3.61 (Aero) i found too long geared but great on the motorway, killed that playing with a monster V70R on the way to work! The 4.45 blew up giving a Focus RS a scare!! And the 4.05 took the drive shaft out just overtaking one day. The 4.05 is the best all rounder, the 4.45 was just manic and my favourite of the three. It’s very short geared though, 1st just used to get the wheels rolling then straight into 2nd. Your pretty much always just off boost with this box, no lag just foot down and go. Loadsa fun!!
For the flywheel you could either have it lightened by a machine shop (cheap) or the Abbott billet flywheel.
t out of me!Or get someone like CG Motorsport to make one to handle more torque, I paid £750 for the 777 paddle kit on my v6 and that also came with the SMF so pretty cheap for everything.
Wouldn’t touch SPEC.
One thing I definitely would look at getting is a spare gearbox, I went through 4 boxes on mine. 3.61 (Aero) i found too long geared but great on the motorway, killed that playing with a monster V70R on the way to work! The 4.45 blew up giving a Focus RS a scare!! And the 4.05 took the drive shaft out just overtaking one day. The 4.05 is the best all rounder, the 4.45 was just manic and my favourite of the three. It’s very short geared though, 1st just used to get the wheels rolling then straight into 2nd. Your pretty much always just off boost with this box, no lag just foot down and go. Loadsa fun!!
For the flywheel you could either have it lightened by a machine shop (cheap) or the Abbott billet flywheel.
SAS sell tubular manifolds, you can also get the Nissan 200sx tubulars to fit, they just need a bit of cutting & welding to get on there. Few posts on UKS about that. They are dirt cheap, I picked one up for £70 on eBay!!
I was quoted £650 for a custom job on mine, any style & equal length. That was with Prospeed in Cardiff (good, they did my v6 full system)
3” DP your probably looking at £250-300.
I was quoted £650 for a custom job on mine, any style & equal length. That was with Prospeed in Cardiff (good, they did my v6 full system)
3” DP your probably looking at £250-300.
griffin dai said:
I had the Sachs updated clutch with aero friction disc on mine from JamSaab, good for 425ft/lbs (ish) I’ve heard a few start to slip above 440. It can also ‘hang’ at redline if your ragging it. Happened once and scared the st out of me!
Or get someone like CG Motorsport to make one to handle more torque, I paid £750 for the 777 paddle kit on my v6 and that also came with the SMF so pretty cheap for everything.
Wouldn’t touch SPEC.
One thing I definitely would look at getting is a spare gearbox, I went through 4 boxes on mine. 3.61 (Aero) i found too long geared but great on the motorway, killed that playing with a monster V70R on the way to work! The 4.45 blew up giving a Focus RS a scare!! And the 4.05 took the drive shaft out just overtaking one day. The 4.05 is the best all rounder, the 4.45 was just manic and my favourite of the three. It’s very short geared though, 1st just used to get the wheels rolling then straight into 2nd. Your pretty much always just off boost with this box, no lag just foot down and go. Loadsa fun!!
For the flywheel you could either have it lightened by a machine shop (cheap) or the Abbott billet flywheel.
How many miles did you get out of each box typically?t out of me!Or get someone like CG Motorsport to make one to handle more torque, I paid £750 for the 777 paddle kit on my v6 and that also came with the SMF so pretty cheap for everything.
Wouldn’t touch SPEC.
One thing I definitely would look at getting is a spare gearbox, I went through 4 boxes on mine. 3.61 (Aero) i found too long geared but great on the motorway, killed that playing with a monster V70R on the way to work! The 4.45 blew up giving a Focus RS a scare!! And the 4.05 took the drive shaft out just overtaking one day. The 4.05 is the best all rounder, the 4.45 was just manic and my favourite of the three. It’s very short geared though, 1st just used to get the wheels rolling then straight into 2nd. Your pretty much always just off boost with this box, no lag just foot down and go. Loadsa fun!!
For the flywheel you could either have it lightened by a machine shop (cheap) or the Abbott billet flywheel.
I can’t remember mate but they didn’t last very long, most died with the standard TD04 fitted, I probably killed them in 1st & 2nd, the 3.61 came on the car at around 105k miles, that was a Maptun stage 3 car but I took it to stage 4 a couple weeks later and it got ragged daily.
4.45 came off a 250k+ car, lasted maybe 6 months, ragged again.
The 4.05 was fitted with the gt28rs, but had an easier life with the gt30 as your not really on boost until close to 3.5k.
All these were 2nd hand boxes so it’s a lucky dip really if they’re any good.
You can fit the final drive off the 9-5 if it gets rebuild to get 3.82 I didn’t bother, they were so cheap I just stuck what I could on there and hoped for the best!
4.45 came off a 250k+ car, lasted maybe 6 months, ragged again.
The 4.05 was fitted with the gt28rs, but had an easier life with the gt30 as your not really on boost until close to 3.5k.
All these were 2nd hand boxes so it’s a lucky dip really if they’re any good.
You can fit the final drive off the 9-5 if it gets rebuild to get 3.82 I didn’t bother, they were so cheap I just stuck what I could on there and hoped for the best!
griffin dai said:
I can’t remember mate but they didn’t last very long, most died with the standard TD04 fitted, I probably killed them in 1st & 2nd, the 3.61 came on the car at around 105k miles, that was a Maptun stage 3 car but I took it to stage 4 a couple weeks later and it got ragged daily.
4.45 came off a 250k+ car, lasted maybe 6 months, ragged again.
The 4.05 was fitted with the gt28rs, but had an easier life with the gt30 as your not really on boost until close to 3.5k.
All these were 2nd hand boxes so it’s a lucky dip really if they’re any good.
You can fit the final drive off the 9-5 if it gets rebuild to get 3.82 I didn’t bother, they were so cheap I just stuck what I could on there and hoped for the best!
This won't be getting ragged, mainly for cruising, but insane power in reserve for the odd roll-on race. Currently it's bone stock and feels a bit laggy, the boost doesn't even creep into the yellow let alone the red. Boost leak perhaps.4.45 came off a 250k+ car, lasted maybe 6 months, ragged again.
The 4.05 was fitted with the gt28rs, but had an easier life with the gt30 as your not really on boost until close to 3.5k.
All these were 2nd hand boxes so it’s a lucky dip really if they’re any good.
You can fit the final drive off the 9-5 if it gets rebuild to get 3.82 I didn’t bother, they were so cheap I just stuck what I could on there and hoped for the best!
Check the actuator arm, mine came off and it just ran in base boost. Can be fixed with a paper clip until you get the right C clip. Or it could be a duff T5 valve?
Lots of us upgraded to T7 APC (also needs mapping in for this), they’re more reliable then the T5 APC and boost delivery is a fair bit smoother.
Lots of us upgraded to T7 APC (also needs mapping in for this), they’re more reliable then the T5 APC and boost delivery is a fair bit smoother.
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