80s Saloons, Saab 900/Volvos - advice wanted.

[untruth]

Good day people.
Couldn't decide what forum was best for this but there's always good replies here.

Myself and a mate are currently running an Austin Healey Sprite this season and are looking to perhaps change car for something entirely different for next season.

We're really keen on 80s touring car type saloons, with the advantage that these can race in the Tin Tops series for CSCC and do two-driver races.

We're quite keen on the less obvious cars - for us it's been about fun, quirkyness, and a bit of 'unusual' about what we drive, and we're quite keen on a few cars:

Saab 900 Turbo/Saab 9000
Volvo 240

I know very little about either of these cars, their histories, or anything else, but I know that something like the Saab could be a right old ball(ache) to drive if they were stripped a'plenty with some nice kit inside. I'm reasonable with the spanners and also know a great mechanic who'll get hands dirty for us if we need him, and we're willing to either buy ready made or make from a roadcar if need be, but I wanted to get you lot's opionions.

We've not ruled out any brands or cars really, but we do like the sound of a Swedish lump, or perhaps an italian....

Thanks for any advice.
Rich

[frodo_monkey]

Mate of mine runs a 405Mi16 converted from a 190000m road car so I know where you're coming from...

One point to consider is the availability of parts i.e. 'cages (bit of an expensive git to get one made) and basic performance type kit - do your model research carefully though and you may be able to get around some of that. Although I do have a secret hankering to build a BTCC replica Volvo 850T5 estate at some point

I seem to recall a chap (Lionel Abbott or something like that?) who used to race a Saab 9000, may be a useful contact. Let us know what you decide and take some pics!

[frodo_monkey]

Or if you go Italian, how about a Lancia Thema 8.32 (Ferrari lump) or Fiat Croma, both of which use some of the same bits (shell, floorplan maybe?) as the 9000 I think.

Otherwise, it is the classic petrolhead choice of Alfa - 75,33 maybe (a bit small) or how about a replica of the Alfa 164 spaceframe thingy?

[Jemco Andy]

frodo_monkey said:

Mate of mine runs a 405Mi16 converted from a 190000m road car so I know where you're coming from...

One point to consider is the availability of parts i.e. 'cages (bit of an expensive git to get one made) and basic performance type kit - do your model research carefully though and you may be able to get around some of that. Although I do have a secret hankering to build a BTCC replica Volvo 850T5 estate at some point

I seem to recall a chap (Lionel Abbott or something like that?) who used to race a Saab 9000, may be a useful contact. Let us know what you decide and take some pics!

Small world, but the mechanic who used to run Lionel in the Saab's is called Frank Pettit - well Frank is my co-driver, and we are racing in the Tin Tops race at Silverstone this weekend! If about, come and say hi to Frank (garage 6c, white Alfa 33), I'm sure he would be happy to pass on his thoughts about Saab's etc.

[900T-R]

I think I've still got a Safety Devices rear cage for a 2-door Saab 900 somewhere at my mate's Saab shop (sold the car back to him for dismantling, he has/d no interest in the cage)... was in a car for a couple of months but still partly unwrapped...

If I had a garage and a bit of cash I'd build myself a nice little track day/fast road 900 along the lines of an R26R, using what I've leant from my old 900s (in particular 'Saabine' which ended up having nigh-on 300 bhp) - this time fully concentrating on light weight and reducing unsprung/rotating weight - 15" Pro Race 1.2s instead of the heavy 16" Saab 3-spokers, composite bonnet and bootlid etc. - maybe even sticking with the 8-valve turbo... Was thinking white with black wheels would be a cool colour scheme.

Edited by 900T-R on Monday 27th July 12:24

[andy97]

This car may still be for sale:

http://www.racecarsdirect.com/listing/14232/Ex_Abb...

One issue is that turbos are not eligible in CSCC Tin Tops, although they are in the sister "Future Classics" series.

If you wanted to go down the Itaian route then there are several Alfa 33s that run in Tin Tops and do well and an Alfa 75 or Alfa 155 would go well in the up to 2 litre 8v class.

As I said, Turbo cars, or cars above 2 litres would go in the "Future Classics" series but ths is also a good series for one or two drivers. The cars have to be pre 1990 model types although guests can run in an invitation class.

How about an Alfa 164? i think one use to run in the alfa series or V6 Alfa 75? lovely!

Edited by andy97 on Monday 27th July 13:09

[untruth]

Thanks very much for all the help so far. Not fussed about being in Future Classics at all.

That car advertised looks fantastic, but to give you an idea of our budget, we are looking at somewhere between 5-8k. Obviously the cheaper end would be the better end of the spectrum!

The Saab/Volvo thing really appeals as there's just so many of the damn things out there. A lot of parts available, though performance parts seems a bit of a grey area I might have to do some research on.

Alfas also appeal and I've seen some really nice Alfa racers for not too much cash (because they cost a ton to run?!).

Thanks again. Definitely interested to hear of people's experience with performance parts for Swedes, or running an Alfa racer...

[OzCupra]

You can also look into running in the CTCRC (http://www.classictouringcars.com/) They pretty much open the doors to anything and everything and will slot whatever car you decide on into this series.

As suggested already speak get in contact with Abbott also with regards to you Volvo choice there's plenty of 240's running in Finland, Norway, Sweden in their respective countries rally championships. Maybe worth while looking into these for idea on parts supply modifications?

[andy97]

untruth said:

Thanks very much for all the help so far. Not fussed about being in Future Classics at all.

That car advertised looks fantastic, but to give you an idea of our budget, we are looking at somewhere between 5-8k. Obviously the cheaper end would be the better end of the spectrum!

The Saab/Volvo thing really appeals as there's just so many of the damn things out there. A lot of parts available, though performance parts seems a bit of a grey area I might have to do some research on.

Alfas also appeal and I've seen some really nice Alfa racers for not too much cash (because they cost a ton to run?!).

Thanks again. Definitely interested to hear of people's experience with performance parts for Swedes, or running an Alfa racer...

I ran an Alfa 33 for a while and it was cheap to run, I promise you. There are several about & for sale. The beauty of 33s are that they tend to be production standard racers, so not highly modified and therefore not too tempremental. You can also run them in th Alfa series. Some spares are becoming a bit scarce but not too bad & the Alfa racng crowd are a helpful bunch when it comes to finding things. There are 2 x 33s racing regularly in CSCC Tin Tops and a couple of Alfa Suds. There's even a Sud for sale with a 1700 8V engine on the Alfa racer web site fr £950-00, or £1400 with spares. Got to be a bargain, even if it does need a re-spray.

The 33s/ Suds handle well & are good fun. They should also be cheap to buy - well within your budget, as would a 75 or 155. I also know of a FWD 3 litre GTV for sale at the moment for about £7500, again a production racer. It's probably a bit new for Future Classics, but if you ask the club they may let you run it in FC. Newer car may be easier to get parts for.

In contrast I don't know of too many people that run Volvos or Saabs.

I have a 1600cc Fiat Uno that may be for sale; recently rebuilt at vast expense (inc a new engine & gearbox) & won its class at Outon Park!!!!!!

Edited by andy97 on Monday 27th July 16:38

[900T-R]

untruth said:

Thanks again. Definitely interested to hear of people's experience with performance parts for Swedes, or running an Alfa racer...

This guy has built cars and engines/gearboxes etc. for the successful Dutch and German Youngtimer series efforts: www.sweedspeed.com

[thunderbelmont]

The Saab 9000 is the better bet than the 900. They have considerable potential, as shown by people in the now defuct Super Road Saloons, and Modified Production Saloons.

Brian Coyle, and Stephen Moore were the exponents of a couple of very quick 9000's.

And as I understand it, Stephen is back racing his this year.

[geoste]

As rob said Im currently racing a Saab 9000 in the Pre 93s championship having previously campaigned a car in Super road saloon car championship. The cars are competative and grat fun to drive also and so far this year mine has missed a beat all year.
My brother has a car which he is thinking of selling which may be of intrest I belive it would be within your budgeT.

See http://www.classictouringcars.com/phpBB3/viewtopic...

[900T-R]

Linkee no workee - requiree loginee

[untruth]

Even if I'm registered it doesn't let me in....

[untruth]

Geoste,
I'd be interested to hear what your main issues with the 9000s are - parts, 'things that break the most', and engine life (dependant on tune of course).

If you could help with any of this, it would be very appreciated!

[geoste]

Ive copy details from that forum below:

Hi All,

My Brother Wes is selling his Saab 900 Track Attack car which would make an excellent Classic Thunder car I think it would be very very competetive in class C details below.

• 1996 Saab 900SE Turbo Coupe *Engine* *B206 Engine Block(non balance shaft engine) *2.3 rods and crank *Wossner forged pistons *ARP head bolts *Enem camshafts *Garrett GT30BB turbo *Tubular manifold *Complete 3" exhaust system with no Cat *Ramair open intake *Custom intake pipes *Mitsubishi Evo intercooler *Siemens Deka630cc injectors *3.7 Fuel Pressure Regulator *Walbro 255 fuel pump *Aquamist Water Injection *Nordic(Sweden) Custom Software *410Bhp(estimated) and 520Nm torque *Transmission* *9-3 Hydraulic clutch conversion *Viggen gearbox, driveshafts and CVs *Modified hubs *Quaife ATB diff *Spec stage 3+ clutch *Suspension* *Bilstein dampers *Custom springs *Steering rack brace *Engine brace *Subframe brace *Polybush front and rear *25.5mm rear anti roll bar *Modified pillar ball top mounts(neg camber) *Brakes* *Mitsubishi Evo Brembo front callipers *Custom calliper brackets *PF brake discs and bells *Carbotech XP10 brake pads *9-5 vented rear disc conversion. *Choice of wheel and tyres(slicks/R888) *Track widened by 40mm per axle *Striped Interior *Airbags removed, ABS Deactivated *Sparco Race Seats *Willans Full race Harnesses

see link for a few photos http://www.pbase.com/gregnewby/nott_saab

The car needs to be seen to be appreciated and is in Nottingham. Full help will be provided with the car and can be ran for the prospective buyer Wes runs my car for me and there is nothing about tuning Saabs that he doesnt know about.

Any questions?

Thanks

SteveSteve Moore

Posts: 11
Joined: 25 Sep 2007, 15:25 .

Hope this helps.
Thanks

Steve

[MidgetRacer46]

Hi Rich

Stick with the Spridget and run it with Tom in the Swinging Sixties series for another season...

Get some race mileage in - you have to factor in the running costs of a big saloon... tyres, brake pads, engine rebuilds... my advice would be stay with what you know for now, Spridgets are bargain basement race cars compared to many other makes - if you get the hankering to run something a bit bigger once you and Tom have all your race signatures then go for it...

...and if you want some pointers on how to make your Sprite quicker then come and speak to me...



James

[Al Weyman]

Dunno about that, I run big heavy saloons and the pads last well if you fit big calipers to start with, tyres are bigger and last OK and I probably use a bit more petrol per round. I have raced against the Saab and its suprisingly quick. I race with Classic Touring Car Racing Club and although all one driver races you will be offered the chance to run in a 2nd championship usually on the day for £100 so its still feasable to share a car. Come and watch us at the next round 22/23rd Aug Brands hatch.

Edited by Al Weyman on Sunday 9th August 08:55

Edited by Al Weyman on Sunday 9th August 08:56