Saab 900 Turbo - What power can I expect to get out of it?
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm considering buying a toy.
I've not specifically been looking for a Saab *but I am known to like a turbo-charged engine and since a wave of stupidity came over me last year when I sold my Henstead motorsport'd Widebody Starion (I miss it like crazy) the offer of this Saab's really got me thinking.
Firstly I'm on a budget. Secondly I've been offered a 1994 Saab 900 SE 3dr Turbo. (What's it worth?)
Ok, I know tuning CAN be expensive before we start but as this WILL be on a budget are there any common/specific probs you could reccommend that I should be on the lookout for? (for instance I've heard suspension top-mounts can be a problem but don't know how true this is?????)
Secondly, I am obviously going to be looking to up-the-power as much as possible.
Obviously I want to have as much as possible whilst - at this stage at least - keeping the price down as much as I can.
Can I ask what sort of power gains are available by simple things like ECU tuning, air filters, exhausts etc etc...
Would really like to see 230-250BHP which would be great, more even better possibly at a later stage.
As I am basically thinking bolt ons and am not talking forged pistons etc I am realistic so If I can get something made/fabricated instead of buying it then all the better!
I'm hoping to see the car in question tomorrow during the day and would be nice to report back that I've bought it!
Cheers guys!
I'm considering buying a toy.
I've not specifically been looking for a Saab *but I am known to like a turbo-charged engine and since a wave of stupidity came over me last year when I sold my Henstead motorsport'd Widebody Starion (I miss it like crazy) the offer of this Saab's really got me thinking.
Firstly I'm on a budget. Secondly I've been offered a 1994 Saab 900 SE 3dr Turbo. (What's it worth?)
Ok, I know tuning CAN be expensive before we start but as this WILL be on a budget are there any common/specific probs you could reccommend that I should be on the lookout for? (for instance I've heard suspension top-mounts can be a problem but don't know how true this is?????)
Secondly, I am obviously going to be looking to up-the-power as much as possible.
Obviously I want to have as much as possible whilst - at this stage at least - keeping the price down as much as I can.
Can I ask what sort of power gains are available by simple things like ECU tuning, air filters, exhausts etc etc...
Would really like to see 230-250BHP which would be great, more even better possibly at a later stage.
As I am basically thinking bolt ons and am not talking forged pistons etc I am realistic so If I can get something made/fabricated instead of buying it then all the better!
I'm hoping to see the car in question tomorrow during the day and would be nice to report back that I've bought it!
Cheers guys!
Biggest problem to look out for on these is the infamous cracked bulkhead problem. Have a look on UKSaabs, Saabscene forums etc for photos and what to look for. If it’s cracked, walk away, as you are effectively looking at a written off car.
The early GM900’s are a bit woolly, even with an intact bulkhead, and the chassis isn’t the greatest thing in the world at stock power levels, let alone putting any more through them.
You will need to spend a lot on the chassis first, before even thinking of ECU mods etc. Once done, the engine isn’t much of an issue, internals are fine for 500hp, so it will be all bolt on and Trionic 5 mapping, either bought, or if you have the inclination, spend some time on the T5suite forums for doing this yourself.
On the stock OEM turbo, 250hp is possible without much work, but would be nasty to drive with a stock chassis.
Abbott Racing are good for chassis mods, and Maptun are best for engine, but good for chassis stuff as well.
The early GM900’s are a bit woolly, even with an intact bulkhead, and the chassis isn’t the greatest thing in the world at stock power levels, let alone putting any more through them.
You will need to spend a lot on the chassis first, before even thinking of ECU mods etc. Once done, the engine isn’t much of an issue, internals are fine for 500hp, so it will be all bolt on and Trionic 5 mapping, either bought, or if you have the inclination, spend some time on the T5suite forums for doing this yourself.
On the stock OEM turbo, 250hp is possible without much work, but would be nasty to drive with a stock chassis.
Abbott Racing are good for chassis mods, and Maptun are best for engine, but good for chassis stuff as well.
Thanks Aeropilot.
I've seen it and it's a nice car and a decent (genuine) chap selling it...
FSH too, every MOT and it's had a turbo done in the passed. Very clean under the bonnet, no leaks etc. New windscreen and exhaust looks recent.
Unfortunately it's showing signs of the bulkhead cracking (accelerator movement on full locks of the steering wheel and brake servo movement when pedal depressed) - This alone doesn't worry me too much as I can get it repaired fairly easily - but that (plus a new MOT at the end of the month) means it's no longer a cheap car in comparison to what's available at a higher price.
Saying that I could break it for more (can't be bothered with all that)
...I'm currently mulling it over.
What's the general concensus? Whats it worth AS IS?
I've seen it and it's a nice car and a decent (genuine) chap selling it...
FSH too, every MOT and it's had a turbo done in the passed. Very clean under the bonnet, no leaks etc. New windscreen and exhaust looks recent.
Unfortunately it's showing signs of the bulkhead cracking (accelerator movement on full locks of the steering wheel and brake servo movement when pedal depressed) - This alone doesn't worry me too much as I can get it repaired fairly easily - but that (plus a new MOT at the end of the month) means it's no longer a cheap car in comparison to what's available at a higher price.
Saying that I could break it for more (can't be bothered with all that)
...I'm currently mulling it over.
What's the general concensus? Whats it worth AS IS?
Edited by Gallen on Monday 25th January 14:33
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