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Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 04:29:55 -0700
From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet>
Subject: Re: 16V Rebuild


Bob Coleman wrote: > > I have just acquired a 16V from an '88 Turbo and would like to rebuild > it. What's the hot setup when looking for more power? Also, have a set > of SPG wheels with new Firestone Firehawks from an '89 and am looking > for a set of 16" or 17". > > Bob Coleman Wanna go fast? Start Out: 1. Make sure you replace all your rubber vacuum hose with silicone, to be sure higher boost levels won't destroy them. 2. Be sure your motor mounts and all suspension bushings are in good shape to help deal with the extra power. (Be sure to have good lubricants on hand - Redline MTL or Mobil 1 Racing Gear Oil for tranny, and Mobil 1, Redline, or Amsoil for the engine) Engine: 3. Tear down the engine and replace the pistons with low compression units from a non-APC 8v 900, or, I've heard, with the pistons from a 2.3l turbo four from a Ford, like an XR4Ti or a TurboCoupe. 4. Have the head/intake/exhaust polished, ported and port matched. 5. Get the "performance" distributor from a 1991 or later SPG. 6. Get a higher rate fuel pressure regulator - obvious choices are the 2.8 bar from a '91 or later SPG, or the 3.0bar from a 900S. You can also look into a rising rate FPR. 7. Higher rate injectors are nice - the "green" ones from a 2.3l Volvo Turbo work. It might also be worthwhile to have your existing injectors balanced if you're not interested in rwplacing them. Transmission: 8. It doesn't hurt to use the lighter flywheel, larger clutch, and improved pinion bearing found on later 900s. The '90s have the flywheel and clutch, the '91s have the pinion bearing too... (I think those model years are correct) 9. Get a limited slip differential to help get the power to the ground - there is a company online who sells one (the only one, I think) for 900s... They run $800. Turbo: 10. Get a new turbo. A hybrid is a good place to go - a T3/T4 hybrid is one way. Also, the T3 compressor from a late model 9000 is a good bet, as is the Mitsubishi (TE03, I think) from a 1990 or later SPG. If you've got cash to burn, a ceramic ball- bearing turbo would be a nice addition. 11. Get a tweaked APC box, a box from Group6, or do it yourself. This controls your max boost. 12. Get the larger aluminum intercooler plumbing from a '90 or later 900T. 13. Definitely invest in a good 2.5" or 3.0" exhaust - Group6 is one source (although expensive) Handling: 14. I suggest lowering the car slightly, and using stiffer springs and shocks. The obvious choice is the Saab Road Holding Kit, which runs between $300 and $400, and includes shorter, stiffer springs and stiffer shocks. This kit replicates the suspension found on later-model SPGs. 15. As for wheels - stay away from 17" wheels. They will rub in back, almost definitely. In fact, I'd be cautious of a 225 tire (and certainly anything wider) as they may wear unevenly in back due to the camber of the rear axle - it's fixed, so you cannot change it. A good 16" wheel with a 225/45 should probably be okay, but if I were you I would stick to a 205 or 215 at most. As long as you're not doing any racing a 205/50-16 should get you all the traction you need. Other things to consider: o an aftermarket ignition system (like from Jacobs or Crane) o a larger intercooler o water injection o a K&N or other cone-type filter (I don't think they're worthwhile, but that's me) o install a blowoff valve or higher-flow bypass valve to replace the stock plastic one o wrap the exhaust manifold/ & turbo using exhaust wrap I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things - but this should get you started... :) Have fun.... stop by my web page... http://www.bfp.net/saabweb -Justin P.S. If you wanna sell those SPG wheels, let me know...

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