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Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1998 22:36:20 +0000
From: "G.Velema" <NOSPAMgvelemanopsamr.nl.net>
Subject: Re: Thinking about buying a '73 Sonnet III


Ben Millard wrote: > > Reg Tulk wrote in message <3630DCC2.3719nopsamenet.com>... > >Anyone got any input (pros/cons) to owning an older Saab? I've been > >told some(most) parts can be hard to find or co$tly > ... > The things that will flat out kill the project are the transmissions... > > My 96 has its third transm (2 rebuilds) > 100k Before Major Overhaul is to be expected. It is really tough except for the fiber timing > gears. and the balance shaft bearings > the only weak link in the > engine's ancillaries is the water pump. I recommend examining the > electrically powered external water pumps used for racing. I never had any problem with this (not in 330000 km) > > The trannies were EXTREMELY low-geared, producing surprisingly rotten sports > cars. (But I love em. Anyone got a 69 Sonett FS?) 100k BMO is possible, > with careful driving. As I understand the ratio in a Sonett was different from a 96 (or 95) Also the last models had a 1700 cc engine. One of the reasons the Sonett was discontinued was the lack of power, as demanded by the US market. > > They actually had a free-wheel system that disconnected the tranny when you > let off the gas. This thing is fun to drive, but a piece of junk for > longevity. Various methods of bypassing it were not terribly successful... I use it all the time, no problems. If the freewheel is engaged the 'six teeth T' part does nothing. Torque is then transfered by spring loaded rollers that lock inside a cylinder. > The structure is just the usual: a rusted floorpan is, of course... Under the battery in the back (boot). Small parts are no problem (brakes, clutch) and even rebuilt (exchange) transmissions and complete engines can still be bought over here. (tranny; $800/900 V4 engine; $ 1000) > Go for it: we all need projects. Buy someone else's, and carry on. I fully agree, for Sonett classifieds check out; http://www.saabnet.com/tsn/class/sonettclass.html Next year there will be a US SAAB club event in Denver I plan to be there and maybe buy a Sonett (III) and bring it back with me. -- MH (78 95 '79 96)

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