Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2005 20:30:11 GMT From: nospamnospame.rr.com (Kevin Rhodes) Subject: Re: '01 9-5
>> I'm not aware of much tuning having been done to the V6 though. It's a GM >> design - not an original Saab engine. > >It is a mixed design with Saab asymmetrical turbocharging. The 3.0L V6 >engine has less output 200 bhp than the equivalent NA GM engine (210bhp). >The engine is designed for torque and a smooth drive, not much point in >tuning this engine. www.genuinesaab.com offers a 40hp upgrade for $1400 or so. Consists of chip, intake, and exhaust. As to the V6 not being a Saab engine, uh, Saab has bought in nearly every engine they have ever used. The 2-strokes were a carbon copy of a DKW design, then the FORD V4s, then the "slant 4" bought in from Triumph. That engine is more or less the direct ancestor of the current Saab 4 in the 9-5. Really Saab's expertise is in truly superb engine management systems, not mechanicals. Don't knock the 6 until you have tried it - it is far smoother and quieter than the 4. Quite a lot faster than the lpt4, and not as much slower than an Aero as you might think. In fact, since it has no discernable turbo lag it feels a whole lot stronger at low speeds than an automatic Aero. it is lacking the Aero's high end zoom though. There is certainly nothing intrinsically wrong with having a timing belt instead of a chain. it is a maintenance item, no more, no less. As to the extra expense, talk to the various owners of 90's 2.3l Saabs that have had to cough up $1500+ to have worn timing chains replaced at relatively low mileages. And let's not even talk about the horrendous sludging issues with lpt4 9-5's in the States. And Saab pays for the first timing belt change at 60K miles anyway. Though it is smart to pay to have the tensioner done at the same time. Kevin Rhodes Westbrook, Maine '00 9-5 SE V6t wagon
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