Good conversation on this topic guys! Well I went and did what I probably should have done from the beginning. On page 156 of the Saab 93 owner's manual it states for optimum performance they recommend 90 AON for the linear and 93 AON for the other models.

I can definitely tell a difference in performance so I'm only planning to buy premium in the future. Apparently, my engine safeguards were working because I never heard any knocking. However, when floored in 1st gear, the power would drop significantly right around 5500 rpms, enough so that I just started shifting right around there to avoid the drop. With better gas, the power drop-off occurs more smoothly. This was probably my biggest pet peeve about the car and hopefully the higher octane gas will continue to cure it as the engine management adjusts.

The other big change is that my catalytic converter would sometimes smell quite a bit when I pulled into my garage, even when I was just returning from normal around town driving. Apparently, my engine was compensating for the lack of octance in the fuel by dumping more in even during regular driving (1/2 throttle max). So those of you who are planning to save $0.20 cents a gallon might be setting yourself up with a $1000 repair bill for a new catalytic converter in the not to distant future.

Finally, I have kept detailed gas records. After I run a few tanks of premium through, I will post my mpg results. Since my cat stinks less, I believe their will be some improvement in mileage if I can keep my foot out of the newfound power :)



posted by 68.252.25...

• Better performance for Linear when changing fuels??, Brent, Thu, 21 Oct 2004 19:27:02
  • Re: ...changing fuels?? How octane works, Geoff, Mon, 25 Oct 2004 06:02:43
  • Premium recommended......, Mike Lynch , Fri, 22 Oct 2004 13:54:59
    • Re: Premium recommended......, 93grlonrown, Wed, 30 Mar 2005 04:10:11
    • Use the best gas you can find--don't be a cheapskate, Drew in Houston, Sat, 23 Oct 2004 13:23:18
      • Re: Use the best gas you can find--don't be a cheapskat, Mark, Sat, 23 Oct 2004 18:47:00
        • Re: Use the best gas you can find--don't be a cheapskat, Drew in Houston, Sat, 23 Oct 2004 20:21:50
          • Re: Use the best gas you can find--don't be a cheapskat, Mark, Sat, 23 Oct 2004 21:47:11
            • No offence meant, but you're changing your story here, Drew in Houston, Sun, 24 Oct 2004 01:21:27
              • Re: No offence meant, but you're changing your story he, Mark, Sun, 24 Oct 2004 14:57:10
                • Re: No offence meant, but you're changing your story he, Drew in Houston, Sun, 24 Oct 2004 20:46:48
              • Should be..."it IS an extremely poor decision to be, Drew in Houston, Sun, 24 Oct 2004 01:30:57
                • Re: Should be..."it IS an extremely poor decision to be, Brent, Mon, 25 Oct 2004 05:40:59 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Better performance for Linear when changing fuels??, Jeremy R., Thu, 21 Oct 2004 23:31:25
    • Re: Better performance for Linear when changing fuels??, Mark, Fri, 22 Oct 2004 09:03:01

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: [Message moved: 99 9-3 auto Tranny leak - how much $$$???], justin, Mon, 25 Oct 2004 05:35:22
• Next by Date: Fuel cutoff at 5500 rpms in first gear?, Brent, Mon, 25 Oct 2004 05:50:58
• Main 9³ Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)