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I'd say the rescue pack reduces it by 50%. But the subtle gain in steering feel alone is worth it. It gives the front end a "confidence" it lacked. I've always felt, as a former BMW driver that that geometry and "feel" were never quite right in this car, (maybe because SAAB had to use an Opel Vectra chassis rather than design the right one for the Viggen) but the rescue kit helps with that feel thingy :) Not being an expert, its hard to say what improved, since I couldn't a/b test back and forth between kit and no kit, but I'd put it like this... It seems like there's a specific torque at which the wheels stop tracking straight and suddenly start the frantic "left/right/left/right" oscilation at about two "left/rights" a second. The kit seemed to raise the amout of torque I could get up to before that started to happen. Once it starts, the zig zag is just as bad, it just doesn't start till the turbo gets a bit higher :)
On a car that costs $35k, an extra grand for this is worth it. I just think that either Abbott over rated how MUCH it helps (on their website), or I didn't get a proper install.
BTW, it was done by ACCELERATED RESPONSE in Toronto, who are nice guys, and get good reviews, so I have no reason to think they did it wrong.
AS for the shifter, Im amazed it hasn't been more of a topic of discussion around here. Mine wiggles and jiggles and wobbles as though it were mounted on rubber bands, the throw between gears is long, and CLUNKY, and fast shifting without the use of unpleasant force is impossible. When I asked the dealership they said (as ususal) "this is normal for this car.. SAAB is big on feedback from the car to the driver" - another excuse for not upgrading the WHOLE car to Viggen level.
You know, I'd spend more on fixing the tranny than on any other single problem.. but I haven't heard ONE suggestion yet on how to improve it.
Nothing sucks more in traffic.
As for TIRES, I thought MXXX pilots were PRE pilot sports, and were replaced by sports which had much better overall characteristics. Look at the michelin site for details.
The guys at Accelerated response made an interesting observation BTW.. Maybe the "torque steer" is accentuated not only by the hardness of the stock supplied Dunlops, but also but the tire width. They suggested that maybe the wider tires were more easily pulled left and right but the natural ruts that form in roads where the wheels go... and that switching back to 16" wheels with less-wide rubber might end the problem. Who the hell knows :>
I'm gonna try Pilot Alpins this winter.. Probably the 17/205 versions rather than buying an ugly set of 16 " rims. - it's more wet than snowy in Toronto anyway.
I also read here that Bridgestone Potenza SO 2 Poles were great (for summer) on the viggen for reducing the torque spasms - as well as the pilots. I'd love any feed back on that.
Last but not least.. anyone seen the carbon fiber door pulls that apperantly match the dash on the viggen? Do they look tacky? They can't be as cheapo as the plastic ones supplied...
Ok.. bed time.
Earl
- 2k 3 dr black Viggen with rear roll bar upgrade and Vigen rescue pack but NO upgraded rear springs.. yet :)
, Thu, 30 Nov 2000 12:16:49
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