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Re: ALL PLEASE READ RE: NORDIC Posted by Karl [Email]  (#161) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Karl) on Tue, 15 Jan 2002 09:06:28
In Reply to: ALL PLEASE READ RE: NORDIC, gc, Mon, 14 Jan 2002 22:12:38 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Just to clarify my position on Nordic, which in many ways is identical to my opinion of Abbott Racing: They are both adept chassis tuners with a great deal of practical experience from circuit racing Saabs. They are also both quite highly priced, largely due to their strong brand names and reputation, which makes it possible for them to charge such high prices.
As far as engine tuning goes, I trust Nordic more than I trust Abbott. For a company to say that they master the Trionic engine management system (one of THE most advanced management systems in the automotive industry) and at the same time offer Boost controllers on their website... For me that just about sums it up...
In my opinion Nordic has better software. But I am not convinced (until I hear facts supporting the opposite) that they do their own programming. From what I've heard they also have rather "crude" software that is not at all on par with smaller (and cheaper) competitors.
Looking at competition, and also from what I've seen work in "the real world", it is quite apparent that it is very difficult (some would even say impossible) to extract the kind of power that Nordic claims without replacing certain vital hardware components such as inlet pipes, intercooler, turbocharger, injectors etc.
Simple calculations of airflow will indicate that e.g the inlet pipe, from air filter to turbo, on the 9-5 is too small in stock form to allow for more than 250-260 hp or so. ALL 9-5's that I have seen with significantly more "real" power than stock have had this inlet pipe replaced with one with much larger diameter. All except Nordic's...
When it comes to Saab engine tuning I would put my money either with one of the smaller Swedish companies or with Hirsch from Switzerland. Hirsch is probably the closest Saab owners can come the likes of Alpina or AMG. Extremely serious, well tested conversions etc. Expensive? Yes. But check out the specifications and see what Hirsch replaces in order to achieve power around the 300 mark on a 9-5. Then compare that to what Nordic does to achieve the same claimed power... Something just does not add up.
Then take a look at what kind of power can be safely and easily extracted from a 9000 Aero, which has a larger exhaust housing on the turbo and a more "solid" engine in terms of internal components. Why should it be possible to extract 25 more hp from the 9-5?
In terms of the adverse effects I'm quoting I'm referring to a Saab with T7 that was destroyed by knocking when run on a dyno at the Saab engine lab.
This is in no way an attempt to discredit Nordic. I just want people to be aware that there is no such thing as a free lunch, if you pardon the expression. You cannot extract 300 hp from a modern Saab without changing certain, rather expensive, components. And you cannot modify your Saab to 300 hp without voiding the warranty.
The day I see dyno readings showing the claimed power outputs I will gladly change my mind. Until then I will stick with my opinion.
/ Karl
posted by 212.209.1...
, Tue, 15 Jan 2002 09:06:28 <-- Viewing This Message
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