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ECU upgrade for 1999 9-3 Posted by REM in Seattle [Email]  (#4)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from REM in Seattle) on Sat, 27 Aug 2005 12:17:32
In Reply to: ECU upgrade, Svenson, Fri, 26 Aug 2005 20:31:34 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I have a 1998 900SET, which is similar to your 1999 9-3 (both are T-5 engine management systems).
You can see the modifications I have and the results below. Another member of the Saab Club of Seattle dyno tested his 1997 900SET at the same time I tested mine. The only differences between our two cars were that his has 5-Sp manual transmission and he had added a viggen intercooler. His dyno run showed an increase of 10 HP over my dyno run, along with an increase of about 15 lb-ft of torque. This matches the ECU test numbers given at the SpeedParts website that showed the Viggen intercooler to add approx. 10 HP.
For the T-5 cars, the engine modifications list should look something like this, and probably in close to this order:
> 3” inlet modification to stock air box and fit a performance air filter (or buy a performance air intake kit).
> Remove the turbo compressor discharge silencer.
> Smooth/port the throttle body transition casting.
> Install a catalytic converter back sport exhaust system like the Saab Stainless Steel Sport exhaust.
> Install either a $35 manual boost controller or a $500 to $800 reprogrammed ECU, and install a metallic piston type bypass valve (like Forge or Hyperboost).
> Install a high flow intercooler like a Viggen intercooler or a bar and plate type intercooler.
> Install 3” downpipe with high flow catalytic converter.
> Install larger intercooler to throttle body delivery pipe.
In addition, for all NG900 and 9-3 the suspension modification list should look something like this:
> Install a 22mm rear sway bar.
> Install a steering rack clamp and brace.
> Install a sub-frame brace or sump guard.
> Install polyurethane control arm bushings.
> Install Koni rear shocks and front struts.
> Install lowering springs (but beware of potholes and all road obstructions).
Like anyone modifying a car, you need to solicit input from people who have actually done the modifications and then choose the mods that meet your needs. The “bang for the buck” will quickly taper off and you will find that each modification costs more money and gives less incremental increase in performance. At some point, the modifications will increase the stress on the car to the point that things begin to break (like transmissions).
I have reached the point where the incremental cost and performance is not justifiable to me. I will just wait a few more years and buy a new Saab.
Rob Mustard (aka REM in Seattle)
1998 Saab 900SET; 5-door; Automatic; 77,000 miles
UPGRADES
ENGINE (dyno tested at 193 hp and 215 lb-ft at the wheels; or approx. 230 hp and 250 lb-ft at the crankshaft)
-3” inlet tube to factory airbox with ITG performance foam air filter.
-Smoothed/ported throttle body transition casting and removed turbocharger outlet tube ‘silencer’.
-Saab stainless steel sport exhaust with added center resonator.
-Forge MotorSport FMCL007P piston type boost pressure by-pass/diverter valve.
-SpeedParts ‘Stage 2’ Engine Control Unit (ECU).
SUSPENSION
-205/55-WR16 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S tires.
-Swedish Auto Specialties 22mm (7/8”) rear anti-sway bar.
-Koni Sport adjustable front struts and rear shock absorbers.
-Abbott Racing steering rack brace and polyurethane tracking control arm bushings.
-MP Performance sub-frame brace.
LIGHTING
-European E-code headlights with Philips ‘VisionPlus’ halogen 60/55 watt H4 bulbs.
AUDIO
-Infinity Kappa speakers – 3.5” 2-way speakers in the dash, 6”x9” 3-way speakers in the rear parcel shelf, and 6.5” mid-bass speakers in the front doors.
-Dynamat ‘Super’ & Dynamat ‘Premium’ sound deadening material in doors and rear cargo area.
_______________________________________ REM in Seattle Current: 2013 Volvo XC60 R-Design, Rebel Blue, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 2024 MINI Cooper S Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 6-speed manual Former: 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible, Steel Gray metallic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed 1998 Saab 900SET 5-door, Silver, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider convertible, Alfa Red, 2.0L 4-cyl, 5-speed 1984 Saab 900T 3-door, Red, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed
, Sat, 27 Aug 2005 12:17:32 <-- Viewing This Message
, Fri, 26 Aug 2005 22:38:31
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