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, Fri, 21 Apr 2006 07:08:31
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With regard to shift point, I find in my 99 9-3 (with the upshift dummy light)that the indicated shift points are always quite economical (usually between 2000 and 2500 rpm). So I would think they provide somewhat close to "recommended" guideline (I cannot recall whether the 9-3SS/SC has a dummy light or not). Of course these shift points are a little low for me, I typically shift somewhere just north of 3000 rpm in normal driving.
I suspect that Saab just feels people are going to drive their car they way they see fit, regardless of what the manual says. I certainly don't shift when the light says so, in fact a piece of electrical tape would probably be in order for me if I ever had the dash apart. Though I have found myself cruising accidentally in 4th a few times when the little light made me realize I should probably grab 5th.
With regard to idle, you are correct, with no load on the engine, idle speeds aren't really a big deal (except when you start it and there is no oil there, or the oil is cold).
One interesting thing GM has done in cars in the past (Corvette for example) is to intercept 2nd gear on 1-2 upshifts, and nudge you to 4th instead if you aren't heavy on the throttle (obviously Corvette owners would be unhappy with their "4 speed" transmission if you were trying to lay some rubber and got served up 4th instead of 2nd). But this would be an obvious boon to economy, along with the very long 6th gear on those cars. Personally, I say give me maximum control and minimum nannying when it comes to gears. I can "speed shift" 1-3-5 if I want to, as I am prone to do in residential neighborhoods in the 30-35 mph speed limit range.
Finally, I wish I had a new 5speed 9-3SC 2.0T to try it on, like you do. My envy is noted. Though I am not ready to try at the expense of losing my paid-for 99 9-3 (5-door 5 speed with 160K on the odometer). Paid-for is always good in my book.
Best of luck and enjoy your new toy
posted by 136.237.60...
, Wed, 19 Apr 2006 12:12:37, Fri, 21 Apr 2006 07:08:31
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