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A couple of months ago I was getting the urge to trade my 9-5 for 2003 Aero; I was ready for something with a little more power. The only problem was my lovely wife who was, shall we say, opposed to the idea. After researching this board and in the interest of marital harmony, I instead decided on an ECU upgrade. Since there are a lot of us with 9-5s coming off warranty, I thought there might be several folks who might be interested in this.
Speedparts Stage 2 ECU upgrade (with Remus Sport Exhaust) installed this week. To begin, I have a 1999 9-5 with a 5 speed manual transmission. The Stage 2 kit consists of a new ECU, sport air filter, and sport exhaust system that increases engine output to 239 HP and 289 ft/lbs. torque (up from 170 HP and 207 ft/lbs.). Although my system is probably not completed adapted yet (only driven about 100 miles), my intial impression is I am very impressed and pleased with the whole package. During normal driving (for me that is shifting at approx. 3000 RPMs), there is not a huge difference in the feel of the car, perhaps a "seat of the pants" 10-15% increase in power. This is what I was hoping for, as a high strung car is no fun in stop and go traffic. It isn't until you go past about 3900 RPMs that the full potential of the system begins to be felt; at that point the difference is truly enormous. With the heavy traffic in South Florida I have not been able to safely go beyond about 5300 RPMs in third gear. Also, had to turn the SID speed warning system back on because on the highway she really wants to go!
The Remus Sport Exhaust system has also added a very nice touch (I had to pay a little extra for this). The system has a very pleasant sound during acceleration and is basically not heard during normal driving. The only time the system is noticeable is while stopped at a traffic light. For me this is the only part that I am not crazy about; it sounds much better under load than just idling, and it is heard. With the AC working away (we has been in the low 90s already down here) you can hardly notice the exhaust note when stopped. More than likely I probably won't notice it in a few weeks. I had a muffler shop do this installation and I am glad I did because the muffler joint had to be expanded to fit over the tail pipe. No cutting or welding was required.
Another plus of the Speedparts upgrade is the "Shift Up" light was [finally] shut off, something that could not be done with the Tech 2 on the early MY1999 cars, and something I disliked from day one of ownership. Yippee!
Finally I want to mention that I purchased the upgrade kit from Nick Taliaferro at Taliaferro Saab (TSN sponsor). He was very helpful and patient when answering my questions. This is a great system that has breathed new life (pun intended) into my car; my wife and I highly recommend it.
LHD
'99 9-5 45K miles
'79 900 45K miles
posted by 68.153.1...
, Sun, 9 Mar 2003 11:08:30
, Sat, 8 Mar 2003 19:39:29
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