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1. You'll get some handling improvement w/the 17" wheels and some harsher ride.
2. The aero bars make a huge difference on the earlier models. I'm not sure what the difference is on the MY'02 and up models between the arc and the aero; I'd check w/ Nick @ Taliaferro - Genuine saab (sponsor). If the arc stock bars are the same size as the earlier years, you will see a big difference just by adding the sway bars.
3. Expense! You'll get the most of both handling and ride tradeoffs w/both. But go drive an aero around. To me, the ride sacrifice doesn't seem that extreme, and the handling is much better. Do your own comparison if you're concerned, and you'll be much better informed based on your preferences. Remember that the newer aero has stiffer springs than you'd have. If you drive an '00 or '01 aero, that might be a bit closer, and an '02 or '03 will drive harder and handle better than what you'd get with your proposed changes due to the differences in springs, struts, etc.
4. The rear bar is a piece of cake. The front one is a PIA. Do a search, someone posted an instructional piece...
Thoughts:
If you are going for stealth, you may want to stay with the 16" wheels. When you need new tires, consider going with a plus zero size (225-50-16). If you look at the specifications, they put almost exactly the same footprint down as the 17", and are an improvement from stock. If you want the speedometer to read accurately, you'll need to have the Tech II changed to the 17" size.
I personally decided that the trade off for the really expensive 17" tires, coupled with higher road hazard risk of the lower profile was hard to justify. Besides, the 17" wheels will cost you a bit on the mpg's too.
But I REGULARLY toss this one around, because I REALLY like the way the early oem Aero and Gary Fisher 17" wheels look. Almost enough to suck it up and spend the money just because I think they look GREAT.
Having done the suspension upgrades on mine and not the wheels (yet), I think the 17" upgrade $$$ would be better spent on a speedparts ecu or equivelent, first! Which is what I'm doing.
Good luck with whatever you decide, and let us know what you did and what your impressions are!
Matthew
'99 9-5 5spd 114K
'01 aero springs
'03 aero sway bars
bilstien struts and shocks
posted by 151.199.39...
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