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Tranny conversion considerations Posted by Arabiflora [Email] (#1129) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Arabiflora) on Mon, 4 Apr 2005 19:56:42 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
So I've got this beautiful 93 900S sedan with crapped-out automatic. I snagged an '88 900T (for BEER) that I thought of using as donor car (5 spd to the '93, other parts in reserve for my '88 900S NA), but $40 for U-PullIt grill, hood latch assembly, and fender cowlings, and the beer car looks and runs too well to part out. I'll either keep it in reserve or put a 4 sale sign on it at a price significantly greater than beer and hope for the best.
Meanwhile, I've been driving past a farmette near my home where there has been an '85T that I noticed had not been moved in > 1 year. I finally stopped in last weekend to inquire, and the "owners" (the car was essentially abandoned on their property) would like nothing better than to see it gone. If/when they get clear title, I can drive it away. I didn't get a chance to test drive but they assured me that it ran well when it arrived on their doorstep; I won't take it unless I can test the shifting to see if it would be a suitable tranny donor for my '93.
So, here are the considerations: First, if the 5 spd in the 85T shifts smoothly in situ, would it be a ready replacement for the autobox in the '93? What should I look for when test-driving/evaluating the tranny in the '85? Second, even if the '85 tranny seems ok, is it the right move? I want to do the conversion right, and my impression from reading posts here is that a 5 spd from an 88-91 (or is 88+ generally) is a better part. Maybe I should wait? Or maybe only a purist/power user would notice the difference?
Third (and finally), am I developing some sort of pathology here? If you're keeping score, I have three Saabs already, and two even run; I'm thinking of adopting a fourth and I'm afraid that if it runs even half-way decent I may not have the heart to part it out. Is there intrinsic value/evil to an 85T that I should be aware of before entering into a new relationship?
Sorry so long, all comments welcome.
SW
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