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Many of you are familiar with my quest to get my '93 CSET in top running condition. I'll spare you the entire history (I'm coming up on my one year anniversary of owning it), though maybe it would make an interesting post (I'll give it a go over the weekend), but this last service appears to have gotten my 9K running the way I knew it could.
My Saab specialist did the following this week:
1) Removed the balance shaft chain (it was very loose and noisy; it was being picked up by the knock sensor)
2) Replaced lower motor mount (it had ripped in two)
3) Replaced left front tie rod end
4) Welded hole in catalytic converter (hole is attributable to not being able to avoid truck axle in roadway on the Van Wyck Expressway -- I came away much better than the 9-10 cars stranded on the side of the road)
5) R&I old pan and replace o-rings; seal oil leaks
6) Adjust throttle pressure
7) Replace vac. hose from DI to manifold
8) Tighten radiator hoses
9) Oil change (Valvoline MaxLife 10W-30)
10) Auto trans. service (Valvoline MaxLife ATF and Lucas Trans fix) including adjustment of kickdown cable (3rd of 3 fluid replacements in last 3 months)
See my prior post regarding the BS chain for more detail, but I have not noticed any consequence from the removal. What I have noticed is a night and day difference in the performance of my 9k after this service. Much more acceleration through the gear range, more boost, much improved/tighter handling, and much better braking. The AT is also shifting more smoothly which is mostly due to the kickdown adjustment. I don't know exactly what adjusting the throttle pressue does for the engine, but the difference in throttle response is obvious.
Also for those who are unhappy with your 9k's braking performance (as I was), make sure your tie rod ends and motor mounts are in good shape because it makes a world of difference.
I now have the car I thought I would have when I bought it. I mean WOW! Now I know the feeling of being thrown back in your seat under full acceleration as others have described. The engine even sounds different, throatier.
Color me very happy (though my fingers are crossed that I have now solve all/most of the issues with my 9k -- there is apt to be something in the future).
Now let's play the "what did all this work cost" game. What do you think the parts and labor for the above service (1-10) cost? Keep in mind that I'm on Long Island.
Unfortunately the repair/service costs in the first year have exceeded what I paid for it, I now think that is in top shape and in a condition were it will be much more reasonably maintained in the future (I hope to own it for another 5-6 years). And it certainly is a blast to drive. It certainly was before, but now I know what this car is all about.
I'll post the full one year service history over the weekend for anyone that is interested. It might give some people some ideas regarding fixes for their own problems.
And thanks to the board for all the help along the way!!
posted by 24.184.56...
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