First: Congratulations on entering the wonderful and exciting world of the SAAB 99!
Second: I'll try and share what I know about transforming the early 99 into a 16v. My car is a '73, so it should be pretty similar to what you're dealing with.

The firewall will need to be modified to accommodate the pulleys, and you'll need to manufacture a couple motor mounts. My mechanic made mine out of the bottom half of a 99 motor mount and the top half of a 900 motor mount. I would recommend using a top-mount alternator for ease of replacement when it's necessary, but this will require modifying the tensioner brackets. your 99 will also have the brake booster/master down lower on the firewall than the later 99s. I would highly recommend updating the booster to the later configuration. I have a picture in my member's gallery that tries to show this placement. Masters of this vintage are getting hard to find, and the current placement makes repairs a potential nightmare. You're going to have to update your rear axle to the c900 axle. If I remember correctly, it was an easy swap, though I think the sway bar had to be bent slightly to bolt-on to the 99. Try and update your fuel tank to the later 99 plastic tank. No rust and easier fuel pump replacement. I don't think I had any problems with replacing front-end/suspension components. If you're going to do the swap, and you want more power, you may as well go turbo, too.

I'll disagree about the 4-speed on the highway. I've got a 4 on my 16vt, and I love it on the highway. It's quiet, fast, the car almost literally jumps from 60-80mph, and I still get about 28-30 mpg under "spirited" driving conditions.

I'll also recommend using POR-15 on any rust you're dealing with and not cutting-out. I've had great success with it in a few applications, and have not seen any rust return to treated areas. Make sure you follow the directions, though.

Good luck, and keep us updated. Any pictures?

Jon

• 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, SebCH, Fri, 12 May 2006 10:57:13
  • Re: 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, jpistey, Fri, 12 May 2006 20:54:18 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, SebCH, Sat, 13 May 2006 02:05:06
      • Re: 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, DougM , Sat, 13 May 2006 12:04:23
        • Re: 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, SebCH, Sun, 14 May 2006 09:26:10
      • Re: 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, jpistey, Sat, 13 May 2006 09:46:58
        • Re: 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, SebCH, Sat, 13 May 2006 10:31:57
      • BTW, are the rear wheel arches..., SebCH, Sat, 13 May 2006 02:07:31
        • rear axle issues., Dan , Sat, 13 May 2006 21:20:53

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: 99 hood interchangability, Randoo, Fri, 12 May 2006 18:30:46
• Next by Date: Re: 99 newbie and 16V conversion - sorrry, long!!, SebCH, Sat, 13 May 2006 02:05:06
• Main Saab Model 99 Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)