1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
You have two routes that you can go. You can get 1.3 BAR of boost for about $1000 installed, or get close to one BAR for around $100 installed your self. Your peak boost is now limited to around .8 boost, less in the first two gears.
With either one, you need to spend around $300 on a Saab SS sports muffer, and around $40 on a K&N low restriction air filter. Don't increase boost without these two items.
From there you can remove the turbo compressor discharge silencer with minimal hand tools. You can make a significant difference by removing and grinding out a restrictive step ID reduction on the throttle body cast aluminum transistion casting. Modifying the air box is also beneficial, if you are good with tools and materials. You must avoid open element filters that ingest hot air from under the hood. Cold air intakes are vital for turbo performance. These are low cost DIY items.
After doing this, you may find the boot bypass valve is noisy as it seats and unseats. That will cost 150 to 170, and will improve performance through shifts.
The next improvement, and perhaps the final, would be to replace your intercooler with the Viggen intercooler.
The above is satisfactory and does not require much in the way of changes. After that you would be into grinding and porting head and manifolds. Not really an issue unless into competition racing. Folks on this BB do not go that far.
When you get that much power, to improve handling, you had better have a 2 2.5 K budget to improve the suspension. With the added power, the front suspension gets squirelly. So some changes will become desireable.
If you pour money into a vehicle, you should go with synthetic oil. With higher boost pressures, use high octane pump gas, clean things out with Techron concentrate 2 or 3 times per year, run NGK plugs, heat range 6. As you increase the boost, reduce your plug gap towards .035 or .034".
As power is nothing without control. You need high traction, low wear rating index, tires. Spinning tires does dot produce acceleration.
When you get good performance tires, if you get winter weather, you must get snow tires and wheels to protect you and your special vehicle from collision damage. Getting stuck is also a bore. (Your summer performance tires will provide excellent rain and cold-and-wet traction.)
If you are wanting to drive fast, and you do, the stock suspension is not adequate or safe.
If you decide to do these things, you can get help with the details here on this BB. Also read the 9-3 and performance BB's.
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