Saab Central - Features
Classic Saab 900 - Press Reviews
'Max Power' Saab 900 Turbo 1 2 (3)
Close Scrutiny
An area that did come in for close scrutiny, however was the 16 valve turbo engine which boasts 175bhp in standard trim. There are three tuning levels available, and the banana clearly deserved stage three which includes a charge cooler(water-cooled intercooler)and the turbo upgraded with internal componants from the Sierra RS Cosworth. With boost pressure set at 18psi and the ECU reprogrammed to remove the knock sensing APC system. AnG claim about 270bhp from the 2 litre engine for a cost of £2350 fitted incl tax. The engine in this particular car may even be slightly more powerful, since it was completely overhauled and fitted with 30 thou oversize pistons into the bargain. Whatever the final figure, it brings new understanding to the expression torque steer. It's certainly not advisable to plant the throttle when driving between parked cars on the cramped back streets of North London. It's better to simply enjoy the gruff exhaust note from the 3.5in exhaust system with its 4in tailpipe. The price of the fitted system is £350 with tax.
If that level of tune is beyond your budget, the company have cheaper options for the 16v turbo at £410(200bhp) or £1290(240bhp)which again, includes fitting and VAT.
A tempting cocktail
There was a time when the best thing you coulkd say about Saab was 'at least it's not a Volvo!' Secondhand values have declined, however, so that the 900's quirky styling, excellant buildquality and high performance make a tempting cocktail. This range-topping 900 Turbo 16S features
leather seats which are automatically heated, a standard boost gauge, an excellant heater and plenty of space for a massive hi-fi. You just have to remember the ignition key is located in the centre console and can only be removed if reverse is engaged. The normally aspirated versions have these features too, but are cheaper to buy and insure. Either one would make an ideal choice for the AnG wide arch styling conversion, and listening to ABBA tapes while driving is not compulsory! you'll be glad to hear. Shame, I always fancied Freda.....
TECH SPEC....AnG Saab 900 Turbo 16S
- ENGINE: Two litre, 16 valve, four cylinder, engine rebuilt and fitted with 30 Thou oversize pistons. Standard 175bhp uprated with charge cooler, Cosworth turbo parts, reprogrammed ECU, 3.5in exhaust system with 4in tailpipe. Boost set at 18psi and power estimated at 270bhp.
- TRANSMISSION: Standard five speed gearbox
- SUSPENSION: Saab lowered springs, standard 16S dampers and anti-roll bars
- BRAKES: Standard discs all round with ABS modulation
- WHEELS/TYRES: Colour coded 7.5x16 inch Azev alloys with Pirelli P5000 225/50 R16 tyres on the front. Rear 9x16 Azev and 245/45 R16 P700Z.
- BODYWORK: Fabricated steel arches front and rear, glassfibre boot spoiler, standard plastic bumpers, colour coded RS Turbo bonnet vents, tinted perspex headlight covers. Painted Saab yellow used on late model convertibles.
- INTERIOR: Tinted glass, wood steering wheel. Standard heated leather seats, electric everything.
- COST: Full body kit in steel, boot spoiler, fitted and painted with 16in wheels and tyres - £5900
Boot spoiler fitted and painted - £350
270bhp engine conversion, fitted - £2350
3.5in exhaust system with 4in tailpipe - £350
All prices include VAT - FREE PLUG: AnG Services (020 7221 1289)
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