View Full Version : Joe's '83 T8
I've been away from SC for a while, but I'm back now and have always wanted to do a project thread. It's probably more for myself though, as I'm sure that there aren't too many folks out there that want to read about a 4dr T8. :)
I'll start with a little background on the car:
June 2004 - When I started looking for a Saab I wanted a 3dr turbo. I've always liked 4drs but did not know at the time that Saab made a 4dr turbo. Saabs are not that common here but I managed to find a few 3dr turbos for sale in my price range. I looked at a couple but they had rust problems aswell as mechanical issues.
August 2004 - to my surprise I found a 4dr turbo advertised for sale. I went to see it that night. It was a U.S. car originally from Utah with 160,000 miles on it. It did have some mechanical issues but the body was as near perfect as I had ever seen on a 20+ year old car, and it had 4 near new Good Year Eagle HP's on it. The asking price was $900, I offered him $700 as I took the wad of cash out of my pocket and he accepted.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab/backside.jpg
I gave it a good inspection once I got it home and found:
- heater valve was stuck in on position
- I suspected the headgasket was leaking
- brakes didn't work too well
- A/C didn't work
- exhaust system was pretty rusty
- oil leaking from several locations
I pulled the head a week later and had it leak tested where they found a hairline crack. I then had the head rebuilt and the crack welded up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab/Head3.jpg
While I had the head off I removed the A/C system, replaced the oil seal behind the crank pulley, installed a new gasket on the oil filter housing and new lines for the oil cooler. I also gave the entire engine bay a good cleaning, flushed the cooling system, replaced the heater valve, and installed rebuilt calipers and brake pads on the front.
After putting the head back on and getting it running good, I took it to a local exhaust specialist where I had a 2.5" exhaust system install with a high-flow cat and straight through Goerlich performance muffler.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab/tailpipe.jpg
By this point the car was starting to run as well as it looked. It was very satisfying to get the car to this point. I was a very happy Saab'er! :D
I drove it like this for a while and did a few minor upgrades along the way such as T16 intercooler, APC mod, MSD coil, Accel plug wires, front airdam from T16.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab/Enginecomplete2.jpg
July 2005 - after a long road trip I started to hear the inevitable 5th gear tranny whine. The wine progressed and eventually the tranny died in Sept/05.
I shopped around for a used tranny but couldn't find a known good one, so I bought a rebuilt one from a local Saab specialist.
I installed the tranny myself and replaced the clutch, oil seal, and motor mounts at the same time.
Shortly after installing the rebuilt tranny I was at an auto wreckers that does not normally have Saabs, and found something I'd been looking for for a long time; a blue leather interior!
I bought the entire interior, seats, door panels, knee pad, rear deck and carpet. My original interior was blue cloth and was in good condition, but the leather is so much nicer and I love the dark blue with the silver body.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/frontseats1.jpg
Nov. 2005 - What I believe was a tractor trailer backing up, clipped the bumper on the drivers side putting a dent in the corner of the bumper and a dent in the quater panel. This happened at my work, nobody saw it happen but it's pretty obvious as the dent on the corner of the bumper is at the exact height as a trailers bumper. My near perfect body is not so perfect anymore. My insurance company would have fixed it but they wanted me to pay a $800 deductable!
Jan. 2006 - I left the car sitting for a few weeks with snow and ice on it and some of the clear coat peeled on the hood. Grrr...
March 2006 - my brother got me interested in Motorcycles and I bought a '78 Honda 400 twin. Alot of my disposable income went to restoring the bike and turning it into a cafe racer. The Saab project was pretty much put on hold during this time, although it was still used and maintained as my daily driver.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/CB%20400%20Hawk/f9b02051.jpg
Sept. 2007 - I started getting interested in working on my Saab again. Bought some E-code headlights on Ebay. I'd been looking for a good set of these for a very long time and was very excited when I found these near new ones for sale.
Oct. 2007 - I bought a shifter with a nice condition leather shift boot on Ebay. The guy I bought it from lives about 40mins from me, so I arranged to pick it up in person and the seller turned out to be RM 92 SPG from SC. He's a nice guy, and we chatted about Saabs for bit before I left.
I also bought a Pioneer Premier CD player on Ebay. I've been resisting upgrading my old Panansonic CD player because the newer ones always seem to look out of place in our old Saabs. The new one does look a little out of place but I couldn't resist all the functions on this thing. It's got a built in EQ with adjustable center frequencies, crossover built in, MP3 player input, adjustable Sub output, etc.
Nov. 2007 - Before installing the shifter with leather boot, I shortened the shifter rod by 20mm and raised the pivot point by 20mm for shorter throws.
The car currently has 186,000 miles and is running fantastically.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saabfromdisc076.jpg
Future plans:
Suspension: I haven't done any suspension mods yet.
- I'd like to get 16" wheels and tires but will wait until my HP's are worn out before making the switch. Possibley next spring/summer.
- Intrax lowering springs
- Bilstien shocks
- new suspension bushings
Engine:
- FMIC, I'll probably get one off Ebay.
- replace air filter can with K&N cone mounted in fender well.
Interior:
- replace headliner
- leather shift knob
- leather steering wheel cover
Stereo:
- Build sub box for trunk (I have a 10" RF Punch P1 waiting for a box)
- build speaker enclosures for kick panels (I have a pair of 6" Alpine DDDrive mids that will fit nicely)
- Install amp in trunk (I've got a couple of old school Sony amps, one for the sub, one for the kick panel speakers)
Exterior:
- tint all windows with a light tint
- fix dent on rear corner
- paint hood, or whole car
- remove side moldings
- 4dr Aero panels (yeah, like I'd ever find a set of these!)
The next thing I'll be doing is the stereo upgrade as I have most of the materials required already. I just have to find the time to build the sub box.
philjohnhb
09-11-07, 08:18 AM
You think nobody would be interested in a 4 door project - thank god for something different I say. Nice car, interesting story - keep it coming.
You think nobody would be interested in a 4 door project - thank god for something different I say. Nice car, interesting story - keep it coming.
I agree.
A beautiful platinum blue if I am not mistaken.
I'm so jealous ;oops:
Looks like a really great buildup you've got going there, but we need WAY MORE PICTURES :lol:
Thanks for the positive feed-back.
Here's a few more photos. These are abit old though, before I put in my e-codes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/front8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/front10.jpg
This is what I want to do to my grill.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab/grill1.jpg
Another engine shot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saabfromdisc044.jpg
I'll add some new photos when I get them.
Matthew
10-11-07, 11:16 AM
Makes me happy that a car like this found an owner like you :D The 4drs do get neglected so it's great when one becomes a project for an enthusiast.
You think nobody would be interested in a 4 door project - thank god for something different I say. Nice car, interesting story - keep it coming.
I agree too.
Hi Joe, just wanted to offer u my support in ur project. I too own a 4-door, 8v turbo but from 84' much like yours except with a rubber boot spoiler and Lux paint job (grey/blue) and and I love the 4-door shape too. Mine too has had a few issues mainly minor so far but I've enjoyed working on it. I'm not too sure if I could have pulled off the engine and gearbox work like you have as i'm not that experienced or have the tools. Anyway, good luck with your saab, I will definitely be watching with great interest.
TooMany2cvs
10-11-07, 01:05 PM
You think nobody would be interested in a 4 door project - thank god for something different I say. Nice car, interesting story - keep it coming.
I agree too.
Thirded...
And, to that end, _don't_ bin those luvverly rims for relatively normal and boring 16". They're so gorgeously staid and retro... Don't muck with the grille, either - the three-slit ones fall into the same basket as those rims.
<thinks>
They're not the TRXs, are they? If so, I withdraw that remark... I'm very familiar with the drawbacks of TRXs from the Citroen world.
Yeah, I've been kinda been going back and forth with wether ot not I want to keep it stock looking.
One thing I'm always careful of though is not making any changes that aren't reversible.
I have a spare grill that I'm going to be hacking up.
The wheels aren't TRX. I don't mind the "manhole covers" but I'd like something a bit more sporty looking. I'm thinking multi spoke in gun metal gray with silver lip. Something like these:
http://www.modacar.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000002/rota_gt3_gm.jpg
Another option would be 15" SPG wheels if I could find a decent set.
Hi Joe, just wanted to offer u my support in ur project. I too own a 4-door, 8v turbo but from 84' much like yours except with a rubber boot spoiler and Lux paint job (grey/blue) and and I love the 4-door shape too. Mine too has had a few issues mainly minor so far but I've enjoyed working on it. I'm not too sure if I could have pulled off the engine and gearbox work like you have as i'm not that experienced or have the tools. Anyway, good luck with your saab, I will definitely be watching with great interest.
Awesome, glad to see another T8 sedan owner here. I'd love to see some photos. Feel free to post some in this thread.
Awesome, glad to see another T8 sedan owner here. I'd love to see some photos. Feel free to post some in this thread.
Thanks Joe, here are some pics of my baby. We even have the same wheels! Flatnose 900s are rare here in Christchurch, and I've personally not seen one with the same paint job (it's really aged badly with a lot of pitting especially on the bonnet right over the turbo where it gets really hot to touch)
Jokke A
12-11-07, 06:07 PM
xww10's 900 looks like a 900 Turbo "Lux" to me, same paintjob at least. Lux was a special model with either 8 or 16-valve turbo engine, US Turbo -wheels and special paintjob.
Looks nice xww10, I like the two-tone paint. I've seen photos of a 3dr with the same colours.
saabismi
12-11-07, 07:02 PM
(it's really aged badly with a lot of pitting especially on the bonnet right over the turbo where it gets really hot to touch)
Whooah....isnt there suposed to be a heat shield or something like that on the bonnet?This is the first time i see a thing like this....Well...theres a first time for everything:)
Anyway, I like the two tone paintjob;)
Jokke A:didnt they make Only hatchback Lux versions?never seen a sedan version(correct me if im wrong Cause i could be)
EDIT:sorry for OT;oops:
Jokke A
12-11-07, 07:31 PM
Jokke A:didnt they make Only hatchback Lux versions?never seen a sedan version(correct me if im wrong Cause i could be)
Nope, there was also sedans. This page is in Finnish but everyone can at least look at the pictures: http://www.cc.jyu.fi/~esjuny/saab/T8Lux.htm (http://www.cc.jyu.fi/%7Eesjuny/saab/T8Lux.htm)
There are some cool pics there.
I like the look of the front spoiler painted silver. I've beeen thinking of doing the same, but leaving the bottom strip unpainted.
When I put my front spoiler on I painted the part you can see above the bumper silver. This made a nice differance especially on the sides where the spoiler meets the fender.
I don't really like clear corners on a silver car though.
Whooah....isnt there suposed to be a heat shield or something like that on the bonnet?This is the first time i see a thing like this....Well...theres a first time for everything:)
Anyway, I like the two tone paintjob;)
Jokke A:didnt they make Only hatchback Lux versions?never seen a sedan version(correct me if im wrong Cause i could be)
EDIT:sorry for OT;oops:
Yes, there is a heat shield but the bonnet still gets really hot over that area. I could fry an egg on the bonnet in summer. I can't vouch for how it was kept over the past 23 years of its life as I've only owned it for nearly 2 years now but I dont' think it was particularly well looked after.
woywitka
18-11-07, 03:27 AM
lookin good Joe!
Love the 4-door style for sure.
I had a T16 Sedan, and aside from the highly depressing maroon velour interior, it was nice.
Keep the wheels! They are so classic and that combination 900 has fallen off the map for the most part, classic Saab style!
A quick update:
Yet another tractor trailer clipped the corner of my car at work. It actually hit in almost the same place as the last one (hit and run) This time luckily I saw it happen and the driver has since paid the damages. He paid the body shop directly and we are now just waiting for the new bumper to arrive and it will all be fixed. :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab001.jpg
I've been working on my Sub box over the holiday break. It will hold a 10" RF Punch P1. It's 1.5ft2 tuned to 37hz. The amp (an oldschool Sony) will be mounted on the back side.
edit: Yikes look at all the mildew growing in the trunk sill, gotta get on that.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab027.jpg
I have also been planning some performance upgrades for the old girl.
My Ebay intercooler arrived yesterday. The core is 18" x 12" x 2.75". Overall length 25", weight is 10#. I paid $120 shipped. Now I need to figure out some piping for it.
I also have a recirculating BOV coming in the next week.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab024.jpg
I only have a couple hours on saturdays to work on my car, so it could be a while before I get this all installed properly. PLus I need to put my new clutch MC in pretty soon too.
I'll post an update when it's all done.
Cheers,
Joe
Oh, and I almost forgot, I did a little work on my grill and finished installing the e-code headlights. Wow what a difference the lights make, much brighter and wider beam, and they look so much better than the sealed beams.
I still need to paint that strip on the bumper, and paint the airdam silver.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab019.jpg
jim_mcghee
03-01-08, 07:40 PM
Superb story!
Can u believ getting hit twice though?
Superb story!
Can u believ getting hit twice though?
It's mainly because of where I park at work. My spot is right on the corner of the building. There are several trucks backing past my car everyday.
Once the dent is fixed I'm going to start parking on the otherside of the parking lot where it will be alot safer. Not as convienent though. As I often go out to my car a couple times throughout the work day.
I did a little more work onthe car this weekend.
I finally replaced the clutch master cylinder. It was a fairly easy job. The hardest part was getting the fluid supply hose off the old M/C.
I also worked on my intercooler install.
With A/C removed, I've got lots of room up front.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab036.jpg
I'm pretty happy with how it fits.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab064.jpg
I'm going to have to move the oilcooler and cut the tow hooks off.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab059.jpg
I've pretty much got it mounted as high as it can go. I think it'll get pretty good airflow to it through the grill.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab072.jpg
Under the bumper the IC sits level with the cut out on the airdam. If I mounted it any lower I'd have to cut the airdam to expose the fins. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab052.jpg
A few more photos.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab068.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab044.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab076.jpg
Now I just need to move the oilcooler, cut the tow hooks, and figure out the piping. :)
IronJoe
07-01-08, 08:22 PM
Nice install. Might I suggest upgrading to the T16 style oil cooler & shroud? It's a very clean install, perhaps you'd be able to modify it to fit.
Thanks Joe, I hadn't thought of that, actually I thought the T16 had the same oilcooler just mount in different spot. I'll have to look for one at the wreckers.
Boosted
07-01-08, 11:53 PM
Looks like a nice install. Do you think that you will have to cut the front spoiler to fit the piping? If you get a '85-'86 oil cooler it should fit underneath the sheet metal of the current one.
So far it looks like I'll just have to cut a little notch out where the spoiler meets the IC at the inlet and outlet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saabjan08072.jpg
woywitka
08-01-08, 06:15 AM
Lookin good Joe!
Love the e-codes, way better than the sealed beam US crap.
Lucky about the new damage to the rear, getting her all fixed up now:cool:
-Front passenger side fender trim peeling:cry:
Thanks Tom.
That trim has been hanging for a few weeks now, I keep forgeting to take car of it because it's on the passenger side. But, I'd better fix it soon before it gets worse.
You probably noticed how dirty the car is too. :) I drove it down my friends muddy driveway that morning. That is the last time I do that. I've washed it once already but I think I'm going to have to get the pressure washer out to the mud out of all the nooks and crannies. :x
woywitka
08-01-08, 09:21 PM
Thanks Tom.
That trim has been hanging for a few weeks now, I keep forgeting to take car of it because it's on the passenger side. But, I'd better fix it soon before it gets worse.
You probably noticed how dirty the car is too. :) I drove it down my friends muddy driveway that morning. That is the last time I do that. I've washed it once already but I think I'm going to have to get the pressure washer out to the mud out of all the nooks and crannies. :x
If you car did not look like it came of the showroom floor last year I would not have commented. Too nice of a car for the little buggers:D :lol:
Seriously, a real nice car.
I think your car would look best with a set of Ronal minilites.
sleeper9kt
08-01-08, 10:24 PM
Nice car!
I dream of having a Brown '82-'84 8v Turbo 4 door, lowered too much for its own good, riding on minilites.
Might I suggest removing all of the rubber side trim? I think they look far cleaner with the bare sides on the 4 door c900s.
woywitka
08-01-08, 10:31 PM
Might I suggest removing all of the rubber side trim? I think they look far cleaner with the bare sides on the 4 door c900s.
agreed!
But they provide a good level of protection from door dings:confused: Without the c900 can collect them like crazy! Look at SPGs without the trip.
If you car did not look like it came of the showroom floor last year I would not have commented. Too nice of a car for the little buggers:D :lol:
Seriously, a real nice car.
Unfortunately it doesn't look as good as it once did. Last winter I prked it for a couple months and I guess there was ice sitting on it for a while and the clear coat peeled in a few areas. :x
I'd like to get the whole thing painted some day.
I think your car would look best with a set of Ronal minilites.
yeah, I think they would look good on my car. They seem to look best on the older flat front 900.
Nice car!
I dream of having a Brown '82-'84 8v Turbo 4 door, lowered too much for its own good, riding on minilites.
Might I suggest removing all of the rubber side trim? I think they look far cleaner with the bare sides on the 4 door c900s.
I'm with you on that except for the brown part!
Removing the wide lower trim is something I've wanted to do for a long time. The main thing thats stopping me is that there are apparently some holes under the molding that would need to be filled. If/when I get it painted I will definately be taking it off.
brownie
28-01-08, 09:34 PM
Oh, and I almost forgot, I did a little work on my grill and finished installing the e-code headlights. Wow what a difference the lights make, much brighter and wider beam, and they look so much better than the sealed beams.
I still need to paint that strip on the bumper, and paint the airdam silver.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/joemce/Saab019.jpg
Hey, did you ever paint that airdam silver? I've been thinking of doing the same on my silver sedan.
Brownie, no, I haven't painted it yet. I'll probably wait until spring. It's too cold now and I don't have a heated area to work in.
Some good news. My car is at the body shop this week getting the dent fixed and new bumper fitted. Can't wait to get it back so I can continue with my IC install. I picked up some piping at the wreckers on the weekend. Just have to buy a couple of 90 degree bends and I should be good to go. :D
I love those e-code headlights. I wish I wasn't such a poor college student and could buy some. How did they go in? was there much that you had to change? I have an 82, which I think has the same stock setup as the 83s.
I love those e-code headlights. I wish I wasn't such a poor college student and could buy some. How did they go in? was there much that you had to change? I have an 82, which I think has the same stock setup as the 83s.
Cool, another T8 :D
Your '82 would be the same. My car is originally from the U.S. In Canada we had the e-codes stock.
They bolted right in. I just had to cut the old plug off and connect the new plug. They come up on ebay once in a while, I got them for $200.
woywitka
29-01-08, 11:56 PM
Cool, another T8 :D
Your '82 would be the same. My car is originally from the U.S. In Canada we had the e-codes stock.
They bolted right in. I just had to cut the old plug off and connect the new plug. They come up on ebay once in a while, I got them for $200.
Good price for a set a set of e-codes!
How is the silver reflective stuff?
Did you pop the lense and clean the glass on the inside, makes a BIG difference!
I was actually very lucky to find this set. I got them on ebay from a guy in Montreal. He says he order them from somewhere in Europe, I forget which country, and that they were brand new in 2006. I believe him because they do look new. Reflector, lens and housing are all flawless. :) Light output is phenominally better than the sealed beams.
woywitka
30-01-08, 12:13 AM
I was actually very lucky to find this set. I got them on ebay from a guy in Montreal. He says he order them from somewhere in Europe, I forget which country, and that they were brand new in 2006. I believe him because they do look new. Reflector, lens and housing are all flawless. :) Light output is phenominally better than the sealed beams.
Find of the century:D
I was actually very lucky to find this set. I got them on ebay from a guy in Montreal. He says he order them from somewhere in Europe, I forget which country, and that they were brand new in 2006. I believe him because they do look new. Reflector, lens and housing are all flawless. :) Light output is phenominally better than the sealed beams.
I've seen a few on ebay. Usually for about 1/3 of what I paid for my entire car. I had to buy some driving lights just to be able to drive it at night outside of the city lights and not feel like I am about to die. Plus they looked pretty sweet. There are a pair on there for about $100 each. Are they the same as the 9000 e code headlights? They look similar.
No, they aren't the same as the 9000. They have to be for 1986 or older 900. The whole front end changed in 1987 and you'd have to switch the bumpers, corner lights and grill to use the headlights.