'85 Turbo TSD Rally car

[DanComden]

In 2006 I did major work in my '85 900 Turbo to get it ready for the summer Alcan rally. That project included a rebuilt transmission, complete suspension overhaul, and a large list of replaced parts. It made the journey there and back just fine, except for a spark plug ejected from the head that was repaired on the road in Alaska. Lots of pics of that trip at my photo site. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcomden/sets/72157594256464692/)

Now we're getting ready for the winter Alcan 5000 Rally 2008 -- a jaunt that starts here near Seattle, journeys well north of the arctic circle and ends in Jasper, Alberta. After 18 months of brisk gravel Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rallies in the western U.S. and Canada, there are quite a few items that need refreshing, replacing, or general attention. With the help of co-driver gorper (http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/member.php?userid=1221) I've completed some floor pan rust repair and prevention and now it's time to get some work done before we leave in less than six weeks. Here's the current to-do list:

reassemble interior
locate a new passenger seat that flips forward
obtain and install a 9000 alternator
obtain and install block heater
new battery (and maybe battery blanket)
Rewire accessories (ham/business radio, inverters, rally computer)
Install roof rack
wire high-viz rear lights
fix windshield leaks
fix/replace window seals
install non-wiggly bumper brackets
New driving lights (?)
spare parts gathering
The list is probably longer than that. Not probably, let's be honest.

First challenge is to get the car road-ready in the next week in prep for ice driving practice. Wish us luck. Once the event starts you can follow our progress along with our team at www.teamd.org (http://www.teamd.org)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/398494418_ed15f05700.jpg

[DanComden]

On the last rally up in B.C. (http://www.rallybc.com/archives/2007/2007_Totem.htm) on the last couple of sections we started hearing a clunk from the left front. Sounded like a loose or busted shock. After making it home and removing it (and breaking the lower mount off the control arm) it was clear that the shock was not the problem.

Tonight while reinstalling the washer bottle I noticed that the bolt on the right side that holds the core support to the fender as well as one of the horns was loose. After tightening I looked on the left side -- it was completely missing. Hmm. That seems like an important fastener. Maybe now that it's replaced the mystery clunk will disappear.

Oh, and with the help of a local Saaber, we have a replacement reinforced control arm installed. Thanks Squaab99t (http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/member.php?userid=14088)

The left side window defrost tube came disconnected from the dash fascia quite some time ago. That is hard to re-affix unless you have delicate hands. I lack that tool, but it's back on. Needs more tape though. A crisper headlight switch was also installed.

Even better, I found a switch to put over there that I think is kind of rare. Now what should I connect to it?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2184316933_f85aa9653d.jpg

Now it's time to get serious about refastening wires and taping stuff down. We're putting in an extra layer of floor insulation because it might be kind of cool where we're going.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2185102746_101c0c84a4.jpg

[ejenner]

The 'Extra' switches aren't that rare. They're basically a switch for dealer-fit accessories such as spot-lights or sometimes air-conditioning (on early cars) - I suggest you use it to power something cool. If I'd remembered they existed I would've used one for my nitrous installation on my 8v... but because I stupid forgot about them I used a blue illuminated push button instead - which was quite cool - but not as cool as 'Extra' would've been - i.e. switch on the nitrous and you get 'Extra' :lol:

[gorper]

http://bluesedan.com/temp/lasers.jpg

Oh, and here's a link to a map of the route: http://www.alcan5000.com/pdf/08AlcanRt4.pdf

[woywitka]

The 'Extra' switches aren't that rare. They're basically a switch for dealer-fit accessories such as spot-lights or sometimes air-conditioning (on early cars) - I suggest you use it to power something cool. If I'd remembered they existed I would've used one for my nitrous installation on my 8v... but because I stupid forgot about them I used a blue illuminated push button instead - which was quite cool - but not as cool as 'Extra' would've been - i.e. switch on the nitrous and you get 'Extra' :lol:


We didn't get them on this side of the pond. Instead we just got a blank.


My first 900 was full of blanks, the convertible has none:cool:

[DanComden]

Nice! I could've used that on my morning commute.

How about a button that installs a limited slip diff: "Hit the BITE button!"

Now if you could photoshop us an assembled interior, that'd be most excellent.

[IronJoe]

Good luck guys! I will be following this closely.

PM me if you're looking for any parts, I am almost always scrounging the yards down south.

[saabismi]

We have like 5 extra switches.so we dont think its rare...Tho we havent seen them on any other saabs here...

[DanComden]

The aftermarket alarm has never worked in my history with the car. Whoever installed it was a real lunkhead. Not only did it appear randomly assembled, with zip ties everywhere and wire nuts for connectors and even some masking tape on one connection, but the majority of wires running throughout the car are generic speaker wire. Kind of hard to trace. And did I really want to snip the wire marked "to starter" ?

But since the interior was out, it was time to tackle some wiring cleanup, turning this:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2192074074_c8bb8bbe02.jpg

Into this:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/2191286045_2c58445dff.jpg

After that satisfying job, it was time to add some insulation. Up in the front footwell we put in another set of stock foam and rubber pads. In the back we added some shiny stuff on top of the stock pads, which perhaps gives us the look of a lunar rover, but it will be covered with carpet anyhow.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/2191287305_503da759e8.jpg


Other wiring was cleaned up as well and the console is ready to install along with the accessories and their wiring. Ran a new accessory wire to run an inverter under the passenger seat -- we'll be needing some AC power regularly.

New brake pads up front. Other work included discovering that the front left brake caliper was rotting from the inside out when I was putting in new pads. Fortunately I had picked up a new one on ebay a while back. I really don't love those old style calipers but they hold no more mysteries at least.

Need to re-think all the extra wires going to the battery. Right now there are at least seven non-stock connections there. Time for a solution that is less messy.

[RallySaab=68=]

I think the same lunkhead that wired your car did our 86 SPG. We had to remove a similar mess from under the backseat. Is that Reflectix that you're using for the insulation? We used that on the 86. It looks like 2 layers of bubble wrap sandwiched between aluminum.

[gorper]

Is that Reflectix that you're using for the insulation? We used that on the 86. It looks like 2 layers of bubble wrap sandwiched between aluminum.Yep, that's what it is. Cheap @ Home Depot. How did it work on your 86?

[RallySaab=68=]

We aren't sure how it works yet. We just put it in the 86 a few days ago. The car is a work in progress and most of the interior is still appart, so you will probably find out how it works before we do.

[DanComden]

ODO: 258522

Reassembled and back on the road! All the patches and insulation are now hidden away and the car is definitely quieter inside. Now if I could just get the sunroof and rear shelf rattles sorted we'll be cruising in quiet comfort.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/2202778759_08619f1615.jpg

A separate noisy item has been the starter. It's been screeching at an increasingly demanding pitch so it was time to swap it out for a freshly rebuilt one that gorper and I found at the local wrecking yard. Before heading to BC this weekend for some ice driving practice I thought it might be a good idea to install the good'un. After removing the turbo plumbing, I discovered that metal fatigue had done in the intercooler bracket:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2203572614_7b479e8181.jpg

It was too late to excavate my welder from under the stack of seats, misc. parts and other detritus. The yard queen -- also known as the '86 we're fixing to sell to recoup Alcan costs -- is missing this part so I resorted to JB Weld for the interim. Shouldn't be too hard to find a replacement somewhere as we're still seeing 900 Turbos in the local pull-a-part yards. This weekend's activities will be relatively gentle so not too worried.

Moving on to the the Department of Electrons, here is proof that feature creep is not only found in the software world:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2203572012_9a70880f99.jpg

Please worship the newly installed Optima battery. I know I do. The Interstate battery that was in here didn't last a year. Yeah, probably some wiring leaks in that dependable '85 nervous system but ... we want to have some cranking power when it's cold out and this was the best solution without moving the battery to the valuable cargo area.

Now to address all the crap that's been bolted on to the battery... One of the cool things about the Saab is that it's easy to pull wiring for accessories through the firewall. Maybe not such a cool feature for me; it's gotten a little out of hand here. A brief tour of that wiring will showcase power for: rally computer, three outlet cigar plug, ham radio, driving lights, fog lights, map light, stereo, and I haven't yet hooked up the new inverter circuit that I ran wire for last week. I ordered some parts today to help move all this off the batt and the 8 point distribution block (http://www.delcity.net/delcity/servlet/catalog?parentid=790101&page=1) should serve nicely.

Ok, now it's time to pack for ski trip and ice laps!

[DanComden]

Talking of electrons, I'd like to install a voltmeter in this car. Four years ago on Alcan I rallied with a guy who had a digital voltmeter in his WRX that saved us from being stranded in a very remote part of the world when his aftermarket alternator went TU. I haven't found anything that's inexpensive -- anyone have any suggestions? (inexpensive <= $50 and illuminated)

[Squaab99t]

Talking of electrons, I'd like to install a voltmeter in this car. Four years ago on Alcan I rallied with a guy who had a digital voltmeter in his WRX that saved us from being stranded in a very remote part of the world when his aftermarket alternator went TU. I haven't found anything that's inexpensive -- anyone have any suggestions? (inexpensive <= $50 and illuminated)

Great work on the car. I was really eyeing the Nordskog digital street guages, but went with old school analog needle and number face. I friend convinced me that it was quicker and more accurate than trying to read the number, calculate if that number was good or bad from the normal. You can put a white tick mark or spin the guages so neddle is at 12'oclock when you are golden. The idea was you could glance at the meters on a straight section and decide to keep the hammer down or shut it down. The volt meter is probably the only exception. quick look "14.2" okay.... well back to your question; Summit racing, Nordskog digital, $65.
I went with prosport excellent quality and great price.
I see the offer digital too. combo voltmeter/ air fuel NB. which is not much help.
http://www.fastwrx.com/prairame.html

[DanComden]

ODO: 259278

Thanks Squaab! That 52mm one is rather large. I like the idea of an old school look that matches the other gauges. Will have to think about it. Maybe I'll just keep the multimeter handy on the dash :lol:

Back from ice racing practice earlier today. Most of the car came back but the Hella fog lights and some bits of trim were sacrificed to the gods of the lake. Someone else (not gorper) did the honors but I think they would've been lost when I had a BIG off later in the day. Video and photos of today's training coming soon. Here's a preview
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/2210978877_45e3d7108f.jpg

The car ran great and started without complaint this morning when the temp was a balmy 7F (-13C). The new battery/starter combo is excellent.

Ice and snow impacted in the rear wheels caused vibration due to unbalance on the way home. Not as bad as a prior experience with mud/ice coming home from a rally, but very uncomfortable and the noise from the very worn and squeaky hatch hinges turns it into quite an unpleasant experience. At least we could keep up with traffic until we got to a place where things melted and smoothed out. My snow tires are mounted on those ugly manhole cover style wheels that are impossible to clean without removal. On the track it's not noticeable -- it's when you're doing 65 on the pavement that the wheel hop gets bad. Before it's been bad enough that 50 mph was pretty miserable.

I think we're pretty buttoned down as far as major prep. Now it's electricity to which we turn our attention in the next three weeks. Would be nice to replace the leaky oil cooler line but not sure if that will happen.

[DanF.]

ODO: 259278

Thanks Squaab! That 52mm one is rather large. I like the idea of an old school look that matches the other gauges. Will have to think about it. Maybe I'll just keep the multimeter handy on the dash :lol:



Here (http://www.sasab.com/DisplayItems.cfm?CategoryID=%22%26%5C%5C%20%0A&SubDepartmentID=%22%27%3CP%20%0A&DepartmentID=%21%270%20%20%0A), its 52 mm though (2 1/16")

http://www.sasab.com/images/gauges/vdo.jpg
See the volt gauge on the right side of the gauge cluster. I have that one, a 30psi boost gauge, and the oil pressure gauge located where the stock radio would be, like in that pic. works well enough.

Good luck with it all.

[DanComden]

Here's a little video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUVhjVle90Q) of gorper and I having fun doing laps at our top secret ice training facility. If you turn the sound up you can hear the background music of the squeaky hatch hinges. Hoping to replace those and the alternator in the next few days. That and a desparately needed cleaning so we can get the sponsor decals installed.

New wiring parts arriving early next week. And a new stereo -- the current Sony's buttons either don't work or offer unexpected results. The Sony lasted about 18 months. Detachable faceplates and bumpy roads don't go together well.

[DanComden]

ODO: 259400 miles

As is usual with this car, we found some additional work that needed attention.

Swapping in the 9000 alternator was not plug and play. Of course the 900 pulley needed to be installed but if you want to be able to access the voltage regulator while the alternator is mounted, the case needs to be clocked about 90 degrees. Couldn't find an obvious spot on the case to attach the ground cable, so I used the upper mount bolt. Need to add another ground or find a better solution.

While the alternator was off, discovered that the water pump was not moving freely. We'd been hearing a whining chatter during some rallies but not much sound at other times. That was a relatively new unit (Laso) that began failing before 20k miles.

Another premature failure was the rear link bushings (front) that disintegrated on both sides of the car -- approx 10k miles on those. I believe they were Scantech brand. While investigating that rear area of the car, noted that the right side wheel bearing was making crunchy sounds. Replaced with a good used part and another is in the spares bin for Alcan.

Many many thanks to gorper for doing the above repairs while I was in Florida last week. He also arranged to have the folks at Scanwest Autosport do a once-over on the car and fortunately they didn't find anything major that needs attention before we depart.

The Yakima rack and storage basket is installed, and the high-mount aux taillights are wired. I was going to affix an aux reverse light to the hatch but couldn't find a simple way to fish a wire up through the hatch door. Will explore some other mount options, but really the best place for it is the hatch next to the license plate.

Our vinyl sponsor came through last week and provided decals for the entire team as well as some of the other sponsors. Looking forward to the usual 5 hp performance increase from those.

On deck: e-code headlights from rallylights.com, old school fog lights, and a list of 20 or so other things needing attention before we depart on Feb 17, most involving wiring. Oh, and an oil change to either synth or something lighter.

obligatory photo: new Dual stereo with USB, HD radio, MP3, aux input and bluetooth capability, all for $120 shipped. The biggest drawback? The display doesn't dim so we'll have to come up with a shield for night driving.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2222956433_497dc220ee.jpg

[DanComden]

ODO: 259,415 miles

Knocked a few items off the "to do" list last night. Coolant was removed and replaced with a fresh 60/40 ratio which should offer protection down to -50F. It is possible to remove most of the coolant without using the block drain but an unconventional method was required. The block heater now obscures the block drain plug.

The H4 headlights (http://www.rallylights.com/hella/200mm.asp) are in. Really quick install -- about 20 minutes tops, and the only regret is not doing these sooner. I used the 70/65W Hyper (http://www.rallylights.com/hella/H4.asp) bulbs and the difference is amazing.

Before:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2321/2243982834_8be3897b6a.jpg

After:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2257/2243983254_5dacdc520a.jpg

The photos fail to fully convey the dramatic difference. The H4 lenses take away the right side high illumination and put much more focused light down the road. Also there's a nice sharp line between light and dark on the upper side of the beam. The high beams are a similar improvement. Too bad we have been stuck with such crappy headlights in the US for so long.

Lastly new bolts were put into the transmission/downpipe bracket with red Loctite -- hopefully that will keep them from departing the vehicle for the third time in two years.

[ejenner]

Those bolts can snap the gearbox casing. Maybe Saab should've put a flexi pipe into the exhaust as it exits the engine bay. My 99 has a flexi... but that's just because it's a custom exhaust and the guy at the shop decided to install one. Traditionally a flexi is only needed for transverse mounted engines like the 9000. In the 900 the exhaust 'shouldn't' need to flex and the bolts 'shouldn't' fall out - but they do!

[DanComden]

ODO: 259,528 -- five days before Alcan.

FR shock: Fixed a front end clunk that was driving us crazy. Replaced the upper right shock bushing, still noisy. Finally got under the car while the wheel was up on a couple of 4x4 blocks and we rocked it to zero in on the cause -- a worn lower shock bushing. I installed polyurethane bushings about 18 months ago and it was hammered out of shape pretty badly. Replaced with a rubber one to see how that holds up. Left side is still poly. A complication was that the lower shock mount threads on the control arm were in very bad shape -- needed a nut splitter to get the nut off the stud. I was able to clean up enough of the threads that a nylock nut and a couple of extra thick washers could go back on to secure the shock. That control arm will need replacement someday though.

Rattles and Squeaks: There is still a very annoying rattle in the rear body, around the parcel shelf support/speaker area on the right side that is not solved. Lubing the studs that secure the hatch shock got rid of some significant squeaks but there is still something loose that is not obvious. Bad enough that the stereo has to be turned up pretty loud to mask it on anything but the smoothest roads. It almost sounds as if it's coming from inside the hatch. Riding around with one of us in the rear of the car did not get us close enough to find the issue.

Hatch adjustment: There's an adjustment for the hatch handle mechanism inside the hatch door that improved the point at which the latch gets released when pressing up on the handle. The rear vinyl inside cover needs to be removed to access it (applying spray silicone/Vinylex on the back side of this where it meets the metal hatch also resolved some squeaks). It's a square plastic nut that can be screwed up or down to change the activation point of the latch. We also adjusted the side standoffs to improve the hatch fit and adjusted the position of the latch itself. It's quite worn after getting banged around on thousands of miles of bumpy roads so a nice used one is on the "to find" list.

Lube: Mobil 1 5/30 and a new filter changed in to replace the 10/30 non-synth chevron oil I've been running since I got the car 25K ago. I believe the sound of the engine has changed. Seems like it's noisier now or maybe that's my imagination. Gorper was interested to see the original 16mm drain plug is still in the car and that nobody, including me Mongo, has cracked the transmission case with it yet.

Interior: Fabbed a bracket/red LED to illuminate the rally computer. It's hooked in to the lights for the HVAC controls so is somewhat adjustable. Well it would be if the existing rheostat wasn't so old and tired. But at least we can turn it on and off. I have a strip of red LEDs that I want to install in the headliner as aux illumination -- hopefully will find the time to do that in the next couple of days. Gorper also troubleshot and fixed the connections on the main heater knob so now we'll get maximum blast heat when needed.

Wiring: That disorderly nest of wires on the battery has been moved up on the inner fender to an eight point distribution block. It's a much cleaner install and virtually invisible tucked under the wiring that runs through that area. Found and removed what I believe is the final relay from the alarm system.

Front bumper: The old bumper brackets were ovalized and caused a lot of play in the bumper, leading the aux driving lights to be very wiggly. Fresher brackets installed, and the broken Hella fogs (RIP) were replaced with OE Bosch lamps. Still some adjusting to be done on the bumper and all the lights need reaiming which I will do with a "normal" load in the car.

[DanComden]

ODO: 259,566 -- Alcan start in 3 days

Most of the vinyl for the rally has been applied. Should get the event door decals later today. We were fortunate to get a few sponsors and are happy to have their names on the car.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/2262451735_cb95eb6b7f.jpg

I'm pleased with our position in the start order. We'll be car #8 unless someone entered higher than us drops out in the next few days which is pretty unlikely. Official start time is 0800 next Sunday, which means we'll be flagged off at 0808. Anyone who wants to come by at that early hour is certainly welcome -- we're going to try to be there at least an hour early to get the routebook and set our clocks to official time. www.alcan5000.com (http://www.alcan5000.com/) has info on start location in Kirkland WA.

Looks like we're the sole 2WD entry.

[Squaab99t]

ODO: 259,566 -- Alcan start in 3 days

Most of the vinyl for the rally has been applied. Should get the event door decals later today. We were fortunate to get a few sponsors and are happy to have their names on the car.



I'm pleased with our position in the start order. We'll be car #8 unless someone entered higher than us drops out in the next few days which is pretty unlikely. Official start time is 0800 next Sunday, which means we'll be flagged off at 0808. Anyone who wants to come by at that early hour is certainly welcome -- we're going to try to be there at least an hour early to get the routebook and set our clocks to official time. www.alcan5000.com (http://www.alcan5000.com/) has info on start location in Kirkland WA.

Looks like we're the sole 2WD entry.

I even got a plug. :lol:
Good luck guys. I think I'll get up early Sunday to see you off. Being it is only about 20 mins from the house I have very little excuse. Take some great pixs and video of you adventure.
4wd is no substitution for brains.

[DanComden]

ODO: 260,676

Safe and sound in New Hazelton British Columbia

Yesterday was end of day 1, we were sitting in 6th place overall and haven't seen scores from today but think we've done ok. Lack of drive wheels hurt us on some sections early today but I think the conditions hurt everyone on some checkpoints. Hard to maintain 40 mph or so when there are icy hairpins and checkpoints that are uphill. FWD is really one real drive with a stock transmission.

Thanks to Squaab99t for seeing us off -- I think he may have taken some good pics as well. Lots of folks at the start and we sure appreciated it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2273790996_e475633fc4.jpg

Yesterday we had a crowd cheering us just before the US/Canada border. Mostly from a local rally club. Our friend Eric got the above shot. The car is no longer anywhere that clean now.

Gorper had a fun time today on the Blackwater road. A very rural route between Quesnel and Vanderhoof, it features some crazy fun twists and turns. I handed over the wheel at about the halfway point and it was clear he had things well in hand until we got to the "easy part" and hit a downhill sweeper that had seen sun for much of the day. Instant lack of friction and a couple of spins -- the jury is still out as far as whether it was two or three or four -- but no damage except pride and quite a lot of snow stuffed up and around the air filter, intercooler and other interior spaces. What got exciting was the following cars avoiding us.

Tomorrow is a big day. I hear we're doing about 800 miles up to Whitehorse with a TSD or side trip along the way.

[Squaab99t]

You guys are doing great.

http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album767/IMG_3814.sized.jpg
Where did we pack that?
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/album767

[DanComden]

Thanks for posting those!

Big day today -- we tested the fuel range of the car. Even with the roof rack and some ... spirited driving ... we got 295 miles on a tank up the Cassiar highway, then 255 on the Alaska highway. That stuff up top and the gear in the back really sucks the miles/gallon. This is the first time I've seen the low fuel light twice in one day.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2278456141_b12f8fc07e.jpg
Now we're in Whitehorse, Yukon. Tomorrow is an ice slalom where we're hoping to beat at least a couple of AWD car times, then we head further north to Dawson City. Temps are quite warm for this time of year -- low 30s right now (F). That will make the ice driving challenging as cars are on the track throughout the morning. We should get a couple of good runs in before it gets too slippery.

We did catch a 900 sighting in the hotel parking lot here, what looks to be a 83 S model in nice shape.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2279247768_302d4b3a8b.jpg

[DanComden]

ODO: 262,350

We are a couple hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle. Car is running great though the belts get very noisy when the temps drop. Some new rattles and clunks but 450 miles of the Dempster highway over ice, snow and frozen gravel will do that to a car, esp when we're trying to stay on schedule.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2282727529_7801592925.jpg

Thanks to our friends back home in Seattle and here at Saab Central for making this possible. We couldn't have done it without all the help!

[DanComden]

ODO: 263,385

We made it to the end of the road. Not the end of the rally, but the furthest north one can drive in Canada. The feeling of sailing across the ice of the Beaufort Sea was surpassed only by the beauty of the sunrise and the amazing views as we headed back down the Dempster highway later in the day. Here's the car in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2329/2283979751_f10c71794d.jpg
(large version here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/teamdrally/2283979751/sizes/l/) -thanks to teammate Eric for the shot)

Car is still running great. Lost a headlight and much of the grill due to an argument with a snow bank but otherwise no harm to anything but pride. Tomorrow is another ice slalom day.

We consistently use less fuel than our teammates and other cars, despite extended periods of cruising at high speeds on the transits and with that luggage basket on top. This is important because the price of fuel that far north can be depressing when you're filling the tank three times in a day. Another competitor who is using a brand new Honda CRV was surprised when we compared fuel consumption numbers for yesterday -- our 23 year old car bested his while also keeping up with the Subarus and other AWDs.

[PaulH]

you guys rule. who would have thought that a 260k mile 85 turbo could be so reliable! :lol:

Paul

[gorper]

The car is running great -- as Dan mentioned, I stuffed it into a snowbank a few hours after the picture he posted above was taken and wrecked a headlight and the grill. We've also had some squeaky belts -- big woop. Other than that, this car rocks!

http://www.teamd.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/p1130008.jpg

And here's a shot of the car and a full moon, just before we reached Tuk:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2292278267_0bedb58433.jpg

We haven't had temps below -10*F but at that temp, we run the heater on low fan, 1/3 heat, to the feet only. My feet sweat. The other non-Saab cars on our team are running much more heat to stay warm.

We are in the boost, literally, almost all day long: the car has a lot of extra drag and we drive at slightly extra-legal speeds when not doing competition legs, so the turbo gets a work-out.

Right now we're barely in 5th place overall; hope to hang onto that position. With one more TSD tomorrow, we're nearing the end of the event, in Jasper tomorrow.

http://www.teamd.org/blog/

[idiot_saabvant]

Keep up the BOOST! Jasper and that fresh tapped beer is just around the corner.


pierre

[99sven]

Thanks for posting. I have loved reading about your adventure. Great job. Arrive in Jasper safely.

Gregg

[DanComden]

ODO: 265,321

Arrived home in Seattle last night, just in time to catch the end of the evening commute. After thousands of miles of fairly traffic-free driving, it was surreal having to deal with hundreds of other cars on OUR road. We wished for an ice storm to make the road nice and slippy and put us at an advantage after ten days and thousands of miles of recent practice.

Apart from needing a good cleaning inside and out, the car is running quite well. I suspect the belts picked up dust from previous rallies which is why they've been noisy since we left home. Other than that, no problems to speak of except the bits and pieces we left along the way that were human error, not the car's.

Results: Because we were the sole 2WD entry, first in class was a no-brainer. Overall the Saab finished 7th out of 24 cars. Our team had all four cars in the top 8 overall positions.

More important than scores, we achieved the goal of prepping and piloting the car through a challenging competition and ended up having more pure fun than just about anyone else along the way. If we managed to beat a few AWD cars on the ice track, that was icing on the cake so to speak. But really, it was the trip along the Mackenzie river out onto the Beaufort Sea that was the crowning point of the last 11 days.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2293065460_2696d2f087.jpg

[Palmer1980]

What a great story.

[TheRedBaron]

Wow, that looks like it was fantastic!