Hello everyone, I just purchased my first Saab, and must say that I love the car. I am a owner of many Hondas, 02 S2000, 91 Civic SI w/B16 all done over, and a 04 CRV. I must say the Saab so far feels very responsive, but I want a little more out of it. I have looked into Abbott racing, BSR, and Hirsch for the obvious upgrades, but I am wondering if I can install the computer and the HOT turbo from an AERO? Is this a mod that many have tried, and enjoy? If it is possible, what is the recommended year to use. Any insight into what I can do to get some more performance would be appreciated. The car is a 1999 2.3 SE
1999's are a tricky beast - there are a few threads floating around highlighting my problems with upgrading my 1997 (exactly the same as your '99).
You can fit the Aero turbo, with minimal fuss, but you will not get any performance increase without tuning your ECU.
You cannot fit an Aero ECU, as they are for the B235R, which has a different intake and fueling system. You will likely end up with fueling issues (ie. running too rich or too lean). After 2001 the B235E (our motor) was upgraded and can use the Aero ECU with no problems.
I'd recommend upgrading the turbo and then talking with Maptun. They have a lot of customers with '99's and TD04's. They can take you straight to 265BHP.
If you add an exhaust, cobra pipe and 3.5Bar FPR, they will happily take you to 285BHP.
I'm currently saving the cash to buy a Maptun upgrade myself. BSR are great if you want a simple upgrade and don't muck with the turbo, but after that they aren't much fun...
Just remember that your transmission might not like the upgrade... Mine's a manual and my clutch gave out very quickly after the power boost. I'm not sure how auto's react, but I'm sure there are plenty of folks here who can tell you what to watch out for.
Yeah, the 4 speed auto tranny has a torque limit of 247ft-lbs, so it is exactly in line with 2001 Aero. Actually, Aero had to have torque limited a little, since in manual it produces 256ft-lbs, and in Auto it gives 247ft-lbs. This is why they managed to crank out more power from later Aeros (2002-) when they switched to 5 speed autos.
Actually, depending on your '99, they had a mid model revision...
Check your rear brakes. If they look like a small version of the front brakes (floating caliper), then you should have the new 99. The older brakes are a dual fixed-piston setup instead.
I believe the early model 99's and 98's had some slightly weaker injectors, which weren't matched to the Aero software. The later 99's have the same ones as the Aero though, so they are capable of taking the upgrade.
Ideally you need the Aero intake "cobra" (that bend that kinks down to the turbo), Aero intake cam, Aero turbo and 2000 Aero ECU. However, Trionic is capable of adapting so that just using the Aero turbo and ECU is sufficient.
Alternatively you can just get a stage 1 upgrade (try www.genuinesaab.com), which brings you up to the same power level on your stock turbo. I personally jumped straight to stage 3, with a biiiig intercooler and intake pipes... the power at that point is ridiculous, even with the tiny stock turbo. Once my turbo fails, I will swap in the Aero turbo and get it remapped for another 20 or so HP
Close, instead of a TD04 (Aero turbo), I run an Abbott Racing GT17 (upgraded hybrid base model turbo). The spoolup on this thing is ridiculous, it drives like a supercharged car... and the top end is better than the stock GT17 as well.
It does still run out of breath at high RPMs, so I will try a TD04 if this GT17 ever fails on me.
Actually, depending on your '99, they had a mid model revision...
Alternatively you can just get a stage 1 upgrade (try www.genuinesaab.com), which brings you up to the same power level on your stock turbo. I personally jumped straight to stage 3, with a biiiig intercooler and intake pipes... the power at that point is ridiculous, even with the tiny stock turbo. Once my turbo fails, I will swap in the Aero turbo and get it remapped for another 20 or so HP
Thank you for the responses, I will most likely get the downpipe and exhaust first, then decide on turbo and ECU. I do have a spare GT17 so I might just upgrade the ECU, and drive it until the turbo on it, and the spare bite the dust, then upgrade to the AERO. I appreciate the advice, and look forward to talking more with all of you saab lunatics in the near future.
Oh Yeah, 1 more thing, is there a certain aftermarket IC I should be looking into, or does it not really matter. I have heard that this is a very noticable upgrade, and I have seen multiple ones on Ebay, but I want to get a quality one, with good fitment. Thanks again
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