Have a 03' vector, looking to start upgrading. Does anyone know how many lbs the turbo can kickout on a stock ECU without it throwing codes? Also if i do want to get an ECU, any recommendations? Last and final question, how many horses can the stock motor take? Please excuse my ignorance, i'm kinda new to the saab game......Thanks.

Don't know, don't know and don't know. Seriously these are the same question that are asked often here and nobody is really sure. We are all new to the 9-3SS and there isn't that much info out there. I guess some of us are the guinea pigs.

You won't be able to buy a new ECU, at this stage you can only upgrade the software. Several here have done that with good results. Check out BSR PPC

http://www.partsforsaabs.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_270_353&products_id=2088

and Hirsch

http://hirsch-performance.ch Hirsch is more difficult for most to get access to and is much more expensive, but it is approved by Saab. The Hirsch stage 2 puts out 252 ponies on the vector. I suppose the engine can handle this otherwise Saab woudn't have approved it.

HTH

Have a 03' vector, looking to start upgrading. Does anyone know how many lbs the turbo can kickout on a stock ECU without it throwing codes? Also if i do want to get an ECU, any recommendations? Last and final question, how many horses can the stock motor take? Please excuse my ignorance, i'm kinda new to the saab game......Thanks.

Saab ECU's in the past seem to have had overboost codes kick in at ~4 psi over stock, as detected by the MAP sensor.
So if you have the 2.0T engine (with 0.85 bar boost) the math is:
14.7 psi (atmospheric pressure) * 1.85 + 4 psi = 31 psi manifold pressure

31 psi or higher from the MAP generates an "overboost" code.

Theoretically, keeping the boost under 16 psi should keep the ECU in the happy range, where it can still maintain the proper A/F ratio. This all assumes the new 9-3 enjoys the same boost headroom as the older Saab's. You can find more stuff on this in the Saabcentral forums for the older cars.

I'm planning to pick up an OBD II/CAN scan tool and take sensor readings on my 2003 Vector 6 speed before trying to change things. There are some significant differences between the older cars and the new 9-3. See, for example, my pics of the new bypass valve.

I'm planning to pick up an OBD II/CAN scan tool and take sensor readings on my 2003 Vector 6 speed before trying to change things. There are some significant differences between the older cars and the new 9-3. See, for example, my pics of the new bypass valve.

Let us know what you find because I too am looking at getting a scan tool.