View Full Version : Spudge - The 1988 Saab 900 SPG Project
I could not think of a name for my car. I have not really liked names in the past for cars. But anyways, I bought my car with 117,312 miles on 3/30/2006, for $600. The car had severe blow-by which was being caused by the piston rings.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album299/June_6_2.sized.jpg
To my despair, I bought a parts car in order to do a motor swap. This was a 1989 900 4dr. Sedan. It had more than just the motor for my car. I used the motor, wheels, seats, and a few various other parts.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album323/STA70238.jpg
I proceded with the motor swap with the help of my dad. The swap went alright until we hit a snag. We forgot to use a clutch tool to hold the pressure plate fingers down. We had to cut the trans in half to get it off. For the good transmisson I had to fabricate a clutch line and wheel the motor over to the side of the car to use the hydrolic line. Eventually we got it finished.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album323/STA70269.jpg
Right now, the car is driveable and has been for a while. I have put about 3000 miles on it. The car has been great.
Problems Fixed:
A/C Removed
Every little problem in the interior
idle problems
Seats
exhaust leak and huge rattle
Modifications:
3.0Bar FPR
2.5" Catless exhaust
3"Air filter
Saab 9000 LPT injectors (red tops)
MSD Blaster 2 Coil
2.3L Head Swap
2.1L Intake Manifold
Intrax Lowering Springs
Bilstein Heavy Duty Shocks
Full 88+ 9000 Brake Swap
Zimmerman Rotors
New Calipers Powercoated red
Super Aero wheels
Smoked Side Repeaters
Regular Turbo shifter with shorter leather boot
Custom Upholstery
Tinted Windows
Future Upgrades:
eBay Intercooler mounted behind Grille
3" Downpipe
3" Full Exhaust
APC Modification ala 900Aero.com
Tinted Tail Lights
205/45 R16 tires
Future Fixes:
Rusty door bottoms
Full undercoating
Paint
Headlight mounts
My intention with this car is just like everyone else's. To have a car that looks, sounds, and performs better than most of the cars out there.
I will soon be updating this thread with my head swap and various other upgrades and tweaks, writing up very detailed reviews so that others can search and perhaps find a few answers in my thread.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album323/STA70249.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album299/June_6_6.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album381/STA70418.sized.jpg
Thanks for looking, check back for updates and info on my car.
MiatarPowar
06-10-06, 01:13 AM
Beautiful... Aside from the beautiful wheels and tan interior, your SPG looks just like mine (but better :()
IronJoe
06-10-06, 02:12 AM
i've said it before, but man you're car is kleen. one question... Are your 9000 LPT injectors 34 lb/hr? Or are those just the full pressure injectors? If so that's a lot of fuel for the stock fuel system!
so... you put APC mod under "future." are you still running stock boost?
The injectors are red tops, thats all I know. I have not installed them yet, if I do and it is too much fuel I will figure something else out. I am running stock boost, but with no knock sensor, its base boost... My spg is very stock looking. That should not be the same case after the motor modifications are finished.
Just finished putting por-15 on the rusty door bottoms. This will stop them from more rust. It's a temp fix until I get new doors.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album299/STA70099.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album299/STA70098.sized.jpg
woywitka
20-10-06, 03:54 AM
how does a car with 117,000miles develop "severe blow by", I have seen saabs with 300,000miles with zero blow by. My 89' turbo has the original engine with 350,000kms with no blow by.
Well, I have no idea. I guess it was beaten and not taken care of. It's in good hands now. I just finished installing the gauges for the din slot. I have no pictures as of yet, but I will get some when I am home.
how does a car with 117,000miles develop "severe blow by", I have seen saabs with 300,000miles with zero blow by. My 89' turbo has the original engine with 350,000kms with no blow by.
All of them ( even yours ) have some blow by - hence the need for a crankcase ventilation system. On my car, one of the reasons for the blowby was that the end gaps in the rings were in line, but that was only on one cylinder. The rest were just worn. I know the PO was using rubbish engine oil - I dunno.
I could have just replaced the timing chain, and continued to drive it. Have you done a compression test on your car?
Who, me? My old motor or the new one? The old was about 100, 95, 90, 75. The new one is 180 across the board.
Who, me? My old motor or the new one? The old was about 100, 95, 90, 75. The new one is 180 across the board.
nah, was wondering what woywitka's had.
woywitka
27-10-06, 10:32 PM
All of them ( even yours ) have some blow by - hence the need for a crankcase ventilation system. On my car, one of the reasons for the blowby was that the end gaps in the rings were in line, but that was only on one cylinder. The rest were just worn. I know the PO was using rubbish engine oil - I dunno.
I could have just replaced the timing chain, and continued to drive it. Have you done a compression test on your car?
no i haven't. I have seen Saabs with a little wee bit of smoke comming out the dipstick hole tho.
My Saab have no smoke whatsoever, i can't feel any gas pumping out either.
That said my buddy has an 89' 900t16 4door with 200,000kms on the dot and the off the line pickup is waaaay better than my two cars, tho my vert has just 158,000kms with flawless Saab service history (top grade oil changes never missed, mann filters ect.)
I don't get it, I would think to look in the way of a compression issue, but that 89' 900 actually has some detectable smoke out of the dipstick hole.
I had a headgasket job done last december (89' 900 turbo) which really made the car run like new again, but that dammm Saab (used to be mine) belongs to my buddy has the best pickup I have ever experienced in a 900 (well aside from a 93' with a 2.1).
I should post that car in here, the front suspension rusted out and the engine and tranny are going into another 89' t16 4 door with extreme blow-by, knocking under load, and a dead auto tranny :o . The cosmetics are brochure level, the car is unreal!-the seats, dash, carpets, headliner, switches are just insanity, the car looks showroom!-but sure doesn't run showroom!
Don't replace those doors. They are very easily fixed. Remove the rubbers, remove the door panel, sand down to bare metal, and put a few pieces of sheetmetal or fibreglass over the holes, POR-15 then Edwardian Grey, then rubbers back on and door panel back in place.
Finally got my gauges in. I cut a piece of plastic with 3 measured holes and painted the back to make it glossy.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album445/STA70108.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album445/STA70107.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album445/STA70106.jpg
Oh and 900t, I agree with you. The only issue is the outside of the doors is a bit dented in a few places. Unless I find a mint car that I can used the doors from, I will repair the ones I have. Did any other 900's come with eduardian grey other than SPGs?
Breakin5speeds
31-10-06, 08:56 PM
Nice homemade gauge panel, I ordered mine at a dealership.....and yes you can find other 900s with edwardian gray. My SPG I got a hood from a 4 door 900 base I believe it was an 89.. they are harder to find. I like the black red and green SPGs BUT Edwardian Grey IS the DEFINITIVE SPG COLOR
Yeah I agree. Here at school there is an absolutly MINT grey 900s auto. Looks like eduardian grey. The car is shinyer than most of the other cars in the lots. I want to buy it for its perfect panels!
Breakin5speeds
01-11-06, 12:26 PM
what part of Mass are you in? I can recommend a few shops, you maybe be able to score a junker with good panels....
I am in Westford. It is near lowell and chelmsford. I go to school in Westfield too. The junkyards I know of are, Wilsons, Jaks, Hollands and Greenleaf. They are all about 20 mins from my westford house.
Okay, time for an update.
I went home for a weekend and got my car back to running well and detailed the car very heavily. I also installed the winter wheels.
I just ordered some Bilstein Heavy Duty/Sport Shocks. These will complement the intrax springs very well. I made a list of things I need to do to the spg over the break.
Install (I have all parts):
2.3L Head
2.1L Intake Manifold
All new gaskets
New ignition (exhaust shop broke it when using the wrong key...)
Intrax Springs
Bilstein Shocks
Fix:
Under boost the car is going very lean
Sagging SPG Panel
Base Boost Problem
Wires to APC Valve
Wires to Knock Sensor
Interior Lights
Protect:
The underbody with undercoating and POR-15
The seat bases with POR-15
Suspension components with POR-15
Clean:
The Motorbay
The Underbody
BOOOOOSSSTTTTT!!!!!!! I FINALLY have full boost. There were two reasons why it was not working: the knock sensor wire I had was not actually the knock sensor wire; and a wire was not connected on the pressure transducer. It resulted in my car driving down the street with no hood and lots of speed! Next up: springs and shocks. Check back for updates with pictures.
IronJoe
23-12-06, 12:55 AM
Having fun over winter break, I take it? ;)
After fixing the pressure switch, I found these two wires which I think are the brake pedal switch. I connected them together and I guess it worked. The shocks came in and I will be starting the suspension tomorrow. Also for some reason, it was not leaning out under 11lbs of boost. I will be diagnosing it more tomorrow.
Unlike Joe, I took pictures during my intrax install.
I put the springs in yesterday without a spring compressor. Easiest thing ever. To get the old front springs off I used a crowbar and unbolted the swivel plate. To do the rear I used a jack. It was very easy but a little bit time consuming.
I was a bit dissappointed in the "push down the rear end with your body weight" test. When I first did it, it was about the same as my old springs and shocks. The big difference is the front. it brought it down about an inch. It was almost not noticable. The front was stiffer and the back was a bit stiffer.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70186.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70185.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70183.sized.jpg
I am going to go grab an after picture of the whole car right now. The only ones I have is a before and after of the rear passengers side:
Before:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70181.sized.jpg
After:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70192.sized.jpg
Not much rear difference. Also, I think Joe's car looks lower because of them spiffy airflow arches. Back in a second with that picture (or 5).
Wow these pictures came out like crap. I will get more later.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70202.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70204.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album492/STA70203.sized.jpg
IronJoe
02-01-07, 06:10 PM
Lookin good Saabeh... Just wait til you drive around for a few hundred miles and let the springs settle. Mine's lower now, it's not just perception.
Glad to hear you have boost, too ;)
Okay good. But now I have a new dilemma; because it did not lower my car as much as I thought, which tire size do I get? I have 185/65-15 on the winter wheels and I think the overall diameter fills the wheel wells quite well. 205/45-16 tires are abour 30mm less overall diameter than the 185/65's. I should probably go with what I was originally planning because the springs will settle.
On another note, I began taking the head off of the car to replace it with my 2.3L head and 2.1L intake manifold. I am stopped right now because I dropped a box wrench down the timing chain area and need a magnet to get it out. The head wil probably be off tonight and I will begin cleaning the 2.3L one in preparation to it's installation. I will be sure to express the changes I see and feel in the performance when it is all put together.
After the installation is complete, the only things left on my to-do list are: to undercoat it, do some wire fixing, to fix some knick-knacks here-and-there, and to MODD the APC! Oh and buy tires...
unkleG'sif
02-01-07, 09:16 PM
if you are worried about the wheels and tires not filling the arches, and the car not being low enough, then i think 205 45's will look fairly skinny compared to 205 50's
keep working, i need to do many of the things you are, and really have to get the old finger out :roll:
should i take the lack of road tax and spare cash as a reason to not drive ger for a month, do the work and get the train to work? ;)
G
IronJoe
02-01-07, 09:17 PM
I'm thinking of going taller tires too... I certainly don't want to cut my intrax springs (I think RM did it... but I'm skiddish) and I really couldn't go any lower with the roadways here. Because of all the rain, driveways and entrances into places have very steep ramps.
My current summer tires are 205/40R17 which is 23.45" in diameter. Stock is 24.21" on 195/60r15. If I went to a 205/45R17 (not that common) I would get a 24.26" diam.
If I could squeeze in a 215/45R17 (doubtful) I would have a rolling diameter of 24.61 in. which would clear up an extra .58 in. of wheel gap.
So go here: http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp and play with the sizes.
Yeah, I was thinking of doing some cardboard cut-outs and seeing which looks the best. I wish there was like a 205/48 or 47 :D.
IronJoe
02-01-07, 10:58 PM
there is, it's called 205/50 worn to bare tread :lol:
Okay, the 2.3 Head and 2.1 Intake Manifold are finally installed and running well. I made another thread to see what I should be timing it to, but here are some pictures:
This is where I dropped a 10mm box wrench:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album486/STA70248.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album486/STA70237.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album486/STA70252.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album486/STA70251.sized.jpg
saabchilten
12-01-07, 09:55 PM
alright, now i'm jealous. :) this is something i plan to do.
IronJoe
12-01-07, 10:14 PM
yeah very cool Saabeh! If I ever have to take off my head I'll definitely go this route. Any particular difficulties you encountered? What is your CR now? Have you driven it yet?
The difficulties I faced were these (if I can remember, it's 4 am): Getting perfect TDC, the motor mount connected to the head, the wiring was differently set up afterward, the line up pins were in the head and the block, and using both lift hooks on the head caused the hood to not shut, but other than that I think it went fine.
After driving it, I noticed that, with the 9000 intake cam, it really likes the higher revs. The car also starts INSTANTLY for some reason. No more couple of cranks. It starts like my friends 9000 (wonder why...). I also noticed the idle is cleaner but still c900-like. It also feels like it wants more than 11-12lbs of boost. Not sure how to check the CR.
I also added one more thing:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album486/STA70353.sized.jpg
The DI sparkplug cover looks great. I thought that the old style cover was outdated looking with the newer style valve cover, so I hollowed out a broken T7 DI and it looks awesome. Someday this car will probably have DI.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album486/STA70355.sized.jpg
saabchilten
13-01-07, 07:26 PM
i actually liked the red cover against the head.
and i'm sure you know about the DI mod on 900aero. another thing i plan to do. :)
Yeah I liked the red too, I will probably paint it.
I think the red looks terrible, the black DI looks much better.
Well folks, unfortunatly I am going back to school tomorrow. The car will be in the garage until the ice/snow storm is over. I am leaving without doing a few small things, but at least I finished all the big things. I am so looking forward to the summer with brand new tires on the super aeros.
Is there anything anyone suggests I should do before I leave it alone? Also, is there anything else people want to know about the head install or the suspension? I have finally driven it for more than 10 seconds so I know more about it now.
Anyways, I will be on SC much more now that I will have nothing to do at school.
You said it likes the revs more now - but do you think its making much more power? Is it happier to rev to 6k rpm now?
It is not making much more power. Perhaps a few horsepower has been added. It happily revs to 5-5.5, I have never really needed to rev to 6.
I did just run into a problem. I noticed that the timing chain is lightly touching/rubbing up against the bottom of the valve cover's timing chain protection strip thing. It is making noise so I think I will shave it down a few mm.
TheRedBaron
15-01-07, 05:25 AM
Looks sweet, man. Keep up the good work!
Now that you're off base boost (its great isnt it! :cheesy: ), I hear that with those heads you can run a good amount more boost without trouble from the engine...
Time to get some backup transmissions!
Time to get some backup transmissions!
You're telling me....
You can change the trans, with difficulty, without taking out the motor right?
Saab-Daniel
15-01-07, 09:58 AM
Well, you need to pull the engine to replace the gearbox, unfortunatly... But just drive sensible, and you wont get into that much trouble... Hopefully :D
Daniel.
IronJoe
15-01-07, 02:32 PM
You're telling me....
You can change the trans, with difficulty, without taking out the motor right?
I've done it both ways, and I prefer it from the top, pulling the engine. Because at that point, you can sit the engine/trans combo on a sturdy table (suspended of course) and work. Then you can replace engine seals, clean the block, etc etc etc at the same time.
I schedule my transmission replacements yearly :cool: I'd rather do them than dentist appointments.
My transmission will need replacing soon I think. It does NOT pop out of reverse or anything too extreme. But it is rough into second when the car is cold, and it constantly makes a whining noise in any gear; and it is very possible that it is not a problem, but it makes me wonder.
saabchilten
16-01-07, 04:14 AM
sounds like dieing synchros as does almost every c900.
That is what I was thinking too.
It is funny how my dad takes care of my car like it is his when I am not there. He called to tell me that he ran it, topped off all fluids, fixed my keyring immobilizer, and washed it. I love it. The only problem is that it sits outside.
Does anyone have any experience with car covers in the winter? I am afraid that it will mate to the paint and cause paint blemishes.
saabchilten
26-01-07, 09:31 PM
assuming you gave it a good coat of wax and everything is clean, it should survive the abuse with regular washing. griot's is a good car detail and garage supplier, and i'm sure the covers they have are well worth it.
The last time I waxed the car was less than a month ago. But it gets washed sometimes and usually doesn't need it because it sits in the driveway.
Okay folks, decision time. I want to order an intercooler soon. I am trying to decide on a size. There are a bunch in the size that palmer has: 31x12x9. I am not familiar with all the intercooler sizes and I want one that can tuck up high in the grille. Any suggestions?
Saab-Daniel
01-02-07, 07:29 AM
Well, mine dosn't tuck up all that well behind the grill, bit the install is very easy!
Have a look in my project-thread, if you haven't been there...
Daniel.
IronJoe
01-02-07, 02:36 PM
yeah you do... you're not cool unless you have a FMIC lol.
I noticed that the one that JSP does tucks very nicely behind the grille. It is an Eagle Talon IC, but it looks to be a little bit thin, and I could not find one. I have a feeling that I will just stuff a huge one in there and say the hell with it, unless someone suggests otherwise (WHICH YOU SHOULD).
This is the one:
http://www.jakstollperformance.com/images/products/c900_ic2_lrg.jpg
Palmer1980
01-02-07, 06:45 PM
Wow, good thing I caught this thread!
Mine is 24x12x3.
Not 31x12x3.
A 31" will not come even close to fitting.
31x12x3: Overall Size
24x12x3: Core Size
IronJoe
01-02-07, 09:00 PM
you can't find one any smaller? :o
Palmer1980
01-02-07, 10:03 PM
Ah, I see now.
;oops:
I would still bust out the measuring tape...
you can't find one any smaller? :o
Nothing that is quite right. It seems that, that size intercooler is theone everyone buys, thats why it's so cheap.
I will keep looking, I just don't know regular sizes so it is hard to search.
See, here's yours Palmer: link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TURBO-INTERCOOLER-XTRA-LARGE-FRONT-MOUNT-FMIC-24X12X3_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33742QQihZ013QQ itemZ230057675184QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVWto)
Here's the one I want: link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TURBO-INTERCOOLER-Bar-Plate-FRONT-MOUNT-FMIC-31X12X3_W0QQitemZ110085228265QQihZ001QQcategoryZ33 742QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
You can see how it's the same here:
http://s1.promotionsupplies.com/ebay/just-intercoolers/images/intercooler/au-ic0022-diag.jpg
Okay, just got my tax return settled so now it's time to spend some money.
Intercooler (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TURBO-INTERCOOLER-Bar-Plate-FRONT-MOUNT-FMIC-31X12X3_W0QQitemZ110085228265QQihZ001QQcategoryZ33 742QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
2.5" Piping (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-BLK-INTERCOOLER-PIPING-2-5-UNIVERSAL-MANDREL-BENT_W0QQitemZ290079673971QQihZ019QQcategoryZ33742 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Tires (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=Parada+Spec-2&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=045VR6PARADAS2&fromCompare1=yes&place=1)
Blow Off Valve (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SSQV-HKS-Style-Turbo-Blow-Off-Valve-BOV-Freeshipping_W0QQitemZ290078698953QQihZ019QQcatego ryZ33742QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Wallet says: Oww.
Palmer1980
04-02-07, 08:59 PM
The wallet may say "oww" but you will say "wow" when you hit the gas.
*rimshot*
Palmer1980
04-02-07, 09:00 PM
Also, don't forget a new pack of sawzall blades!
I'll swipe them from my dad... hehe.
IronJoe
05-02-07, 02:43 PM
Also, don't forget a new pack of sawzall blades!
bah... tiger saw all the way. kiss your tow-hooks goodbye!
I just soaked up eBay for all of it's wonderful intercooler parts.
I bought:
31x12x3 Intercooler (Same as Palmer's)
2.5" Piping with Couplers (Same as IronJoe's)
HKS SSQV Copy (Same as IronJoe's)
SSQV Adaptor 2.5" pipe
3 x 2.5" - 3.0" Silicone Reducers
Omg money hurts. I am unsure of the condition of the transmission because the car has been sitting for a while. But last time I drove it, it was cold an unhappy. It told me this by going into second roughly and slightly griding third. I think I should look for a replacement.
http://s1.promotionsupplies.com/ebay/etdmotors/images/bov/au-bov001-1.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/gehca/HKS%20pipe%28jdm%29.jpg
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/10056953/Images/Reducer_30-25Bluex3.jpg
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30061886/Images/inp-blk-jdm.jpg
http://s1.promotionsupplies.com/ebay/cxmotorsports/images/ic/au-ic0022-1.jpg
IronJoe
22-02-07, 07:00 PM
niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. What are the 3" reducers for? The IC inlets?
You're going to love the HKS... oh man, I never get tired of that. Never.
Yeah, those reducers are for the 3" intercooler in/outs. All I am worried about is my transmission. I will never give up on my car, but it seems like I am always working on it; which is not really a bad thing.
Anyways, I will be doing the install over spring break. Screw the Bahamas and the drunkards who will be there, I will be boosting to the moon instead. I need a replacement transmission ready for when Stage II happens this Summer...
IronJoe
22-02-07, 07:09 PM
this is very cool... I look forward to lots of pics of your build. You need stage II. For some reason this motor loves RPMs close to 7000. :o
I suggest changing out your trans fluid. Use Honda MTF or Redline MTL. I use Redline, it's great. That's what goes in STi's so it's good enough for me. Buy at the local suby dealer.
Yeah, I was looking into Redline in bulk on eBay. I will do that soon as well. I just need to space out my big purchases.
How did you install your SSQV? I looked at some pictures and it looks like you used the weldable flange that the valve comes with. How did you attach it, it's aluminium right? I just went with the forged aluminium adaptor pipe to go inline on the intercooler.
Also, I will not be doing an external wastegate. When I do the 3" exhaust I will be using the ATP Ultimate Wastegate thing.
Link (http://www.atpturbo.com/root/releases/release103105.htm)
IronJoe
22-02-07, 07:26 PM
I used JB Weld to attach the adapter to the pipe. 22 PSI later it held up. Still fine.
That ultimate wastegate is cool. I could never use it due to my weird 5-bolt pattern on the exhaust housing. But my solution works.
Yeah. I just need to do things one step at a time. I am wicked mad at how long it takes Paypal's 'eChecks' to clear. I ordered my stuff like an hour ago and it will take supposedly 5 days to clear! Good thing I ordered with about 2 weeks until spring break.
IronJoe
22-02-07, 08:26 PM
wth is a paypal e-check?
Palmer1980
22-02-07, 08:26 PM
That looks familiar!
:)
Have fun!
The eCheck is a direct transfer of money from a checking account. I don't understand why it takes so long.
IronJoe
22-02-07, 09:03 PM
The eCheck is a direct transfer of money from a checking account. I don't understand why it takes so long.
Maybe you're using the eBay intercooler parts for terrorism? You never know, that BOV could double as a remote detonator. :)
Why don't you just use regular paypal like everybody else? Then you can get all the cheap chinese performance parts immediately! It's Wham-Bam-Thank-You-Chan!
Hahahaha, I don't have a credit card yet. I probably should get one.
IronJoe
22-02-07, 09:07 PM
Hahahaha, I don't have a credit card yet. I probably should get one.
HOW ON EARTH do you own an SPG without a credit card? SPGs are designed to sap money from CCs automatically! There must be something wrong with yours... :cheesy:
Mine is on the jimmy-everything-together plan, rather than paying for stuff. I don't remember when I last paid for a Saab part. I usually get them as gifts, or trades.
I hope you do your 3" with the ultimate internal wastegate before I do mine, I want you to be the guinea pig! So will you be using a v-band clamp?
-Tyler
It is quite a way down the road. I don't know what the v-band clamp is but I am guessing that it is that clamp they used to attach the downpipe in the pictures.
IronJoe
22-02-07, 11:13 PM
yup, the v-band has become pretty common. it's cheap to produce but i've heard my fair share of horror stories about leaks. Maybe it's just the cheap chinese stuff that leaks? Anyway I'd weld wherever you can.
On another note, I have low vaccum I think. It is around 14-15 Hg at idle when warm. The car idles pretty well and does not usually hunt like when it had vaccum leaks. I am wondering if this is normal and what I should check besides hose leaks.
Squaab99t
23-02-07, 07:41 PM
yup, the v-band has become pretty common. it's cheap to produce but i've heard my fair share of horror stories about leaks. Maybe it's just the cheap chinese stuff that leaks? Anyway I'd weld wherever you can.
IMO I would not call $70 per set cheap. Mine don't leak maybe because of the price tag? There is a fair bit of machining and material involved at a today's steel prices...
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/900T-Downpipe-and-Exhuast/CIMG3115.sized.jpg
IronJoe
24-02-07, 04:15 PM
IMO I would not call $70 per set cheap. Mine don't leak maybe because of the price tag? There is a fair bit of machining and material involved at a today's steel prices...
Sorry, when I saw v-band I thought about the cheap chinese ones on eBay for $5... those are the ones I've heard of leaking. Of course, quality makes all the difference. We use em on our jets, why wouldn't they work? ;)
Squaab99t
24-02-07, 06:25 PM
Sorry, when I saw v-band I thought about the cheap chinese ones on eBay for $5... those are the ones I've heard of leaking. Of course, quality makes all the difference. We use em on our jets, why wouldn't they work? ;)
No worries. That is the sweetness of a picture. I do agree if you can weld it properly that is the way to go, but if you want to have it removable these are much better than the slip joint w/ a Ubolt or wrap clamp.
Here are the new parts that I have gotten so far:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album547/DSCN0215.sized.jpg
The intercooler will be here tomorrow and the BOV 2 days later, and who knows when the piping will get here...
Just a quick note about the BOV, i had the HKS SSQV jobbie on my whitey and it leaked under boost with the volvo FMIC,JT and a filter. I resolved this by adding a bigger bolt to adjust the spring! Seriously loud when it was done! mental! took some pretty fine tuning to get it to go at the right time rather than whistling constantly under high boost before releasing.
Well, here is the intercooler:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album547/Turbo_and_Powder_17.sized.jpg
And here is the powder coated valve cover:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album547/Turbo_and_Powder_26.sized.jpg
Is it okay to leave that little bit of paint on the underside?
I will have more pictures of that when my dad sends them to me. I am at school and things were shipped to my house.
IronJoe
06-03-07, 11:05 PM
that's a big boy...
Can't wait to watch this installation play out. GL man.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album547/Turbo_and_Powder_23.sized.jpg
Mmm, powder coated bliss.
saabchilten
08-03-07, 11:31 PM
that's gorgeous. now you'll have to clean the rest of the engine really well so that people aren't staring at a grease spot on the gearbox wondering why it's so dirty. :lol:
Okay, the intercooler is DONE!
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/STA70398.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/STA70397.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/STA70393.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/STA70401.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/STA70403.sized.jpg
Okay, I have a few problems. IronJoe I need your help with the SSQV. At first it was sucking air at idle. Then I used a bigger screw and over adjusted it. Then all of a sudden it stopped working and I can hear rge compressed air going back in the intake and bouning back and forth. Then, I took it apart and crushed the spring to make it smaller. This worked well except now when it blows off at ilde it does not blow off enough air and I can hear the remainder of the air going back in the intake and bouncing around. Should I take it apart again and crush the spring more? I only have 15 Inches of vacuum and I am fairly certain I have no leaks.
My hypothesis is that it was not put together properly the first time and when I took it apart and put it together it started working correctly and the spring was way too strong.
This car pulls like a train at 13psi, I wonder what 20psi feels like...
IronJoe
12-03-07, 03:24 PM
quite the pro installation there, bud. definitely crank that boost up!
First off, I gotta ask... you DID plug the old TB nipple, right? Because in your pic it's not plugged.
Secondly, you should probably take it apart. I've heard stories of the HKS valve being over-adjusted, and the primary diaphragm can rupture. Maybe just a rumor, but I'd check.
A problem I had with mine was the center piece (with the Blow Off Valve writing) separated from its three-pronged piece it was mated to. I had to take it apart and drop in some super glue in each of the three holes. An easy check is to look in the BOV and see if the center piece is off center.
While you have it apart, loctite all of the little screws. Trust me. It helps greatly.
Lastly I should mention that I have mine adjusted about halfway, using the original screw... If it's working properly it shouldn't suck at idle.
Alright, after taking it apart for the third time, it blows off. But the spring is TOO strong still. I think I may have to cut a piece of the spring off. When it blows off, I can hear the valve doing its things, but it sounds like it closes prematurely and the rest of the boosted air goes back through the piping and makes that bouncing sound.
When you put the back plate on yours IronJoe, do you have to squish the spring down over that diapragm to get it closed? Or does yours just shut without needing to compress the spring?
Oh, and all of the pipes that are not black, will be black soon; I ran out of primer.
Also, I made a 2.5" intake pipe and used a different coupler, so there is no hole to plug.
Also++, yes I ran the car w/o plugging that hole on the throttlebody and it ran fine, but I plugged it as soon as I saw it 2 seconds later.
IronJoe
12-03-07, 05:54 PM
Yes, when I took mine apart it was very springy, almost had to resort to clamping it in a vice!
I don't know why you say the spring is too strong? Does it not blow off at low boost? On mine I can hear my blowoff valve if I rev up at idle...
Yeah, I had to compress the spring by 1/8". It was way too strong and it would not let the valve open up enough, and at first it would not let it open at all.. After doing that it opens up, but not enough, so I might have to cut off a bit. I can hear it open and then close real fast and not let all of the pressure out.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/Done_9.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/Done_8.sized.jpg
IronJoe
13-03-07, 06:53 PM
pics look great...
what coil is that? do you have a p/n? I need a new coil I think.
TheRedBaron
13-03-07, 07:40 PM
Saabeh, that's quite the monster you have brewing there! Is that just a DI cover? I'm confused with the distributor being there and all, maybe I should reread the thread again!
IronJoe
13-03-07, 09:00 PM
he just hollowed out a DI cassette.
don't know if he plans on doing DI/APC? I'm quitely gathering parts for my install. Distributors suck :lol:
The coil is an MSD Blaster 2. It is not really any better than stock. I bought it because it is cheaper and goes with the color scheme of my engine.
My BOV was broken when I got it. I emailed the guy to see if he would send me a new one. There is an internal one-way valve that seems to have been broken before I put it in.
I do not plan on doing DI, I am going down the road towards megasquirt.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album564/STA70452.jpg
I want to cut ont the center section of the bumper for the intercooler, like Squaab (and get another damn chrome strip)
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album564/STA70451.jpg
New Tires soon
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album564/STA70442.sized.jpg
The SPG, 1992 9000 Turbo 5Spd, 2001 Impreza 2.5rs, and the big Toyota pickup.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album564/STA70438.sized.jpg
Duct Taped cabin intake to keep the mice out during the winter.
Car looks sweeet. I want those wheels!
Heya Saabeh, I'm planning to do pretty much what you did there, but I've got an 85 so it's a bit harder jamming stuff in, so I've got myself a 22" overall length instead. Could you post a pic of how the piping from the turbo? I'm still trying to figure out the piping configuration, so I haven't ordered it in yet. Also, it's gonna be a very tight squeeze for me putting the pipe in between the battery and the headlight...got pics of that?
li Arc
Here we go:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/STA70393.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album550/STA70396.sized.jpg
I used the stock 2" pipe cut in half coming off the turbo, then I used the stock reducer that attached the 2" pipe to the intercooler originally. I will eventually get nice silicone reducers and stuff to replace the black ones.
Are the reducers wrapped around the silicone, or the other way? Are the reducers plastic or silicone? Sorry, it's kinda confusing! And thanks for the pics! Oh yah, got one with the battery in it? :p
li Arc
The reducers are the blue things coming off the intercooler, and a few stock saab ones. I dont think I have a picture with the battery, the pipes dont cause any issues with the battery. I installed everything with the battery in place.
Wow, it has really been a while since I have been on SC. I have recently purchased a Short Shifter and soon to be getting a nice front bumper with some custom work done to it. The car will be going on the road soon, so I will get to see what it can really do finally.
IronJoe
13-04-07, 03:32 PM
welcome home saabeh :cheesy: Did you pick up that shaved bumper + spg extension combo that was for sale recently?
Maybeh..... :D I wanted to do something different than airflow bumpers, and I will explain more in depth when I get back from class.
IronJoe
13-04-07, 04:16 PM
Maybeh..... :D I couldn't find any airflow bumpers, and I will explain more in depth when I get back from class.
Fixed it for ya :cheesy:
Haha, I could but I seriously dont want any. I will be back in an hour to explain.
Okay. I don't want airflow bumpers. I think that the front bumper looks way too big for the car as a whole. I think the main reason why everyone goes after them is because they are rare, and because everyone else is going after them.
I for one, want to do something different than everyone else. My plan was to shave down my stock bumpers and remove all groves and chrome strips. This would enable me to have really smooth painted and clearcoated bumpers that would match the rest of the car.
Think about it, if there was such a thing as an airflow kit for a civic from the factory that looked like the saab ones, you all would call it ricey.
IronJoe
13-04-07, 06:20 PM
I'll say one thing, it definitely dates the look of the car.
a shaved spg kit painted bodycolor really makes the 900 look newer. The airflow kit is more of a "80's road car" look, its not for everyone.
kinda like this guy... :cheesy:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/gallery/tms_car_will_lg.jpg
and FWIW I think the stock EK9 type R kit looks amazing...
Haha, you're a ricer anyways :lol:. Yeah I just want to do somethign different. I just paid for the bumper and here it is:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album468/SPG2006_012.sized.jpg
That bottom skirt piece looks funny because it is wet.
IronJoe
13-04-07, 06:29 PM
It's true... but I never fit in on the honda forums? They can't understand the way I talk, what with my proper punctuation and capital letters and such.
That bumper is going to look great, but now you'll have to do the rear to match!
Also might I suggest, blending the bumper extensions into the bumper cover, on the front and rear, might look pretty good. Also paint the front lip too.
We'll see when I get it. The guy did not paint it because his car is lowered as well and it will probably hit stuff and ruin the paint. I think it will look great with some wet & black on it, nice contrast to the grey.
Okay. I don't want airflow bumpers. I think that the front bumper looks way too big for the car as a whole. I think the main reason why everyone goes after them is because they are rare, and because everyone else is going after them.
I for one, want to do something different than everyone else. My plan was to shave down my stock bumpers and remove all groves and chrome strips. This would enable me to have really smooth painted and clearcoated bumpers that would match the rest of the car.
Think about it, if there was such a thing as an airflow kit for a civic from the factory that looked like the saab ones, you all would call it ricey.
Nail on the head there. I think the airflow kit is too boxy, and does not fit the lines of the car. It juts out too much, and makes the overhangs look even longer. I think people go for them because they are colour coded.
That new painted aero bumper is a great job Saabeh. Having said that, I think that painting the aero bumper might not work so well with other colours.
Anyone care to photoshop Saabeh's pic with scarabe green? :cheesy:
Hah! I've got Cochinille Red as my av shows, plus it's a pre-facelift...try that on for size!! :cry:
li Arc
IronJoe
13-04-07, 06:50 PM
Anyone care to photoshop Saabeh's pic with scarabe green? :cheesy:
http://www.saabcentral.com/phpgallery/albums/album49/SPG2006_012_sized.jpg
Nice one, thanks :) Doesn't look bad at all, but I'll probably ask again when Saabeh posts pictures of the whole car :)
Yeah, it will be in a while when I get it on my car. I will be sure to post pictures with actual lighting as well.
TheRedBaron
13-04-07, 07:43 PM
That looks pretty cool, although it's hard to see how it flows with the picture being that close in... (hint, hint! :D )
He did not provide many good photos. I will take some nice ones soon.
TheRedBaron
13-04-07, 07:49 PM
Ah, your dad did it? He does a good paint job - no scalloping whatsoever.
Nah, I bought it from a guy in Colorado.
TheRedBaron
13-04-07, 07:58 PM
Hmm. I need to read more carefully. Damn you ADHD!
Well here is my NeuSwede short throw kit from Taylor's car:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album587/STA70504.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album587/STA70503.sized.jpg
I put my perfect 9000 leather boot on, greased it up and installed it. Overall I am glad I made this purchase. The shifting feels about a cm or two shorter and it feels much more sure footed. I think the heavier knob really helps too.
Also, I got some mint black 9000 Aero seats from a friends car, updates soon after 9 coats of leather conditioner :D.
Also +2, the awesome bumper I ordered should be here in a few days. It was sent to the wrong address and FedEx is holding on to it because they caught the error. The vendor called FedEx and cleared everything up. Yay!
TheRedBaron
24-04-07, 12:16 AM
That thing looks pretty sweet :D
ShadowWorks
24-04-07, 01:38 AM
Wel I think the heavier knob really helps too
Its looks like it's the size of a pool ball?
Looks really nice;)
Its a little bit smaller than a pool ball.
Well this came in:
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album468/DSCN0512.sized.jpg
I also got the rain gutter end caps from eBay. I will be installing an oil catch tank and a new oil cooler as soon as I am done with school for the summer. Speaking of which, I am going home for good this thursday so I will extremely happy. I have not driven my car for an extended distance since the head, intercooler, intrax, shocks, short shifter, SSQV etc. I will probably have a trouser accident.
Some good SPG pics to come for sure.
IronJoe
07-05-07, 02:40 PM
Awesome, good luck to you saabeh! Also, post details on the oil catch, I'll be doing that too with my head swap this week.
It will probably be a week or so until I do it. It is very simple. Order one from ebay. Remove the PCV line to your intake and cap off the coolant lines that go to it. Then run the pcv line from the valve cover to the catch tank. Then put a breather filter on the remaining nipple on the tank. Cut a new intake pipe and you're done.
IronJoe
07-05-07, 03:18 PM
hmm... And why on earth do we have coolant lines going to the PVC line? :roll:
TheRedBaron
07-05-07, 03:26 PM
Because them fumes are hot!
(why do I get the feeling I just missed out on some sarcasm?)
IronJoe
07-05-07, 03:32 PM
Heh, I just hate PVC with a passion. Oh yum, more oil in my IC pipes?! Great!
TheRedBaron
07-05-07, 03:46 PM
Yeah mine seems a little too loose in the fitting on the inlet pipe...it bothers me.
The coolant line is there to make sure that the oil that comes down to visit your intake is warm enough to not sludge up.
IronJoe
07-05-07, 04:35 PM
The coolant line is there to make sure that the oil that comes down to visit your intake is warm enough to not sludge up.
What a complete waste. I'm going to order my catch can asap.
Matthew
07-05-07, 05:13 PM
Get a catch can from a 9-5. OE appearance and cheap (or even free!).
That's not a bad idea, I guess I don't mind spending the $30 on a nice can.
Matthew
07-05-07, 06:45 PM
All the PCV updates for the 9-5s include a new catch can, so there are plenty of old ones around. If you asked them nicely, your local Saab dealership or independent would probably give you one. There's not much use for them once they're removed (other than under the bonnet of a 900 :D).
There a few pictures of the 9-5 catch can install on the forum. Here's one:
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68967
IronJoe
07-05-07, 06:49 PM
a genuine saab part instead of one from GREDDY?!?!
Matthew, you're not a very good ricer, are you. :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy:
TheRedBaron
07-05-07, 06:58 PM
All the PCV updates for the 9-5s include a new catch can, so there are plenty of old ones around. If you asked them nicely, your local Saab dealership or independent would probably give you one. There's not much use for them once they're removed (other than under the bonnet of a C900 :D).
There a few pictures of the 9-5 catch can install on the forum. Here's one:
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68967 That's a good idea matthew - is there any reason with the 9-5 can to route it to the sump as it is in one of the links ont hat page?
Furthermore, is there any reason that I can't just use any sort of container I want and just fit a nipple and filter to it with some epoxy?
Yeah I will probably go with one from eBay because they are aluminum and match my non-oem look I already have.
Saab-Daniel
07-05-07, 08:55 PM
That's a good idea matthew - is there any reason with the 9-5 can to route it to the sump as it is in one of the links ont hat page?
Well otherwise the can would get filled up, and would have to be serviced... It's just oil in the fumes, it will go back to being oil, from oil-fumes... :)
Daniel.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album614/STA70516.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album614/STA70515.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album614/STA70513.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album614/STA70509.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album614/STA70505.sized.jpg
Yada, yada yada.
saabchilten
02-06-07, 05:50 AM
you finally painted the spg kit. i love it. now will you please let me drive the thing before you destroy your gearbox on a drag strip? :cheesy:
Negatory, too much power for a young one. :lol:
saabchilten
02-06-07, 06:26 PM
Negatory, too much power for a young one. :lol:
hey now. i've driven a 9-5 plenty fast before. i think i can handle a 900. :)
Here are my Aero seats with the big stock center console and no backseat.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album833/STA70531.sized.jpg
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album833/STA70532.sized.jpg
I have been having problems.
I installed a catch can, and it sucked. First I installed it with a filter on the end of it. Then I was getting blow by under boost and oil was coming out of the dipstick. So then I installed the catch can in-line with the intake. That did not work either. I had to plug the stock system back up and the blow by went away. I think that the catch can was too restrictiver, anyone have any ideas?
Right now my car is at the exhaust shop getting a 2.5" aluminized system with only a glasspack. I will be making my own downpipe later.
IronJoe
25-06-07, 04:14 PM
I have been having problems.
I installed a catch can, and it sucked. First I installed it with a filter on the end of it. Then I was getting blow by under boost and oil was coming out of the dipstick. So then I installed the catch can in-line with the intake. That did not work either. I had to plug the stock system back up and the blow by went away. I think that the catch can was too restrictiver, anyone have any ideas?
That's too bad... I have been wanting to install one of these. I hope you find out what went wrong!
Right now my car is at the exhaust shop getting a 2.5" aluminized system with only a glasspack. I will be making my own downpipe later.
Sounds familiar :cheesy: Are you keeping the cat? Because if you are, realize that they will have to neck down your exhaust to 2.25" at the cat. Unless you replace with a high-flow 2.5" racing cat.
philjohnhb
25-06-07, 04:42 PM
One of the jobs I want to tackle soon too. I have to admit that I assumed a vented can with gauze inside would suffice. Unless the inlet tract draws the muck out of the breather pipe I can see no reason why you should get blowback. There is another project thread on here where a catch can has been installed successfully. I'll have a look.
Si has done a catch tank but it's not in his project thread.
I do not, and will not have a cat.
I am not sure if the catch tank is too restrictive or not. The fittings are less than half the size of the valvecover PCV plastic thing. I might try one from a 9-5.
I want the exhaust shop to call NOW.
Well, the car sounds great but now I have louder pinion whining. It sounds like angry gears, but doesn't seem like a big deal.
Squaab99t
26-06-07, 07:16 AM
One of the jobs I want to tackle soon too. I have to admit that I assumed a vented can with gauze inside would suffice. Unless the inlet tract draws the muck out of the breather pipe I can see no reason why you should get blowback. There is another project thread on here where a catch can has been installed successfully. I'll have a look.
Si has done a catch tank but it's not in his project thread.
My home grown one seems to be working fine. I welded in a baffle and put 2 copper pot scubber in the bottom before I welded it up. The baffle divides the inlet from the vent forcing the vapor to go thru the copper mesh.
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/albums/album481/CIMG5434.sized.jpg
Yeah that looks nice and big. The one I got from eBay was a little bit taller than a soda can, and had very small openings.
IronJoe
26-06-07, 06:24 PM
dude what's up with the classified ad?!
Squaab99t
26-06-07, 08:53 PM
Yeah that looks nice and big. The one I got from eBay was a little bit taller than a soda can, and had very small openings.
3" OD tubing 6" tall. The inlet and vent pipes are about 5/8"OD. I've drained it once or twice and get mostly brown colored water. I was expecting more oil.
IronJoe
26-06-07, 09:12 PM
3" OD tubing 6" tall. The inlet and vent pipes are about 5/8"OD. I've drained it once or twice and get mostly brown colored water. I was expecting more oil.
The greddy catch can is sold with two different sizes of inlet/outlet, 9mm or 15mm. Sounds like for boosty cars you'd need the larger inlet?
dude what's up with the classified ad?!
I am not really sure, I just want to try something new. I don't know what I want, but I want to try something else.
Extremely loud pinion whining is the forecast this week. What do I do?
I am not selling my car, I am too attached to it. But for now I need to find a winter car quickly before I go back to school.
I thought there were plenty of c900's in MA. No way you could source a gearbox before "winter" ?
IronJoe
19-07-07, 06:14 PM
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/pts/355631282.html
GOD that was tough ;)
Haha, I am not having trouble finding a gearbox. I have a spare or 2. I just dont want to drive the SPG in the winter. I found a nice 1985 900S 5 speed with no rust and no wiring harness problems. They only want $600 for it, but the only problem is traveling the 2.5 hours to get it.
virsipe
16-08-07, 10:12 PM
Haha, I am not having trouble finding a gearbox. I have a spare or 2. I just dont want to drive the SPG in the winter. I found a nice 1985 900S 5 speed with no rust and no wiring harness problems. They only want $600 for it, but the only problem is traveling the 2.5 hours to get it.
I jus dropped into this forum as I was thinking about my old car- I used to have a 1985' SPG that I did quite a bit of work on for over ten years. I also had an '78 99EMS before that not to mention four other SAABs in the family- I was rather obsessed with SAABs- which seems to be a common theme.
My experience with the transmissions for 900's is that you need a 1989 or later gearbox since that is when they beefed-up the pinion gear. I literally rebuilt my '85 transmission 5 times before I moved-up to a 1989 and then never had an issue. My car was well modified with chip, exhaust, intake, etc. with a freshly rebuilt motor that was making 230+hp- with 20+PSI boosting which was obviously the cause of the transmission failures. I did all of the work on my own, so I really got to know the weakpoints of the car- at least what I saw. The later transmission really kept things in check so I would highluy recommend it! Nothing worse than having that sinking feeling of doom and gloom when you look down at the boost gauge and anticipate a loud noise and the subsequent redlining when the tranny blows!
Good luck on this project- I never had the ability to add so many aftermarket or SAAB parts as they were not available or cheap enough at the time, so it is great to see what I always imagined being done actually being done.
Hey, thanks for the advice. I am not sure what to do yet, as there is a current offer on my car. We'll see what happens.
I purchased the Saab 900 86 Turbo car a year ago. The timing chain was rattling badly. Only one mechanic noticed it, but did nothing. The chain went - the motor is toast. 307,00 KM gone!
The cars body is in good shape, brakes new, clutch may be needed at some point.
Great practical and powerful car. My wife is heart broken..its not "with us".
I just bought a replacement 97 Saab SE - nice car.
The 86 I want to put in storage, until I can find a "turbo motor" to go back in it in a few years.
Question: How would one "best" store this car outside?
I have a garage but I do not want to overload it with the car for 5 years!
Help! - winters coming....in Canada!
Palmer1980
17-09-07, 04:29 AM
:confused:
Hmm.
I hope the new owner joins.
Don't make me regret it, I cry easy! jk.
What's the frown for? There are plenty of SPG's in the world. We'll see what happens.
TheRedBaron
17-09-07, 04:55 AM
Boo. elkparts
Swamp Yankee
06-10-07, 12:49 AM
Hi,
I new owner of Mike's car...Started with my dad and I looking for a fairly clean SPG...Ended up with this clean but modified SPG and now my dad and I are in over our heads! Ha!...The car is great, he did a great job with all the work. We're already starting our winter work list. I'm sure we'll be on the board a bunch.
:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:
I am glad you bought it, and not some goons who would wreck it.
IronJoe
06-10-07, 05:41 PM
Hi,
I new owner of Mike's car...Started with my dad and I looking for a fairly clean SPG...Ended up with this clean but modified SPG and now my dad and I are in over our heads! Ha!...The car is great, he did a great job with all the work. We're already starting our winter work list. I'm sure we'll be on the board a bunch.
Cool! Welcome! You should keep your work in this project thread!
Swamp Yankee
11-10-07, 11:25 PM
I'm having trouble with the BOV that came with the car. Anyone else have any experience with the 'HKS Super SQV' BOV?...It works great at higher boost as long as you get off the throttle quick....but I'm having problems at lower boost/rpms with the BOV only opening for a short time then closing and you can hear the excess boost boucing around inside the intake.
I checked the other posts on this thread and took the BOV apart...All seems well, cleaned it and put it back together. Crush the spring more?...Any thoughts?
I would just replace that valve with either another one, or a forge BPV and vent it into the intake. That BOV is adjustable but it was broken when I got it and had to be fixed. It really only works the way it is right now.
When I drove it I noticed this too, so I made sure I came completely off the throttle all at once, and quickly. This made the BOV work.
TheRedBaron
12-10-07, 02:37 AM
I'd just fit a bypass valve (recirculating) - no problems there.
Also, I'd fit the APC system to that car, or hook up the one that may/may not be in there already. Knock protection is awesome.
Swamp Yankee
12-10-07, 03:50 PM
I'd just fit a bypass valve (recirculating) - no problems there.
Also, I'd fit the APC system to that car, or hook up the one that may/may not be in there already. Knock protection is awesome.
As far as I can tell the APC system is still hooked up...Is there something I missed here?
TheRedBaron
12-10-07, 04:04 PM
I seem to remember saabeh having an MBC hooked up - check what the vacuum lines that run to the wastegate are doing.
Yeah I had one running 12psi so I could see what unadulterated boost was like. It is in no way unsafe, especially with the FMIC and 3.0bar.
Swamp Yankee
12-10-07, 05:55 PM
Yeah I had one running 12psi so I could see what unadulterated boost was like. It is in no way unsafe, especially with the FMIC and 3.0bar.
I haven't been back to the car since the first post, but didn't you go back to the APC?
APC is still in there, but there is a small valve I made controlling boost. All you would need is the APC valve and one more vacuum line to put it back (To boring... :roll:).
Swamp Yankee
12-10-07, 06:21 PM
APC is still in there, but there is a small valve I made controlling boost. All you would need is the APC valve and one more vacuum line to put it back (To boring... :roll:).
Whoops...I thought that MBC you put in was working with the APC. Where were you going to go with the boost? Just start turning up the boost control?
Mark @ Specialized Auto in Essex, MA was advising me against using the MBC and converting back to APC in full control. He has said that he can run 24psi constant with a peak of 28psi....A far cry from 14psi, which is pretty quick.
I'm probably going to hold off going for more boost until I can figure the trans out. I'm not having major problems yet, but I'm also not opening it up in 1st or 2nd too hard. I might have a lead on a 4 speed box, which sounds interesting.
I was keeping the boost at maximum 14psi. I wanted to use an MBC because they have no taper and quicker rise rates. I tried to modify a box and I could not figure it out. I followed every direction on every resource I had, but I could not get rid of boost taper and slow rise rates.
I would have my rise rate pot all the way DOWN and max boost set at a reasonable level, and it would rise up like crazy, spike, then come back down. Annoying.
TheRedBaron
12-10-07, 06:25 PM
Yeah, definitely refit the apc - you can run more boost without having to worry about blowing up your engine. Sounds like you need a fresh APC solenoid valve to get it hooked up, though. Then you can tweak the thing to your specifications.
You don't have to worry about "blowing your engine up" if you know the components of the engine, and the way boost effects it. All these things, especially at only 12-14psi.
I would have probably refit APC, but I would have removed some parts of it internally.
IronJoe
12-10-07, 06:29 PM
Agree. I ran APC and had issues, so I unplugged and ran an MBC for a while. Every time I floored it I got a nervous feeling. That was set at 18 PSI. Now I use a swedish dynamics APC which hits 24psi safely. Mo betta.
Yankee, either look into modding the APC (you have had saabs.... perhaps you're already well versed in this?) Or if you can't/won't, pick up a pro-modded box. I easily consider it one of my best purchases for my car.
My MBC was more of a tester than anything. I wasn't like some parent's 9-3 owning kid who "WANTED SOM MOR BOSST".
remember, sabbs r slo.
Swamp Yankee
12-10-07, 06:36 PM
Agree. I ran APC and had issues, so I unplugged and ran an MBC for a while. Every time I floored it I got a nervous feeling. That was set at 18 PSI. Now I use a swedish dynamics APC which hits 24psi safely. Mo betta.
Yankee, either look into modding the APC (you have had saabs.... perhaps you're already well versed in this?) Or if you can't/won't, pick up a pro-modded box. I easily consider it one of my best purchases for my car.
Modified APC is the way I've been leaning. I have a friend who is well versed in such circuit board and instructions. I have two spare boxes and a '93 900 turbo winter beater as a test platform!
As I stated in my first post, I'm over my head, but I'm having fun learning quick! My dad is already distancing himself...Ha! He only wanted a 'clean' SPG...He can alway get his own.
Swamp Yankee
12-10-07, 06:38 PM
You don't have to worry about "blowing your engine up" if you know the components of the engine, and the way boost effects it. All these things, especially at only 12-14psi.
I would have probably refit APC, but I would have removed some parts of it internally.
I know I can't hear the knocking like the APC can, but the engine seems pretty happy at 14psi currently. Had you tried more boost with the MBC? Do you happen to know number of turns vs. psi?
Fuel cut is still, and always has been intact. That car has never seen anymore than 14.7psi.
I do not know how much it is, I usually turned it just a little test drove, adjusted, etc...
nothing more to add than "Nice Work"