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Indy Mechanic, Dealer, or in between?

2K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  03_Saab 9-3 
#1 ·
Would you take your new 93SS to have the Sports Chassis kit installed by:

A) the Dealer
B) a SAAB/Euro Car Specialist
C) Suspension shop (not specializing in SAABs or euro cars)
 
#2 ·
Personally, I would take mine to a reputable SAAB/Euro Car Specialist who has the experience in installing the said kit. The dealer would probably charge you way too much and I think it's a hit or miss on the mechanic's ability to install it correctly. Good Luck! 8)
 
#4 ·
If the suspension shop is very specialized and experienced with many different cars, I would go to them.

If you are worried, I'd suggest getting the guide from GenuineSaab. You should be able to find a pdf file on sport chasis upgrade which details the parts and installation process. That should give them a better idea on how to do the job properly.
 
#5 ·
If the car was not in warranty, it would be "C". I have a great shop I've used for years, so it's not even close.

BUT ... I have a buddy that did just this sort of thing some years ago with a BMW and M-type parts for the suspension, so naturally I sent him to my suspension specialist. He was impressed, especially when they told him to have the dealer install it (!), and then bring it to them for fine tuning and to make sure all was OK. That way the warranty was never an issue, the setup was dialed in just as he wanted it, and the extra money all went to good value.

So guess what I advise these days?
 
#6 ·
Thing is, the dealer, the independent mechanic, and the saab specialty shop are all in the same boat when it comes to experience with this particular setup. None of them have done it.

I will, however, have to take the car to the dealer to get the TCS/ESP updated to reflect the new settings. I don't think any indies have that sort of equipment laying around the shop, begging for 93SS owners to drive in ;-)

RED, if you talk to your dealer soon, find out if they've done the Sports Chassis installation. I've been getting quotes ranging from 8 to 12 hours, mostly because "we haven't done this type of thing before".

SAAB book time is 5 hours.
 
#7 ·
Will do, but I have no plans to call them any time soon -- but hey, give 'em a call! Santa Monica SAAB, 310-828-0200 and ask for Peter Benavidez in service.

Likewise the suspension specialist, if they would be a help -- Bagge and Sons, in Culver City, 310-838-8485.

I'll keep this as a post instead of a PM in case anyone else can use the contact info.
 
#8 ·
8-12 hours for a sports suspension seems crazy! Even for our cars, I dunno but my GTI, I had a full Koni adjustable setup with Eibach springs, was in and out in just under 3 hours. Then was off to get a full alignment, another 1 hour tops, and done. Just seems like a lot of labor but i could be mistaken.
 
#9 ·
03_Saab 9-3 said:
8-12 hours for a sports suspension seems crazy! Even for our cars, I dunno but my GTI, I had a full Koni adjustable setup with Eibach springs, was in and out in just under 3 hours. Then was off to get a full alignment, another 1 hour tops, and done. Just seems like a lot of labor but i could be mistaken.
I agree .. but, in their defense (can't believe I'm doing this).. have you LOOKED at the installation instructions for the 93SS Sports Chassis? 20+ pages of pure craziness.

The exhaust has to come down at one point...
 
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