So after a lot of deliberation, I finally decided to start a project thread. This is mainly because it's a lot of work keeping the thread updated and listing a progress report, but at the same time, there are a lot of things I'm doing that I could use some advice on. To that end, a project thread seemed the most logical course of action, but I'll say right off the bat that this won't be as flashy as IJ's build, or as technically incredible as milos' restoration. If you're looking for fantastic reads, I point you there instead. I'm a poor engineer who decided to do his own car work because it's cheaper that way, and yep, this is my first car. My tools are minimal, my experience limited, and the junk yard is my holy grail.
First off, some history of the car. Originally, my dad owned a 1979 99 T8 3-dr, which had the louvre in the back, super inca rims, the rock guards on the headlight lenses, red interior, airplane-style clip seatbelts, and a turbo gauge that stuck out on the dashboard. It was a similar price to a Corvette at the time, but he got much more stares and compliments from the general public than any Corvette would have gotten. Sadly, with us kids growing up, the 3-dr wasn't as practical, and so he sold it around 1989. My dad bought the 900 in 1989 from the original owner, and we have kept it since. However, growing up I was always enthralled by Saabs, especially when we would make trips down to Seattle and visit the Saab dealerships around Kirkland. Around 2001, my dad cancelled insurance on it because downtown parking was skyrocketting and he decided taking the bus was more economical. The car sat for 4 years, until one day I decided I wanted to drive it. And so began the tale of the Saab obsession. It's my first car, so I knew nothing about vehicle repair before this. But slowly and surely, this car would force me to figure it out, luckily with the help and support of SC!
This car is a 4-door saloon, which seem to have less appeal than the 3- or 5-door hatchback counterparts. Its code colour is 127G I believe, "Cochenille Red", which my father mentioned was quite popular back in the day, but to date I believe I have only seen one other example in person (at the junkyard). I may have come across one or two other examples online, but just as rare, so I'm proud to keep it in its original colour. Being an 1985 T16, it's the first year of 16-valve production engines, which I have heard uses 8V pistons. It's currently sitting at 385,000km on the odo, with the original engine out for a rebuild and an 86' GM45610 gearbox fitted in unknown mileage. Its original turbo, basically a 0.48AR exhaust housing, 0.63AR compressor housing, stage 1 turbine 45 trim compressor T3 Garett turbo, was taken out around 340,000km's, with a crack in the exhaust housing, but that was all; it still spools strong.
Anyways, since I acquired it with 280,000km's on the clock, there have been some work done on it. In fact, I don't think there's anything I haven't yet touched (except for perhaps the headliner and transmission, but that will change soon). I'm sure some of you are familiar with some of the work that's gone into it.
Engine mods:
3.0bar FPR
-431 30# injectors (back to stock due to issues)
vacuum advance mod
Intake/Exhaust mods:
T3 Super 60 compressor, stage 1.5 turbine, 0.48AR turbine housing internally wastegated
3" turbo-back exhaust with widebend elbow and 3" v-band
ATP Ultimage Wastegate with 3" v-band
Forge FMAC900 adjustable wastegate actuator
2.5" intake aluminum piping
17"x12"x3" FMIC
open air intake filter
Forge FMDV004 BOV using yellow spring
Transmission mods:
SD carbon/kevlar clutch kit with uprated pressure plate
Suspension mods:
Koni red adjustable shocks all around
Brad's Adjustables spring/weightjack setup in rear
Squaab99's custom adjustable spring/weightjack setup in the front
Afco Racing 550lb/in springs in the front, 650lb/in springs in the back
Sportmax/XXR 006 17" mesh wheels in black
205/40/R17 Nexen 3000 tires
EBC green stuff pads in the front
PBR pads in the rear
Electricals:
APC mods as needed
H4-4 HID beams (4-ballast)
Jak's Stage 1/Stage 2 ECU (back to stock due to issues)
LED signal, reversing, and stop lights
Magnecor wires
battery moved to left side under air filter
Interior:
Grey carpets and knee bolster (changed from original beige)
Momo Champion steering wheel
Momo pedal covers
Momo shift knob
Momo leather shift boot
Autometer carbon fibre boost, voltage, and narrowband AFR
LED modified instrumentation lights
Exterior:
Clear corners (need replacing after the last accident)
pre-facelift SPG front and rear bumper extensions and front spoiler
hood (3 times), left fender, windshield wiper support bar, all 4 doors, trunk lid, roof, both rear quarter panels, have all been repainted
That's all I can think of for now!
li Arc