Find a good early 4HP18 in 2023 is going to be tough. I'd start there before committing.
1989 9000 turbo Rebuild
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Depends.
First you should take a look at the car, ideally together with someone experienced who can tell you if the trans and turbo (and other parts too) really needed to be replaced. Keep in mind that the supply on spare parts is a) limited and b) sometimes quite expensive and c) hard to retrieve and that you d) are not likely to get back whatever you had invested financialwise before.
If your companion says "yes, possible" and your mind, heart, time and wallet says "okay" this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
My grandparents let me know its gonna be a money-pit. I have some friends and family that are willing to help and appraise the car for me. I really just want to get some 'Saab Gurus' opinions on this. Would an engine swap be ideal IF I can't find parts?Depends.
First you should take a look at the car, ideally together with someone experienced who can tell you if the trans and turbo (and other parts too) really needed to be replaced. Keep in mind that the supply on spare parts is a) limited and b) sometimes quite expensive and c) hard to retrieve and that you d) are not likely to get back whatever you had invested financialwise before.
If your companion says "yes, possible" and your mind, heart, time and wallet says "okay" this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Dropping the Busso (Arese) V6 in a 9000...sounds like a task for you, jvan.
here is one picture without the flash just in case. the quality went down when I uploaded it, not sure why but..
I had a 164Q for many years and enjoyed that car thoroughly, but TBH, while the Busso is a wonderful sounding engine, it doesn't offer anything in practice over the B234R. Frankly, the magic combo would be a B234R in a 164... Italian styling, independent suspension, and a tank motor under the hood.Dropping the Busso (Arese) V6 in a 9000...sounds like a task for you, jvan.
I don't think I would willingly put that V6 motor in anything anymore - that timing belt was a nightmare.
But, if you're asking about engine swaps it's one we know fits (and even comes with a 4HP18!).
Holy SH** thats beautiful. Hard work pays off. Thanks again for replying. I'm doing more and more research everyday and this forum is super helpful.I had a 164Q for many years and enjoyed that car thoroughly, but TBH, while the Busso is a wonderful sounding engine, it doesn't offer anything in practice over the B234R. Frankly, the magic combo would be a B234R in a 164... Italian styling, independent suspension, and a tank motor under the hood.
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But, if you're asking about engine swaps it's one we know fits (and even comes with a 4HP18!).
Yeah, them Alfas were always being nasty pieces of work. Apart from me thinking that the 164 looks better than a Saab the only reason for dropping the Busso into a 9000 would be exclusively for the sound and leave the rest to an Alfa specialist. 😁I had a 164Q for many years and enjoyed that car thoroughly, but TBH, while the Busso is a wonderful sounding engine, it doesn't offer anything in practice over the B234R. Frankly, the magic combo would be a B234R in a 164... Italian styling, independent suspension, and a tank motor under the hood.
![]()
But, if you're asking about engine swaps it's one we know fits (and even comes with a 4HP18!).
Side note: I'm still searching for the pic of a Scirocco II with the rear lights of the 164. Looked pretty sharp.
It would be interesting to know what's wrong with the transmission. As I mentioned, that ZF box was not popular here and almost nobody knew how to work on them. As it turns out, they are remarkably user-serviceable and there are a few common sources for problems. It could just need a governor or the accumulator springs are broken or the pressure control valve is worn. I wonder if the later transmissions use the same parts.... they are both the same model, but that doesn't mean they're the same on the inside.
From what my grandma knows, its just 'something' with the transmission. My grandpa passed away so I don't have any inside information on that. I was thinking about doing basic maintenance (spark plugs, oil, fuel pump, etc) and have a family member check it out from there. I'm to scared to do that though thinking I'm gonna F something up.It would be interesting to know what's wrong with the transmission. As I mentioned, that ZF box was not popular here and almost nobody knew how to work on them. As it turns out, they are remarkably user-serviceable and there are a few common sources for problems. It could just need a governor or the accumulator springs are broken or the pressure control valve is worn. I wonder if the later transmissions use the same parts.... they are both the same model, but that doesn't mean they're the same on the inside.
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