[Kbeckham]

I'm about to buy a 1995 Saab 9000 cse turbo 5 speed and the guy said he did a head gasket and he turned it over and the chain "got caught somewhere" and snapped. I've never heard of this happening... is this something these engines do in assembled incorrectly? I understand there are 2 chains? I'm just gonna pull the motor and replace both and I'm gonna redo the head gasket because he obviously doesn't know what he's doing, I'm wondering what parts I should order? if I'm gonna need any special tools? thanks in advance! P.S. ill check the valves...

 

[Ryengoth]

You won't really know until you pull the timing cover. Wait and get a parts list first based on the carnage. Most likely you will need a full set of plastic guides at a minimum. I find it hard to believe that the chain snapped like that. If it did, you may be buying a new timing gear (not a cheap part these days). There is a timing chain for the cams and a balance chain for the balance shafts. I am finishing up a rebuild on a B234I on my YT channel. I did not go into a ton of detail on the timing bits, though, since it's a simple process if you follow the book. All of the B200 series motors have the same timing setup style as well and there is content out there for it.

 

[Kbeckham]

I thoroughly intend on replacing the guides, and chain and tensioner as well as anything else that was damaged. but again, not sure what could have caused this

 

[Ryengoth]

It will be fairly obvious once the cover comes off. The tensioner should be fine but the spring inside may need replacing. A sharp putty knife is helpful breaking the seal on the cover.

 

[Kbeckham]

Ok, I'll post an update once i have the car

 

[KevinC]

Have heard of someone doing this, result was very valuable big valve gas flowed head converted to scrap as pistons hit valves, worst case would be this and cracked piston tops. Hope this isn't your case, also hope it was real cheap.

 

[Kbeckham]

He said it wasnt running so i doubt it cracked pistons but i am worried about the head

 

[Ryengoth]

Boroscope the cylinders before you buy it?

 

[Kbeckham]

Im getting it for $500 so im not to worried. Its my old one and i never should have sold it but i just want it back

 

[Kbeckham]

ok, I got the car but I am livid... when I sold it it was in perfect condition aside from the drivers seat and the worn out motor mounts, so far this is what I've found: grill is smashed to pieces, hood doesn't close straight, interior is stained, its full of trash, its extremely dirty, there are stickers on the windows mirrors and paint, it has been side swiped, the front splitter is all scuffed up, the cowl housing the ac condenser/heater core is pulled out for some reason, the antenna has been ripped out, the wing has been smashed to bits, various scratches etc... I know its a $500 car but I don't understand how you do that to car let alone in a span of 5 months. and being my old car there is sentimental value, looks like i have a lot to fix.

 

[Kbeckham]

honestly there's enough damage to where I'm considering stripping the interior and making a racecar, I'm sure there are people on here who can use interior bits

 

[KevinC]

Some people can do that to a new rental car in five days...feel your pain, take some time and the right approach going forward will make itself clear.

Bodywork takes so much time to repair, better a great condition car with a blown engine or gearbox in my opinion.

 

[Kbeckham]

I agree, but it can all be fixed. the only thing it would heed to go to the body shop for is the sideswipe, luckily the trim took most of the damage but the rear door and a little bit of the quarter panel will need to be fixed. is there a "parts for sale" forum on here?

 

[Kbeckham]

I think I've decided what I want to do, I'm gonna get a trust manifold and a precision turbo 4831B, a front mount and aim for about 380hp, how much power can the clutch take? and it being a later model (95) 2.3 cse, does it already have a good intake or should i look for a different one?

 

[Ryengoth]

The only issue I could see from looking at the intake online (mine is not a turbo) is that an increase of say 20% or more of equivalent CFM from a larger turbo would suggest more surge area in the manifold to buffer the charge. I know there are folks out there with plenty of experience with performance mods on these engines, but possibly not on this thread since the topic is different. Post a new thread?

 

[Kbeckham]

ok, will do. sorry im new here lol