[Jim Dorociak]

Hello all! I just purchased a 1988 SPG with 198,000 miles. It needs help and so do I. First off when I am buying new needed parts I want to upgrade if possible. I need a pressure regulator, but have read an upgrade is to buy a 3.0 regulator which helps when you start changing other parts. For me I would like to get to 185 hp or higher without going crazy on the cost. I believe it is a red box, different distributor and different turbo unit and ???

First on my list is get the car to pass California smog, followed by a paint job this winter. AT least I have no rust to deal with as it is an original CA car. Thanks to everyone who shares their thoughts. Jim

 

[jvanabra]

I would start by really thinking about where you're trying to get to, and how much you're expecting to spend. Big numbers are gonna yield a much different approach than small numbers. Probably also worth thinking about your tolerance for goofiness... if you're a perfectionist that's a different challenge than trying to get to daily driver.

'88s are great cars - congrats!

 

[Jim Dorociak]

Well, I purchased the 3.0 fuel pressure regulator, got it installed and after replacing several rubber grommets by the fuel tank the car passed California smog last week, so now I am off to get my title and plates so it is legal to drive. Next on the list is a paint job. Last week I drove 70 miles and am excited to again experience Saab ownership.

 

[jvanabra]

Passing smog on an '88 with 200k suggests it's been pretty well maintained mechanically. That's great news!

 

[Jim Dorociak]

Well guys getting a 32 year old car through smog, VIN check, registration, title transfer, and buying plates made me realize how lucky I was to find a CA Saab SPG with all the emission stickers and other needed information still under the hood during the vin check. I never really gave much thought to all the potential possible roadblocks registering a car with out of state plates legal in California. CA car spent the last 3 years in GA and luckily back to California. Jim

 

[Jim Dorociak]

I managed to buy a set of basket weave 6.5" x 16" wheels 4 x 108. It has been mentioned to me that 205/50 x 16 is the tire, but I also found a 215/50/16 as another option. What size tire are most running on the 6.5 wide wheels? Am I going to have fender lip issues with fit running the 215/50? I as always appreciate any information shared with me.. Thank you in advance. Jim

 

[Jim Dorociak]

sorry "Cross Spoke Ronal wheels 6.5" x 16

 

[jvanabra]

I've done both, but one thing to be aware of is that Saab 16" wheels have low offsets for use on a c900, which can result in tire/fender interference. A lot depends on suspension and how the car is used, but more tire = more chance for interference.