[saabdrvr]

I recently brought my Saab for repairs at a local Saab Specialist Shop. They do excellent work. I inquired about modding my car and asked if they can take car of the upgrades. They reply was to leave the car alone or just buy a better model car. I have a '99 Saab 9-3 S.

One of things I asked was about the rear sway bar upgrade. They said that it will make the car unbalanced. Saying that I should upgrade the suspension as well.

I asked about chipping, and they recommended against it. First, that I wouldn't know the quality of the programming, and I would need extra upgrades to fully realize its full potential.

Finally I asked, if they can tweak it so the turbo can go past the yellow/red line. Part of my turbo was busted recently (they fixed it) where it overboosted. I loved that feeling.. I learned to "feather" it so it didn't trigger the fuel cut off while it was broken. But I want to feeling back again!! They said they may be about tweak a few things with tech-II to get it up a little.

I really don't know what they mean by that. I was wondering if someone here can elaborate for me. Should I let FUD (fear, doubt, uncertainty) get in the way of moding my awesome car?

Thanks,
SaabDrvr

 

[DougR]

IMO it's a little half and half. I think what they are trying to protect you from is making an uninformed upgrade and actually decreasing your ride stability and/or decreasing the cars ability to be a daily driver(read unreliable). Basically when you mod from stock you will decrease the life expectancy of the vehicles parts. Right down to something as simple as lowering the suspension will put more stress on the rest of the car and most likely cause more rattles. As far as chipping and such, what the person says is true, how do you know you are gettting a good ECU program? Unless you are an expert it takes a little faith and some good investigation to make a sound decision on that one. That said there are plenty of reputable people with a lot of satisfied customers that make ECU upgrades, just make sure to stick with them, and you should be fine.

I think if you really desire the performance and are willing to risk longevity and reliability for it, go for it.