[brisbanesaab]

Hello

Im new to this but im looking for a NG900 Saab Convertible. However its really hard to find one with all the things i want, (climate control, turbo, wood trim). So while there are a few 2.3L NG900, I was wondering if its easy to convert the 2.3L to a turbo. Also can i get the woodtrim installed ontop of the plastic trim?

I looked at the buyers guide on the site which will be helpful come inspecting but i'll probably take it to a saab dealer for a proper inspection when i find one. But is there anything particular to look out for the turbo.

How does the 2.0L turbo, 2.3L and the v6 compare to each other? I want the 2.0L turbo but they are very rare so was wondering what the v6 like? is it troublesome and should i stay away from it?

Finally, i want the sensonic transmission. Again hard to find, but is there anything particular to look for when i find one. What problems could manifest or develop from a sensonic? Should i avoid it?

Currently i drive a Lexus LS400, the running cost of that is very high (petrol and maintenance). Im hoping the Saab should be much less, at least in the fuel department anyways. Any thoughts regarding running costs as such.

Sorry i asked a lot thankyou in advance

 

[Slaab4life]

First, welcome to Saab Central!

So while there are a few 2.3L NG900, I was wondering if its easy to convert the 2.3L to a turbo. Also can i get the woodtrim installed ontop of the plastic trim?

Would be totally uneconomical to convert the NA 2.3 to a turbo. Its cheaper to buy a turbo Saab than to convert an existing NA. Then again...you can't find any around you so that makes my statement a bit useless. But lots of things need to be converted...ECU, wiring harness, etc. As for woodtrim, if for the surface facing you (vertical one), then yes, the black one comes out and a wood finish is available.

How does the 2.0L turbo, 2.3L and the v6 compare to each other? I want the 2.0L turbo but they are very rare so was wondering what the v6 like? is it troublesome and should i stay away from it?

Here is a list of technical specs on the engines. Ragtopcav is the resident V6 guru, so you may want to try sending him a message about it.
http://www.saabcentral.com/~munki/technical/engine/tech_specs/tech_detail.htm

i want the sensonic transmission. Again hard to find, but is there anything particular to look for when i find one. What problems could manifest or develop from a sensonic? Should i avoid it?

As per Ian's (Munki's) buyer's guide: "Avoid the Sensonic, unless you really want one, as it is expensive to repair if it goes wrong." Beyond that I can's comment because I headed that advise and kept the Sensonic out of mind.

Running costs aren't too bad, no different than most cars. Make sure the car you will purchase has a full Saab service history. Repairs can get pricey but if you're doing the work its only the cost of parts you need to worry about, which aren't too bad through independent stores, etc. The NG900 is an aging fleet, so some issues are bound to pop up.
Another good place for answers is at the top of the 9-3/NG900 worshop forum thread list. Its a sticky thread titles "NG900/9-3 FAQ's" great list of threads within it.
Good luck!

http://www.saabcentral.com/~munki/technical/engine/tech_specs/tech_detail.htm

 

[PMI]

I was wondering if its easy to convert the 2.3L to a turbo.

In theory you can add a custom turbocharger to just about any car, but you can NOT convert a 900S to a turbo just by bolting on parts from a 900SE.

The S and SE have different compression ratios and different cam shafts. The T5 ecu from the SE is programmed for the 2.0L engine. The Motronic ecu is programmed for the 2.3L S engine. You would have to install the head from the SE engine along with the direct ignition system and the T5 ecu, or reprogram a T5 ecu for the compression, cams and timing in the 2.3L engine.

If you can reprogram a T5 ecu to do things like that, there are people who would gladly fly you to the US or to Europe to work on their track cars... :cheesy:

 

[Marks900SE]

Also can i get the woodtrim installed ontop of the plastic trim?

Yes you can, there are dash kits from light wood to dark wood, red carbon fiber to regular carbon fiber, to aluminum, and to solid colors.

Pick your fancy, ebay usually has some in atleast the wood.

Just wait for a turbo, you will be much happier in that not only does it have the turbo but the styling of the SE is better (Leather seats and interior), and better suspension. I waited and searched for my turbo SE for a few months before I found it.

 

[brisbanesaab]

Thankyou for that info people. I guess i will have to wait for a turbo if i really want one. Not in terms of numbers but has anyone compared the difference between a turbo and a 2.3L? Is the difference significant?

Also is it general consensus among NG900 owners to stay away from the sensonic?

 

[PMI]

Thankyou for that info people. I guess i will have to wait for a turbo if i really want one. Not in terms of numbers but has anyone compared the difference between a turbo and a 2.3L? Is the difference significant?

I did, and it was, but it is not all in favor of the turbo.

The 2.3L is a nice ride in its own way, just different. For one thing, no turbo-lag... also no DIC waiting to fail at an in-opportune moment, simpler vacuum system, no oil coking up in the turbo, no cracking intercoler hoses, less oil in the intake... The SAI system would be my least favorite part of the 2.3L, and I think the already soft rear suspension may be even more so on the non-turbo. Not sure of that 100%, because both were newer at the time I compared, not at 100k miles...