Ok so most of you are aware my red 89 900i got rear-ended at the start of January and that I now have it back. One of the few things that weren't 100 percent sorted was the exhaust. It's got a leak in a join half-way along the middle pipe, and I was wondering about the idea of replacing the system with something better and new.

The car is currently a non-turbo 16V but I do have all the bits here now to change it to a turbo 16V.

For those of you who have replaced a standard c900 16V exhaust system with a funky sports type system, what did you decide to do and what influenced your decision? My preference is a system from Ferrita in Sweden but they've stopped making c900 systems going by their website catalog. A full stainless system is the preference where possible. Swedish Dynamics list Fox exhaust systems which will suit, but there are others around like the Jetex ones from the UK.

I understand that a non-turbo engine needs a certain amount of back-pressure to work while a turbo engine needs as little as possible, so is it important to look at a system which is specifically intended for a non-turbo or a turbo engine, or is that immaterial when looking at performance exhausts?

Craig.

Hi Craig,

I had a similar dilemma myself with a 1991 16V 900i. I went with an OEM exhaust from the turbo model. It sounded great, improved power and made it just a bit more tractable. All after market systems were going to cost more - even the non stainless version.

Lloyd

Did you source the parts locally? I have not been able to accurately figure out exactly which exhaust config shown in the EPC applies to my 900i and the system currently on my car looks to have a non-OEM tailpipe + back box. Is/was your 900i a non-turbo or turbo car? Mine is non-turbo, but I'm not sure I believe people when they say an exhaust system for a turbo car will not work with a non-turbo engine... Perhaps there is a techical aspect for the systems being different between turbo and non-turbo config.

Craig.

Hi Craig,

I owned a 900i 16V 2litre NON TURBO. In discussing my options with the SAABTECH guys they just ordered it and a week later it was on my car. Maybe not even that long. You could give them a call on Monday (02) 9999 2771 and I'm sure they'll point you in the right direction. Just mention my name and my white manual convertible exhaust system. It improved response and sounded really good too. Not too intrusive, but not the usual asthmatic. note.

Good luck,

Lloyd

Thanks heaps Lloyd. BTW I worked out with the help of another SA saab enthusiast and cross-checking diagrams in the EPC that my car does has a cat-based system so that solves the cat vs non-cat aspect. My 81 turbo sedan is most definitely non-cat but the 16V 89 900i has a cat.

I was going to call Steve at Saab Salvage tomorrow so I'll call Saabtech too and see what they can do.

Craig.