Classic 900 Performance

As with any modification to a car it must be running to at least factory specs even before you think about doing any sort of performance upgrade to it.

A few of the things to consider before contemplating upgrading are the following:

• is the timing correct
• are all the ignition components OK
• are all the fuel components OK
• is the turbo charger OK, and
• is the engine generally in good running order as per factory specs and tolerences?

It is crazy to modify a sick or incorrectly running engine, not in the least you will be unhappy with the results, but you could do more damage than good! So follow the steps here as a guide, and if you feel at all unsure, ask questions of your mechanic, performance tech or post a message on the many Saab forums out there.

Do your research and speak with other Saab enthusiasts who have done what you are contemplating, so you can at least work out what it is you need to achieve and steps involved.

Some suggestions for a classic 900 Turbo

Make sure there are no vacuum leaks on the many vac lines under the hood. If in doubt of the age or condition of these lines, replace with silicon vac hose as this doesnt crack or get brittle with age, the best thing is that it doesn't pop off under boost like the crappy oem stuff. Also make sure the rubber connectors on the intercooler ducts are all OK and not split. it may be worth removing ducts and checking properly. The one at the turbo end gets real brittle as its subjected to a lot of heat.

Make sure the base boost is set at the proper factory setting of around 5-6psi. You can measure this by disconnecting the apc solenoid plug and using a boost guage to measure.

Use the factory specified plug (NGK BCP7EV) gapped as per the sticker on inside of the engine bay suggests. The timing should be set at 16BTDC. A tune up and replacement of the distributor cap, ignition leads, rotor should be done so the car is in tip-top condition before adding any go-fast bits.

Exhaust systems for the classic 900T

A 2.5 inch exhaust is the way to go, or if you can afford it, a 3 inch mandrel bent stainless steel would be sweet! Start off by doing from cat back first. By doing the upgrade in stages you can ascertain the increase or difference and take notes to how and what the improvement is. At a later stage a hi-flow racing cat and a mandrel bent 3.0 inch down pipe should be considered.

The hi-flow cat I upgraded to is actually a little smaller than stock and has a distinctly different honeycomb insides. A complete exhaust system upgrade is a definite improvement and really helps lessen the spool up time, and creates a fantastic sound that lets you know how hard the Saab 16V engine is working - and what a sound that is! A personal fav of mine is to give it some stick going through tunnels or carparks to hear it!

Gauge suggestions

At the very least i would suggest an Autometer (or similar) a/f ratio gauge and a boost gauge as standard for an upgraded Saab 900 Turbo. I have both mounted in gauge pods on the a-pillar.