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Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 14:36:59 -0700
From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet>
Subject: Re: 89 900T upgrades...


Cuda123 wrote: > > [As I've asked in Saabnet.com, i'll extend my q to the 'net.] > I'm looking for performance upgrades for 89 900T. > I'm especially interested in any experience with MSS exhaust and K&N Filter > boxes, and also, anybody out there who has done anything to their similar car, > and would pass on advice, or recommendations. Thanks. > ~bc 1. Go with a good cat back exhaust. MSS makes a great product, as does group 6. 2.5" at minimum, much larger than 3" won't get you much. The stock exhaust is about 2.25" 2. Skip the K&N, unless you're talking about just replacing the filter element in the airbox. The stock airbox can flow more air than you'll need and is pretty low-restriction. The bolt-on K&N that replaces the stock airbox is virtually useless, as it sucks (hot) air from behind the intercooler, inside the engine compartment, instead of pulling in air from the outside. European Car did a pretty decent test on K&Ns a few months back. 3. Get a modified APC box, or do it yourself. Group6 and ELP both sell modified boxes in the U.S., as does Accelerated Response Motoring in Canada. The stock turbo on an '89 is good for about 20psi of boost, although efficiency will start dropping off at 16-18psi. The Saab tranny is not so good for high-torque, so I'd keep your boost down to 16-17psi at most. 4. Get a higher-rate fuel pressure regulator or, better yet, a rising rate regulator. Group6, ELP, and ARM all sell both. At 12 or 13psi a 2.5 bar is adequate, 2.8 bar is good to around 14 or 15. More than that you'll need a rising rate or a 3.0bar FPR. I'd recommend grabbing a 3.0bar right off the bat - it'll be cheapest (Saab used the 3.0bar in the 900S) and easiest to install. 5. Look into getting a blowoff valve to replace the stock bypass valve. At high boost levels the stock valve will rip out quickly. It took about 12,000 miles for my '90 SPG running 15psi to destroy its bypass valve. 6. Someone out there sells a limited slip differential for 900s. It's worth getting if you're interested in 1/4mile times and not passing speed as it will help you get power to the ground. Do a search on the net for "saab limited slip differential" - it's about $800 but well worthwhile for a hi-po 900. 7. Higher-flow injectors. I believe the stock injectors are more than capable of handling fuel requirements for most applications, but if you're running lots of boost, I'd look into new injectors, or having yours balanced and flow-mapped. Also, using the injectors from a 2.3l Volvo turbo will help you get some more flow. But, do your other mods first and see if the fuel system can keep up before investing money in new injectors you may not need. I would suggest you have your current injectors fully cleaned and flow tested to make sure they're in good condition - they do wear out. I think that's about it... I've modified a few Saabs (on my sixth 900T now) and have some experience. My current SPG is waiting on a ported & polished head and possibly a larger ball-bearing turbo, but I'm not sure I wanna spend that kinda money yet. I'm also looking into adapting Direct Ignition (from a '90 9000T) to it.... -Justin

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