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Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 10:00:25 -0500
From: Gavin Haslett <gavinhnopsamstl.com>
Subject: Re: Engine Noise/Power on 9-3


Well, personally I'd head to the dealer or a reputable mechanic just in case. I get noises when idle when I have the AC on in my 1996 900 Turbo... but I also suspect I may have lost the bearing in the compressor in the input shaft... ack! As for the loss of power... yeah that's really not uncommon. Every vehicle suffers some power loss, especially at low RPM's and it's even more noticeable in a turbocharged car where you need some RPM's to get some performance... the car just doesn't rack up revs like it does with the AC off. Contrary to what another poster said, my last car was a 230Hp Subaru SVX, and even in that thing it was noticeable when the AC kicked in. Certainly, the smaller the engine the greater the effect... but it's still definitely there. I also think the thicker, more humid air makes a difference too... I've noticed a drop in performance even with the AC off since the weather got thicker... but I also realized that a K&N air filter makes a difference there. And as for gas... well for a 2liter 4-banger I think the average gas-mileage of a Saab 900/9-3 really sucks. I get about 21mpg on average with about 50/50 city/highway driving... I actually got slightly better (about 22mpg) with my 3.3L H6 in the Subaru, and that car weighs about 600lbs more than the Saab. OTOH I wouldn't trade my Saab for anything... for the really minimal maintenance it needs the car is a great investment; good performance, comfortable, fast, and a smooth highway runner... not to mention that I for one LOVE the styling ;) Gavin

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