Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2001 18:44:56 -0500 From: 61 <data61nopsamcape.net> Subject: Re: So.. why is the engine in back to front?
From what I remember I think it had something to do with SAAB making a compact engine, transmission, transaxel unit. If the engine would be the other way around the transaxel would not be in the right place for the front wheels. Another goal was to have equal length drive shafts to balance the torque delivery. Or something to that effect. Any other 99 experts out there are welcome to confirm or comment on this. I am going by memory because I do not have the SAAB enginering booklet that had some of this information. Past owner of a 99ems circa 1978. John Jonathan McCormack wrote: > > "Dave Hinz" <dhinznopsamh.execpc.com> wrote in message > news:3b7d8fa1$0$86159$272ea4a1nopsam.execpc.com... > > Jonathan McCormack (McCormackJnopsamsyCity.Gov.UK) wrote: > > : My wife's 900 has just had it's clutch replaced and the mechanic who did > it > > : was wondering why the engine is in back to front compared to normal > cars. > (snip) > > > > Interestingly enough (or not, you decide!), the 3-cylinder Saab's, > > using the 2-stroke engine which were produced until about 1968, were > > derived from a DKW 2-stroke engine, which Saab put the flywheel on the > > opposite end of. So, they've been backwards (cyl #1 closest to the > > firewall) for a *long* time. > > > > But, it's no extra work when you're designing it, and I'd guess it was > > done either for serviceability, or balance, at least. > > > > Dave Hinz > > Thanks Dave, > > Kinda makes sense, actually I think it's rather cool that SAAB did this, I > love ecentricity and the old 900 has it in buckets. > > I never tire of asking friends of mine who have never driven a SAAB before > to nip down to the shops for me in the car and I watch with loads of giggles > while they try and find the ignition :) > > Jonathan
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