Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2001 00:17:47 +0100 From: "Jonathan McCormack" <McCormackJnopsamastCity.Gov.UK> Subject: Re: So.. why is the engine in back to front?
"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