Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 16:22:12 +0100 From: Johannes H Andersen <johsnopsamsizefitterzzzz.com> Subject: Re: Question about the Opal (spelling) engines
Brittany wrote: > > I wrote earlier because my 1989 9000CD has a problem with no heat and > no air while it is idle. Still have not had the time to get it > checked but thanks for the help from everyone who responded. I will > look into it but with work and school it is hard to commit any time at > the moment. :-) > > Anyway, I was shopping at a dealership in Andover and they had an > awesome 95 Saab 1999 6 cyl. My father told me not to get it because > of the engine was an opal. One of the guys at work told me Opal is an > engine manufactured here in the states. This engine is derived from the 3.0L Opel (German GM), but Saabs version of the engine is asymmetrically turbo charged. It means that only half the bank of cylinders drive the turbo. It is not particularly powerful for size (200 bhp), but a nice drive nevertheless. Saab purists prefer the 4 cyl genuine Saab engines as they are sturdy and long lasting and have plenty of real turbo power, but if you like the 6-cyl and the price is right, then I see no problem considering it. > So is it really a bad engine? I turned the car down and decided to > wait for a 4 cyl but this car is soooo nice. > > So any advice from the car experts will be soooo greatly appreciated. I'm no expert. Johannes