Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 21:29:17 -0000 From: "Caerbannog" <1nospamcommmode> Subject: 1999 9-3SE Turbo handling (UK)
Hi all, just after a bit of advice from the group's collected wisdom... Just got a 9-3SE Turbo after changing jobs and losing my company Ford Focus ST170 (bit of a toy, high-revving rollerskate that handled like it's on rails) I'd always wanted another Saab, since selling my 1998 900i a few years back. So I picked up this SE which looks great, loads of power when the turbo decides to get out of bed, everything works despite it's 97k miles EXCEPT... It handles like an oil tanker. Admittedly I've been spoiled in the handling department by the Focus, but it just wallows. And if you get it wrong and the turbo comes on song in the middle of a damp corner, well, it's Say Goodnight to the Folks, Gracie. And now I've found out it's a bloody Cavalier underneath! Robbed! It feels like when Wile E Coyote puts on rollerskates and straps an Acme rocket to his back. Fine on the straight bits, not so good on the twisty canyon roads (OK, so there aren't any canyons in Norfolk, but you get the picture) What does the group think (sounding like a Radio 4 panel show) would be the most cost-effective solution to my handling woes? The car only cost me £4000 so I'm not spending more than, say, £500 on this. I saw a Koni spring & damper kit for £425 which looked OK, but a bit of feedback from you guys would be great before I splash out my hard-earned wedge. Oh, and tyre choice, too, if it's not too much trouble. As this car is ex-fleet they put any old rubber on it, whatever the tyre depot has in the right size. So the rears have P6000s, but the front is a right old mixture. I think there's a Pilot Primacy on one side, and a different Michelin on the other. Come to think of it, I reckon matched rubber would probably help somewhat, but that doesn't solve the body roll! Thanks in advance guys Daniel
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