Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2006 20:41:59 GMT From: Bob <uctraingnospamanet.com> Subject: Re: 9-3 performance upgrade
On 30 May 2006 16:03:32 -0700, "saab_aka" <dyz36nospamo.com> wrote: >Or is it my wishful thinking that the ECU upgrade alone will get me the >extra 25 HP? The website partsforsaab.com sells stage 1 (+36 hp) and >stage 2 (+39 hp) packages. Stage 2 adds only 3 hp but costs $600 more >to add the air intake and cat converter. My only explanation for the >$/hp ratio differences is that the stage 1 projected hp increase >assumes I already have some modified air intake and cat converter. And >that, in reality, I will add much less than 36 HP with the stage 1 >upgrade and maybe nothing given that I am not upgrading the air intake >and cat converter? I don't know of anyone who has used that kit. Sounds interesting but I don't know anyone who's tried it. Question for you: what is the color of the DI cassette on top of yor engine ? It's the large piece that covers the middle of the engine, on top of the spark plugs. I definitely think you should look at doing the air intake ($10 misc parts plus $40 for a K&N - easy DIY if you are handy with basic tools) and the exhaust ($400 for a sport exhaust. Don't worry about the cat. I've never heard of anyone below 250HP changine the cat. A 3" downpipe is the next step if you want to get to serious HP along with other mods but I don't think you need to consider that. You can do the ECU w/o the othe mods - you just don't get as much out of it. >Also why is there a difference in prices between ECU units on different >websites? Are some better than the others? There does not seem to be any relationship between quality and price, within a certain range. For example maptun.com sells ECU's for about $500 as far as I recall and they are used by lots of folks with great results. abbottracing.com sells their ECU's for much more and I am not aware of any advantage (everything they sell seems to be priced higher). There is also nordic Saab with US & Europe sites. If you don't have a URL for them I can get you one.