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Hey,
I'd be interested in your source on the boost limitation in 1st and 2nd. As far as I'm aware, my T7 equipped 9-3 does not limit boost except in 1st. Actually, it never limits boost directly. It limits torque in 1st. Search this BB and you will find a link to some tech info on how the T7 engine control works. You could be right about T5 9-3 from '99 though.
Even with aluminum block, the 9-3SS is at least 115 lb heavier than the 9-3SE (3175 vs. 3060). Check the spec here on Saabnet model info.
I fail to see how a narrower peak torque band is in any way a good thing. I don't understand what road speed has to do with it; perhaps I'm missing something (wouldn't be the first time :-). Why would it matter that I'm going faster when I hit the torque peak? If the wheels aren't slipping, they don't move relative to the road. A narrower torque band means a narrower speed band in which maximum torque is available for a given gear. If my engine puts out peak torque between 2200 and 4800, how is that worse than the same peak torque between 2500 and 4500? Granted the max torque on the new engine is higher, but I don't think it's enough higher to compensate for weight and the narrower peak. Calculate the area under the curve. (4800-2200)*209 > (4500-2500)*221, by about 23%. It's not just about peak torque, it's about where it's available. The only thing a higher rpm torque peak does in my mind is mandate that I slip the clutch longer when accelerating hard in 1st. That's not a good thing either.
My guess is that the narrower torque band is compensated for by the closer ratio trannys (5spd auto, 6spd manual). If you're accelerating hard with a close ratio 6spd, you may never see the 2200-2500 rev range except in 1st, or not at all if you slip the clutch. But you'll see the 4500-4800, and you'll miss the torque there. You'll also miss the 2200-2500 torque when you try to pass that big rig in 5th on the freeway.
In summary,
higher horsepower:
yes, but the extra weight negates it.
higher torque:
higher *peak* torque doesn't always mean more overall torque
less weight:
false
Agree with you that an improved suspension is a good thing. Still has 60/40 weight bias though, so the fundamentals are the same, with the possible exception of a slightly lower CG (anyone know for sure?) Also I've pointed out the 6spd is a good thing. The reduced Cd is also a good thing. Does anyone know what tires they're mating to the new car? That could potentially help as well.
I can't comment on whether the engine is actually producing more than it's rated at. However, I see very little motivation for Saab to produce an engine and not advertise its full capability, especially when the uneducated market they're catering to thinks that more peak hp/torque automatically means faster.
The discussion at least is a good thing!
Cheers,
'Roo
posted by 12.13.238...
, Sun, 29 Sep 2002 18:00:06, Sun, 29 Sep 2002 23:02:06
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