1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
I'd like to get better performance in my '85 900S with a 5-speed transmission and 8-valve naturally aspirated engine - the slowest of the Classic 900s. Well, I guess it would be slower if it were an automatic. ;-)
The drivetrain in my car is completely stock except for a K&N air filter. Now I know I could just go out and get myself a 900 Turbo or SPG but I'm really attached to this particular car, it's an extremely clean and totally unmolested 2-door notchback with 145k miles that I purchased three years ago from the original owner. I've also invested time and money into upgrading the brakes and suspension and it has some other goodies like a Saab Savior skidplate, e-codes, etc. I plan on driving it until gasoline is NLA. ;-)
All along I've been pondering doing a drivetrain swap from either an 8-valve or 16-valve 900 Turbo. I know that would probably be the easiest route to adequate performance. However, I haven't been able to find any rusty or wrecked parts cars close to me. Even if I did find a parts car I wouldn't really have a place to keep it. Finally, the engine in the car runs great so I can't really justify getting rid of it yet.
I've been sketching out a plan in my head for some possible performance modifications:
Engine:
Ideally I'd like to not mess around with the bottom end but rather focus on modifying the cylinder head. I’d definitely go with a hotter cam. I’m also thinking bigger valves and double valve springs. I used to have the 99/900 MSS catalogue, I’ll have to get another. How about shaving the head to bump up the compression ratio? I know it will require premium fuel, but I don’t want to go using racing gas, so how much could be safely removed? Would it also be worth it to have the head polished and ported? Would a lightened flywheel also help?
Exhaust:
I have a header that I purchased from Vince Tong a couple of years ago; it’s either an MSS or Sport and Rally, looks like it’s from a non-cat car. I’d use that and have a four-bolt flange welded onto it and go with a cat-back exhaust for a Turbo.
Transmission:
The transmission shifts nicely although I would like to switch to Redline MTL, currently running 10w30 dino oil that was changed two years ago. I'd also like to swap the primary drive gears. From what I've been told '85s were geared for maximum fuel economy, not performance. What would be a good primary set to go with? I’m also curious about that Saab Savior short shifter; I’ll have to talk to John about it.
Suspension:
I’m running Jamex springs with MSS spacers in the front and SAS spacers in the rear. I think I’m going to get rid of the front spacers, I can get away with it since I have the skidplate. I installed Bilstein HD shocks three years ago. I’ve been “experimenting” with just a rear sway bar since I installed the shocks; I’m probably going to install the front with poly bushings. I should replace all of the bushings, they look pretty good but they are almost 21 years old.
Brakes:
I just replaced the master cylinder, rear calipers and rotors, pads all around, and installed Paragon Performance stainless steel braided hoses. I have been pondering going with a vented front rotor setup from an ’86 or ’87.
Wheels:
Still running the stock manhole covers since they came with brand new Michelin MXV4s when I bought the car in ’02. I plan on refinishing my Shelby Silvervanes and using those instead, they look slightly nicer than the manholes. ;-)
Well, that’s about all I can think of. It seems that there haven’t been many people modding the 8-valve N/A cars, which makes sense given the ready availability of Turbos and 16-valve 900s. I just think a souped-up N/A 8-valve would be kind of cool and unique, sort of like an updated EMS. Any advice or thoughts on such an undertaking would be most appreciated.
posted by 12.208.236...
, Sun, 1 Jan 2006 20:45:55
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
