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Two easiest changes are tire pressure and tire size... Posted by REM in Seattle [Email] (#4) [Profile/Gallery] (more from REM in Seattle) on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:46:44 In Reply to: "Softer" ride for '01 93SE, BobF, Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:34:47 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The SAAB NG900 and OG9-3 have never had a plush ride quality. The ride is fairly firm and 'european' in nature. However, the two easiest changes are tire pressure and tire size.
Tire pressure has a large effect on ride quality. A change in tire pressure of only a few PSI can have a large effect.
The Saab tire pressure sticker on the driver’s door of my 1998 900SET, recommends (for stock size 205/50-16 tires):
32 PSI all around for 1-3 occupants and speeds up to 100MPH.
35 PSI all around for 4-5 occupants and speeds up to 100 MPH.
39 PSI all around for speeds over 100 MPH.
(Weirdly, the owners manual says 33 PSI, 36 PSI, and 39 PSI respectively. Bars to PSI conversion rounding? Who knows.)
Obviously, a tire pressure of 32 PSI will give the softest ride.
Tire size and type have a large role in ride quality. Your 1995 Saab 900 may have had either 195/60-15 tires or 205/50-16 tires. Obviously, the 15" tires would have had a very large sidewall and given a softer ride.
The 2001 9-3 probably shipped with 205/50-16 tires. The larger sidewall 205/55-16 tires will fit without rubbing, and will give more tire choices and a slightly better ride. Some brands and styles of tires have much stiffer sidewalls than others. This too is something to look at for ride quality.
If tire pressure and tire size/type doesn't work well enough for you, then I sugguest that your shocks do have a lot of miles on them and may need replaced.
REM in Seattle
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible; Steel Gray metallic; 5-speed; 29,000 miles
1998 Saab 900SET; Silver metallic; 5-door; Automatic; 114,000 miles
1984 Saab 900T; Cherry Red; 3-door; 5-speed; 242,000 miles (RIP)
_______________________________________ REM in Seattle Current: 2013 Volvo XC60 R-Design, Rebel Blue, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 2024 MINI Cooper S Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 6-speed manual Former: 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible, Steel Gray metallic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed 1998 Saab 900SET 5-door, Silver, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider convertible, Alfa Red, 2.0L 4-cyl, 5-speed 1984 Saab 900T 3-door, Red, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed
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