1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Trevor,
I have a 1997 900 SETC with numerous performance upgrades (see link). My wife used to drive a 1998 900 turbo S (traded for a 9^5 wagon). Between the two, I have a pretty good idea of where you stand, and what you can do.
Without question, the first thing I would recommend, is upgrading the wheels & tires. Either find some take off Saab 16" wheels, or buy a package from Tire Rack. I run 215/45/17 Bridgestone S02 Pole Positions. Without a suspension upgrade, that whould be overkill, but the OE 15" Michelin MXV4s are aweful. Lousy in the wet, lousy in the dry, lousy in the snow. Only good for not wearing out! 205/50/16 is the stock size for 900 SE's. Dunlop SP9000 are a very good all round high performance tire, and popular choice in that size. without upgrading the tires (and going +1 or +2), and powertrain or suspension improvements will be wasted.
Next I'd recommend the breathing improvements as suggested by Dean. Start with the free (but for your labor) reworks. I still need to do the throttle body casting and silencer, just haven't gotten round to it. The OE airbox is horribly restrictive. See the link for another alternative. I've wrappend a K&N cone in a homemade airbox with a 4" intake to the cool air below the car. You could also upgrade to the Viggen intercooler for about $250 in parts. Dean and I differ on the significant power upgrade. I'd recommend the Abbott (or other) Trionic upgrade, rather than an external boost controler. These reprogrammed Trionics do more than just add boost. The change fuel and spark mappings to match the increased boost, alter rev limiters and fuel cutoffs, while maintaining the beneficial functions of the Saab APC system. Your car, your $$, your choice...
Then you get into springs, poly bushings, shocks/struts, Viggen front brakes... How much $$ ya got? ;)
Dan
P.S. email me if you're interested in the OE springs from my '97 SE convertible. I'm pretty sure they'd be a little lower & stiffer than what's on the S. Check with a dealer parts guy to see if it'd be worth it. They're yours for the cost of shipping.
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