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after much the same events, only at 72k. Combination of the infamous head gasket situation and the fact that I got a lot of water through my intake. Hopefully there's something in my experience that'll help you out.
I bought the engine salvaged for under $1000 - it had less than 30k on. I was fortunate to be near an independent mechanic who worked with me closely in arranging the necessaries (plus a few upgrades at the same time, including intercooler, clutch.
The car's been running fine. However, I did eventually crap out my AC condensor (from old engine) and drive belt. This ended up being unnecesarily costly, as I should have replaced the unit at the same time as the engine.
Morals of the story
1) Look around for a good salvaged engine. Its worth the time. Watch for head gasket issues - its always the corner near the battery. Model '00 and later engines are better in this regard. I'm not sure what you had in your car, but the new t7 engines work in t5 cars if you reuse your old wiring harness and intake and fuel delivery systems. Even the new black DI will work.
2) Purchase the ac condensor (probably all the accs, including alternator, why not?) from the guy who sells you the engine. You can probably get them for less, you'll consolidate labor costs, and it WILL save you $ down the road.
3) Replace the clutch while the engine is out. This is otherwise a spendy job on a fwd Saab.
4) Consider convenient upgrades to i/c, etc. while the engine is already out.
5) On the other hand, if you are sure that the other parts of the engine are good, a tear down and replaning of the head shouldn't cost you more than $850. You'll still be on a turbo with 100k, though. That can't be good.
posted by 24.173.1...
Mine's the Black 9-3 in Customers Vehicles
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