Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1998 00:23:04 -0400 From: "anon" <anonnopsam.com> Subject: Re: 1997 900 S Test Drive
Sonnysdad wrote in message <1998080914492300.KAA17832nopsamer01.news.aol.com>... >I test drove a 97 900SE 5-speed a few months ago and loved the car, except for >the extremely heavy clutch--the last time I expended so much effort shifting >was on the farm in my old man's '64 Chevy one-ton flatbed. Hence my question >to 900 SE owners: > >Does one just get used to the clutch/shifting? Or does one just put up with it >because the car is otherwise such a blast to drive? > >Thanks in advance. >Jeff M. Jeff, I drive the same car. I have found that a heavy clutch is a matter of opinion. I rally a Land Rover Defender 90 and have found a Nautilus workout to be easier on my left leg. On the otherhand, I test drove a new Beetle last month with hardly any resistance in the clutch and had a hard time finding the friction point. So, I guess you can say I prefer a 'heavier' clutch as it affords me more control, especially in rough terrain. I double clutch on downshifts. One trick I learned early is to take advantage of the seat adjustment to sit high and upright so you can put some weight behind your left leg when clutching - it becomes effortless. With my own '97 900T, my only gripe about the transmission is that it's a bit notchy. I have heard that Redline MTL will smooth out synchro engagement (Saabs are preloaded with 10W30) and am waiting to reach 20,000 miles before replacing the tranny lube. I have yet to find a shifter with action as smooth as Honda's. Since getting into Saabs with the '97 900, I am constantly grinning everytime I drive it. Being good on gas makes owning one even sweeter. If the Saab in question is being offered at a good price, buy it. Alex C.
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