Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 08:01:37 -0400 From: "Eric Law" <elawxnospamxnopsamecsxnospamx.com> Subject: Re: differences between 2.3L and 2.0L 16v engines
Ben, While I haven't done this specific swap (yet!), I can give you a couple of general pointers. First off, Saab is generally very good with interchangeability of parts. If you're used to working on Japanese/American cars, you're probably used to determining the exact date, hour, minute, and place your car was built, in order to figure out what part will fit! Saab's not like that - they only change things when they really need to. So, as far as basic fit issues, like mating to the transmission and fitting in the engine compartment, I would not expect a problem. There are a few things I'm aware of that you'll have to look out for. First, the 2.3 block is shaped differently from the 2.0 block. The oil-pan surface is parallel to the top on the 2.3, and is at a 45-degree angle on the 2.0. So the oil pan will be different, and the engine mounts will be configured differently. The supporting electronics are also completely different. The 2.0 motor has Bosch LH fuel injection, a fairly simple ignition system with no computer, and an "APC" system with a brain and various sensors to control the turbo boost. The 2.3 motors, other than the earliest ones, have Saab's proprietary "Trionic" system. This uses a single computer to control fuel injection, distributorless ignition, and the turbo. Also, different sensors are used. Bottom line is I'd get the manuals for both motors before I started (should run about $20.00 per book from the dealer), and make sure when you get your 2.3 that you get *everything* that goes with it. Also, two other suggestions: 1) Unless you get a lot of pleasure out of doing engine swaps (like I do), you probably *would* be better off just buying a '92+ 9000 with the 2.3 already in it. 2) Also make sure the engine you already have is running well. Using premium gas, the needle on the boost gauge should go right up to the border between the yellow and red areas when you floor it. If this is not happening, you've got some issues to track down... Eric Law Ben Thompson <thompsbbnopsam.com> wrote in message news:%gCF3.199$3e2.6086nopsam.rdc1.tn.home.com... > Greetings, Saab gurus, > I have a question : What are the main deiiferences (other than > displacement and power output) between the 2.0L 16 valve motor that's in my > '86 9kt, and the newer 2.3L motor which went in after '92. My intent is > this: > I have recently come into posession of an '86 9000 turbo (with manual > trans), and though I find the acceleration pleasing, more of it wouldn't be > bad. Assuming I could find a 2.3L from a wrecked late model Saab, would this > essentially bolt into place? The computer would have to be salvaged as well, > I'm sure. From what I've seen, it looks like Saab has maintained a high > level of continuity from year to year and model to model. This lends fuel to > my hopes of being able to swap the engine. > Perhaps, though, I am way ahead of myself, and it would simply be > cheaper / easier to buy a '92 + 9000 turbo, rather than going through an > engine swap. > I have had my '86 for about 2 weeks now, and have quickly become a Saab > fan. > Thanks, > > Ben > >
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