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Although I missed the earlier posts, I infer that this is a new acquisition. In the hope I'm not too far off target...
1/3 yellow probably is "basic boost," i.e., the APC ain't doing what it is supposed to do. That's the bad news; the good news is that as you fix this, the car will really start to move. How fast is up to you; if you want, she'll learn to FLY.
First - - get the Bentley manual from one of the advertisers on this site. Keep it in the car.
Check that the electronic connection at the base (bottom) of the APC is firmly and completely connected to the APC. If this sucker is at all loose on my 87 SPG, I get only basic boost. But because it doesn't fall off and rattle, the appearance is deceiving: this is always the first place to check when basic boost is the best you get. I've seen very experienced Saab mechanics absolutely stumped by this one. The little spring clip must lock down firmly in place.
Read and work through the FAQ section on this website. Reams of invaluable information on basic setups. Check/replace all vacuum hoses you can (carefully; at least some of the plastic connections apparently are required by law to break everytime you change hoses - - it might be prudent either to change when the dealership is open or just buy new ones first). Don't overlook the grommets. Do the tune up, plugs, etc. You know: the basic, non-sexy stuff that's gotta be done before you can work on the really sexy stuff.
Dump the oil and tranny fluid and replace with synthetic: I like RedLine oil in the motor and RedLine MTL in the gearbox; the MTL is strongly recommended by many others on this site. No guarantees, but this combo has given me >200k so far on original motor, tranny and turbo.
Check that vacuum actuator line going to the little biscuit on the distributor will hold vacuum. In KevinK's wonderful phrase, "suck on the nipple." Check earlier posts within the last few days for his suggestion on how to check the vacuum line going toward the turbo, too.
Please try to resist the temptation to tweak anything until you know the car is in tune, the systems are operating and all is well with the world. Once you reach this point, the horizons open and the tweaks and aftermarket mods really get interesting. My personal opinion: start by KevinK-tweaking the APC and see if this meets your needs before spending hundreds on hardware. Be warned, however: once you begin to taste the potential in this motor, the tweaks won't be enough, and the aftermarket goodies will soon proliferate under the hood.
Final suggestion: find out, from your local Saab club, which mechanics they trust locally.
Hope this helps; I know others will offer opinions as well. GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!
Jim Watts
87 SPG: The Stealthbomber (modestly modified)
, Sun, 22 Oct 2000 12:14:46
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