For much of the history of Saab automobiles the factory claimed that a properly designed car does not need roll bars. Even though the current cars have roll bars there is still a great deal of roll in the chassis design (Viggen included.)

Abbott sells a rear roll bar that is 18mm in diameter. The stock bar for her car is 16mm. Thus rear roll resistance will be increased by 38%.

It should be noted that the size of the bars on all 9-3 models are now the same (Viggen included). Only the spring rates and shocks are different. If it really matters I can dig up the spring rates. At one point the 9’s magazine published the rates for the various models. While there is not a great deal of difference the Viggen’s front spring rates are less than the other models (this will take out some understeer).

I have what can be considered as a prototype Abbott rear bar on my Viggen. It is 17mm with a resulting 21% increase in roll resistance. The improvement in handling is noticeable. Application of power can occur much sooner in exits from turns given that there is significantly less inside wheel spin (less understeer). In addition the car’s handling can best be described as “flat” (more on this below).

Swapping in an Abbott bar would be what I would do first. You can always change springs and shocks (should always be matched) if you believe the car is still too loose. I should note that Abbott suggests front springs with lower spring rates than even the Viggen. I have to agree but the springs he sells would also lower the car even more than it is. Thus I have not fitted new springs at this time. Note that the rear external bar is a do-it-yourself modification that takes only a few minutes.

While on the subject of roll rates I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed the following going on behind them when out driving their cars. Basically my Viggen handles very flat thus permitting the negotiation of turns deceptively fast. It just amazes me how many SUV drivers regularly demonstrate their vehicle’s “sport car” handling behind me only to either get their rear end loose (sometimes spinning) or have to give up the turn and run off the road. No kidding!

• 9-3 Handling Issues, need some help please., WagonBoy, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 15:18:37
  • You need only to upgrade the shocks, Coolknight, Mon, 5 Feb 2001 07:32:13
    • not entirely true, MJM , Tue, 6 Feb 2001 19:09:46
      • Well make the release harder... and the compression softer, Coolknight, Wed, 7 Feb 2001 05:23:49
  • Thanks to all and some comments, WagonBoy, Sun, 4 Feb 2001 14:01:13
    • Some comments from my MOM..., WagonBoy, Mon, 5 Feb 2001 18:26:01
      • Re: Some comments from my MOM..., MJM , Tue, 6 Feb 2001 13:24:33
  • My car handles beautifully, i cant relate to this. n/m, nick , Sat, 3 Feb 2001 23:58:41
  • You think the Saab is bad? Try a Citroen or a Renault.....eom, John A, Sat, 3 Feb 2001 19:43:37
  • how's that S4 Avant?, claude, Sat, 3 Feb 2001 00:24:00
    • The S4 Avant is Awesome!!!, WagonBoy, Sun, 4 Feb 2001 14:07:55
  • We all remember our mother's worry about body roll, TG, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 21:16:51
  • Body roll?, LDH, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 20:06:18
    • Re: Body roll?, Kevin, Sat, 3 Feb 2001 00:38:32
  • Re: A few answers...., Stratmoen, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 20:02:38 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: 9-3 Handling Issues, need some help please., Krib, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 18:41:34
    • Re: 9-3 Handling Issues, need some help please., Brian G., Sat, 3 Feb 2001 22:45:33
    • Krib re your lights, Bill D, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 20:15:04
  • Re: 9-3 Handling Issues, need some help please., George D, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 18:19:21
    • Re: 9-3 Handling Issues, need some help please., ravi, Sat, 3 Feb 2001 13:29:07
  • Re: 9-3 Handling Issues, need some help please., Dean, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 15:41:16
    • Thanks Dean, and one other thing..., WagonBoy, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 16:22:44
  • One more thing..., WagonBoy, Fri, 2 Feb 2001 15:25:58

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