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The only 'real' Saabs Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Mon, 26 Nov 2001 13:29:45 In Reply to: 2 stroke engine?, MS, Sat, 24 Nov 2001 13:05:53 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Darn newfangled four-strokes!
Up until 1967, Saab only had two-stroke engines. They had both two and three cylinder models, but the three cylinder was most common. Lots of car manufacturers have used two stroke engines - just not many in the US. The engines are simple, very lights, and provide a lot of power for their size. The main reason why two-strokes died out was emission controls. Recently, a company called Orbital has been marketing an improved two-stroke that meets modern emission limits. The small size and weight are real advantages.
The earlier Saabs required oil to be mixed in the tank. The later ones had oil injection - just keep the oil tank topped off.
I have a 1967 Sonett II two-stroke. It has the high-performance Monte Carlo 850cc three cylinder engine. The stock engine has one carburetor per cylinder, and produces 60 hp from 850 cc - that's the equivalent of 210 hp from a 3.0l V6, displacement-wise. The engine is incredibly light - less than half the weight of four-stroke. Since it has no valves, you can rev the daylights out of it without damage.
Since the front end of the car is so light, the car handles very well - none of the understeer you normally find in FWD cars. I've autocrossed the car, and run it at Lime Rock race track. I've embarassed some larger displacement competition with it. Most folks see the engine and figure it must be a small six-cylinder laying on its side.
Saab went to the Ford 4-stroke V6 in 1968 in the US, mostly due to emissions reasons, and because 4-strokes are more 'mainstream'. The added weight (in my opinion) ruined the handling of the Sonett - much more understeer, and the increased size made for a pretty ugly front end - it looks like they cut a hole where the engine came out of the hood, threw a blanket over it, and fiberglassed it.
A two-stroke engine is pretty impressive - other than bearings, only 7 moving parts, about 110 pounds, and will rev like mad. I would get 30 mpg highway cruising, and with a light car, go like a scalded cat.
posted by 140.157....
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