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Just wanted to share an experience with any of you who are thinking of upgrading your Viggen. I bought a bunch of stuff from Genuine Saab. 6 Point Subframe brace, rear sway bar (22mm,) Eurethane bushing kit for the stancion and control arms (pretty tuff task, by the way if you aren't well equiped,) short shift kit, 2.5" Cat back, better turbo bypass valve, and open air intake.
I bolted all of this stuff on, and drove for a while knowing that I was going to either map the ECU myself using T7 suite or have a tuner do it.
I guess I expected it to be more "fun" to drive, however it was so well behaved that I was a little bored with it. It just felt slower even though I knew it wasn't. I'm sure it would be much better on the track, and I loved that it didn't just roast the inside tire during second gear acceleration mid corner. Also, I didn't notice much performance gain from the exhaust, just a lower tone-which was nice. I've had the open air intake for a long time, and have always loved the sound of that.
So, now that the chasis felt solid, it was time for the ECU. So, after messing with T7 suite, I realized that I'm going to need to buy a backup ECU and spend a month studying before I attempt an engine map. I love doing things myself, but as this was my daily driver and my favorite car in the world, I decided to have a John at JZW tune my ECU. While researching, I came across the ever-controversial E-85 Biopower discussions and wanted to talk to John about it. I emailed him and called him a couple of times to hear his suggestions. He explained to me that I really needed to change the downpipe to a 3" and if I wanted to run E-85, I'd need 60# injectors. So, what the heck, I ordered all of that too, and sent my ECU to him for an overhaul.
I chose to wrap the Downpipe with exhaust wrap (which was heartbreaking, because Talliaferro's work on that thing is absolutely stunning.) 'bolted it up, put the injectors in (harder than I thought it would be, and if you do it, get the spacers-for they are required for larger injectors.) and drove over to a gas station that sold E-85. I was driving slowly, just to make sure I got everything tight. Filled up (I was almost empty,) and went for a proper test drive.
Holy crap! My car is a snarling, snotty beast! I am so glad I chose to do the chasis upgrades! I think I might continue with, at least a steering rack brace. It is soooo fun to drive! I have been driving it for a week or so, and I can't quit grinning!
I'm well aware of the political controversy around E-85, and the bad gas mileage, but as far as a fuel for my car goes, it's wonderful, and I can always run conventional gas if I want. Lower exhaust gas temps, lower engine temps, safer tune! Oh, and really freaking fast!
Thanks John for what you do! Also, huge thanks to Nick and the guys at Talliaferro! Their products are absolutely top notch, and their customer service is perfect.
Lastly, I challenge any car maker to build a car with all of the capabilities of my 4 door hatch for any price.
posted by 128.157.16...
, Wed, 1 Aug 2012 11:19:11
, Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:41, Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:28:22
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