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Though you've paid $3500 in mods to a $3500 car, you still probably would have paid $3500 had it been a new $26,000 to $32,000 car.
Also, the basic design of the car dates back to the original 99 back in '68. This car had a 9x hp I4 engine sourced from Triumph. Though there obviously have been modifications and improvements over the years, the transmission has not changed all that much: 5th gear, newer pinion, but all in all same basic design. (actually the 5 speed may be slightly less robust than the old 4 speeds...)
Also you don't mention the miles on your ride, nor how aggresively you drive it. The transmission is the weak link on the C900. Always has been. You can soupe up the engine all you want, but the expense is ginger driving, especially in gears 1 & 2, or a new transmission.
Now, you mention that you sourced a turbo from a Nissan 240-something. Do you know it's history? How hard had it been run? I caution against used turbo's unless you KNOW it has had a full rebuild and it has a warranty associated with it. Check out Turbonetics: http://www.turbonetics.com You can be assured of a new unit and even larger or modified units specific to your application.
When your turbo failed, do you know how/why? Was it starved for oil, coolant? As common practice with older model turbo's you really need to run the engine as much as a minute after driving to let cooler oil run through the system and to let the turbo cool down. Otherwise you will "coke" the oil in the turbo. A recipe for disaster. (Did the "little old lady do the same? i.e. run the engine after a drive?)
Don't want to sound like I'm preaching. Just know that Saabs are reliable as long as you do the normal "care and feeding". I finally sold my '88 after 305,000 miles. Never had an engine rebuild, but I did have to replace the pinnion gear in the first two years of original ownership. The reason I go rid of it was that the body was rusting on the floor pan and I really didn't want to go the welding route (other may disagree...) No other major work done to the car. But then, no performance mods either. It was a real trouper. I miss it.
There is the old saying that even Mercedes can make the occasional lemon. Don't get discouraged. If it's that much of a money pit, unload it and get another one. One with a history you know and can document...
Good luck and, PLEASE, keep Saabing!
Jim M.
'74 99LE 4dr, RIP (wrapped around tree at 85,000 miles...)
'74 99LE 3dr, sold after 130,000 miles
'84 base 900 3dr, traded at 125,000 miles
'88 900S 3dr, sold at 305,000 miles
'97 900SET Talladega, Abbott ECU, Saab Sport Exhaust, Forge bypass valve, AutoMeter boost gauge, 79,000 miles and going strong.
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