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, Fri, 09 Jun 2000 12:20:17
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The Weber 32/36 seems to be a very popular choice and has the advantages of being available new and well-supported with jets, rebuild parts, etc. However, when evaluating 2-barrel carbs, I was told by a knowledgeable source that you don't get the full advantage of the 32/36 unless you have a little head machining done to improve the breathing. In other words, while this is a great choice overall, in terms of sheer performance just bolting on a 32/36 won't offer any big advantages over the older Weber 28/32, Holley-Weber 5200, etc.
Even so, it would have been my first choice if cost were no object simply because of the support available. Speaking of which, if you buy the carb from a Saab specialist (e.g. Jack or Chip) I'm sure they'd also make sure you get the correct jets.
Since cost WAS an object for me, I wound up using a Solex 34/34PSIT carb, the one that was standard equipment on European-spec 95s and 96es from 1977 on. This carb is not as tunable as the Weber, rebuild parts are harder to find, and of course you have to get a used one from a European scrapyard rather than just ordering up a new one. But it saved me several hundred dollars, was easy to install other than the usual Sonett hood-clearance issues, and Saab had already engineered a lot of areas that otherwise would have been problematic, such as jetting, throttle linkage, etc.
The performance may not be as good as a 32/36 Weber (don't know as I've never driven a Sonett with the latter) but it definitely feels more robust than it did with either the stock FoMoCo or a Weber 34ICH. The improvement is especially noticeable in the midrange, such as passing situations on the highway -- I can get out on the Interstate and run 75 with the semis with confidence, knowing there's plenty more on tap if I need to escape a tight spot...
I'm sure the Weber would be a better choice for you, but thought I'd mention the Euro-Solex option in case there's anyone else out there who's looking for a budget bolt-on approach to getting a little more oomph out of a Sonett.
, Fri, 09 Jun 2000 12:20:17
, Thu, 22 Jun 2000 23:43:37
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