[ Prev by Date ] [ Next by Date ] Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos 900 Misc. Posted by Ted Kekatos (more from Ted Kekatos) on Wed, 25 Oct 1989 15:13:01 Incidental Intelligence for Pre-1981 900's In preparation for a 2200 mile roundtrip with my 1980 900 EMS from the Waukegan, Illinois, area to several New England states, I installed four new Michelin 185/65TR15 MXL tires; replaced the original clutch at 106,700 miles; replaced the original steering rack; replaced the original water pump; and I removed the sheet metal cover from the air intake on the drivers side of the underside of the hood. When it came time to replace my second set of tires, I was concerned that the 175/70HR15 XVS Michelin's (same as original) were not available But so far, the MXL's feel just as good while cruising at speeds of 75-80 MPH on dry pavement, and much better than the XVS's on wet pavement. Also the HR rated rubber of the XVS's coupled with the 900 EMS Bilsteins, made for a hard ride in town, the MXL's provide a slightly softer ride and still give me that old 'riding-on-rails' confidence of the XVS's at highway speeds. My mechanic tells me the original Saginaw steering rack is comprised of a steel rack inside an aluminum tube. How's that for engineering dissimilar metals! I removed the hood vent cover plate because from the day I bought the 900 (my 6th Saab) I've considered it a design afterthought. Anyway, the 900 has run through a lot of hot weather in Chicago traffic. I have on occasion raised the hood after stopping (out of compassion, I guess), and there was *nothing* under the hood you could touch without pain! Well, in preparation for the summer heat, not to mention the turnpike speeding, I decided to remove the cover plate. On several occasions during my vacation travels, I raised the hood. The engine compartment was *warm*! The engine components that I couldn't get close to before, were cool enough for servicing or fondling. I have fashioned a temporary plastic (PVC) shroud for rain/snow protection of the electrics near the opening. I seem to recall a SAAB Club Newsletter in 1982-3 in which a notice of a replacement 'rain proof' vent cover plate was available. Can anyone help with a Part Number or sketch? I should add, that about two years ago I ran a 3 inch diameter flexible duct from the below the radiator grille, to just in front of the distributor and ignition coil. I did this after the coil failed during a prolonged hot-spell. I haven't had any coil problems since. Finally, be sure to read AutoWeek Editor, Kevin Wilson's, insightful article on 'Saab's True Characters' in the October 9th issue of AutoWeek Magazine. This issue also discusses Saab's new 2.3 liter engine with direct ignition and dual balance shafts. Kirk J. Kekatos bought my first Saab in 1962---------------------Posted by:Ted G. Kekatos N9IXE (formerly KB9DCQ)UUCP: ..!att!ihuxv!tedk (312) 979-0804AT&T Bell Laboratories, Indian Hill South, IX-1F-460Naperville & Wheaton Roads - Naperville, Illinois. 60566 USA Posts in this Thread:
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