Look Fast, Go Fast.

Just got in an order of performance parts for my personal 9-5 from the good folks at www.GenuineSAAB.com. Stuff looks great, and the quality of workmanship really is outstanding.



Performance stuff is such a small part of what I do, but it sure is fun! Looking to get 300hp out of the 9-5 come Spring, and this is the first step. These cars really are capable of some serious power without too much effort and $.



The stock downpipe looks almost comical next to the 3" stainless steel GenSAAB version. Noticed an immediate change in throttle response, and the turbo comes on instantly, no lag.



The intake pipe is also quite an improvement over stock. However, its benefits will not really be utilized until the engine computer software is re-written.

Hope everyone had a good holiday season.
-Chad

In my last post I claimed that the 9-3SS is highly over-engineered....

After replacing the cylinder head on this client's car, I retract that statement. If anything, the internals are under-engineered. There are NO timing marks to line the timing chain/cam sprockets all back up when you go to re-time the engine. Also, the gears aren't keyed like they were on the older ones. Annoying.

TIS 2000 Security Access

03+ stuff is too complicated and electronically over engineered.



The process of replacing and reflashing the engine computer (or any module, for that matter) on 2003+ 9-3 involves a lot of crap. Old laptop with TIS software and security clearance, a tech 2, a CANdi module, all hooked together and plugged into the car. Also, the car has to be on a battery charger so it doesn't die during programming or the engine computer will become a worthless brick.

That's over $12,000 worth of diagnostic technology plugged into a car to replace a $400 module. Necessary evil, I suppose.

No wonder the big guys have to charge so much...

A long absence

I quit updating this blog when life got too busy.

This blog is now the number 1 hit on google for Saab serpentine belt, and 3rd for Saab direct ignition... pretty cool for something I never intended many people to read.

Hope the posted information is helpful!

-Chad

Pittsburgh.

I have now relocated to Pittsburgh, PA. I am opening my own shop here and am now available for service. For more info or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.PittsburghSAAB.com.

Look for more technical writing soon as well.

Hope everyone is doing well!
-Chad