Messages

16

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / Re: SAAB 9-3 front door speakers

« on: 02 July 2017, 04:04:27 PM »

Thanks for that info. I'll probably have to swap out both sides so that I don't get an imbalance in the sound. A high efficiency 4 Ohms replacement should do the job.
I once did a good write up with pictures during the Tring meets when I replaced the original shelf and parcel speakers.

17

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / SAAB 9-3 front door speakers

« on: 30 June 2017, 06:46:31 PM »

On of the front door speakers on my 9-3 is distorted at higher levels, which makes me suspect that it has gone South. I already had the other side replaced with the same fault just a few months ago, but the cost from the garage was ridiculous. So now I am thinking of replacing the speaker myself. But I just don't seem to be able to track down any details on what size speaker was used by SAAB, including information on depth etc. Does anyone have any information on suitable speakers for the doors?

18

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: What I Did To My Saab Today.

« on: 11 January 2017, 08:23:37 PM »

I finally managed to fit those tyre pressure and temperature sensors on my 9-3 yesterday. My car performs best with the pressure set at 32PSI at the front, and 30PSI at the rear. I'll now get a warning buzz if they drop below 29PSI. Very useful gadget that I recommend.

19

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: What I Did To My Saab Today.

« on: 03 December 2016, 12:51:15 PM »

This afternoon I fitted the new upgraded set of Tyrepal wheel sensors. 

I hadn't even realized that you could buy after market kits like this to fit to any car. I just ordered two of the cigarette lighter plugin types to try out on our cars. The wife is the worst offender I know of who doesn't check anything on her car. 

20

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: 0-60 times

« on: 18 November 2016, 09:10:56 PM »

Don't forget the fuel used when you do these tests. My 9-3 is a handful and near impossible to keep straight when I use V-Shell and accelerate quickly from standstill. If I use normal Shell fuel, or El Cheapo from Sainsbury's etc., it is a lot more drivable, but also slower off the line. What I do is to fill up half the tank with V-Shell and the rest is normal Shell etc. That seems to give me the best traction with minimum loss of acceleration.
I get away with that because there is a petrol station at both ends of a stretch of road on the A1 where I go for my V-Shell. I top up with one petrol type at one station, and then drive to the other one to do the rest of the fill up.   

21

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: Joe's Repair Shop (Epsom)

« on: 01 November 2016, 09:00:14 PM »

Not everybody's cup of tea, but Two Stroke is also one to consider if a loan car is required. They drop a loan car off by me, and take my car away for servicing. They then bring my car back and pick up the loan car. They are in Royston.

22

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: Choice - conflicted

« on: 01 November 2016, 08:55:10 PM »

If you go with a 2.3 conversion, the Garret T28 turbo is good enough, providing you can get Abbott to fit the same ECU map as in my car. I understand that they kept a copy of it after one of their former employee wrote it specially for the 2.3 in my 9-3. I ended up fitting a LSD to control the wheel spin off the line at traffic lights. There is no kick in the back as with the TD04, but a rapid increase in speed, with matching torque steer. You'll need bigger brakes as well.
I myself would rather ask Ian at Saabtech to do the engine conversion part. I have seen and driven cars that he has converted, and I was impressed with both workmanship and attention for detail.
PM me if you need more info.

23

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: Saabs at car shows

« on: 19 September 2016, 08:18:52 AM »

If my memory serves me right, the Carlton would be the Lotus Carlton, which would still be good enough to take on some of the super cars 25 years after its first release.
The Astra in the pic looks like the one that was souped up by either Lotus or Cosworth (can't remember which any more) judging by the distinctive colour scheme that the tuned up car was sold with.

24

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: A bit cross, but the bad weather has lessened the effect.

« on: 17 June 2016, 09:17:45 AM »

A pair of 345mm discs is quite a heavy load. I've only lifted one at a time...

That will give you some stopping power  .

25

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / Re: Twin exhaust

« on: 25 May 2016, 07:27:50 AM »

I haven't given up on the idea yet. I'll need to clamber under a 900 and a 9-3 and take some good pics of the area to get an idea of what can be done.

26

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: Slick 50?

« on: 23 May 2016, 10:26:03 PM »

Far cheaper to use Shell V-Power. 

27

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / Re: Twin exhaust

« on: 20 May 2016, 10:19:46 AM »

It probably would, but it looks like a lot more work than I would want to undertake.
I had a word with Ian at Saabtech yesterday, who knows my particular car like the back of his hands since he helped to assemble it from the SAAB parts bin. He pointed out that the NG900 twin exhaust for the 2.3 litre engine, as fitted in my 9-3, runs in a different configuration. So the pipes won't fit.
What I do regret though is that I had no idea that SAAB made a twin pipe exhaust for the 2.3 NG900. I had one of those before and would have loved to have kitted it out with a twin pipe exhaust.

28

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / Re: Twin exhaust

« on: 16 May 2016, 04:25:49 PM »

Thanks guys. That's the one. I am thinking of fitting one of them on my 9-3 if it is technically possible. The gap cut out in the rear bumper on the 9-3 would look far sexier with a twin pipe exhaust I think. If I get that far, I'll post some pics with the end result.

29

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / Twin exhaust

« on: 15 May 2016, 10:45:07 AM »

Did SAAB ever sell a twin exhaust box for the 900? I thought that they did for the 900 V6. But I can't find anything about that anywhere on the net.
I am thinking of replacing my Viggen exhaust with a twin pipe version, but I don't want more noise! I just want a better look at the back. Anyone here who has a twin pipe box?

30

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Damper choices.

« on: 13 May 2016, 02:05:30 AM »

I have been on Eibach springs and Koni dampers for some years now. It took me a long while to find the sweet spot that suited my driving style with or without passengers on-board, but other than that I can't fault it. I actually got the idea initially after trying out the same setup on a car of someone during a meet in Tring (those were the days I still think of with fond memories). Next to no sideways body roll.