Big brake conversion

[Injectie]

Hi there,

I hope someone can help me on finding some info from an old abbott upgrade for 9000 brakes. They did a conversion with 16"brakes from a 9-5 if i'm correct. IS there anyone arround here whom has this upgrade on their 9000 or can tell me anything about this upgrade.

Thanks in advance,

Desmond

[phoenix]

Welcome to STT

The kit comprises 3 elements:

- 308mm discs as fitted to Aero models drilled to fit the 9000 pcd (4 x 108 not 5x 110)
- standard 9-5 calipers (same across all models)
- 9-5 carriers modified to fit the 9000 hub

The last part was the clever bit, and I believe it involved some cutting and welding

[sgould]

I sold the discs and callipers from my 2007 9-5 to a guy on http://www.uksaabs.co.uk called "fife" who was modifying them for use on a 9000 I believe.  I think he's still about, maybe he has a pattern?

[Injectie]

In that case. I've a set of 2003 aero carriers waiting to be test fitted. I believe that Abbott used the old version Pre 2002 carriers. If that's all there is to it ill try to testfit this on a 9k strut assembly which i have laying around on my work. If i need 9-5/9-3 calipers, i also need to make different brake lines as well. if the 9k calipers fit that would be less complicated.

[phoenix]

I don't think the 9000 calipers will fit- I'm fairly sure the 9-5 discs are thicker.

[sgould]

Sorry and b********!

I have typed the wrong thing.  I must not type while someone else is trying to attract my attention!!

Fife bought the disks and calliper carrier brackets.  I had already sold the callipers.

The brackets need grinding and/or welding to get everything to fit.  But he said it was straightforward.

[Injectie]

well tried  to testfit the 2003 carriers on a 9k hub. Doesn't fit by far. No problem try searching further. I've got about 10 weeks before my brakes are worn down (10.000km left on the current pads)

I know from the old Saabscene forum that MarkB had a set on his 9000. and maybe some more. and if i'm correct I see some names overhere that ring a bell from the old times.
Can anyone provide me with pictures from the abbott set up. Maybe I can build a set myself.  Or i'll go for new zimmerman grooved discs with bigger Ferodo Pads.

[Mark B]

First time that I have logged on for ages...............

Yes I have the Abbott kit on my 9000, now well over 200,000 miles by the way.

A couple of important points, when I got the kit it had original Saab discs and pads and was disappointing.  It needed Brembo discs and DS2500 pads to make it work well.  Standard sized Brembo discs and DS2500 pads would be as good as the big Saab discs and standard 9-5 pads, in my opinion.

To fit the big kit the brake disc backing plate (splash guard) must be removed.  I kept the centre from the original Abbott modified disc and have used it as a template to drill the holes in the Brembo discs.

The tricky part is making the mounting brackets.  You must get it right as their is very little clearance between the caliper and the wheel.  I also think that the hydraulic fitting in the caliper may be different as mine have an extra bit bolted on.

I could probably provide photos if the rain every stops.

If you use DS2500 pads I would avoid drilled or grooved discs.  Plain are the best with these pads.

[Injectie]

I'm running DS2500 pads on Zimmerman grooved discs for a long time. I'm searching for an upgrade now.
If you could make pictures between now and say six weeks that would be great. After welding op complete dirt track cars. circuit cars. Alloy intercoolers and some other sweet stuff a few pad carriers would be easy I suspect
The only question that remains for me now are the brake lines. As Sgould stated in his reply that 9-5 calipers did come with the set. And the brake lines are connected differently in comparisation to 9k calipers.

Maybe there is an second option I'm searching that out  as wel. It appears that 900NG pads from 94-95 would fit straight into 9000 calipers. If this is true it would mean a significant increase of brakepad surface. And i''m tempted to try this first.

[Mark B]

Any progress with the brake upgrade?

[Injectie]

Not yet, Fitted some old pads which were almost new to extend my period of time.DOn't know wat they were but they brake ok and don't seem to wear off fast.
I test fitted 900NG pads from a 94 model. Need to grind of some material on the inner side of the pads cause they come to close to the mounting points of the bracket. and then the bigger pad surface would be an upgrade.
Abbott seems to avoid answering about the brake upgrade. My employer is the dutch abbott contact. Maybe I could try to reach them direct.

firrst I need a new set of summer wheels. 2 alloys are more oval shape due to back end roads which aren't wide enough for two cars.

[Mark B]

Abbot no longer list the brake upgrade on their website.  Lack of demand I expect as it used to cost more than the cars are now worth.