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Questions And Answers
Q: What are the best high performance starting modifications for my 16V turbocharged early 900/9000 engine?
For information relative to all of our product offerings for particular models, please see our "Upgrades By SAAB Model" link as listed from our Catalog pages!
A: Our Saab Performance Parts.com Red Series APC upgrade, Red series rising rate fuel pressure regulator, fuel injector upgrade or fuel EPROM, exhaust system, HP bypass and intake kit. If starting with the 165-170 BHP 900/9000T, these enhancements will be considered starting modifications but will easily produce 220-230 BHP in conjunction with the factory/OEM engine and turbocharger.
Q: How do I extract the most high performance and power from my 16V turbo engine?
A: 90% of our customers are intending to use their cars on the street…while others do some weekend racing and rally competition. "The most" when it applies to street driving will include a cylinder head modification, high RPM camshaft, upgraded turbo, fuel injectors, and all of the items discussed in the previous question. Higher budgets and power levels call for special programmable engine management/ignition systems that will allow a greater delivery of fuel and higher RPMs. These types of modifications, however, are done on a case-by-case basis and are not within the scope of this website.
Q: what is the best route for generating high performance and real power on a naturally aspirated Saab engine?
A: For real power, a camshaft upgrade and cylinder head modification will be in order which will allow the owner to capitalize on the higher RPM range. A complete exhaust system upgrade (including header) and air filter kit is considered the simplest and most cost effective performance enhancing changes you can make to the 16V N/A engine.
Q: Why are higher RPMs so important?
A: Besides engine displacement and the amount of force being applied to each piston, engine RPM is one of the key ingredients in power production. Most engines can be brought to redline without any load applied to it…you could sit in your driveway and bring your parked Saab to 6K RPM all day. When a load is applied, however, the engine demands additional air volume to create power. Most Saab engines will supply this air up to 5K RPM and then reach their maximum capacity shortly thereafter. This limitation is due to the restrictive OEM intake, exhaust, cylinder head, etc....opening things up, for lack of a better analogy, will help the engine "breath" at a higher RPM where air demand is at an all time high. If you were to complete a 10K run and were given a choice to breath through either a soda straw or 2" pipe, which would you choose? An engine that can breathe heavily at higher RPM range is going to generate more power there.
Q: Why didn't the manufacturer create these cars to work at higher RPMs.
A: For starters, the OEM engine was designed around the cost factor which puts a limit on performance. Secondly, everything is a compromise. Most of your top end power producing modifications can and will have a negative effect on idle quality and low-end performance. The Saab engine was designed to fit the needs of the everyday driver and not the enthusiast. Low-end power and torque are ample while its idle quality is as smooth as silk. A race car engine will generate ungodly amounts of power at higher RPM levels but is barely be able to idle and will have blank performance at midrange.
Our Red series line of high rpm producing modifications are the absolute best upgrades that we could come up to balance high end power with low end response for street use. High-end power and torque are significantly increased while idle quality and mid range still maintain their "streetability".
Q: If I want to upgrade my turbo, why not get the largest turbo available and bleed off the excess air that I don't need?
A: Every turbo compressor wheel has a certain efficiency range wherein the most air can be produced while keeping the discharge (boost) temperatures at their lowest…or most efficient. As the wheels are spun out of this range, the intake temperatures can climb to very high levels resulting in detonation and searing exhaust temperatures. When selecting a turbo, the compressor wheel must be selected based on its efficiency in relation to the air requirement of your engine.
Q: Why can't I simply turn up the turbo boost on my engine?
A: You can but there is no promise that your engine will be performing at it's best or within it's safety parameters! Increasing boost pressures can force the compressor wheel to work outside its efficiency range (as mentioned above). Adding more intake/charge air without adjustments to fuel delivery only leads to a lean mixture. This type of mixture is not ideal for extracting power from an engine especially a turbocharged one. Your best-case scenario is a slightly rich mixture over the usual 14:1 ratio (air to fuel). Your best power producing scenario is an engine that is able to maintain high and efficient boost pressures at high rpm levels…mix it with a 13-14:1 fuel mixture and away we go!
Q: What effect will a high output engine have on my drivetrain?
A: None
Real A: We wanted to check and make sure you're still with us! As stated earlier, everything is a compromise. More engine power/torque means additional stresses to the drivetrain. We have seen limitations with regards to power handling capabilities of the clutch, transmission, and other drivetrain components. In our opinion, the OEM clutch will exceed it's power handling capabilities at around 225HP…maybe sooner. We have seen 900 5 speed transmissions handling more than 250HP without any problems…bad luck, however, may find you on a different playing field. These issues are not mentioned with the hopes of scaring you…we'd only like them to enlighten you.
We currently offer a high performance oversize pinion bearing upgrade for the pre '89 900 transmission as well as complete high performance clutch kits. If your goal is to have a low maintenance, high output Saab, please contact us for information regarding our high output capable transmissions and other products to support your needs.
Q: What will I need to do to my engine to support higher output?
A: We have found the OEM Saab engine to be quite supportive when it comes to increasing it's output to approximately 250bhp. If targeting at or beyond this range, it will be a good idea to upgrade some potential weak links. We carry high performance forged pistons (Wiseco, JE, etc.), lightweight forged rods (titanium or Saenz chromemoly) which will include 295,000 psi hardware! Higher RPMs of some engine applications may call for oversize valves, uprated valve springs, and a lightened rotating assembly. We will be happy to quote you for all of your engine rebuild components...from OEM rebuilds (piston rings, bearings, etc) to high performance reconstructions! Please contact us for all of your engine component requirements!
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