30/08/2012
Unleashing the Potential of Your Saab: A Comprehensive Guide to Tuning and Bodywork
Saabs, renowned for their unique blend of Scandinavian design, robust engineering, and often, turbocharged performance, have long captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Whether you're a proud owner of a classic 900, a stylish 9-3, or a commanding 9-5, the desire to personalise and enhance your vehicle is a common thread. This guide delves into the world of Saab tuning and aesthetic upgrades, offering insights into body kits, exhaust systems, and performance modifications to help you unlock your Saab's full potential.
Saab 9-5: Elevating Aesthetics with Body Kits
The Saab 9-5, particularly in its later generations, offers a sophisticated platform for subtle yet impactful aesthetic enhancements. For those looking to imbue their 9-5 with a sportier and more aggressive stance, body kits present an excellent avenue. TunStyle, a car tuning house based in Brno, Czech Republic, has been instrumental in developing specialised body kits for various brands, including Saab. Their Hirsch-Style bodykit for the Saab 9-5 is a prime example of this dedication.
A complete body kit typically comprises several components designed to work in harmony, transforming the car's visual profile. For the 9-5, this often includes:
- Front Spoiler: A more pronounced front spoiler, as seen in the TunStyle project, integrates seamlessly with the car's existing lines. Often, these feature a larger lower mesh grille. This not only enhances the aggressive look but also serves a functional purpose by reducing airflow beneath the car and increasing the cooling air supply to the intercooler, a crucial element for turbocharged engines.
- Side Skirts: These are not merely aesthetic. Side skirts play a role in aerodynamic efficiency. They help to reduce the wake (turbulence) created behind the front wheels and prevent air from escaping from under the car, contributing to a more stable and efficient airflow.
- Rear Diffuser/Bumper: While not explicitly detailed in the provided information for the TunStyle kit, a comprehensive body kit often includes a rear diffuser or a redesigned rear bumper to complement the front and side elements, further smoothing airflow and completing the aggressive look.
It's important to note that body kits are often developed with specific model years in mind, so ensuring compatibility with your particular Saab 9-5 is paramount. The development process for such kits can be intricate, with manufacturers like TunStyle aiming for a balance between aggressive styling and practical application, often completing projects within tight deadlines.
Saab 9-3: Exhaust Solutions and Performance
The Saab 9-3, a popular choice for its blend of sporty handling and everyday usability, also benefits from aftermarket tuning. When it comes to exhaust systems, the market offers a variety of options to suit different needs, from mild enhancements to significant performance gains.
Exhaust Back Boxes: For owners seeking to replace or upgrade their Saab 9-3's exhaust back box, there are often multiple choices available. Factors to consider include material (stainless steel is favoured for durability and corrosion resistance), sound profile (from a subtle improvement to a more sporting tone), and performance gains. Utilising filters provided by reputable parts suppliers can help narrow down the extensive options to those specifically compatible with your 9-3's year and model. If you're unsure, contacting knowledgeable parts advisors is always a wise step.
Custom Exhaust Systems: For those aiming for a more tailored approach, custom exhaust systems are available. A custom-formed design ensures a precise fit for your Saab 9-3, maximising efficiency and aesthetic integration. Manufacturers often pride themselves on offering systems that enhance both the sound and performance of the vehicle. When inquiring about custom exhausts, specifying your Saab 9-3's exact year is essential for a perfect match.
Factors to Consider for Saab 9-3 Exhaust Upgrades:
| Aspect | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Sound Level | From subtle enhancement to aggressive sport tone. |
| Material | Stainless steel for longevity and rust resistance. |
| Performance Gains | Improved flow can lead to modest power increases. |
| Fitment | Ensure it's designed for your specific 9-3 model year. |
| Legality | Check local regulations regarding exhaust noise and emissions. |
Saab 900: The Classic Tuner's Delight
The Saab 900, often hailed as the "first ever decent Turbo car," remains a beloved classic and a fantastic platform for tuning projects. Its solid build quality and excellent engineering are a testament to its enduring appeal. When embarking on a 900 tuning journey, a strategic approach is key.
Handling First: The Foundation of Tuning
Before delving into engine power, prioritising handling improvements is crucial for any 900 tuning project. Enhancing the suspension will significantly improve the car's road manners and safety. A common recommendation is a lowering spring kit, typically aiming for a maximum drop of around 35mm. Going lower than this can increase the risk of tyre rubbing on the wheel arches, especially on spirited drives or when carrying passengers.
Engine Tuning: Optimising Performance
The ultimate aim for many 900 tuners is to achieve strong top-end power coupled with a broad, usable torque band. Reducing turbo lag is also desirable, though some owners may prefer to retain better low-speed fuel economy. It's worth noting that on the smaller, non-turbocharged engine variants, the cost-effectiveness of extensive modifications is questionable. For these models, an engine swap, particularly to a 2.0 Turbo unit, is often a more pragmatic route before applying further performance upgrades.
Key Engine Modifications for the Saab 900:
- Engine Swap: For less powerful models, swapping to a 2.0 Turbo engine provides a significantly better base for tuning.
- Fast Road Cams: These are often considered one of the most significant bolt-on performance gains. They optimise valve timing for improved power delivery.
- Uprated Fueling: As you increase power, the engine's fuel requirements will also rise. Uprating injectors is essential to supply sufficient fuel.
- Fuel Pressure Boost Valve: This modification can improve the car's throttle response by ensuring consistent fuel pressure.
- Uprated Fuel Pump: A more powerful fuel pump is necessary to meet the demands of increased fuelling, especially when running higher boost pressures or larger injectors.
Staged Tuning and Usage Considerations:
It's vital to align your modifications with your intended use of the car. Tuning is often categorised into stages:
- Stage 1: Typically involves basic bolt-on modifications like an exhaust system and possibly a boost controller.
- Stage 2: Might include more aggressive camshafts, an upgraded intercooler, and more significant fuelling modifications.
- Stage 3 (Competition): These are extreme modifications designed for track use and often render the car less suitable for road driving due to rough idling, poor fuel economy, and potentially unreliable components under normal conditions.
Choosing the right modifications for your planned usage is crucial. Investing in high-end, competition-spec parts will not yield the desired results if the car is primarily used for daily commuting.
The Importance of Fueling and Economy
When increasing power, maintaining adequate fuel supply is critical to prevent engine damage, such as detonation. Uprated fuelling components, including injectors and fuel pumps, are essential. While performance modifications can increase fuel consumption, some adjustments, like retaining a broader torque band, can help preserve some economy at lower speeds, even if there's a slight increase in lag reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a Saab 9-5 Hirsch-Style bodykit?
It's an aftermarket aerodynamic enhancement package, inspired by Hirsch Performance (Saab's former tuning partner), designed to give the Saab 9-5 a more aggressive and sporty appearance. It typically includes a front spoiler, side skirts, and sometimes rear enhancements.
Q2: Can I fit any exhaust back box to my Saab 9-3?
No, it's essential to use exhaust back boxes specifically designed or listed as compatible with your Saab 9-3's year and model to ensure correct fitment and performance.
Q3: What is the best exhaust size for power gains on a Saab 900?
For a Saab 900, especially a turbocharged model, moving to a larger diameter exhaust system (e.g., 2.5" or 3") can improve exhaust gas flow and contribute to power gains. However, this should be part of a balanced tuning strategy, including fuelling and intake modifications.
Q4: Do performance exhausts for the Saab 9-3 come with custom fit designs?
Many reputable manufacturers offer performance exhausts for the Saab 9-3 with custom-formed designs to ensure a precise and optimal fit.
Q5: What should be my first tuning priority for a Saab 900?
For a Saab 900, the general consensus is to prioritise handling improvements first, such as upgrading suspension components (springs and dampers), before focusing heavily on engine power.
In conclusion, whether you're aiming to refine the aesthetics of your 9-5 with a stylish body kit, enhance the auditory and performance characteristics of your 9-3 with an upgraded exhaust, or unlock the classic performance potential of your 900 through strategic engine and handling modifications, the Saab ownership experience offers a rewarding journey for enthusiasts. Always research thoroughly, choose quality components, and consider consulting with specialists to achieve the best results for your cherished Saab.
If you want to read more articles similar to Saab 9-5 & 900 Tuning Insights, you can visit the Tuning category.