Something Swedish that isn't a Volvo

[JRodigan]

This is my quest to make a different car even more different. I'm going to warn you guys now: this will be a VERY slow build. There isn't a ton after market for these cars, so I can't get things very easily or cheaply. Let me try to catch everyone up on the cars progress up to this point.

I had lusted for a Saab (Yeah, sounds odd, doesn't it?) since I was about 12. Saw a 2006 9-5 at a local new-car show and told my dad right then and there that I would be getting a Saab 9-5 when I was old enough to drive. A few years later the perfect one popped up at a local dealer. It was the right color, had the right options (all of them), had low miles and was the right price. Let me introduce you to Alfred:





And that is precisely the way it looked for the first two years I owned it. All I did was drive it and wash it about twice a week.

Finally I did some little things for looks:
Added a front plate to cover the hideous holes left by the PO:


Bought some Aero side-skirts(Still haven't installed these):


Got rid of the chrome:


Then tinted the tails:


Dipped the stockers and wrapped the fogs:


Stayed like that (Dip was removed from the stock wheels) until this summer. Over the summer I started really making plans for this car. Nothing crazy, just wanted to work on it a bit. First thing I did was exhaust. Boxes full of stainless steel showed up at my house:






[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbHhSy2WAuo"]Saab 9-5 3.0t Magnaflow Exhaust - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1gl-6TNJs"]Saab 9-5 3.0t Magnaflow exhaust rev - YouTube[/ame]

Everyone always said it reminded them of a StormTrooper so I went with it:


Then NEW WHEELS!! But nothing too exciting. Just some Volvo Tethys.






Added a set of racks:


Got bored of silver...




Made my own custom fog lights:




Then I picked up an ultra-rare 9-5 Front lip to complete my Aero kit for $13 at a salvage yard. Still waiting to refinish it.


Next up is:
-Paint and install Aero kit
-Vinyl wrap the roof gloss black
-D2 Coilovers
-Spacers and new tires for the Tethys
-18" AMG monoblocks black centers/polished lip
-Stage 2 ECU tune

I know it's not much of a build yet, but I'm really excited to continue making this thing cool(er). I love the car. I'm a full time accounting student, without a steady job so updates will be slow, but they will come. Whoever will be at IA this weekend, be on the lookout for me in this car!

Thanks for reading.

[am4nf]

should look amazing if all goes to plan

[am4nf]

if the plan includes the amgs and not the new tyres haha

[puzzlemaster94]

I'm down to see this thing, I'll be at IA.

[andybob]

Nice car man. My brother and I have recently got really into Saab's. He has a '99 9-3 coupe (w/o the sunroof) making about 320 whp. It's the 2.3 with a TD04, tune, intake, downpipe, exhaust, injectors, and a few other little odds and ends.

I'm actually trying to get rid of my Kia so I can get a 9-5 Aero for sale here locally. It's an '02 with 140k on the chassis and 60k on the motor. Of course it' the TD04 etc. Basically I want to make it 300+ hp and lower it a bit.

I'll be keeping an eye on this build.

[JRodigan]

if the plan includes the amgs and not the new tyres haha

AMGs are definitely the plan. Just may get some new tires and spacers for the current wheels until I can afford them.

I'm down to see this thing, I'll be at IA.

Evan, you see this car every week. Lol. Still down to detail Friday? I'll be at the shop around 1:30.

Nice car man. My brother and I have recently got really into Saab's. He has a '99 9-3 coupe (w/o the sunroof) making about 320 whp. It's the 2.3 with a TD04, tune, intake, downpipe, exhaust, injectors, and a few other little odds and ends.

I'm actually trying to get rid of my Kia so I can get a 9-5 Aero for sale here locally. It's an '02 with 140k on the chassis and 60k on the motor. Of course it' the TD04 etc. Basically I want to make it 300+ hp and lower it a bit.

I'll be keeping an eye on this build.

Very nice. I wish I had the Aero. The B235R is a hell of an engine. A freind of mine has an '04 Arc (same as the Aero minus tune, suspension and bolstered seats) and I love it. I definitely like the 2.3T over the 3.0t I have.

[puzzlemaster94]

Evan, you see this car every week. Lol. Still down to detail Friday? I'll be at the shop around 1:30.

Yea, should be. Depends on tires

[zebra]

Looking good.

[minardimri]

Nice car man. My brother and I have recently got really into Saab's.

[JRodigan]

Looking good.

Nice car man. My brother and I have recently got really into Saab's.

Thanks guys. Finally got around to taking some decent pictures with the Volvo wheels on it.


IMG_7421 by threeliterturbo, on Flickr


IMG_7428 by threeliterturbo, on Flickr


IMG_7441 by threeliterturbo, on Flickr

[JRodigan]

I found my inspiration....

(It's a little newer model)

I really want to go air in the end, but I won't reach that for a LONG time, but a man can dream!

[Bumblebi]

Looking good My dad drives a SAAB 9-5 estate, it's a really nice car to drive (and to look at in my opinion), wouldn't mind doing the same mods as you've done/will do to yours to it!

[rightfullrudder]

Car is looking great so far. Can't wait to see it low. S|W needs more Saabs. My dad has a 9-3 Aero vert I've been dying to get my hands on.

[Illeste9x]

My buddy has a 9-3 and i keep trying to convince him to just do what he wants to that, he is trying to get an evo instead. He said the same thing though, parts are tough to find and are expensive. Good luck with the build and it looks really nice!

[JRodigan]

Looking good My dad drives a SAAB 9-5 estate, it's a really nice car to drive (and to look at in my opinion), wouldn't mind doing the same mods as you've done/will do to yours to it!

Car is looking great so far. Can't wait to see it low. S|W needs more Saabs. My dad has a 9-3 Aero vert I've been dying to get my hands on.

My buddy has a 9-3 and i keep trying to convince him to just do what he wants to that, he is trying to get an evo instead. He said the same thing though, parts are tough to find and are expensive. Good luck with the build and it looks really nice!

Thanks guys! I can't wait to get really started on this. I might be picking up some new wheels next week.... I'll keep you all posted.