1989 Saab 900 Build

[erik74]

Clutches aren't bad on these cars at all since they're in the front of the engine bay.

Ya, last night I realized that. Is there any particular reason that you know of as to why they mounted like that? To date, that's the only reason I can think of...and I'm not complaining.

[JRodigan]

Well, yesterday was exciting. Got the Saab out on the road. made it maybe 5 miles and the clutch pedal felt weird. Soon I had no pressure. Limped back on floating shifts, and I believe my slave cylinder is dead.

So, plans for the New Year, going to replace the clutch and slave cylinder. After that, well, we'll see what breaks next!

Clutches aren't bad on these cars at all since they're in the front of the engine bay.

[erik74]

Well, yesterday was exciting. Got the Saab out on the road. made it maybe 5 miles and the clutch pedal felt weird. Soon I had no pressure. Limped back on floating shifts, and I believe my slave cylinder is dead.

So, plans for the New Year, going to replace the clutch and slave cylinder. After that, well, we'll see what breaks next!

[erik74]

awwww yeeaaaah weird Swedish builds with zero aftermarket. This is gonna be good

Thanks! That's unintentionally the plan! Best way to learn is to hack away.


Also, tiny update, talked to a friend back home who is a mechanist. He's willing to make a few custom accessories for me if I provide him drawings. Hopefully I can make something up quickly in Solidworks before I head home! I'll keep these a surprise though. Maybe a small teaser at some point

[bdtrss]

I love these cars! Almost bought a sedan once

[philohlean]

awwww yeeaaaah weird Swedish builds with zero aftermarket. This is gonna be good

[erik74]

Last bit of work done on her until January. Welded up a small portion of the exhaust, and while it was in acceptable shape I saw it as a good opportunity to practice welding. Going home for Christmas and leaving the car with a friend.

This is also a good demonstration as to why 2 guys who are car guys and happen to also be amateur photographers should never be put together in a shop. The work took 7 hours since half the time was spent taking pictures of welding and grinding.






More pictures by me available [here]

And a shot by my friend. More of his work [here]

[lokogingerz]

in for this ride !!! i better see some dropped saab here soon

[Zacne_4]

Good luck with this, it can be good!

[JRodigan]

Well, the ECU came in just in time for the weekend. Installed it this afternoon, turned the key, and she started right up! Went for a little drive in the ice covered parking lot, and everything seems to work great!

Tomorrow we're going to basically inspect the entire car to see what the plan is, and hopefully I'll get a little video uploaded and some pics.

Good to hear! These things run forever, just don't abuse the transmission. They're the weak point on these things.

Good luck with it!

Also, tweed will be awesome on the interior. Very fitting for the car.

[erik74]

Well, the ECU came in just in time for the weekend. Installed it this afternoon, turned the key, and she started right up! Went for a little drive in the ice covered parking lot, and everything seems to work great!

Tomorrow we're going to basically inspect the entire car to see what the plan is, and hopefully I'll get a little video uploaded and some pics.

[erik74]

This thread has a Saab, therefore it pertains to my interests. Huge Saab nut here. Definitely subscribing to this one. I don't think messing with a base model '89 will bother the purists too badly. What are your plans for it?

Ya hopefully not :P

Once I get her cleaned up and driving she'll be a daily/winter car. However, where I currently live we don't even get that much snow so she'll definitely be lowered a bit somewhere down the road. Honestly, this project is for me to learn more about aspects of cars I haven't tackled very much, such as electronics. It will also allow me to finally work on my mk4 GTI that I have neglected from modifying for so long.

On the short list:
Sort out fuel issue (hopefully solved by the ECU that's in the mail)
Check over electronics
Replace exhaust
Replace headliner/door panels (I'm thinking tweed)


Svenska94Aero, nice rides man!

[ICan'tBelieveItEither]

Old Saabs are the just the bee's knees. Don't screw it up.

[Svenska94Aero]

^Hey that's me!

Sup buddy, nice starting point you've got here, interested to see where it goes!
Here are my Saab projects over the past couple years:
'94 Aero



'97 CSE Anniversary



And my new race car. '90 SPG. I didn't build this one, but I'll be improving on it for the coming seasons.


It's been converted to later T5 engine management with direct ignition, 9000 clutch, adjustable suspension, and a Holset hy35 turbo. Thing screams even on a super conservative tune, capable of over 400hp with bigger injectors
Hit me up if you wanna talk Saabs sometime!

[IamParadox]

Hooray Saab content! I'm sure my brother, Svenska94Aero will pop in here pretty soon to get you riled up on this.

I too am in for plans...