New Saab Guy - Saab Forums

Invert'd · #1 07-02-2009, 09:09 PM

Hi, I'm Invert'd; I've lurked here from time to time, and I figured it was time to sign up. I'm fairly mechanical and like tinkering with things...it's almost an addiction. Mostly I tinker with my 2000 Jeep Wrangler rockcrawler, but of necessity I'm getting into tinkering with my Saab. Lately I've been thinking a lot of adding a turbo charger/ intercooler, and converting it to manual. I'd also like to add a roll bar; I believe the 9-3s have a system that causes roll bars of sorts to pop out of the seats, but I don't think my NG 900 has anything. I've rolled my Jeep a couple of times and was glad to have a roll cage!

I bought my first Saab on eBay last January: a 1996 900S convertible. I bought it because I needed a fairly fuel efficient commuter. The other reason for choosing a Saab was that my brother had just decided to buy a 1999 9-3 SE for a commuter, and I knew he'd get raped when he had to have it serviced. I figured buying my own Saab would be the best way to learn the ins and outs of fixing them. Right now I am elbow deep in the ins and outs: dealing with neutral safety switch and shift linkage issues on my 900S, and having just fixed some serpentine belt/ bracket/ tensioner on my brother's 9-3.

My first vehicle was a Volvo, and I remember wanting a Saab 900 Turbo before I was 15 (22 years ago). While I'm not really a "car guy," I like the Saab's styling and uniqueness. I love the way it handles and drives too--what a contrast to my Jeep!

Roto · #2 07-02-2009, 10:29 PM

you have a convertible... you NEED a 6-point subframe brace and you'll love the handling even more

I'm pretty sure that your year verts didn't come with popups... a custom roll bar would be the way to go.

Invert'd · #3 07-03-2009, 01:35 PM

Good point, Roto, I had been thinking in terms of "subframe connectors" because I do hear and feel it flexing at times. A "6-point subframe brace" sounds like it's integral with itself, not just the subframe? I actually like that concept better, and it sounds like it would be ideal to tie a roll bar into. Can you point me to a picture or diagram of one? I would build it myself, but why reinvent the wheel?

Invert'd · #4 07-04-2009, 09:54 AM

Nevermind, I Googled it... that would be easy to make!

Roto · #5 07-05-2009, 04:29 PM

yeah, that's a pretty simple part.

fast.work · #6 10-12-2009, 07:17 AM

Hi welcome and congratulation for your new car. I am in process of buying a new one for me. Good to see u here.