Saab 9-3 2.0t (2007)

[sijones]

Curious how these convert? I think it's the GM engine.

Do they need flashlube?

My fiesta is gone tomorrow, being replaced with the above, although the company does pay the petrol I was thinking of converting it for the experience?

[Gilbertd]

Can't remember when they changed. If it's the previous model that is a mildly facelifted 900, the engine is the old Saab one that doesn't need Flashlube and goes on for millions of miles. If it's the later one (I was going to say current, but there's no such thing as a current Saab any more), it's the Vectra engine and definitely does.

It'll take you weeks to get used to the ignition switch by the handbrake.......

[Tubbs]

Saab all models from 1998 on according to the list. But i converted a 2001 9-3 a few months ago that was a propper saab engine, red top type not ecotec. They convert well actually, as long as the kits up to it anyway.

[sijones]

propper saab engine, red top type not ecotec. They convert well actually, as long as the kits up to it anyway.

Does it have the famous ecotec written on the cam cover on the GM engine then?

Is there anything special to do with it being turbo, or standard kit?

[Aidi]

Its the same engine as i have in my Vectra which is a Z20NET. Had mine converted with a BRC system back in Feb. Bar a quick re-tune after the first 1000miles, its been great. Got electronic flashlube on mine as well.

Runs very well on LPG and i am happy with my conversion.

[Tubbs]

Sorry didnt read the 07 bit. Definately a vauxhall lump. So would you rather be insulted publicly or by pm ?

[sijones]

Sorry didnt read the 07 bit. Definately a vauxhall lump.

hmmm not liking it being a GM engine! hopefully saab have improved it!...

So would you rather be insulted publicly or by pm ?

obviously in public! haha although I believe you should be insulted for not reading my post properly!...

[Tubbs]

So would you rather be insulted publicly or by pm ?

obviously in public! haha although I believe you should be insulted for not reading my post properly!... [/quote]

Agreed

[sijones]

Its the same engine as i have in my Vectra which is a Z20NET. Had mine converted with a BRC system back in Feb. Bar a quick re-tune after the first 1000miles, its been great. Got electronic flashlube on mine as well.

Runs very well on LPG and i am happy with my conversion.

Thanks for that.

[andy evans autogas]

I think this one is about 2005 with the saab motor in it.... hot turbo went like stink ...i did this one about 5 years ago



. .

[andy evans autogas]

and with the cover off.

sorry about the pic quality.

.

[sijones]

Andy, neat job, but you can't see it with the bonnet closed.... haha..

Is there a lot of room for the stuff? Just thinking i prob won't get some omvl's under that cover, hmm

Maybe this will be another car for me to butcher!..

[Gilbertd]

That's the proper Saab engine, a low pressure turbo job, the high pressure turbo is a red top, the one you're getting will be the GM Ecotec engine so will be completely different. If it bears any resemblance to the 1.4 Ecotec in my wife's Tigra it's a nightmare to work on as you can't get in at anything (although that might be down to the size of the Tigra meaning everything is crammed into a tiny space).

[sijones]

That's the proper Saab engine

That's it.. destroy all my hope... hahaha

Am gonna go pick it around 10/11, so i'll have a nosy under the bonnet and see what room, although with the flashlube requirement am tempted not to be bothered.

Am also thinking, am going to remap it to 200bhp, which being 50 a cylinder might be a little much for the lpg injectors? or am i wrong on that one...?

[Gilbertd]

Look, it's quite simple, buy an older one. They are as tough as old boots and go on forever (my old one had 246,000 on the clock when I sold it, I don't think the head had ever been taken off in it's life and it was still completely solid underneath) and if you get a pre-2001 you aren't into this sliding scale road tax where they charge you more for driving something that's got a bit of go to it. You'll have something with a decent engine and, if you look after it, you may find it appreciates now they are likely to become a collectors item. Rather than a, admittedly better put together, Vectra. I had a 2000 95 (2 litre low pressure turbo) for a while which I bought at the right price as it needed a grands worth of work (at least that's what the quote from the main dealers said) although that came out at £70 in parts and a weekend of my time. That car was absolutely superb, I read one review that said it was the ideal car for the man that didn't want to be seen in a Mercedes or BMW.

[Tubbs]

As long as the system you fit is up to the job then 50hp per cylinder shouldnt be an issue. I know that i have 'deployed' the emer system on 250 bhp 4 cylinder engines with no issues before now. I certianly wouldnt worry about converting a HPT 4 cylinder saab. And they do convert very well, it has to be said. They are a little tight for space, but not overly so.
Im sure something like a set of magic injectors would handle it. But there are installers on here that know far more than me what the system limit is with them.

[SnoozyBMW]

Look, it's quite simple, buy an older one. They are as tough as old boots and go on forever (my old one had 246,000 on the clock when I sold it, I don't think the head had ever been taken off in it's life and it was still completely solid underneath) and if you get a pre-2001 you aren't into this sliding scale road tax where they charge you more for driving something that's got a bit of go to it. You'll have something with a decent engine and, if you look after it, you may find it appreciates now they are likely to become a collectors item. Rather than a, admittedly better put together, Vectra. I had a 2000 95 (2 litre low pressure turbo) for a while which I bought at the right price as it needed a grands worth of work (at least that's what the quote from the main dealers said) although that came out at £70 in parts and a weekend of my time. That car was absolutely superb, I read one review that said it was the ideal car for the man that didn't want to be seen in a Mercedes or BMW.

Why would somebody rather be seen in a bankrupt saab rather than a Merc or BMW??

[Gilbertd]

I would for starters. Unlike BMWs, the indicators work on a Saab and the only Merc I'd consider would be one with AMG after it's name. In saying that though, it would need to be a pre-2002 before they went all fat and flabby and got the Vectra engines.

[sijones]

Gotta say, I picked it up this morning and it drives great, lot's of toys in it!

Don't care that they went bankrupt, as far as am concerned they produced nice cars and this one is nice! I know it's got lot's of GM parts on it etc, but it's definitely different!

And anyway, they got a little cheaper now so more car for the money, I have had a Audi A3, and I always ended up paying over the odds for parts, simply because it was an Audi, I ended buying the parts from VW or Seat dealers instead, same part but much cheaper...!

[xj8user]

Hi, That Saab engine looks like 9-5 B205 engine?? I have converted my 9-3 2003 2.0t, yes it is the Z20NET or B207 as Saab call it; have only done 10K since conversion but it is quite easy and haven't used flashlube? Don't know if I will regret it but at moment looks OK. The older Saab turbo's were good but had oil sump/pickup issues with sludge etc. The Z20 engine seems free of those but has a wierd habit of sounding like a diesel at idle but not all the time?
It is as others say a Vectra C under the skin and shares a lot of parts with the Signum as well. It may be a GM but it is still a good looking and not too common car so ticks most of my boxes and the front seats are brilliant on long journeys!!