Getting a car which is centric to a great driving experience is part and partial to what most Saab drivers are looking for. This is because the vehicles were originally inspired by jets. Over the years, the vehicles have undergone many different changes. Underneath it all, it is still about performance and providing the power which Saab drivers are looking for. It is hard to find a better example of this than the Saab 900 turbo. This is an engine which was advanced for its time and is still looked to by many as a superior driving experience.

SAAB 900 Turbo

To know more about the car, it is important to look at the different versions of the turbocharger. You should also get to know the Automatic Performance Control (APC). You will be able to learn all about how the Saab 900 turbo was able to provide the performance which was beloved by all those who drove the car and still drive it to this day.

The Versions of the Turbocharger

When first introduced, the Saab 900 turbo used a Garrett turbocharger (T3). The T3 went through a change from the oil-cooled to the water cooled model in 1983. SPG models shipped to the United States starting in 1990 were fitted with a Mitsubishi TE-05 turbocharger instead. The following year, this same turbocharger was outfitted into models shipped throughout other countries as well. The design of the TE-05 was unique in that it was a water cooled design that included an exhaust inlet flange which was in the same style as the Garrett T3. The TE-05 was able to provide a faster response because of a smaller design with faster throttle response.

Learning about the Automatic Performance Control

Another part of the Saab 900 turbo which was loved was the fact that it came with the Automatic Performance Control (APC). This allowed the engine to provide maximum performance all the way up to a point of knocking. As soon as the APC detected any knocking, the waste gate was opened to release the excess pressure in the charge. The gate provided a bypass to the exhaust which allowed for smooth performance even at higher levels of performance. The APC also helped in making sure that the Saab 900 turbo was able to utilize different octanes of gasoline. There are even models available which allowed the vehicle to enjoy an increase in power as well as boost. Those 900 Aero or Carlsson models were fitted with a red box APC which was able to provide boosts of 175hp in normal models and 185 in those without a catalytic converter. These models were able to stand apart from the competition in the use of the APC to provide more power.

In 1978, Saab decided to forego the production of the Saab 99 and started to produce the Saab 900 classic. While the car was originally only called the 900 model, is now known as the classic model with a different body design being produced from 1994 – 1998. The only noticeable difference in the model on the outside for the 900 was during the 1987 model run, the bumpers and front-end went from an angular model to a more sloped design.

The door itself in the Saab 900 classic was an innovative design which not only created better closure. It allowed for there to be less chance that any debris from the road was kicked into the cabin. This helped to prevent road noise as well as preventing corrosion and water damage in the cabin. The innovation also made it possible for those entering and exiting the vehicle to not have to overcome an immense ledge to do so.

Changing the Engine

To get more power out of the engine, the Saab 900 classic included an engine which was installed “backwards”. The effect that this gave was that the crank was delivered from the front of the engine. The transmission itself helped to create the oil pan with a gearbox bolted directly to the engine. The effect that this provided was a long lasting power and a smoother ride. There were also turbo models made available which helped to provide even more power than the standard editions.

Model Editions

From 1978 – 1993, the Saab 900 classic went through many different two digit Saab models. These included specialty editions all the way to the models which added sports packages to the already sporty design of the car. Additional variations included the hatchback models which came in 3 and 5 door models. There are also 2 and 4 door models available which were designed for those looking for such model features as the optional luggage rack.

Where to Buy

If you are thinking about buying one of the Saab 900 classic models which are available, you will need to do a little research. While there are a few different models which are available spanning over 20 years, there are fewer available each year. Those which are driven every day near the end of their life and those which are collected are being removed from the market. Try to find models from other collectors as well as from private sales and even auctions. If you are lucky, you will be able to find one of the limited edition models which will help you to have a collectible car which will be worth a lot of money in the future.

There are many cars which have lived on well past their time of being produced by their manufacturer. Among the cars which you might know for this is the Saab 900. This is a car which was produced in a few different styles between the years of 1978 – 1998. It went through two major incarnations as the “classic” version (1978 – 1993) and as the “new generation” version (1994 – 1998). Not only were these kinds of cars produced well. They have become a collector’s item in many different respects.

Collectible Models

When collecting the Saab 900, it is important to remember that there are certain models which are more valuable than others. While most people will gravitate towards the Turbo and convertible models, there is something to be said about the standard editions which still have all of the original parts.

Part of what makes these cars so collectible is the unique design. Manufactured with the style of an airplane, the Saab 900 provides many of the qualities which keep a plane in the air for years. Among the most collectible of these models comes from the “classic” models which include not only the convertible models, but also the models which include certain colors. The most popular color remains the red colors which include the turbocharged 16-valve manual transmission cars. Getting to know all of the different color variations will help you to be able to know which of the styles are the most collectible.

What to Look For

If you are thinking about being a collector of the Saab 900, it is a good idea to look for all of the special models which are available. The more limited edition the model was, the more collectible it will be now and in the future. Models like those made for dealers or for companies are extremely rare and are treasured when found. Among the rarest of the models that you will be able to find is the 1991 Beryl Green SPG. This model was limited to a run of only 109 worldwide. It is something most collectors have not even seen in person.

Try to find convertibles as these are becoming rarer to find. The soft top models were not made in high numbers and problems which occur naturally in soft tops make the material fall apart. If you are able to find models which have no damage to the material, it will be able to provide you with the ability to have a car which will allow you to start a good collection. Also look for Saab 900 models which have not replaced a lot of the original parts with after market parts.

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