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July 16, 2005
Head Clamping
Those of you familiar with the later model 4cyl engines issues with head bolts will understand what a problem they have been. On stock vehicles the head bolts after 50K miles are usually only finger tight! This poor clamping of the head gasket can lead to simple oil seepage cured with re-torque and in worst cases complete failure needing gasket replacement. Most of the problem cars are 1997 through 2001, these had the worst bolt design. For most stock applications one of the latest bolts and a proper re-torque will be fine. However for high output applications where the cylinder pressures are much higher better fasteners are justified. I the pursuit of high output durability on my project Viggen I chose to use ARP studs giving better clamping and long term durability. The studs have a 5 mm hex socket in the top for easy install and are a direct fit. The new fasteners have a finer pitch nut and therefore require less torque to generate the same preload. The materials used are also much stronger (190,000 psi) allowing them to better keep the specified preload. Basically this is not upgrade to add power but will make the power more reliable. This is the most important part of any upgrade plan that is missed completely most of the time. You have to keep it all balanced.
Posted by nick at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
July 12, 2005
SCCA autocross
I ran the 93 SS in an SCCA autocross this weekend. This particular car started life as a Linear. It now has HR springs, front subframe brace and upgraded rear sway bar. I also ran my 18" Pirelli Corsa slicks that normally stay on the viggen. This is my first competition in a car with ESP, it is simply amazing. I could not overdrive this car into the corners, didn't have to throw it at them either. Basically anyone with one of these cars could take it out and have a blast. Just still a little underpowered even though our catback helped a bit.
Posted by nick at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
July 4, 2005
Site Design
Since I develop and manufacture Saab tuning parts for a living and do this web stuff as a hobby this site is a work in progress and your opinion is important. If you know something that would enhance it please share...
Posted by nick at 5:46 PM | Comments (0)
July 2, 2005
Why no 450hp?
Since this car is no trailer queen and is used for daily commute in the city drivability was my main concern. Rather than go all out with a huge turbo and low compression to allow huge peak power I have chosen to make good usable power.
I am keeping the same tubo (TD04-18t, 6cm-clipped) this will hurt my peak power numbers but allows the car to make real smooth power. There is very little lag down low and just goes without the uncontrollable snap your neck spike of a huge turbo. Not to say the previous 340hp 400ftlbs was gentle. We should be a little higher now.
Posted by nick at 8:47 PM | Comments (0)