Quaife Installed

[Hans]

I finally got my Quaife into my 86 900 notchback. (Thanks to Rob @ Scanwest Autosport, and Dennis for the group buy!). The car is about $1000 shy of being ready for autocrossing again (needs shocks/tires), but, so far, I'm very impressed. The diff is seamless on the street, just like a torsen's supposed to be, and cornering is a whole new ball game (still getting used to having the diff pull the car into a tighter radius with throttle).

One thing I'm noticing: prior to install, the car was set up a bit loose -- good for autox but probably not the safest on the street. What I'm finding with the Quaife in is the car feels a bit more neutral. Is this all in my mind, or can the diff somehow alter vehicle dynamics? The only set-up difference pre- and post-install is I changed the toe somewhat when I put in a new rack at the same time as the diff (eyeballed it to 0*).

Another thing: I'm also now running taller primaries, but I think I'm going to switch back. It's much nicer on the highway but 1st is now a bit too tall. I'm getting 65+ mph in 2nd, though, which is good for some of the faster courses I run on.

Car is currently dead in the water: I broke the heater valve, so it leaks down the firewall in both the engine bay and the cabin! :numbnut icon: Should be running again in a couple days...

[Crazyswede]

You could always put the copper U-bend in the heater hoses until you have time to replace the heater valve.

[squaab99t]

Nice to hear it is working well for you. The point and shoot is so sweet. I can't wait to get some better tires to see what she can really do. Are you running ShockProof? Did you set up a cooler too? Give me a shout when your next autoX happens.

[Hans]

The heater valve was already leaking so I actually have a replacement valve on deck. Sadly, I've not yet learned to love the r&r -- I've done a few of these and every time come away hating Saabs.

Dennis -- Yes, have been running the blue-ish green-ish Shockproof since day one on the 4-speed. I bought a steel diff cover from Rob that is already tapped for a cooler, and I have an automatic transmission air cooler on deck; just need to get a fuel pump and some lines. Unfortunately, next *local* (e.g., Everett) autox isn't for awhile. I'll keep you posted. There were a couple Saabs at the last event...

Due to budget constraints, looks like I will likely be buying some Azenis for my Aero rims. Would prefer to get some 15x8 rims/tires to match but I've got other stuff to spend money on...

[Hans]

Info re: shimming 10mm ring gear holes to run 8mm bolts on a 4-speed:

Rob @ Scanwest Autosport used sleeves originally used for the 900 Turbo wastegate:

p/n 83 67 864 -- Saab calls it a "turbo sleeve" -- you need ten.

MSRP @ genuinesaab.com's part db is $6.90; you can likely get them cheaper from a turbo re-build vendor.



EDIT: More info on these sleeves: they are machined collars, not cheesy pressed pieces with a seam. The O.D. makes for an interference fit in the diff, and the I.D. is *barely* a slip fit for the ring gear bolts (you have to slightly push the bolts through). It's almost as if Saab made these collars for the application.

[BryanHopp]

hmmm so where exactly did you get that LSD...

[Crazyswede]

They did a group buy on the quaiffe's a while ago. Coincidently we are doing (YES WE) a group buy on a clutch style limited slip. There is still time to get in on it. Cast is around $900 ish.