Hi All
I finally got around to investigating the poor running issues of the 5 door 99 Turbo.
A compression test revealed the following results:
1. 120
2. 140
3. 140
4. 70
Pulling the motor out and inspecting the pistons revealed that 3 of the 4 pistons were cracked!
Unfortunately, I do not have any spare 7.2:1 pistons and the usual internet sources seem to have run out as well.
So what are my options?:
- Beg, borrow and steal from Saabists around the world?
- Install 16V 900 Turbo pistons? - however this will increase the static compression ratio. Is this advisable?
- Aftermarket suppliers – any preferences?
Your thoughts?
As to why the pistons have cracked, it appears that the car has been driven in the past with a stuck waste gate (original Saab 99 Turbo type) – too much boost – with the usual results.
Unsticking the valve in the waste gate is another challenge … I can get the valve to spin and move in / out a couple of mm but it is not showing any enthusiasm of coming out any time soon.
The turbo has been rebuilt recently so I am reluctant to change to a later 900 turbo / waste gate combination at this time.
Any Ideas?
Thanks Neil
Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
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Oh why can't I play the triangle. I don't know after all those lessons.
Oh why can't I play the triangle. I don't know after all those lessons.
- Krizzie
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Re: Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
If one of them is still good you might be able to send it to a piston builder like Ross or Wossner. They can make a forged copy of it which is much lighter and stronger.
My ride: MY91 Saab 900 Aero T5.5 Converted, 9000 Aero interior, Xenon projectors and many more mods/upgrades
- Crazyswede
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Re: Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
You could put a set of pistons in from an 8v 900 engine...they were around 8.5 compression as I recall. If you could get an 8v 900 exhaust manifold then you could run a wastegate and APC.
I am the 73%
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Re: Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
Where are you located ?
I'm outside Portland, OR and may have some options for you.
I'm outside Portland, OR and may have some options for you.
Re: Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
Thank for the replies.
The suggestion of getting a local manufacturer to make a new set was a great idea that I did not think of. Luckily one of the pistons is still OK and could hopefully be used as an example to remanufacture a new set.
Regards
Neil
The suggestion of getting a local manufacturer to make a new set was a great idea that I did not think of. Luckily one of the pistons is still OK and could hopefully be used as an example to remanufacture a new set.
Regards
Neil
_____________________________________________
Oh why can't I play the triangle. I don't know after all those lessons.
Oh why can't I play the triangle. I don't know after all those lessons.
- 99Super
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Re: Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
As much as I like Seth's suggestion, considering the rarity of 5-door 99Ts, I think I'd actually want to keep it original.
John
John
- Crazyswede
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Re: Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
I believe Luke paid around $600 for a set of custom pistons with rings and pins for one of his engine builds.
I am the 73%
Re: Broken Saab 99 Turbo Pistons – Options?
_____________________________________________
Oh why can't I play the triangle. I don't know after all those lessons.
Oh why can't I play the triangle. I don't know after all those lessons.
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