First time remap, is it worth it? Options

[Lee T]

Hello.

I'm new to Saab and so new to the forum, so apologises now if I'm in the wrong place! I bought an '06 plate AERO auto estate on New Years Eve and love it. It's comfy, pretty quick and practical, but there are 3 things that I would like any guidance/advice on if anyone can help.

1. I'm Considering a stage 1 remap. I know the auto is quite a bit slower off the mark that the manual, which is fine by me, but I would like to increase the mid-range grunt - has anyone with this car (260 bhp) had it done and been pleased or felt it was pointless? Also, can it be done without any upgraded parts. I spoke to my local Saab dealer because they had a deal on the Hirsch tuning, but they wouldn't do it unless I has new wheels, brakes etc.
2. My Xenon's flicker occasionally - is this normal or a problem looming?
3. The steering has a slight 'notchy' feel to it which you feel as you start off and come to rest - is this a normal thing with Saabs? Is doesn't feel unsafe at all, but any advice would be great.

Thanks

[sgould]

Welcome!

The 260hp Aero is pretty well tuned to the limit. An ECU upgrade without some hardware is likely to turn out to be disappointing.

The problem is heat. If you push up the boost, the temperatures will rise. Once they do, the engine management will cut back the boost to save the engine. The temps can rise quickly, so you may only see the increased power and torque for a few seconds before the performance gets limited. To cope with the heat, you need a bigger intercooler and full 3 inch exhaust. Saab insist on the bigger brakes to cope with the extra torque and power. Which in turn means new wheels.

If you can't do the power, consider the Hirsch suspension. At least you will be a bit more comfortable and also able to go rond corners better.

I have the full Saab/Hirsch kit on my auto 9-5. Engine, brakes, wheels and suspeension. The only thing I would change is the twin exhaust. It gets boomy, especially when the car is loaded. Being an automatic is no problem. Maybe even better than the manual. It accelerates so fast that I don't think any manual gearchanges would be quick enough or at the optimum point to be any faster. Maybe only in the first few metres off the line?

Pressing the S button on the selector with the Hirsch upgrade is very noticeable!

You should also note that the Hirsch prices published on the web and in the Saab brochures are not as fixed as they appear. Ask for a quote from a few dealers, although Bond Street in Leicester seem chap at the moment.


Flickering Xenons on switch off is normal, not at any other time.

Notchy steering wheel is likely to be a bit of play in the joint at the base of the steering column. Slacken the pinch bolt and grease the splines. That's what normally cures it.

[Lee T]

That's good advice thanks. I was a bit concerned about tuning a car that has been increased to 260 already without adding bits to deal with more power. I'll park that idea for now.

Will look into headlights a bit more and get the steering sorted.

Thanks again.

[Mr Linear.]

Lee,

I have also just bought an '06 Aero (Manual). I'm finding that mine is fast enough!!! To be honest in 2nd gear its actually too fast, unless going in a perfectly straight line!!

My Xenons sometimes flicker on switching off.

I greased the steering column last week...(it is a DIY job), the notchy feeling is now gone. Did the same on my previous 9-5 2.2TID.

I have to say I love the car....makes me smile every time I drive it!

Mr Linear.

[Lee T]

Mr Linear

Thanks for that................I've heard the manual is a bit of a handful. A technician at Saab in Leicester was telling me they give Subaru's a run for their money!

Re Xenons, mine do flicker when I switch off, but they also flicker whilst out driving. My concern is someone thinks I'm flashing them, say at a junction.

Will grease my steering column.

Regards

Lee

[sgould]

If one bulb flickers when driving, look at the bulb or the electronic box (watch out for high voltages!!). If they both flicker, then look further back in the system, relay, fuse, switch, wiring.

[Lee T]

Will do thanks.

[Ben Cole]

Interesting thread. All issues I'm interested in.

I would say from experience with other cars that 20bhp/20lbft from a remap would be fine and not cause any problems if the car is ok in the first place.

The notchy steering...where do I apply the grease?

Flickering xenons, mine do this from time to time. Off and back on seems to help. I think it's down to some voltage irregularities as there are other symptoms consistent with this.

[FredTheFifth]

Agreed, very interesting, and another very informative response from sgould. Especially with the auto box. From my experience with the odd ummmm, performance test at the lights next to something that I am half thinking might be quicker, it always seems to be at the gear change that I get away.

Another thing is that I find that 260 bhp is plenty for me. If there's something quicker then fair play. I love the car and the straight line performance, but round the corners I doubt my abilities and really don't like pushing it. May be something to do with leaving the road one in my youth (black ice I in mitigation), but that's the way it is!

Cheers.
FTF.