[johncc]

Hi folks...

My '91 9000S 2.3 Turbo is not economical to repair, so I'll probably sell it for what I can get. I'm sold on owning a 9000 now though, so I'm looking around - basically want a post facelift manual 2.3 full pressure turbo.

I'll probably have a few questions while I'm searching, but here's one: I always thought "Ecopower" meant LPT, but it seems this is not true. Is that correct? If so, is there any surefire way to tell if a car is FPT or LPT? Presence of intercooler maybe?

Also, are the Anniversary Edition cars good to own? Were they LPT, FPT, or were all available? Thanks!

 

[johncc]

Oh another question... it seems to me that one is better off buying a car a bit over 100K miles with a full history to show all the major 100K items were done, than a car with just under 100K miles. Does that seem a fair assertion?

 

[9000CSE]

You can identify an 'FPT' by the presence of a boost gauge on the dashboard, the lpt does not have one.

Also ( I think ? ) the fpt has 'turbo' on the radiator grill in small letters whereas the lpt does not.

I believe the actual turbo unit is the same, it's
just that the ecu in an lpt is set to produce less power ( 150bhp ).

As far as the 100k 'threshold' is concerned it really depends on individual car - there is not a mileage in the service schedule to state when the
timing chain should be replaced for example ( only when it starts to rattle ). But if you can get a car that's already had the 'major' items
replaced/overhauled ( ie: chain, Clutch, DI unit, gearbox ) then so much the better.
Mine's done 143k and is still on all the original parts for example ( fingers crossed !! ).

 

[Gordy]

Hi a couple of links that may help.

BillJ has a VIN decoder here: http://www.saab9000.com/information/vin.php

This will enable you to identify any 9000 accurately (as long as you have the vehicles VIN).

You might get some tips here, it's been designed for America I think but the info will still be relevant.
http://quasimotors.com/buying.htm

And, for what it's worth, I think you should go for the Aero, you won't regret it.

 

[billj]

My understanding is that, while Saab originally introduced the term "Ecopower" to describe the LPT versions, they eventually applied the term to all turbo engines.

 

[johncc]

Thanks all for the info. Gordy - love one, but haven't seen anything reasonable for sale yet!

 

[wrighar]

My understanding is that, while Saab originally introduced the term "Ecopower" to describe the LPT versions, they eventually applied the term to all turbo engines[/b]

Ecopower was first used on the CS Aero, and then transfered to lesser variants.

 

[mikeloadsasaabs]

Go for the 2.3 eco (175bhp) - introduced for the 1994 model year - this is a low-pressure 2.3 turbo with lots of lazy unstressed power but is stunningly quick across country without the potential downsides of the 200bhp or 225bhp fpt.

 

[Simon Chiles]

I agree with MikeLoadsaSaabs; go for the 2.3 LPT. I'm a supremely lazy driver, and having just bought mine (my first Saab BTW) I can attest to its unstressed engine. Perfect torque, all you need for lazy overtaking in 4th. Good economy too; I'm getting a regular 34mpg on my lazy 80mph m-way runs. Hmmm, maybe I should have gone for an FPT or Aero to shake me out of my laziness....

As for the mileage & servicing, my '96 CSE had done 120K with FSH, so I just checked the car for what I thought were the showstoppers in terms of wallet-emptying: timing chain rattle, stiff clutch (master cylinder), engine mounts, turbo. These were all OK, so thought it well worth a punt. I'm sure the Saab gurus will mention other items, but with my limited knowledge I thought these were the essentials.

BTW, I can see why you all wax lyrical about these cars. Compared to my previous cars (asthmatic Renaults or Nissans), this one has been a revelation!

Will finish here (too lazy to write more...)

 

[ngu]

According to the factory brochure, Ecopower denotes 3 things: Trionic Engine Management System, Direct Ignition and turbocharging.

 

[SteveN]

Welcome to Saabscene Saab-jager

I would've said hi earlier but I was feeling a bit, er, lazy

Of the big things Saab-jager mentioned, on average the timing chain needs replacing between 100k & 120k miles. Of course it can go on much, much longer. Or die sooner. But if it hasn't been done on that mileage of car then, if nothing else, use the cost of the job (£500-£800) as a bargaining tool.

 

[mikeloadsasaabs]

Blimey, where can you get the timing chains replaced for that sort of money?

I assume you mean diy?

 

[SteveN]

Blimey, where can you get the timing chains replaced for that sort of money?  

       

I assume you mean diy?  [/b]

No I mean at a decent specialist. Seriously. Main dealers, now that's another matter...

 

[mikeloadsasaabs]

I thought the parts cost alone, using genuine replacements, were over £500?

 

[SteveN]

With a labour intensive job like this, the biggest difference will be made in the hourly rate charged. Eg. my local main dealer (decent blokes tho' they are) charge £64 per hour ex VAT last time I looked. My local SAAB specialist (22 years experience) charges £24... Neil or Leon will know the book time for the full job but lets say 8 hours: that’s £320 ex VAT saved straight off.

A specialist will also give you the choice of "genuine in a SAAB box parts" and rather less expensive " genuine not in a SAAB box parts". Something I'd be very surprised if a main dealer did.

You pays your money and takes your choice .

 

[johncc]

I bet the LPT is a nice drive, but sorry... my current car is a 2.3 FPT and I couldn't go to anything less now! I know e.g. Carlssons have more bhp, but I love the torque of the 2.3, and I love the power too. If anything, I want more power not less!

 

[9000CS23T]

The late Carlsson's are a 2.3 so don't rule them out .

 

[9000CS23T]

By the way, chains are generally an engine out job, so that's where the labour comes in.

 

[wrighar]

The late Carlsson's are a 2.3 so don't rule them out  [/b]

1991 on.