Why Am I So Fascinated by the Saab 900? Part 2

Apart from the driving pleasure mentioned earlier, what attracts me most about the Saab 900 is its complete technical documentation and the passionate, professional community of dedicated enthusiasts worldwide. They not only have a deep understanding of the Saab 900 but are also very willing to share their experiences, allowing me to learn about the workings of various components and repair methods.

Through these technical resources and the community, I gradually grasped how to solve vehicle issues and repair them to restore the car to its original state. However, there are many experts in the community whose skills far surpass just fixing problems. They also share a wealth of information on optimizing and modifying the Saab 900. They believe the car and its cast-iron engine have immense potential, which has not been fully realized due to market demands and commercial constraints.

Inspired by this, I began to modify and optimize my first Saab 900, starting with basic suspension upgrades, adding an APC, Front mount intercooler, 3-inch downpipe, and eventually upgrading the separate fuel injection, ignition, and boost systems to Saab Trionic 5 (T5) turbo engine management system. Each upgrade brought a significant improvement to the driving experience, and more importantly, the process allowed me to continuously learn and deepen my understanding of the Saab 900’s mechanical and electrical systems.

As my modifications deepened, I encountered projects for which there were no direct aftermarket upgrade kits available. This led me to develop my own brackets, adapters, and other parts to install non-direct-fit components. As I gained more experience, I started designing my own upgrade kits, accessories, and even some discontinued parts, which extended the lifespan and added new possibilities for the Saab 900.

This journey has been more than just an interaction between a person and a car; it has been a process of mutual growth (yes, I now believe my Saab 900 is more fun to drive than it was when it left the factory). I firmly believe that if I had chosen another car instead of the Saab 900, I wouldn’t have had such a rich experience. Only a car like the Saab 900, which is full of exploration, rejects compromise in every aspect, and tries to meet all the original design goals, offers the opportunity to get involved, optimize, and modify it into something that aligns with one’s personal vision.

This car, beyond its unique design language and outstanding interior, contains many details that are worth exploring and contemplating. For example, the location of the intercooler, the layout of the battery and exhaust system, and the fact that the engine, despite its robust design, is constrained by the original 0.8 bar boost limit. These elements are full of space for modification and optimization, making it an exciting project for enthusiasts to dive into and push the boundaries.