jlert

I like the look of the 900... one thing I'm enjoying about the 997, like in the Saab, is the forward visibility.

I'm up in the northern Dallas 'burbs, Plano specifically. A lot of rennlisters in these parts?

Yes, the 'teggy! Nothing like the first (car) love. I had a 4-door GSR, 5MT, K&N intake, DC headers, APEXi exhaust, Eibach pro-kit... was young and had waaaay less responsibility, so great! When the VTEC would kick in (what like 6k rpm?) it was GLORIOUS. Had to stay between 5k and 8k rpm to enjoy the car, and yeah I did!

I'll look for his posts, can't wait to read up on more mods.

sandwedge

It is/was. Long since retired from the Swedish air force. A friend of mine flew it when it was still in use and said it was an absolute rocket. Overpowered to the point where range suffered due to the fuel consumption.

Petza914

Very nice. Champion wheels too.

The Rubber grommets actually have threaded inserts in them. As you tighten the mounting screws, it compresses the rubber, which makes it bulge out and lock into the holes. Easiest way to get them out is to remove the screw all the way, then just put it back in a couple turns where it doesn't expand the rubber and use the screw as a handle to wiggle it back and forth as you're pulling up. Might even add a large washer before threading it back in to give yourself a handle or finger hold for more pull. The Fabspeed intake should have come with new ones to install with the heat shield and they don't have to be locked in super tight, just enough to compress the fitting and make the rubber expand and lock in.

saabin

There are a few, including myself.. I'm over on the west side in FTW.. You should join PCA (Maverick region) as we have a very active region for all things Porsche. Lots of great people, and a ton of 997 owners. Events practically every weekend.

Ditchhanger

That thing was amazing...could even land on rough airstrips and had short landing capabilities. The only thing missing from the Viggen was a gun

jlert

Done! Just received my membership packet. Haven't been to a track in like 20 years, but looking forward to signing up for a beginner HPDE event whenever the weather cools.

I just looked this up and seems like it was a good upgrade by the previous owner, thanks for pointing this out. Used dealer didn't even mention it.

I saw in another post about shaving down the rubber just a little, that worked for me to get those new grommets in. After that I think it did expand like you mention.

jlert

Finally found time to complete install of the new Kline exhaust. UPS actually dented the mufflers, kudos to Felix at Kline for commissioning new ones and taking on the dispute with UPS himself.

Also, had a bit of trouble with the x-pipe where the bolts didn't quite line up, anyone else run into this with an x-pipe install?

jlert

I'm like cursing for dang near an hour, not quite able to flex the pipe with one hand while trying to insert a bolt with the other, simply wouldn't budge.

So, the wifey walks in to check on me (make sure I'm still alive I guess), I'm frustrated and explain what's going on, that I'm probably gonna call it quits, do some more research, except here's how the next few minutes went...
Wifey: How's it going?
Me: (cursing) X-pipe won't go on, installed one side but bolt holes don't line up on the other side.
Wifey: Why not try bending it?
Me: (cursing some more) Tried, won't budge. (at this point, I'm wondering why are we having this conversation?)
Wifey: (after looking over what I've said) What if you tried bolts zig-zaggy? (translation, she meant one bolt one side at a time, alternating for each header)
Me: (my pride in full force, what do you know woman!?) ugh, that's not going to work! (then thinking about it more, she might be right)
Wifey: Just try it. I can help put the bolts on.
Me: (pride finally caving, this is probably a two person job anyways) Alright, I'll flex the pipe best I can while you put on the bolts.

Using both legs and arms and the header for leverage, I was able to flex the opposite header enough to allow the wifey to install the bolts. Crazy as it sounds, this actually worked. Props to the wifey.

Dennis C

Meursault88

Now and then they ARE right more often than a broken clock!

However, be careful in letting them know.... you'll never hear the end of it.

SamboTT@ByDesign

jlert

I really liked the 9-5 Aero, felt more solid than the 9-3, I think it had the same engine as the 9-3 Viggen? My interest in Saab started in high school when my friend's dad bought a red 9000 Aero, 3 spoke wheels and all, was a really sweet ride.

DesmoSD

Haha, my wife does the same thing and ends up giving me an extra hand. Glad you got it done. Which X pipe did you get?

Most installs require a test fitting with one bolt to hold it in place while you secure the opposite ends. On my Supra, installing a down pipe and exhaust w/resonator took some Macgyver'ing with some jackstands, floor jack, boxes with some extra shop manuals all wedged to help hold it in place while I put the bolts in. haha

rootwyrm

Hello, fellow DC2 person! (B18C1 with a port job, represent! Scarlet R's just add weight!) And fellow Saab fan, too. Man. Just goes to prove this is where you go to find people with good taste in cars. And yes! The 9-5 Aero had the same B235 2.3/16v turbo as the 9-3 Viggen. I actually almost bought the Aero specifically because it came with the Road Atlanta class. Great motor in both. There's a blue over black 9-3 Viggen 5 door locally that probably puts down close to 500HP (and a lot of smoke for just one tire.)

jlert

Talk about torque steer, dang. I remember the first time driving my (all-stock) Saab, going through a corner and accelerating, but not gripping the wheel tightly... huge mistake! Was still fun, in a really quirky (dangerous?) sort of way.

All part of the DIY "experience" I guess

I installed a Kline x-pipe with 200 cell cats. Here's a pic (thoughts on how to prevent rust?).