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SAAB VS. SCEPTICISM

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A blog about Saab and Saab Culture. Saab obsessions, Saab rescue missions and the odd Aeroriginal Saab for sale

SAAB VS. SCEPTICISM

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Hirsch Troll R Touches

September 15, 2021 Eleven
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It’s been a hectic few weeks for the new 9-3 Monte Carlo, it went in to Malcolm Miles for it’s normal check over; oil and filter change and brake checks etc and ended up with the entire engine out.

What looked like an immaculate Saab, turned out to have a few surprises for us, not unexpected on a 20 year old car of course, but the obligatory split bulkhead had caused some areas to corrode, so with the impending suspension changes and power upgrades, it needed to be fixed and done correctly. The engine was removed as was the interior, the bulkhead welded, rustproofed and resealed and the famous Viggen Rescue Kit by Abbott Racing fitted.

Rust prevention has also been done to protect it for the future, drain holes cleaned up and coated as have the inner wheel arches. Whilst we’ve been at it, we’ve changed bushes, track rod ends, arms and brackets to handle the new Bilstein B8 shocks and Eibach springs with ease, we’ve also fitted a new Viggen clutch upgrade, a lightweight flywheel by Abbott Racing and set of performance discs and pads. The engine is now back in safely, a new 3.5 bar fuel pump and fuel filter fitted and we’re awaiting the arrival of the Stage 1 NoobTune remap to give the Monte Carlo its first 250+ grunt. 

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But with all of this mechanical work going on, it’s always rewarding to see some visual changes happening too. The 18” classic Hirsch alloys have been added but the best part for me has been the fitting of the ridiculously rare Hirsch carbon dashboard and the leather covered centre console. Not only has it changed the feel of the entire interior, but in my eyes, has given it the touch of individuality and quality it truly deserves.

More work will continue in time, but so far, I’m thrilled with how the Monte Carlo is coming along, it’s a Saab that deserves all it gets and will be an absolute pleasure to own and drive, the Hirsch touches taken from a genuine 2.0 Troll R from France, just add even more desirability.

In Aeroriginal, Saab, Saab Stories, Saab vs Scepticism Tags Saab, Monte Carlo, Saab 9-3, HOT, Hirsch, Abbott Racing, Saabvs, Saab vs Scepticism
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Arts and Crafts

May 29, 2020 Eleven
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For years I've been designing Saab builds, essentially to save some stunning cars from being broken up as parts but mostly to make the best possible version of each and every one.

With each build it's hard not to notice the exceptional folks who continue to invest their engineering skills into handcrafting special parts for our Saabs, in my eyes, these folks are Artists. The Viggen project parts store grows daily with many, many more to source but some recent deliveries really are just pieces of art, and all bespoke.

The 3" downpipe from APH Performance Almost too beautiful to hide, these all Stainless construction pipes have either a free flowing 200 cell cat or no cat at all if specified, tig welded and purged with V band joints for a perfect fit. I've commissioned five of these now and I'm sure the get better each time.

The Black Edition Grille Again, i've had a number of these commissioned and Fraser has done an exquisite job on each, he takes the best OE grilles he can find, cuts away the plastic louvers and replaces them with a perfectly fitted black metal mesh. I have mine finished in a smooth satin black finish which so far has suited each build, can't wait to see what this latest one looks like on the Lightning Blue Viggen.

The Viggen Short Shifter After a long and enjoyable conversation with Peter Raw about the Viggen Project, he suggested a part that he swears by, a bespoke short shift gear mechanism from Jam Saab. It's the first time I'll have fitted on to a build so will report on the difference it makes in a few months. Needless to say, the standard gearing is just a bit long for such quick cars, it generally feels slightly spongy and I have a feeling this will give it a more engineered, accurate feel.

Viggen Project parts list (to date) :

Tarox Sport Japan fully drilled and grooved vented discs
Tarox Sport Japan brake pads
Tarox high performance braided brake lines
Abbott Racing stainless steel subframe brace
Abbott Racing rack brace kit
Abbott Racing rear body strut brace
Bilstein B8 shocks
Eibach springs
DO88 Performance Intercooler
Nordic Performance induction kit
Momo Stealth 19" 5 spoke rims
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tyres
TunStyle Nappa Leather steering wheel
Skyddet Aux kit
Viggen side badges by Raw Saab

The Viggen should be returning from the bodyshop soon after some required welding and paint, it’ll then land at Malcolm Miles once again for Jason and Andy to work their magic. Our aim is to build a super stylish Viggen convertible with a very capable 300+hp. The story continues…

In Saab, Saab Stories, Saab vs Scepticism Tags Saab, Saab Viggen, Saabvs, Saab vs Scepticism, Aero, Convertible, ProjectSaab, Raw Saab, Jam Saab, Abbott Racing, Malcolm Miles Saab
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Phase 2 _ Stage 4

February 5, 2019 Eleven
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Excess noun An amount that is more than is needed, expected, or acceptable. I question the 'acceptable' part, but excess possibly describes the last few weeks with the 9-5 very accurately.

What's been done? Performance first, an amazing handcrafted stainless steel 3" downpipe by APH Performance together with a Jetex full system exhaust has been fitted, a DO88 Intercooler, intake pipes and all hoses, a BSR performance filter, Abbott Racing top strut brace and a Stage 4 ECU by the very talented Karl at Noobtune all lovingly installed by the guys at Malcolm Miles (again).

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Having jumped straight into Stage 4 rather than staggering the upgrades, you realise the shear change in power and driving ability of the Aero, together with the Bilstein B8 shocks and MapTun springs, the 19" Turbo X alloys and the Pirelli P Zeros, it becomes the sports saloon it always had the potential be.

Producing around 300hp, the power delivery is smile inducing, put your foot down in 3rd and you'll easily get those 19" wheels upfront spinning briefly before grabbing control and surging forward. The 9-5 in contrast to my old HOT Aero, doesn't feel as out of control, it handles the extra power admirably, it gives you the reassurance to really push it to the limit and make the most of every kind of journey.

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Inside, things are changing too, the early 9-5 Aero leather, although beautiful quality, does not have the structure or support of the later Aeros, I've managed to source an immaculate 2 tone Anniversary leather interior for a 2007 model, happy to stick with manual operation, the transplant has been seamless, the seatbelt warning light still does its thing, and even the 3 stage roller works perfectly for the heated seats, they really have lifted the interior to the next level - the ultimate spec for a 1st generation 9-5 Aero in my opinion.

Next stop, some subtle cosmetic work to bring the 9-5 back to glory.

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In Saab vs Scepticism, Saab Tags Saab, APH Performance, Jetex, BSR Performance, Abbott Racing, DO88, Malcolm Miles, Tuning, Stage 4, Noobtune, Saab vs Scepticism, Saab95
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