An Old Saab 900 Turbo Is Pretty Bizarre If You've Never Driven One - But New Tires Transform It!

(www.nexentireusa.com) A huge thank you to Nexen tires for keeping our old Saab on the road.
( www.TFLcar.com )
In this episode Kase takes the Saab for a spin and gets it ready for more fun in the sun!
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#Saab #900Turbo

[@alaindeul1333]

I really enjoy watching the tfl classics vids

[@GH-rc8ht]

SAAB placed the key by the handbrake for two reasons: During a frontal crash even with airbags, the driver's knees move forward and up, into the path of the key and anything hanging from the key. In many cases this would result in a shattered kneecap or other complications. SAAB was always serious about safety and moved the ignition key out of the way. The key lock in that location is able to function as an anti-theft device by locking the gear lever in reverse. Column mount would not have done that as easily or securely. The SAAB 9000 was the only exception as the platform was developed in tandem with the Lancia Thema.

[@Torsee]

All true! Safety is their profession! Watch TopGear UK on Saab!

[@rhull3939]

Saab also had a tendency to partner with other manufacturers to develop cars on a joint platform and then stray wildly from the vehicle they were supposed to be developing it in tandem with. Especially when they partnered with GM in their later years.

[@GH-rc8ht]

@@rhull3939 GM owned them outright by the year 2000. The "partnering" during the 90s was over when GM acquired the remaining 50% that year. GM/SAAB used a modified Vauxhall/Opel Cavalier platform for the NG 900 released in 1994 and the basically same OG 9-3 for 1999-02 The 1998 (1999 US) 9-5 was based on the Vectra platform (GM Epsilon II) and the last NG 9-5 (and dead Saturn Aura) launched the Epsilon III platform, which is also hiding today under a boring Chevy Malibu. EIII is widely used by GM and corporate cousin clones today. SAAB is actually an acronym for Svenska Aeroplan AtkieBolaget- Swedish Airplane Company. Later Aeroplan was superceded by "Automobil," an adjustment to the Swedish word "bil."

[@spitzsophie]

That’s right. In today’s world with push button start all over the dash in different areas, it’s no big deal the ignition is in the middle. But in the 80s it was sooo cool and quirky

[@davidbauer1485]

No matter what they say I think SAAB put the ignition where it is just to annoy YANKEES! Build the slush box convertibles for de Amerika market!

[@geoffreytritsch8252]

As the owner of 12 Saabs over the years of which 5 were 900s and 3 of those were turbos, you have to know how to drive the car. Keep the car in a lower gear than you would expect to keep the revs up (> 2000 rpm) and keep the turbo spooled up. It's not a fast car off the line but passing should be amazing. Put your foot into it hard and fast, keep your foot down, and hang on. Passing (30 mph up to to 70 mph) should feel like a major kick in the pants and just take a couple of seconds. If the turbo is working correctly, it's a blast. If the turbo is not working correctly, it can be a major dog. Premium fuel is a must. It will run on lower octane but the APC (automatic performance control) will drop the boost to keep the engine from knocking. My '89 900 convertible was fun but my current '91 900 SPG makes me smile every time I drive it!

[@austinvitoux]

From my knowledge, SAAB put the engine backwards, designed it with the primary system (the 3 chains and sprockets that connects the clutch shaft to the input shaft of the transmission), and combined the gearbox and differential under the engine to reduce torque steer when the turbo finally spools up. They're very quirky cars but they are a blast to drive, especially the turbos and SPGs.

[@davidbauer1485]

I think they put the motor in backwards just to annoy YANKEES! But what happened to the torque steer that seemed to come back in the Next Gen series?

[@austinvitoux]

@@davidbauer1485 Idk. Clutch jobs are a breeze tho on C900s

[@ethelbarton6668]

@@austinvitoux exactly , it was designed to make clutch jobs easy. the only reason this automatic is still running is because an old lady drove it.

[@DrRock2009]

It enables the car to have double unequal length wishbone front suspension. Just like F1 cars etc 😎

[@jackmeoff2376]

The window switches are not backwards. Notice they are mounted on an incline... the higher point is “up” lower point is “down.”

[@BrettJGoff]

The classic Saab 900 was originally designed in the mid/late '70s look at other cars from the era and you'll see rocker style power window switches.

[@contraflowcalvo]

I think the switches are arranged this way for the driver, that way the closest point to you in front is the down switch. My 2008 9-5 has centrally mounted window switches and they are similarly oriented, just with a different switch type.

[@richardkafka5625]

Always glad to see a Saab update. I'd leave it stock. With proper maintenance these cars will last 300k miles and more! And yes, they are unique!

[@philtripe]

K car will last 300k with proper maintenance also... just alot of it! but the upside is you will become very good friends with your mechanic

[@graemelliott3942]

I owned an 86 900S three door with a manual gearbox, it drove really well. The steering is amazing. It feels so direct like you're hands are connected to the tires when turning. I remember it not having any rattles or squeaks at all. It gave the feeling of being well screwed together. It was a really good car

[@caytieee]

Are you guys going to keep the Saab or sell it after your done with it? I would love to buy it and use it as my weekend car!

[@davidbauer1485]

Are the boys going to get hooked on ease of use and grand touring in style, or do they just focus on Boy Racing and off roading. My bet is they sell it to buy more tuning and or lift kits! No dates or girlfriends but they can race their cars on the road or 4 wheelers off road. They will tell dad and mom things are just different now days.

[@Maalt]

It was said in some previous episode that they are going to sell it when the summer ends.

[@MickieSwindlez24]

Still want a Saab Convertible?

[@MrBillsfishin]

In a plane you push the stick forward to go down and pull back to go up. Saab built planes so they more than likely made their switches reflect what would have been comfortable for them. Old aviation games are the same way. My grandparents traded in there Formula 400 Firebird for a Saab 900 Turbo when I was a kid in the late 70's. As slow as that seems keep in mind a 77 Honda Civic with the big 1500CC CVCC engine not the 1300 CC standard engine had a whole 60hp. So the Saab had a ton for 4cyl standards in those days.

[@TheBTG88]

Window switches make perfect sense. Heat seater controls both seats. The passenger heater engages when it detects a person sitting there. Key in transmission tunnel functions as theft protection (steering column can be broken into for hot wiring) and safety- No dangling keys to be impaled in your leg in an accident. Intelligent design.

[@jackmeoff2376]

Best way to address the power is a manual gearbox swap. (Did this on my brother’s 92 2.1 3 door 900) It beggars belief the difference the 5 speed makes over the dreadful borg-Warner 3 speed slushy guy...

[@coryernewein]

Imagine the window switch as that and not two buttons. When the front of the switch goes down the window goes down, and at the same point I time when the front of the switch goes up (by depressing the rear of the switch) the window goes up

[@cwescapexlt4x4]

As someone who grew up with SAABs, great to see a classic getting some love.

[@derrerrrr]

same here

[@OverlandTT]

Note to the driver, new tyres should not be pushed on corners until they bed in, you'll end up in a heap. 50+ miles should do the trick. I speak from personal experience of almost demolishing my Grand Cherokee a few years ago.

[@cosmosk8s]

I have a 2007 Saab 93 aero convertible it’s the best car I’ve ever owned and has cost me almost nothing other than a couple sensors which was really cheap to fix. My baby has 213,000 miles on it and it is still running like new and gets up to speed real nice

[@palmermoe3303]

The engine positioning is not for efficient packaging it is done to eliminate torque steer. It is one of the only cars with 0 torque steer

[@regsparkes6507]

Nice one,..again Kase. It's good to see these 'classics' being shown and driven again,..especially a Saab.

[@Judge_Edo]

Longitudinal engine layout allowed for double wishbone suspension in front which is why it handles well. Also to make it faster all you need is a flathead screwdriver to tweak the APC pots.

[@vel0city96]

Passenger seat is also heated, FYI :) It has a seat switch that detects if a person is sitting on that seat, it then follows the same heating "pattern" as the driver's seat depending on which position you put the switch on. No need to warm a seat if nobody's sitting in it.

[@R.Nelson]

Good morning Case🌞.. seen couple of Saabs in the ninties...my Aunt used to drive those Aerostar vans...her last one was so rusted out...it had bad floors too..ran like a champ thou.

[@mariowhyte2816]

The good ol Saab!!! Loving this project car!!!

[@rickyloganjr.2362]

Hi Kase 🙂, excellent video update on the Saab 900, I love Discount Tire and your video. More Kase in front of the camera. Saab was a unique and awesome auto brand because it's Swedish like Volvo, I'm a fan. You're doing an excellent job in front of the camera Kase 🙂.

[@kevinbarry71]

The problem with the convertible version of that car is it wasn't factory. It was factory authorized but it was done after the hardtop is built. As a result it doesn't have enough structural bracing and shakes like a leaf in the wind storm

[@GH-rc8ht]

"... and the 900 convertible, which was as rigid as a week-old salad." - James May, UK BBC Top Gear presenter

[@davidbauer1485]

Clarkson called the convertible "awful." Just like a boring Toyota!

[@roydied15]

I have a 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero with 220k miles and a stage 2 tune. ZERO squeaks and rattles from it inside or out, and with the stage 2 tune, it has some serious power.

[@sjh22a]

Kase, you're doing a great job with the TFLclassics videos!

[@sjh22a]

That My Ride Rules brings back memories! My parents bought a 1987 Ford Aerostar XLT new with the then fairly rare quad captains chairs and rear climate controls. It was a fun road trip car and I drove it to high school when I got my license. We had it until the head gasket gave up in late 2000 and they replaced it with a 2001 Honda Odyssey.

[@OlaCurtius]

Key is between the seats for safety reasons. No key to hit your knee on.

[@lefttea]

also convenience. key switch to parking brake to shift lever. :)

[@seannewman8542]

@@lefttea I thought that was odd, but you two make good points.

[@OlaCurtius]

Mr. Cairo the key is mainly positioned between the chairs for safety reasons. It was also convenient to have the key, parking brake and shifter in the same area. To get the key out of the ignition you have to put the gear in reverse. If this was some kind of anti theft thing it didn’t work any of the times my or my friend’s car’s was stolen.

[@koaaloha7461]

It's so funny watching this, as I know exactly where you are in CO as you drive. That is a good Discount Tire location though

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

Love the Saab

[@orestes720]

Oh, Case, you're so young! Some of us remember the Chrysler products of the '60s and '70s. My father had a 1969 Dodge Monaco and later a 1971 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron, and my cousin's father had a Dodge Coronet station wagon followed by a Chrysler 300 sedan. All of them had the ignition switch on the left of the steering column.

[@spartanchirho]

Its a beautiful car! I love them and the BMW 325i from late 80 amd early 90's.

[@southhillfarm2795]

There are no problems getting parts for Saabs, Still very popular in the Nordic countries as well as becoming driven collectors on North America. The factory in Sweden still makes parts for Saabs.

[@cosmosk8s]

I can’t find seals for my Saab 93 convertible it sucks about to give up and spray flex seal on the seals

[@cosmosk8s]

Other than that I love my car

[@johngaudet6316]

Chase you'll find that Saab amazing in the snow even without winter tires. Especially with a slower automatic. You can use heated SEAT. LOL

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

I liked the Aerostar at the end. Very nice.

[@anthonyarrington3740]

I used to get sabb brochures 8n the mail when Saabs were still in business. Rip Saab your soreley missed

[@27Zangle]

SAAB is amazing. Loving this project very much!

[@user-kc5sj5pv9k]

The center key position is designed to prevent knees injury during accident. The key won't damaged your knees

[@moi01887]

A few tips from someone who owned and worked on a bunch of those cars back in the day... if you put premium gas in it, the boost gauge should go right up to where the yellow area meets the red. If that's not happening, the APC system may not be working right and you might get a little more performance from fixing it. But I would not advise increasing power above that... the automatic transmissions in those cars aren't very strong and if you increase the engine torque they'll start to slip.

[@nickclashez]

Back when I was 16 ... in 1998 those cars were p*ssy magnets in my city .

[@OverlandTT]

Would have liked to have seen a 60-0 braking test - of three stops and an mpg run to see if new tyres make that much difference (remember to time the journey as the diameter variations from brand to brand)

[@Amateur_Hr]

WRT the engine being longitudinal comments...the 900 was a development of the 99, which came about in 1968. Transversely mounted engines weren't really a common design back then so this carried over across the Classic 900's lineage until 1994.

[@mizinoinovermyhead.7523]

Ok so several things. First it is meant to feel like a german grand tourer. The 900 turbo is just that a top down road trip car. If you wanted a fast one you should have gotten the hard top aero. Second its going to be more rigid than its contemporaries. That convertable can be dropped on its roof and still mostly hold its shape. Third the key placement is for security. In the steering column the key wires are easily accessed and the car is easily stolen, in the center however the key wires are much harder to access.

[@kelvinhill9874]

The north south engine layout with FWD is not that odd. Audi used to build a lot of their cars that way.

[@moi01887]

...and they still do! I know at least the FWD A4/A5 and A6/A7 are that way, not sure about other models in the same size class. The A3 has a transverse engine because it's basically a dressed-up Golf.

[@96roadmaster]

Putting it in that way allowed Saab to have equidistant shafts that they considered better than a long shaft and short shaft for front wheel drive.

[@anthonyarrington3740]

Saab was part of general motors or gm for you gm lovers out there

[@moi01887]

@@anthonyarrington3740 Only in the later days. I might be a little off on the dates but I think in 1990 GM bought half of Saab, and in 2000 they bought the other half.

[@FrankyRedEyes]

Nice Aerostar!!!!

[@vibingwithvinyl]

It's normal for Saabs of this era to crank a bit slow. The starter motor is geared like that to increase its torque.

[@Aquarious]

The reason the car felt slow is because it's the 3-speed automatic, the gears are super long. If it was the manual it would have felt pretty quick, especially 3rd gear pulls. The turbo gauge should also go to the start of the red and that doesn't happen here, so it was probably missing some power.

[@fl350r]

Cord, GM and Audi all had/have longitudinal FWD cars as well.

[@alexlaan7876]

Have the same Saab 900 convertible. The switches for the backwindows do, indeed, work backward. Do not know why, but it does...

[@alexanderwingeskog758]

If you sort out the engine and turbo (even original stuff) I guess it will be sort of quick (at least feel quick :-). I remember a car I owned that also had a turbo that made most of it's power over 4000 rpm (but started boost at a round 3500)... A friend tried it out (I said it was a pretty fast car) and he just said fast? He did not think it was slow, but not really a fast car... I said ok drive it with me as a passenger because I thought something is wrong. He drove the car (and he was used to he's old diesel :-). He shifted around 3500 rpm... I said this car revs up to 8000... try shifting at 6500-7000... after that he also thought it was a pretty fun car... It was all about the "ketchup" effect in the 80's... 1000-3000/4000 RPM pretty much nothing happens but when the boost comes it hits hard... And I think the SAAB 900 (this model) also have that kick around 4000... so you need to drive it hard... but if the engine/turbo is not up to it... sort that out! and you will have a pretty nice (fast for it's era) car!

[@Kirbykin88]

Kase is so cute!

[@milkovas556]

Wow I saw that Saab in the studio

[@Julian-do7bv]

Good video

[@anthonyfarnan5935]

Fitted new tires but didn’t once mention the improvement in ride over the old ones 🤔

[@jasontylersloan8196]

I like that Ford Aerostar

[@syam1234567]

i love old Volvos and Saabs.

[@chrisalthorp4771]

I loved mine tight up until a truck driver decided to drive into it even though it was parked on the side of the road!! However it was a manual which is so much better than automatic!

[@NorthernUtahDashcam]

The ignition is placed between the seats to prevent knee injuries. Not so dumb afterall. Should have gotten the Turbo if you want it faster.

[@davidbauer1485]

New Craigslist list at $6 K for a manual 92 turbo. Same color! In Boulder with 132K miles. Compro battle just like the early 90s motoring shows dad watched. You need two! How much dose the slushbox suck? Is it glass? Can these old geezers be made fast enough for youngsters?

[@sashoxxx]

6:38 - That GX470 tho!!!!!!

[@hejmuesli]

A bit too much with the flashbacks to prior videos. But I love the Saab videos.

[@nilsjohansson9739]

Case, we need to talk about your haircut. I noticed you didn't even need a baseball cap, because the sun was blocked by your mop top. Good vid!

[@AxnerSaab]

They put the key switch in the center because they don't want you to hurt your knees on the key in an accident.

[@dizzytechman]

Hopefully you guys do a turbo upgrade :)

[@markv78]

Nice car definitely a summer cruiser but guys come on detail the car inside and out and the engine we have seen an before let's see a after comparison contrast . Give us detailed update! ☺️

[@steveolson87]

Heated seat for me and my friends lol

[@9rune5]

Good grief man. The normal position for the ignition key is between the seats. When you start the car, you are going to mess about with three things: * Parking break * Gear lever * Ignition key.

[@jesp999]

the choice of engine position with transmission is a way to create no torque steer and the balance of how the car handles around curves

[@Donnachaidh07]

It also allowed a lower hood line being turned 45 degrees.

[@TheShmeebitdog]

My work had one total POS and PIA to work on ended up selling it for like $500 just to get it gone

[@dogcowrph]

Tires... Literally where the rubber meets the road.

[@gerardomendoza9688]

That car must be a nightmare to work on when it breaks and needs maintenance

[@nuclear944]

The auto box is terrible on these cars and kills the power. The APC boost limiting system can be bypassed altogether if you use high octane fuel, and with wastegate adjustment you can easily get closer to 200hp. I've had three C900's, be gentle with the transmissions and make sure they are topped up with good quality oil.

[@badgerpa9]

The lights in the back are bartender lights. SAAB means slow and sloppy in swedish. With the V8 weight sitting on the frame it may just need to be tightened up, sway bar or shocks could be tired.

[@anthonyc1883]

"My first Saab experience" a.k.a. sob story!

[@qvilorio]

The Saab could use some good ol’ cleaning.

[@terryorcutt8739]

Way to break in the new tires gently. Lol

[@Donnachaidh07]

Too bad you don't have a 5 speed. Big difference. Cheers

[@kevinbarry71]

Front wheel drive cars with longitudinal engines are not unheard of. Audi does it for a long time.

[@jtr990]

Don't forget the Chrysler LH sedans.

[@fl350r]

Early GM FWD cars did as well.

[@andreas6263]

you should swap to a manual gearbox, should not be that hard to do and those parts and stuff are not that expensive either

[@neilmurphy845]

I think those seat belts are meant to come out to meet you

[@davidbauer1485]

The boy just needs to learn the left arm throw back technique to grab that belt. Dad can show him because dad knows the technique out of necessity do to the belly being in the way. :)

[@neilmurphy845]

@@davidbauer1485 yah actually that makes sense

[@kevinbarry71]

I don't think Tommy knows what manual windows means. Kids. Also, on that car the parking brake works on the front wheels

[@totallypixelated]

Parking brake was on the rear from 1988 on.

[@caseyjames9570]

Make it faster!

[@ThePolaroid669]

you three guys are SO gorgeous!

[@davidbauer1485]

Take the Aerostar out and ask the ladies to get in the back! Hey, it has SPACE SHUTTLE styling and is made in Merica! A true chick magnet! :)

[@gregj7916]

time to get rid of that 3 speed auto

[@davidbauer1485]

Brah, you gotta chick car there! Dude, get a newer pocket rocket to tune into a BOY RACER. Leave this Baby Beluga to the hot Sweedish girls and their dads. Poor Boys. Fastness on mind, not cruising and asking liberal chicks if they would like to daily drive this car. Maybe Dad can show the Boys how it is done! 😎

[@philtripe]

its really dirty inside, car needs to be dipped in hand sanitizer

[@Tomekkplk]

Nexen tires will never make a dramatic difference. Those tires suck ass all around. General makes better tires than that. Channel must be struggling to be a nexen shill.

[@magnusnordlund274]

Nexen tyres? Nexen??? This tyres is nearly forbidden in Sweden. A really crap tyre!

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

Smh why why why such a horrible vehicle lol 😅🤣

[@infernoking7504]

Saab are terrible cars