10 Great Saab 9-3 Modifications for $150 or Less

[@Speedsnapcreations]

This generation 9-3 has aged like a fine wine, can't believe yours is 21 years old

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s crazy! Saab has some great timeless designs. This was really in the era of peak design IMO - look at BMW then versus now, for example

[@yegorsolin4044]

Very good modifications! 👍🏻😊 Especially the modifications for the ecu and for the coolant hose!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yes indeed! Thanks

[@supercanardo]

Did the ECU but didn't know about the hoses. You have a part number or link? Available for 2.0 and 2.8?

[@alexandredionisio9280]

Yes, I have another modification. In the same line of thought of the metal "T" you also have the metal cap for the thermostat housing. It's used on the Opel Vectra C with the "same" engine. Also.... VIton viton viton!!! All possible gaskets/o-rings in Viton.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Interesting! I have not heard of that. I thought the factory thermostat housing was metal? Maybe I’m wrong! Great addition to the list, thanks

[@tonyn5699]

Wow one of the most informative videos I have seen in a while. I am also extremely impressed with your presentation. Clear and concise Great job ❤

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks!

[@DavidKingOfJalopys]

I hit the subscription button. I've been stuck watching all your videos for the last couple days I have recently been bitten with the saab bug and I'm loving It so far. Wish I had the stronger 2.0 but so far I'm loving it. I bought a 2011 saab 93 two days ago and I can't stop staring at it or geeking over this and other saabs. I will definitely purchase another one soon. Any Instagram or Facebook profile for you? Or groups you recommend. I wanna pick your brain and probably have way more questions. Thank you for everything you do people like you make car enthusiast's love KZbin

[@AutoAutopsy]

Awesome! The 2011 will have the TD04 turbo so it will be the “stronger”/more powerful 2.0. I am on IG as @auto.autopsy. Here’s a video with some useful Facebook groups: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXbIgGavfLd3abMsi=VyMP_FgqScbHuo4E

[@DavidKingOfJalopys]

@AutoAutopsy I think I'm confused on what engine it has though I believe mine is a linear model isn't that a lower hp engine? Then the 210 I keep seeing? Thanks for the info

[@davidcooke3811]

The only modification I have on my 2007 93 aero "sport wagon" is a slight dent in the left front wing (fender?). It doesn't add any performance but it looks like I got into a fight and bust somebody's chops on it.

[@AutoAutopsy]

rip :(

[@stpage123]

I like the expansion tank hoses for the 2.8. Mine failed on a trip. Limped to an O’Reilly and realized that the ends were different sizes. They didn’t have the original Saab hoses but I was able to stretch the smaller size hose over the larger fitting. It’s been that way for years now

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nice!

[@dylancartwright5493]

A short shifter for anyone with a manual Saab is also a pretty cheap mod that you can get from maptun

[@AutoAutopsy]

Definitely! Great add

[@christopherbecica2431]

Just had my ‘06 2.8 coolant hose burst. Disintegrated in my hand when I went to take it off. Replaced with silicone will look for the heat shield ones. The expansion tank lid also fell apart in my hand. Picked up a generic lid locally for ~$15

[@AutoAutopsy]

Jeez! Glad you were able to get it sorted

[@markcieslikowski2284]

Thanks!

[@AutoAutopsy]

thank you for the extra support! I really appreciate it! :)

[@JULY-pp8jk]

What i learn owning several NG 9-3 since 2012 is You gotta replace the PCV, CPS (solves some misfires issues), Vacuum Lines, Firewall Coolant Hoses, Expansion Tank and expect to change out the Ignition Coils, Fuel Tank, 02 Sensor and Clone a used ECU as yours will eventually fail.

[@sejn2587]

Yeah that PCV valve is often overlooked!

[@JULY-pp8jk]

@@sejn2587 it should be changed out every 50,000 miles, some 9-3's still have their first one in there 150,000 miles later !!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yet to run into PCV on mine - hopefully I won’t but I wouldn’t be surprised when it happens 😅😂

[@guitarlover302]

Hi have done everything you have - PCV made huge change to oil consumption - have changed all hoses to silicon as vacuum lines and large metal intercooler one - have spare mapped ECU from Noob Tune - ECU has lifting kit for air flow Serviced by Saab specialist in uk every 6 months - oil filter and oil - change coolant every 3 years , transmission oil 3 yearly , brake fluid every 18 months Intend keeping it for years so keep on top of maintenance - have treated body underneath and all innner areas with cavity wax

[@universejack4448]

The coolant tee broke on mine and i got a metal one for 50$ so highly recommend. Maybe cost some coolant but u get that around 30$

[@wilderjacob6]

There is alot of gainable upgrades with $150. But mine are BOV, waste gate, turbo piping 2", cleaned junkyard cross flow intercooler, Amazon muffler form CAT, IAT Resistor trick and alot of personal choices of flair.

[@notyouravgsteve]

Aren’t BOV’s bad for your turbo? I heard that but not sure

[@wilderjacob6]

@@notyouravgsteve not they just relieved built pressure in that section of the piping from turbo to intake I believe but not 100%

[@wilderjacob6]

@@notyouravgsteve no I haven't ever heard that or was described how it is bad...

[@notyouravgsteve]

@@wilderjacob6 Oh so it’s turbo flutter that is bad for it, my apologies for the mixup and thank you!

[@playadelcarmenmexico3283]

Spray the cover for the a poles black, its a heaven for the eyes

[@AutoAutopsy]

I’m not quite sure I know what you’re referring to, sorry!

[@browserrr1]

@@AutoAutopsy I think he means the A-pillars.

[@playadelcarmenmexico3283]

@@browserrr1 Correct, the covers for the, A-pillars. The most easy thing possible to do but for zero money

[@JULY-pp8jk]

Aluminum Thermostat Housing Cover FTW

[@AutoAutopsy]

👍🏼👊🏼

[@DutchProxyGamer]

Wow wich wheels are that?? Great video's by the way, you got some great knowlegde about saabs. Keep up the great video's :)

[@AutoAutopsy]

thank you! they are sport edition P3

[@JohnDoesGarage]

Thank you very much your great videos. I do want to upgrade my 93 to LED headlights and I did watch your video where you used the Maptune device to program it so the lights didn't flash. Is there a video that shows how to do the programming with a Tech 2?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Happy to help! No video out there, but there’s definitely some write ups and great info on there about it. It’s pretty easy

[@crisper1614]

Another good one is a vacuum hose swap out to silicone. I've found that on my 02 the original rubber hoses seem to dry rot. plus the added colors are a nice touch. Got mine at Krona preformance.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Good one!

[@guitarlover302]

Yes have had mine done as well in red look great

[@zaakir1255]

I was thinking of purchasing a 2007 9-3 2T manual, the dealer told me it will be hard to find parts. Should I still consider it

[@AutoAutopsy]

Depends on what your definition of “hard to find” is. You can find any part you need, but most need to be ordered online!

[@JULY-pp8jk]

thats a myth, you'll be good !

[@davidjackson3221]

I just acquired 2008 Saab 9-3 aero xwd v6 twin turbo (automatic) 6-Speed paddle shifters/sport mode button option)🏁🏁🏁👍 Great Performer.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nice! I believe you mean twin scroll, single turbo though. Many often get that mixed up!

[@davidjackson3221]

@AutoAutopsy I hear talk of the Saab 9-3 aero xwd v6 turbo (2.8) being more rare than the Saab Turbo X🏁

[@bigjibb7350]

Yeah I wasn’t sure what my headlight problem was my headlight flicker like a mfer

[@AutoAutopsy]

LEDs? If so, it needs programming

[@SummerWilliamson-t6d]

Ive been looking for a spoiler for my 2003 9-3 but nothing has been working. the last wing spoiler I tried only fit 9-5's. The spoiler in the photo was like the one I tried. After looking around, I gave up and decided I was gonna build my own.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Is this a NG 9-3? If so, the one in the video will fit!

[@iSchmidty13]

What LEDs would you recommend for our cars? I’ve got an ‘08 and I’ve been looking for LED headlights, but I want to make sure I get something that won’t trick the car into thinking a bulb is burned out

[@TheSaabMan]

You either need to buy leds that come with a resistor so there's enough wattage to not trigger the bulb fault system or buy the MAPTUN led enabler program that turns off the bulb fault system entirely. If you have xenon lights it's just to throw in some led versions of the D1S bulbs.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Honestly, not a huge fan on the bulbs I have in mine so I might change in the future. I don’t have any great recommendations at the moment because of that, sorry!

[@MatsCederberg]

I got the Bluetooth that you recommended for my 2003 9-3 vector. I followed the instructions carefully but it messed up my electronics and the stereo stopped working. I took it to two mechanics none of them could solve it.

[@AutoAutopsy]

I would take it to a saab mechanic/someone with a tech2. I would also post on some of the saab Facebook groups for help as someone may have a solution. I haven't heard any complaints on it in the years since that video has been out. best of luck!

[@DutchTubeWizard]

All these mods and then: no steering wheel shift paddles Installed? I see an additional modification coming up, and this is well under $150 as well. Worth every penny.

[@AutoAutopsy]

I had them installed on my old wheel (which was off an 06), but haven’t tracked down a set of 03-05 paddles yet

[@cjramilo]

​@@AutoAutopsyI have a set of paddles if you're looking to buy them. I have it listed on OfferUp for shipping too!

[@larryjimenez5147]

can you make a short video how to use my tech 2 to use LED bulbs to keep them from flikering on my 2008 aero 9-3 2.8 please

[@AutoAutopsy]

yes, I already have a video here on that. but it's using map tun's solution, not the tech2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3TCoaetp8SSbKs

[@victor555117]

Great list! I have almost done all of these modifications already :)

[@AutoAutopsy]

awesome!

[@mpainter22]

Have you seen and tried Cyclone Cyd's switch back DRL LED indicator upgrade? That's well worth doing

[@AutoAutopsy]

Not yet!

[@mcy1122]

Thanks for the great content. A low mileage 9-3 from early 2000s that’s been idle for about ten years ended up in my hands. Any suggestions on how to find a mechanic who knows these cars, in the Cleveland area? (Electrical gremlins). Thanks!

[@AutoAutopsy]

There is probably a Cleveland/Ohio Saab club on Facebook. I’d recommend joining that and asking there. I’m sure there’s someone

[@FMJRaven]

You can use the tech 2 to stop the flickering? Or do you actually need the maptun tuner? I have been on again off again with led lights cause of the flickering and didn’t want to spend a hefty penny for the “borrowing” of the tuner. I have been wanting to in a sense modernize this car just a bit with some led features

[@AutoAutopsy]

you can do it either way

[@gbresaleking]

Im really missing my 2002 Saab 9-5 wagon so I think im gonna buy the 2003 saab 9-3 wagon I just found

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nice! Are you sure it’s an 03? 03 was the first year of the new generation, so there was no wagon until 06. Is it an 02 with the old body style?

[@stevenlopez6682]

Sweet mods

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks king 🫶🏼

[@wyattbaar1218]

awesome❤

[@AutoAutopsy]

🙌🏼

[@gregjaudon1899]

Interested in a 2009 Saab 9.3... are they reliable cars

[@AutoAutopsy]

This video will help. That’s a bit of a loaded question - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp69hoqjYqmKmMksi=Jw13Gf8cbMwTgoib

[@alienkillersvaneberg3212]

Hey Jacob, nice video bunch of good little pieces. Here in denmark you cannot find any of them for a 150 bucks lol. Taxes be high. But how are you finding you LEDs in pitch black? I facelifted my '05, bought new headlights (although very cheap from autodoc so might be that) but I still can't see tha much. Which ones are you using again?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! I have Bossla bulbs and honestly am not a fan; they are not very bright. I am looking for some new ones!

[@l.e.v.c9710]

Can’t justify spending £300 on the Do88 air filter system, is the BSR Optiflow Filter System good or should i put a K&N filter in the stock air box?

[@AutoAutopsy]

The BSR is almost the same price (at least in the states) and is plastic. They’re prone to cracking. I’d go do88. If you can justify it, the K&N drop in filter will help a bit!

[@uswdnr47]

How about adding a four dollar bulb on the passenger side to have both rear fog lights working? 😉

[@AutoAutopsy]

Done! Good addition: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioLMZJujr7ehq9ksi=rSlFyPOjhdrqe0ze

[@zk9964]

Thanks for the list, haven't seen the LED coding yet so appreciate. Also curious if you have a preferred cell phone mount for the NG 9-3 as our vents are somewhat constrictive for the standard style air vent mounts.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Glad you found it helpful! I don’t and haven’t ever used one tbh. But I believe some people 3D print stuff

[@DougSims]

I put a cheap CarPlay stereo in mine and just put the cell phone in the small slot beside the 12V outlet under the stereo. That gives me a place to keep the phone and an upgraded stereo.

[@cjramilo]

I would recommend checking out ProClip USA as they have specific phone mounts for our cars

[@SaabSzn]

The Maptun spoiler isn’t under $150 sadly. Unless you have a discount link

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s currently listed at $137 on their website: www.maptunparts.com/exterial/repair-panels-bumpers-spoilers/4260/rear-spoiler-saab-9-3-ss-2003-.html

[@Zinsky_the_lynx]

Great content BUT I do have some issues - first of all the "drop in" K&N filter that has to be soaked with oil will sooner or later screw up your MAF sensor and it does not offer enough difference in performance to make it worth it. 2nd - the ECU spacer was long ago debunked, it is voltage spikes from faulty alternators that kill the ECUs so these spacers are quite possibly a waste of money. It is also possible to DIY a bluetooth kit that utilizes steering wheel buttons on maual Saab 9-3s to skip/pause music (tbh I have done it in mine 9-3 and wanted to sell it but I can't seem to find someone to help me with PCB and all I have is a prototype)

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yeah, I do get a MAF code every now and then unfortunately. This is my first time hearing about alternator spikes killing ECUs…

[@benjammin1212]

Regarding the ECU, I was thinking that a heat issue wasn't to blame, my Aero was originally from the UK but taken to Spain 5 or 6 years ago, where i got it..i've had it now for 6 or so months..Here we regularly get temps in the summer of +43 degrees C and night temps about 15-20 degrees cooler, in the winter it can drop down to freezing.. Yet so far the ECU is working fine with zero fault codes apart from Sooty spark plugs, which i presume is down to me not changing from Bosch to NGK and not changing the PCV valve.. I got the spacer kit, but haven't installed it yet as i was certain that heat wasn't the issue, even in summer the car has never overheated.. The voltage spikes is new to me, but it makes sense, do you know if there is a way to prevent this please ? are there more reliable alternators than can be swapped over?

[@Zinsky_the_lynx]

@@benjammin1212 the only thing you can do to prevent that is to refurbish your current alternator using new, good quality parts or buy a new one, whichever suits you best. The main culprit is not alternator by itself but rather the age and wear on it and on the voltage regulator

[@Zinsky_the_lynx]

@@AutoAutopsy well in my country numerous people have tested it and came into conclusion, that voltage spikes are more probable to be the culprit of ECU faults, especially if the alternator was never repaired and voltage regulator has never been changed as after 20 or so years they are pretty worn

[@benjammin1212]

@@Zinsky_the_lynx Cool, thank you..

[@saber7747]

What wheels do you have on the saab 9-3 also is it lowered? Please lmk

[@AutoAutopsy]

Sport edition P3 and it's riding on this suspension: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGbUnYajaqyZjNE

[@FrozenSauce]

Does anyone know for the heater hose is it the inlet or outlet one?

[@AutoAutopsy]

what do you mean exactly? The heater core hoses weren't mentioned here. the coolant t is just a regular radiator/coolant hose

[@l.e.v.c9710]

What air filter / induction kit should i use on my b207r

[@AutoAutopsy]

Do88 is the best option out there

[@l.e.v.c9710]

⁠@@AutoAutopsyits £300 though, not sure i can spend that much on a air filter (induction kit) is there a cheaper alternative? Possibly the BSR Optiflow Filter System?

[@l.e.v.c9710]

@@AutoAutopsyor should i just get a K&N filter in the stock air box?

[@sebastianhanning498]

Where can I find the plastic strip in the front that has the position light in it? 0:04

[@AutoAutopsy]

esaabparts probably sells them new; or, there should be people parting out cars that would have them

[@sebastianhanning498]

You don't know where to get the plastic strip it sits in either? I'm thinking of cutting it out myself but I don't think it will turn out that well!

[@worldofdre2232]

Do you still have your turbox?

[@AutoAutopsy]

I don’t. Sold it a couple of years back!

[@hristomitev5156]

can give me a advice what can i do to my 1.8i 93 2005

[@AutoAutopsy]

Any of these or this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJu5aGudrbWigdksi=C18WPW0RfuW72_2w

[@rome288]

Does the k&n use the factory box?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yep! Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3_Ef5dvd9CSfposi=eSWiU_Z_NnzQXpWT

[@cclokey21]

What exhaust setup do you recommend for a 2.0T 2007 9-3

[@AutoAutopsy]

Maptun makes a fantastic system. I might be changing mine out soon 👀

[@cclokey21]

@@AutoAutopsy they do but I don’t want to spend that money I was thinking of doing your exhaust setup from awhile ago

[@shaneworley-nh2qw]

What’s the link for maptune?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Www.maptunparts.com

[@davidjackson3221]

Do you still have your Saab 9-3 Turbo X🏁🏁🏁

[@focused200]

He sold it

[@AutoAutopsy]

^ yeah, sold it a while back!

[@davidjackson3221]

@@AutoAutopsy Do you regret it now🏁

[@uswdnr47]

@@AutoAutopsy damn, why? To help with Audi?

[@cristiancanto4558]

Hi! Please I need the translation to spanish!! Please please!

[@supersaabclaire]

She sounds beautiful 😍

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you! :)

[@d4ve587]

Dude get some saab socks 😭🤣🤣🤣

[@AutoAutopsy]

Do they sell those? 👀

[@crisper1614]

What about a 2002! 😭

[@AutoAutopsy]

Some of these would still apply! Definitely look into some chassis-stiffening improvements