After learning the original plans I had for my saab would not work, I have been at a loss for what to mod on my car. Finally after some months of reading, I understand what I can't do with my T-7 enging (BoV, MBC, ect.) So I just completed installing a gauge pod and I have a few nice exterior mods going on this weekend and I will compile pictures of everything soon.
Point being.... what else can i do on the low cost end to improve performance??? i have the GS intake and a custom turbo back exhaust. I know there is that other type of mbc.... smbc is it???? is that really benificial? or should i just wait to get a td04 and a tune??? some opinions would be great, just keep in mind I dont have a huge budget to work with on this stuff for now
just to add, from what I understand the smbc doesnt actually increase the max boost, is this correct? Has anyone purchased one of these and how do you like it if so? Thanks for the input guys.
A nice intercooler will always be a worthwhile mod if you have the turboback exhaust and intake, especially if your future plans involve the td04.
I ran a SMBC on my car until the turbo blew (not related to SMBC use). It was cool as you can reach maximum stock boost levels in first and second gear... and it only costs you $30.
Other than intercooler or SMBC you should really look at suspension stuff as much as you want to improve performance. At this point a rear anti-roll bar or steering rack clamp and brace would really be a great investment for you.
Then after you have the intercooler and some suspension goodies, you can save up for a bigger turbo and tune...
Point being.... what else can i do on the low cost end to improve performance??? i have the GS intake and a custom turbo back exhaust. I know there is that other type of mbc.... smbc is it???? is that really benificial? or should i just wait to get a td04 and a tune??? some opinions would be great, just keep in mind I dont have a huge budget to work with on this stuff for now
thanks for the advice, I may pick up a SMBC just for the time being. I was reading a few threads that said putting an aftermarket intercooler on a T-7 (i guess before a tune) yielded the same or often negative results, so that was steering me away from that, just wish I knew how true that really is. Anyone have opinions on that? I'm absolutely planning on the TD04 and a tune, Im just not so sure how soon I can swing that. As for suspension, thats going to get attention very soon as well.
Yes. A bigger FMIC can cause a longer lag time especially on the smaller turbos. However, you still have a cooler denser charge once it hits and heat soak is less of an issue. If you are going to have a TD04 in the future it's defiantly not a bad move.
Exhaust and tuning is where you get your best benefits.
No way its a TD04, its the tiny lil guy (if it is, i will be over-taken with both confusion and joy, lol)..... its a 2000 9-3 (not an SE). I know the BoV wont do anything performance wise for me, but I LOVE that sound and was pretty upset when I found I couldnt get it. (especially that the two cars that sold the night before I went to see them were both 99 SE's :-( ) But it is what it is, and the intake sounds nice enough to satisfy me. My exhaust is already 3" turbo back wit highflow cat so im good there.... Its really looking to me like SMBC is the only small thing I could still do. I guess the bigger turbo sounds like my next step. As for the TD04, is it more or less a direct fit or are there some comlications?
There is nothing you can add HW wise to a T7 that will increase its HP without an ECU change. Remember, the T7 is a torque requesting system, therefore the only thing new HW will do is make your car more efficient in obtaining the requested torque. For instance a new IC will allow the turbo to produce less boost to make the same torque/hp....this helps the turbo in the long run b/c its under less stress.
I have the 185 bhp engine in my 2000 9-3. After a full exhaust and intake I put down 180whp... I don't know if I believe that I did not gain a single hp from those earlier upgrades.
I figured it wouldnt really be a loss if I installed it, but especially if I take the one from my friend, I'm leaning towards waiting to install it until I get the bigger turbo. After dealing with his IC headache im not in a rush for it right now, and I'm gonna be doing the turbo anyway.
I guess let me ask this too, is it worth it to get a tune with the stock turbo at all? or better off waiting for the bigger one? (pretty sure I know the answer, just like to hear opinions )
I figured it wouldnt really be a loss if I installed it, but especially if I take the one from my friend, I'm leaning towards waiting to install it until I get the bigger turbo. After dealing with his IC headache im not in a rush for it right now, and I'm gonna be doing the turbo anyway.
I guess let me ask this too, is it worth it to get a tune with the stock turbo at all? or better off waiting for the bigger one? (pretty sure I know the answer, just like to hear opinions )
Even w/ the smaller turbo IC, exhaust, you can put down about 180whp and 220wtq. I think that is about what Palmer did on his old NG900/OG9-3 with a similar setup. But, that is about the top of things w/ that turbo IMO.
Those were nearly my exact dyno numbers with that setup.
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