Since this is such a hot topic - here is the low down, every thing you need to know.
First off, if your looking to swap your 2.0l B204 motor in your NG with a 2.3l B234 motor, your going to want a list of parts to refresh/make the new motor work in your car...here is that list. The items in BOLD are items that are highly recomended to be replaced at the same time as the swap - as they are very common wear items.
From Eeuroparts (eeuroparts.com)
8822033 Cylinder Head Gasket Set
8822041E Valve Cover Gasket
9173576 Oil Pump Seal
9130600 Oil Pump O-Ring
9131145 Timing Chain (Endless)
9145376 Timing chain guide (tensioner)
32000421 Chain Guide
9113937 Turbocharger Gasket
9145418 Main Bearings Set
From the Saab Site
75-88-783 Thrust Washer Set
02-69-304 Rod Bearing Set (9145459)
From Saab
B234 Oil pump gears
B234 Piston rings
Second, the list of parts which you MUST use of your old B204 motor to make the swap possible.
W/ Complete B234 (block, head, manifolds,timing cover etc.):
B204 timing cover
B204 intake manifold (inc. throttle body)
B204 exhaust manifold
ALL B204 accessories (ie water pump, oil pump, oil pan, alternator etc...)
NG900/9-3 transmission
NG900/9-3 clutch and flywheel assembly
NG900/9-3 oil pan
W/ B234 Block only
B204 head
B204 timing cover
B204 intake manifold (inc. throttle body)
B204 exhaust manifold
ALL B204 accessories (ie water pump, oil pump, oil pan, alternator etc...)
NG900/9-3 transmission
NG900/9-3 clutch and flywheel assembly
NG900/9-3 oil pan
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it a direct swap?
A: Yes, as direct as a motor swap ever is. The B234(2.3l) and B204(2.0l) blocks are physically IDENTICALevery dimension, every screw hole, every mounting bracket, the two blocks are identical. The difference is in the internals, the B234 gains its extra .3l of displacement via a longer stroke than the B204 motors.
Q: Which B234 is the best?
A: For a B234 swap in a NG900 you MUST use a B234 from a 93.5-98 9000. It must be the "short block" version of the motor, a term used by Saab to describe the physical length of the blocks, i.e. VS the older C900 long block motors. Also, not to be confused with short block (block only) and long block (block, head, manifolds etc...)
YOU CANNOT USE A B234 from a NA 9000!
Q: Which B234 is the Aero motor, is it different?
A: B234R is the Aero motor, however its physically the same as any other B234. The differences are in the turbocharger and software. If your looking for a complete Aero motor for the turbo as well, you want the B234R.
Q: What transmission do I use? Clutch, flywheel?
A: The drive train stays the same, you use the NG900/9-3 transmission, oil pan, clutch andn flywheel.
Q: Do I have to get it tuned?
A: While it may not be necessary right away, its highly advised. The stock software, or any aftermarket software designed for the 2.0l B204 will not know how do handle the extra fueling required for the 2.3l B234, nor will it provide safe boost maps for the new motor; exponentially increasing the chances of leaning out and or hitting detonation.
Q: Will my stock clutch work?
A: If you drive like your grandmother, this swap isnt for you...but if you drive like a true enthusiast - it wont last you to your local convience store and back.
Q: What else should I do while I have my engine bay out?
A: Its the perfect time to clean up your engine bay and do any other modifications/updates you wanted to do. My top sugestions would be:
1) Full motor refresh.
2) Re-surface flywheel, replace clutch disc and pressure plate with an uprated version.
3) Hydraulic clutch swap for the NG guys
4) Updated shift linkage for the pre 97 guys
5) Replace slave cylinder and throwout bearing
Helpful Links
Dip's Site:
http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/
Specifically on Dip's site:
Engine Removal
Engine Install
Accessory Install
Engine Assembly
Crankshaft/Pistons
Cylinder Head
Parts:
www.eeuroparts.com
www.thesaabsite.com
Post Install FAQ:
Q: What is the best way to prime the motor after I have finished installing it?
A: After installing the motor and ensuring everything is correct, coolant and oil levels are at where they belong, unplug the DI cassette and pull the fuse for the fuel pump. This will ensure that when you crank your car over, its not getting fuel nor spark, however the oil pump will run and prime the motor. Crank over 3-4 times in 8-10 second intervals to ensure a good oil prime.
Q: After I finished the install, I started the motor and it was smoking alot, is this normal?
A: Chances are, yes its totally normal. Oil, coolant and other substances spill and get on the motor during an install like this. Typically the smoke is from such things burning off as the motor heats up. Obviously its a good idea to monitor the car for leaks, coolant and oil levels, but dont be alarmed by some smoke. This condition can last up to about a week depending on how frequently the vehicle is driven. Its not only limited to the exhaust, but the engine bay as well.
First off, if your looking to swap your 2.0l B204 motor in your NG with a 2.3l B234 motor, your going to want a list of parts to refresh/make the new motor work in your car...here is that list. The items in BOLD are items that are highly recomended to be replaced at the same time as the swap - as they are very common wear items.
From Eeuroparts (eeuroparts.com)
8822033 Cylinder Head Gasket Set
8822041E Valve Cover Gasket
9173576 Oil Pump Seal
9130600 Oil Pump O-Ring
9131145 Timing Chain (Endless)
9145376 Timing chain guide (tensioner)
32000421 Chain Guide
9113937 Turbocharger Gasket
9145418 Main Bearings Set
From the Saab Site
75-88-783 Thrust Washer Set
02-69-304 Rod Bearing Set (9145459)
From Saab
B234 Oil pump gears
B234 Piston rings
Second, the list of parts which you MUST use of your old B204 motor to make the swap possible.
W/ Complete B234 (block, head, manifolds,timing cover etc.):
B204 timing cover
B204 intake manifold (inc. throttle body)
B204 exhaust manifold
ALL B204 accessories (ie water pump, oil pump, oil pan, alternator etc...)
NG900/9-3 transmission
NG900/9-3 clutch and flywheel assembly
NG900/9-3 oil pan
W/ B234 Block only
B204 head
B204 timing cover
B204 intake manifold (inc. throttle body)
B204 exhaust manifold
ALL B204 accessories (ie water pump, oil pump, oil pan, alternator etc...)
NG900/9-3 transmission
NG900/9-3 clutch and flywheel assembly
NG900/9-3 oil pan
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it a direct swap?
A: Yes, as direct as a motor swap ever is. The B234(2.3l) and B204(2.0l) blocks are physically IDENTICALevery dimension, every screw hole, every mounting bracket, the two blocks are identical. The difference is in the internals, the B234 gains its extra .3l of displacement via a longer stroke than the B204 motors.
Q: Which B234 is the best?
A: For a B234 swap in a NG900 you MUST use a B234 from a 93.5-98 9000. It must be the "short block" version of the motor, a term used by Saab to describe the physical length of the blocks, i.e. VS the older C900 long block motors. Also, not to be confused with short block (block only) and long block (block, head, manifolds etc...)
YOU CANNOT USE A B234 from a NA 9000!
Q: Which B234 is the Aero motor, is it different?
A: B234R is the Aero motor, however its physically the same as any other B234. The differences are in the turbocharger and software. If your looking for a complete Aero motor for the turbo as well, you want the B234R.
Q: What transmission do I use? Clutch, flywheel?
A: The drive train stays the same, you use the NG900/9-3 transmission, oil pan, clutch andn flywheel.
Q: Do I have to get it tuned?
A: While it may not be necessary right away, its highly advised. The stock software, or any aftermarket software designed for the 2.0l B204 will not know how do handle the extra fueling required for the 2.3l B234, nor will it provide safe boost maps for the new motor; exponentially increasing the chances of leaning out and or hitting detonation.
Q: Will my stock clutch work?
A: If you drive like your grandmother, this swap isnt for you...but if you drive like a true enthusiast - it wont last you to your local convience store and back.
Q: What else should I do while I have my engine bay out?
A: Its the perfect time to clean up your engine bay and do any other modifications/updates you wanted to do. My top sugestions would be:
1) Full motor refresh.
2) Re-surface flywheel, replace clutch disc and pressure plate with an uprated version.
3) Hydraulic clutch swap for the NG guys
4) Updated shift linkage for the pre 97 guys
5) Replace slave cylinder and throwout bearing
Helpful Links
Dip's Site:
http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/
Specifically on Dip's site:
Engine Removal
Engine Install
Accessory Install
Engine Assembly
Crankshaft/Pistons
Cylinder Head
Parts:
www.eeuroparts.com
www.thesaabsite.com
Post Install FAQ:
Q: What is the best way to prime the motor after I have finished installing it?
A: After installing the motor and ensuring everything is correct, coolant and oil levels are at where they belong, unplug the DI cassette and pull the fuse for the fuel pump. This will ensure that when you crank your car over, its not getting fuel nor spark, however the oil pump will run and prime the motor. Crank over 3-4 times in 8-10 second intervals to ensure a good oil prime.
Q: After I finished the install, I started the motor and it was smoking alot, is this normal?
A: Chances are, yes its totally normal. Oil, coolant and other substances spill and get on the motor during an install like this. Typically the smoke is from such things burning off as the motor heats up. Obviously its a good idea to monitor the car for leaks, coolant and oil levels, but dont be alarmed by some smoke. This condition can last up to about a week depending on how frequently the vehicle is driven. Its not only limited to the exhaust, but the engine bay as well.
oh well
