Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => Omega Gallery => Topic started by: Admin on 05 May 2008, 20:00:04

Title: My new beastie
Post by: Admin on 05 May 2008, 20:00:04
Ok, it's not an Omega...  ;)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/laidback66/IMG_1350.jpg)

It's a '98 Saab 9-5 2.0lpt

Previous owner bought it as an ex demo from the Dealership and had it ever since (nearly 9 years).
FULL history (every receipt, fully stamped book).
Oh and 1 or 2 upgrades....

This car had a visit to the Hirsch shop  8-)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/laidback66/IMG_1348.jpg)

Hirsch are the official Saab tuners and the previous owner spent a LOT of money with them.

Engine has been stage 1 tuned (ecu, injectors and modified intake system).
Going from 150bhp/240nm torque to 220bhp/330nm torque  :D

Hirsch stainless steel exhaust system from cat back.

Full Hirsch suspension set up (15mm lower). Massively improves handling and is still comfortable.

Hirsch 17" Alloys with Eagle F1's all round.
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/laidback66/IMG_1352.jpg)

Uprated EBC drilled and grooved discs all round with "Red Stuff" ceramic pads.

Not convinced with the brakes, too vague. Will fit Goodridge hoses to see if that improves things.

To drive, it is excellent. It has huge levels of grip and does not roll like a normal 9-5. It really does handle very very well.

Acceleration is... entertaining.  8-)
No turbo lag, this just pulls right the way across the rev range.
No fuss, it just goes, and torque steer is only there if you are really violent with the throttle.
The delivery is more like a V6 (but not as smooth an engine) with the power available from 1,500 rpm in any gear.

What has really impressed me though, is the fuel economy.
Over 170 miles yesterday (some of which I was not hanging about) it averaged 37.2 mpg. When I refilled the calculations show the computer to be pretty much spot on.

Seats are very good, sound system is not, and is being upgraded very soon!  :(

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/laidback66/IMG_1349.jpg)

Overall I am very pleased and it was an absolute steal at the price I paid.  :)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/laidback66/IMG_1351.jpg)

Oh and the boot is nearly as big as an Omega (but it won't stay this tidy for long!)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/laidback66/IMG_1357.jpg)
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: HolyCount on 05 May 2008, 20:05:10
that paintwork is like a bl##dy mirror  8-)

Nice motor :y
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: VXL V6 on 05 May 2008, 20:09:01
Looks fantastic, I've got a bit of a soft spot for Saab's and that one looks absolutely mint.  :y

You can see the GM influence, the head unit is basically a CDR2005 with a redesigned front.
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 05 May 2008, 20:11:10
Nice motor.  :y :y  Complete with cup holder.   :y :y
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: JiMbOb789 on 05 May 2008, 20:13:50
i heard it has Bose Sound System, is it true?
     Nice car by the way :y
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Big Fra on 05 May 2008, 20:24:59
Nice, I have to admit I am rather jealous. ;)
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Admin on 05 May 2008, 21:05:08
Quote
i heard it has Bose Sound System, is it true?
     Nice car by the way :y

Thanks. :)

As far as the sound systems go. it works as follows.

AS1 (that one). CD player, 7 speaker system. No external amp.
Basic and easil;y upgradeable.

AS2. Cd + casette + small external amp. 7 speaker system Not bad.

AS3 Cd + casette + 6 cd changer (optional) + big amp. Harmon Kardon setup. 9 speakers (2 woofers on rear shelf)  Not a bad system but not a patch on the Bose in the Omega and nightmare to upgrade to aftermarket..
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Dazzler on 05 May 2008, 21:30:02
Sounds and looks like a great car 8-) ;)
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Vamps on 05 May 2008, 22:11:43
23 degrees, we only got 20. Nice motor though. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: amigov6 on 05 May 2008, 22:27:58
Ca'nt go wrong with a Saab. Another of the drivers @ work's run nothing else for years, swears by them. :y
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Albatross on 06 May 2008, 00:01:31
Very nice, very shiny.

Has it been chromed? ;D

The picture of the badge and the one where you can see into the windows of the reflection of the brick house are very impressive reflections.
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Pete Elite on 06 May 2008, 00:35:50
  

        Abba Dabba Do!!! Sweet :y.
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: FRE07962128 on 06 May 2008, 00:41:11
That is one lovely car! :y :y  My eldest brother has bought SAAB's for years and woundn't buy anything else.  You can understand why when you see this one, and especially with all the uprating!  Bloody beautiful? ;) ;) ;) :y  What is the top speed then?  :y
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Admin on 06 May 2008, 09:06:39
I have had a love of Saabs for many many years (Saab 9000 is the only car I loved more than the Senator!)

The uprating has been done subtly and has produced real improvements.  

Strangely enough, the paintwork needs sorting properly with a clay bar and then wash polish and wax.

Ok, top speed... allegedly around 150mph, but it is tuned for in gear acceleration. It just takes care of overtaking manoevres with ridiculous ease. :)
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: SP_3.2 on 06 May 2008, 10:29:21
Looks Very nice can see why you like them. I was thinking if i have to ever get a next car it would be a saab or a T5.As VX said you can see the GM in the it.  :y
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: yatesDELTA on 07 May 2008, 16:49:44
i have to ask though:
How can that cupholder work? surely putting a cup in a verticle holder is stupid as all the liquid from your cup will come out?
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: LouisCorney on 07 May 2008, 19:37:50
Only just spotted this!!

VERY nice Dave  :y

I like the front grille too  8-)
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Markie on 07 May 2008, 19:46:51
Georgeous - the car that is  :y :)

Only... :-/ there seems to be an aeroplane shaped spider crawling up the passenger side of the windscreen in picture 1.
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: tunnie on 07 May 2008, 20:49:44
Quote
i have to ask though:
How can that cupholder work? surely putting a cup in a verticle holder is stupid as all the liquid from your cup will come out?

who says its vertical?

Push it, and out pops the holder, and as it comes down an internal circl ring rotates so its horizonal
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: waspy on 07 May 2008, 21:04:35
That's a very nice motor LB66. My mate swears by Saabs  :y
Just one thing though bod= someone seems to have stuck a very small jet to your screen :D
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: Myagemo on 08 May 2008, 04:05:44
nice Car
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: prestigesec on 09 May 2008, 10:21:42
Very nice mate
Title: Re: My new beastie
Post by: davlad22 on 09 May 2008, 21:14:56
Nice motor! Wasn't even aware of the factory performance upgrades available for SAAB's, but yours looks really classy  :y

I'm thinking your problems/lack of feel with the brakes may be with the brake pads? 'Red Stuff' pads are real high performance pads and thus only work best when hot? Obviously, if you're driving normally you shouldn't need to use the brakes much. Maybe there is air in the system, or maybe 'green-stuff' pads would be a better option?

Either way, nice one!