Saab 900 - Engines

Engines

Saab introduced a turbocharger in 1978 in its 99 Turbo with the B engine (based on the Triumph Slant-4 engine designed for Saab by Triumph). This engine was also used in early 900 Turbo models, which in export markets made Saab a household brand.

The B-engine was further designed into the H engine, which was used through 1993 (and 1994 cabriolets). The H-engine is very durable. Due to a fairly standardized engine management system, the H-engine can be easily tuned to 197 hp/147 kW; with further bolt-on modifications, to the 247 hp/184 kW range. Saab used Bosch-made mechanical K-Jetronic continuous fuel injection in the fuel injected and 8-valve turbocharged versions, and the Bosch LH 2.2 and 2.4 and Lucas Automotive electronic fuel injection systems were used in the 16-valve versions. The 2.1 L I4 16-valve engine used the Bosch LH 2.4.2 electronic fuel injection system.

What set the 900 Turbo apart from its turbo-equipped competitors, especially in the early- and mid-1980s, was the development and use of the Automatic Performance Control (APC) boost controller. The system allowed the engine to run at the limits of engine knocking. The system had a knock sensor attached to the motor block and if knocking of any kind was present, the APC-system would decrease the charge pressure by opening a wastegate, a bypass to the exhaust. This enabled the use of various octane fuels and also made the use of the turbocharger safer for the engine. Some 900 Aeros and Carlssons had special APC controllers in red and black enclosures (so-called "redbox" APCs) that provided more boost and increased power to 175 hp (130 kW) or 185 hp (138 kW) without a catalytic converter.

At first, Saab used a Garrett turbocharger (T3), which was oil-cooled. From 1988 through 1990, watercooled T3s were fitted. In 1990, Saab fitted Mitsubishi TE-05 turbochargers in the SPG models only for the USA; for other countries, and for the USA from 1991, all 900 Turbos were fitted with the TE-05. Also watercooled, the TE-05 was slightly smaller than the Garrett T3s, providing improved throttle response and quicker spool-up. The TE-05 is unique in that its exhaust inlet flange utilizes a Garrett T3 pattern.

Engines:

• 1979–1989 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 NA, single-carb, 99 hp (74 kW; 100 PS) at 5200 rpm and 163 N·m (120 lb·ft)
• 1979–1984 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 NA, dual-carb, 106 hp (79 kW; 107 PS) at 5200 rpm and 165 N·m (122 lb·ft)
• 1979–1989 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 NA, FI, 116 hp (87 kW; 118 PS) at 5500 rpm and 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) at 3700 rpm
• 1979–1985 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 Turbo, 143 hp (107 kW; 145 PS) at 5000 rpm and 235 N·m (173 lb·ft)
• 1986–1989 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 Intercooled turbo, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS)-155 hp (116 kW; 157 PS) at 5000 rpm and 235 N·m (173 lb·ft)
• 1984–1993 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve turbo, 160 hp (120 kW; 160 PS)-175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) at 5500 rpm and 255 N·m (188 lb·ft)-273 N·m (201 lb·ft)
• 1987–1993 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve, NA, 124 hp (92 kW; 126 PS)-128 hp (95 kW; 130 PS) at 6100 rpm and 170 N·m (130 lb·ft)-177 N·m (131 lb·ft)
• 1990–1993 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve low pressure turbo (LPT), 143 hp (107 kW; 145 PS) at 5600 rpm and 202 N·m (149 lb·ft)
• –1994 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve intercooled turbo (FPT) in the convertible.
• 1991–1993 — 2.1 L (2119 cc) B212 NA, FI, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) at 6000 rpm and 180 N·m (130 lb·ft)
• –1994 — 2.1 L (2119 cc) B212 NA, FI, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) at 6000 rpm and 180 N·m (130 lb·ft) in the convertible.