5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 FIT A NEW EXHAUST

Fitting a three-inch exhaust system, including a downpipe, will spool the turbo more quickly, providing better throttle response and a little extra power. You may need to move the battery to fit the downpipe, leading many to move it to the boot – which will also help alleviate the Saab’s front-heaviness.

2 TWEAK THE APC

Saab’s innovative Automatic Performance Control (APC) can be tuned to get more boost out of the turbo. Small boost increases and changes in the way the boost is delivered are possible with the stock unit, though simple modifications with resistors can move things on further. The black APC can easily be modified with uprated ‘red box’ APC components in the same manner.

3 GIVE IT A BETTER INTERCOOLER

The location and size of the original intercooler is far from ideal – fitting a front-mounted intercooler (Saab 9000 intercoolers are a common choice) is an easy way of increasing turbo efficiency. A new fuel chip will also be needed to make proper use of the extra boost.

4 BETTER BRAKING

The original brakes aren’t bad at all, but a swap to more serious stoppers is a good idea if you’re increasing power. Calipers from the 9000 will fit, and aftermarket discs and pads are available.

5 MAKE IT SHARPER

Bilstein dampers and lowering springs will sharpen a 900’s handling. Replacing old bushes with polybushes as and when they wear is also a good habit, making a car a feel generally more ‘alive’ – though at the cost of subtly increased road vibration.