Whether you own an older Saab 900 turbo from the 1980s or a more recent model, there are multiple ways to make it faster, from adding horsepower to improving braking and handling. Turbocharged cars are some of the easiest cars to make faster, and this is especially true of the Swedish engineered and built Saab. If you combine improvements to the engine with upgrades to the suspension and brakes, you can create an impressive performance car.

Increase the Horsepower and Torque

Turbocharged cars are ideal candidates for horsepower increases. Manufacturers usually leave quite a bit of power on the table for the sake of reliability. All Saabs can benefit from the addition of more free-flowing, stainless steel exhaust, so start there. Your engine will sound better and the larger diameter tubing will increase the flow of exhaust gasses and add power. Install a Swedish Dynamics computer chip or APC, available from Saab Performance Parts, which will allow the turbo to produce more boost and far more power. On older Saabs, increasing boost is simply a matter of turning the knob on the boost controller to produce more boost; keep in mind that too much boost can damage an engine. Install a larger turbo. Though it is not cheap, this is one of the best ways to significantly increase the power of your Saab's turbocharged engine. Install more radical camshafts, also available from Saab Performance Parts. Depending on which cams you use, you can realize a power gain of around 30 horsepower. Turbocharged engines also benefit from the addition of an intercooler to help keep things cool under the hood. Colder temperatures in the engine bay and in the turbo means more power.

Reduce Weight

Speed is not simply a function of horsepower and torque, but is impacted by how much flab that power has to lug around, particularly during acceleration and cornering. This is applicable to a luxury-oriented vehicle like a Saab, which comes with lots of amenities that add comfort and weight. Start the lightening process by replacing the stock power seats with lighter, one-piece racing buckets from a company like Recaro. Next, remove the back seats if you don't need them. On a two-door Saab in particular, the rear seats are small and impractical. Replace the carpet and sound deadening underneath the seats with a thin layer of lightweight carpet. From there, remove the door panels and install lighter panels made of fiberboard upholstered with a thin layer of vinyl.

Improve the Handling and the Braking

A fast Saab is not just fast in a straight line, but fast around corners as well as when it comes time to slow down. Start the improvements in this area by installing a set of lower, stiffer springs and performance Bilstein shocks (available from Saab Performance Parts). These will help make your Saab corner with less body roll and more control from the driver. On the stopping end of the equation, install a set of cross-drilled, vented rotors, more performance-oriented brake pads and a set of braided steel brake line for firm, easy to modulate braking. Replace the original tires with high-performance tires. You can install larger tires or keep the stock size, but a stickier set of tires will help make your Saab faster around corners and easier to control at speed.

Source:

Saab Forums

Strike Engine: Saab Tuning Guide

More Information:

Saab Performance Parts

Rose Engineering Saab Parts

Recaro Seats