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SAAB V4 - Fuel Economy
The Saab V4’s can be economical, if well tuned and driven in freewheel mode. We once achieved 35+ mpg while touring Germany fully loaded with camping gear, this included some high speed Autobahn driving and in the Black forest a real test for the gears and brakes .One cause of poor fuel economy is poor ignition. The distributor can wear causing erratic running when the cam lobes wear. Fitting electronic ignition is a good option. I have two in the parts box but these are the old type still using the points; one a Sparkrite the other a Lumenition
Whilst surfing the net I found a set that used magnets. Two sets were purchased one was fitted to the 95 the other to go on the 96. They are easy to fit. I fitted mine in just over an hour by removing points and the condenser, fitting the new unit in the existing holes and wiring straight to the coil. The trouble is the car is not used enough to see if there is a justifiable decrease in fuel consumption.
Electric ignition parts in the distributor:
The fitting of a Weber single choke carburettor to improve performance is a common modification using the 34 with a 27 choke I have also used the 29 choke.
Another small job carried out on the 96 was changing the exhaust manifold studs. These had been loose since I bought the car and with the MOT due shortly I had stuffed the gap with industrial strength catering tin foil because I didn’t want to sheer the stud. But after soaking the bolt in wd40 after each drive these soon came off and after a good clean were replaced using copper grease leaving it sounding like a V4 should.
The latest 96 has only had two previous owners the last one owned the SAAB from 1978 until early this year. The SAAB came with loads of history including the invoice for a complete engine rebuild (pistons camshaft balance etc). There are, however, parts missing which I will be replacing: the grommet on the heater housing for the throttle and the shaped washer at the other end on the manifold to stop it twisting. I will also be changing the bar on the linkage using a ball and socket rod from a Ford diesel van.
Mark
Reprinted from the Summer 2008 issue of the Club Magazine
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