Swede for a swede for a swede! Fixed!

[Spiny Norman]

A G plate should be the 16v 2 litre, plenty fast enough, it'll easily keep up with modern traffic.

I had the LPT version of the 900 for a couple of years and it was a real hoot. They're strong reliable lumps if maintained properly, timing chains can get a bit vocal on them after 150k miles but they'll keep going for years. Non turbos don't usually have the same gearbox issues as the more powerful cars either.
I'd happily rock another 900.

[dollywobbler]

I found my 900 2-litre 16v just a bit dull. It wasn't good enough at anything at all to make me form any sort of bond with it. So off it went for a tour of Autoshiters. Perhaps I was over-expecting because I like the swooping looks so much. Certainly, I can't recall ever feeling it was short of power though, and it ate up the miles well enough.

[Jim Bell]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980s-Saab-900i-9000i-steel-hub-cap-/281599366315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4190a154ab

 

 

 

These would improve those steelies one million fold dude.

[forddeliveryboy]

Could well be one of the last single-carb 8v engines (100hp), especially since the badge seems to say just '900'. Otherwise it could be either the 8 or 16v injection. They're only boring in a Merc 124 style - in that you begin to appreciate the subtleties of design after hours at the wheel and the worse the conditions, the better the car gets. They weren't chasing the 0-60 morons, but they're brisk and satisfying cars if you start piling on the speed through faster corners.

 

Finnish-built cars never had quite the same levels of Saab-ness as the Swedish ones (many late-80s cars were built at Valmet as production rose and rose) so this one could well feel a little bland after the 99. But what wouldn't?

[Richard]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980s-Saab-900i-9000i-steel-hub-cap-/281599366315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4190a154ab

 

 

 

These would improve those steelies one million fold dude.

 

These used to be about £50 each from SAAB.

[madwelshman]

Looks like a standard single carb H series car, 100hp.

 

Ref those stainless steel wheel trims listed above, I have 3 of them if they are of any interest. I also have some radiator grills from different spec C900's and quite a few rear light units and side/indicator units as well.

I don't have a C900, just 99's and a 96 so 900 parts aren't really any use to me any longer.

[vulgalour]

I reckon you'll enjoy the 900 more than the 99.  Quirky and amazing and GREEN as the 99 was, the 900 seems more 'you' from what I've seen of your car exploits on the forum.  Much better to get the car you want than stick with the one that's nearly the car you want.

[Shep Shepherd]

Looks very pleasant

[Richard]

I think the swap is beneficial for both cars and both owners.

[Lacquer Peel]

Finnish-built cars never had quite the same levels of Saab-ness as the Swedish ones (many late-80s cars were built at Valmet as production rose and rose) so this one could well feel a little bland after the 99. But what wouldn't?

 

What are the differences between the Valmet and SAAB-built ones?

 

I understand why FOAD has gone for the 900, it's the definition of a usable old car.

[Uncle Jimmy]

What make is the box? Old Autos have grown on me, there's not much difference if you've got a largish motor although steep hills can be annoying if it's a 3 speed.

[Uncle Jimmy]

Mmmmm Valmet. I believe they did make a design of their own in the 50s.

[forddeliveryboy]

What are the differences between the Valmet and SAAB-built ones?

 

I understand why FOAD has gone for the 900, it's the definition of a usable old car.

 

Don't think there are many (if any) material differences, but cars from Finland (a few were produced in another Finnish factory, too) did feel different. These are subtle things, many never pick them up. Far bigger differences from a model year perspective.

[madwelshman]

What make is the box? Old Autos have grown on me, there's not much difference if you've got a largish motor although steep hills can be annoying if it's a 3 speed.

 

They are a 3 speed box, Borg Warner if I remember correctly.

[DodgyBastard]

As far as I'm aware it's fuel injected, other than that I have no idea what engine is in it other than being a 1985cc on vehicle enquiry. Is there any way of checking online with the reg number? I tried on Euro car parts to see if it came up with anything 16v related but had no luck. I'm not all that bothered if it is an 8v, I've got another Swedish 2.0l 8v at home and it drives well enough.

Me and mrs Foad will have a Classic swede each and a poverty spec Malaysian shitbox each too. Shitboxes for the winter and the 

swedes for the summer.

 

My daily

 

Proton mpi by srblythe, on Flickr

 

Hers

 

Proton Jumbuck by srblythe, on Flickr

 

My classic swede

 

DSC_6359 by srblythe, on Flickr

 

Her classic swede

 

Not another fucking Volvo! by srblythe, on Flickr

[madwelshman]

If it's a 16v inj then will be 133bhp, If 8v inj will be 118bhp. The 99 with twin carbs was 108bhp.

[trigger]

It's a 8v injection.

 

There's a VIN decoder here http://www.saabnet.ru/org/saab_vin.htm#86on and your vin number is YS3AB25J7K7033155 so translated its

 

Saab 900 i 2 door sedan 5 speed Fuel Injection, B201 8-v 1989 made in Nystad, Finland.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Thats a relief, a carburettored one of those will be bloody shite

[alfetta]

To be honest none of them are quick cars unless it's a turbo. The carb model took about 13 seconds to 60 which isn't great but no worse then a modern 1.2 hatchback....injection models are around 10.5 seconds. Turbos about 7.9-9, but amazing mid-range.

 

The 2-door saloon is pretty much the lightest 900, about the same as a 99.

[DodgyBastard]

Live collection update... Broken down...

[Richard]

Where are you, do you need a tow?

[DodgyBastard]

[DodgyBastard]

I'm in Eden Valley business park, made it less than a mile.

[DodgyBastard]

[DodgyBastard]

Where are you, do you need a tow?

Thanks for the offer, you're more than welcome to come and have a poke at it but I've got a big Green iveco coming any minute now.... Any minute.... Actually he just passed crook of Devon so he'll be a while yet.

[DodgyBastard]

DSC_6571 by srblythe, on Flickr

 

I was told by the guy that the car had an issue that when it was warmed up it started cutting out so I was expecting to get at least 10 miles instead of less than one.

What he failed to mention is it cuts out/loses power even when it's cold when the engine is under load meaning when he sat revving it the car sounded ok if a little rough but as soon as I drove it, it wanted to stall. What had been arranged the previous week was he'd dig the car out before I came along and maybe have a look at what could be causing the issue. Instead I turned up and the car was still sat in behind another car untouched, some other guy turned up and he said he'd be with me in 5 mins...

Half an hour later I approached and asked where he wanted the spare parts for the 99 and the other guy eventually left.

Finally when the car had been moved out he fucked off to get the v5 from home and left me to "fettle".

I tried driving it around the yard, it drove like shit.

He got back, we did the paperwork bit, he said if I needed any spares he'd likely have some so I asked if he had any ignition coils to which he replied: You've probably got some lying around... I said no, he said but they're all the same, just use one from another car etc.

 

Overall a slightly unpleasant and awkward experience, if I do need bits I'll be going elsewhere.

[DodgyBastard]

DSC_6584 by srblythe, on Flickr

 

DSC_6586 by srblythe, on Flickr

 

DSC_6583 by srblythe, on Flickr

 

Yep, He saw me coming!

[DS20]

900 door bottoms...if I ever win the lottery, I'll have some made up from stainless steel / plastic / perspex / anything that doesn't bloody well RUST.  

[The Moog]

Can you do the same for the bonnet edge next to badges?

[cort16]

Did he already have the 99? Could You not have told him to FRO?