These are truly fun cars. I have a ‘01 OG 9-3 Base in Midnight Blue. It’s just so fun to stomp on the accelerator. Even the occasional torque steer makes it really fun. Thanks for the video!
Obviously, you did your homework on that model. The 1999 9-3 has an incredibly reliable power-plant. The Trionic 5 cars had an engine block which had much more webbing than the T7 cars that came afterward. It also had better, thicker-skirted pistons...so no blow-by and coking issues. My own 99 9-3SE has been retrofitted with a 2.3T which I built on the 9000 Aero block seven years ago. I installed the 2000 Viggen gearbox, axles and brakes at that time, to take advantage of the increased torque. That car was driven from CA. loaded to 'the gills' five years ago, to the east coast. In five years all it has required is scheduled maintenance...(oil changes, tires, etc...) oh! I've replaced the battery. That's it. There's some idiot Kilmer guy out there talking crap about not buying Saabs because of their unreliability. He either doesn't know anything about the brand or has no clue on what to look for in a used model.
I blew up an '03 Convertible SE automatic 4 years ago on a Mike D stage one. Could have been the MAF I dunno... but 12 SAABs prior mostly C900T boosted as far as I could without internals, no problem. I just bought a 2001 LR 5dr Viggen which I will only lightly mod and frankly, I love it. The old C900 engine was stronger than the T5 too. There were only 34 of my car in the US, less now I'm sure and it was owned by a dealer for 17 years and one professional real estate professional for the next 3.
Have this 9-3, same year, white, twodoors. Real sleeper. 230hp. Brutal. Over 200 km/h in third gear. Two too go. Never gonna sell it. Remember when I had a Porsch up my back in 110 and he was thinking get away old crap and I took down to third gear and hit the plate to the floor. 4 sec later 160 at least and he never came back. Greetings from Sweden.
Wow, really nice, interesting video, also awesome color on your 'viggen' Saab! You've gained a sub because of Saab family cause I also have 9-3 but in SE version :) Keep it up!
Being a 9-5 owner since 2005, and having driven both that same 9-3 in black and a '00 viggen, the 2.3T is waaaay better ;) But I am bias but, the power difference is noticeable to say the least. Your car looks good though. Now time for a big turbo, pistons, cam, injectors, fuel pump, full exhaust and headers to make some powwwwwwwwahhhhhh :)
Well yeah stock vs stock the Viggen is better lol. But now it has Viggen Turbo and Intercooler and stage 3 tune, and still fraction of the price of a Viggen with the potential of even more power. 👍👍
Beautiful 9-3! I've also got a 1999 9-3 base model 5 speed, but mine is in frost grey with 5 doors (1 of 357). I gotta say I LOVE the utility, being able to transport lumber up to 7-8 ft inside the car haha. Last time I moved, I even fit my 88 key digital piano in the back without moving the front seats forward at all! I've been looking for a Viggen body kit, but the 5 door side skirts are near-impossible to find I left in my original radio, and added a SaabAux bluetooth retrofit kit. It's all contained inside the dash, so it looks 100% stock. You just hit CD twice and it switches to bluetooth. And it retains Night Panel and steering wheel control functionality!
Sometimes I wish I had the 5 door. When I was fixing my fuel pump issue through the floor in the back I couldn't stop thinking, "omg I wish I had back doors CRAMP!!"
You’re absolutely right - the B204 is far better internally vs. the B205. The T7 engine management however is better than the T5 so I’ve heard. I myself am rocking the B204R in my ‘99 9-3. BTW - I KNOW THE 2 DOOR LOOKS COOLER, THANKS FOR RUBBING IT IN!!! Haha
Funny how in the USA everyone are trying to Euro spec their cars, while here it's all about US spec the cars. Good to see there are still some passionate Saab nuts out there! Keep it up. Nice Saab! I got one just like it, SE kit, in Black but with upgraded Aero/Viggen interior and B235 engine/TD04. Regards from Sweden!
Well done. Except for those BBS things, I like how you've kept it "original". The trouble you've gone to, instead of paying someone a bucket-load of $, is, I think(?) what SAAB should now be. Anyone can throw money at things (if you've got it), & I commend you for that hands-on approach.
Well thank you much. I actually loved my previous wheels which were the Talladegas but they stuck way too far in for my taste and I didn't like running the super thick spacers. These BMW wheels came up for $50 bucks. I couldn't say no lol.
Dude I completely feel you living without a garage and trying to work on your car! I got myself completely in over my head doing strut inserts on the front end of my ‘99 SE. Also in the beginning are you comparing the B2x4 vs B2x5 / T5 vs T7? I know the former has much stronger internals and heard easier to tune. Not sure, been very happy with the power and reliability of my T5
Arie Tan I have photoshopped the RK wheels on my car many times. Countless Google Image searches. It's hard for me to like 17s on this car. I still have a hard time understanding why...
I know that you are no longer involved with the channel, or Saab for that matter, but if you ever check in....please explain your antipathy toward Viggens. This comes from a 1999 "Lightning Blue" Saab Viggen owner. I had hoped some day when I got mine sorted out, to get a photo of the two next to each other.
I have a 9-3 4 door SE 2002 tid in the same blue colour and I love it. It is a great reliable workhorse and has a lot of poke when required. Also transported 4 house interior doors inside when seats are down. Awesome vehicle.
I really really thought about it, but after looking online I thought it looked kind of funny. The grill also has a broken mounting tab and didn't want to invest a matching blue finish on that but it has crossed my mind. 👍
I just purchased my very first og93 sitting on 210,00km and have no idea what I'm dealing with. It's in original state but I want to start upgrading it. Only down fall is it's automatic transmission 🤦
I traded a broken auto 2000 eclipse 4 cylinder for mine it’s 5 speed . Mine is a 99 also 5 speed and I just have to do a fuel filter slave cylinder and heater core hose. Good trade?
Sounds like an even trade to me considering either car the transmission has to come out lol. If you plan on adding significant power to your Saab, upgrade the clutch since you will be in there anyways for the slave cylinder.
@@saabsofamerica5328, hahahaha, it's not nice to laugh I know but that's funny. I spent 2 months on ordering the parts and building my custom headlights (I wanted LED/HID's on a 2002), only to rear-end someone a week after the install was complete (not my fault!). Completely smashed them to bits... but I built them again.
Rip I have a 2003 saab 9-3 ecotec modified but I have problems with my torque converter/transmission I wonder if people have swapped their newer Saab’s with the old engine because that’s I think an option for me
SAABMERICA yeah I also have another 2003 2.0t and an 2007 2.0T which took it from the us to the next country and back very reliable electrical still a little weird but definitely better than the 2003 models
I am pretty sure it it the B204L. Engine is the same as a B204R, just the turbo I think was different with a different intercooler as well. And obviously the tune too.
I really should make a seperate video on that. I'll have to get a spare one. It's easy, but you have to be patient when doing it. The right cutting tools really help.
Where did you get the front bumper lip. I own a 9-3 SE from 99" in midgnight blue, but my front lip cracked. I just can't find the one that you have on your car ☹️
Thank you! It was a little nerve racking fitting oem wheels from a different car. Not only just getting them to fit, but to know if they would look good. I did a lot of Photoshop beforehand lol.
Here is one, same 'rare' colour, manual and with the bodykit fitted from new - one owner from new. www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Saab-9-3-2000/SSE-AD-3841766/?Cr=7 I'm not the seller!
These are truly fun cars. I have a ‘01 OG 9-3 Base in Midnight Blue. It’s just so fun to stomp on the accelerator. Even the occasional torque steer makes it really fun. Thanks for the video!
Agreed. I especially like when people can't identify what the car is lol.
I'm with you 100%
Obviously, you did your homework on that model. The 1999 9-3 has an incredibly reliable power-plant. The Trionic 5 cars had an engine block which had much more webbing than the T7 cars that came afterward. It also had better, thicker-skirted pistons...so no blow-by and coking issues. My own 99 9-3SE has been retrofitted with a 2.3T which I built on the 9000 Aero block seven years ago. I installed the 2000 Viggen gearbox, axles and brakes at that time, to take advantage of the increased torque. That car was driven from CA. loaded to 'the gills' five years ago, to the east coast. In five years all it has required is scheduled maintenance...(oil changes, tires, etc...) oh! I've replaced the battery. That's it. There's some idiot Kilmer guy out there talking crap about not buying Saabs because of their unreliability. He either doesn't know anything about the brand or has no clue on what to look for in a used model.
I blew up an '03 Convertible SE automatic 4 years ago on a Mike D stage one. Could have been the MAF I dunno... but 12 SAABs prior mostly C900T boosted as far as I could without internals, no problem. I just bought a 2001 LR 5dr Viggen which I will only lightly mod and frankly, I love it. The old C900 engine was stronger than the T5 too. There were only 34 of my car in the US, less now I'm sure and it was owned by a dealer for 17 years and one professional real estate professional for the next 3.
I have a 99 Classic 9-3 with 115k miles, 5spd ehrmehrgherd... it is nice to see other enthusiasts with the same "not viggen" classic 9-3 two door!
Have this 9-3, same year, white, twodoors. Real sleeper. 230hp. Brutal.
Over 200 km/h in third gear. Two too go. Never gonna sell it.
Remember when I had a Porsch up my back in 110 and he was
thinking get away old crap and I took down to third gear and hit
the plate to the floor. 4 sec later 160 at least and he never came back.
Greetings from Sweden.
You da man! I love doing that as well. It's great because the car only says 93 on the rear. No one knows it's a 2.2L turbo diesel
im so glad i live in sweden so saabs are every were haha.
saab osaa turbotekniikan
Wow, really nice, interesting video, also awesome color on your 'viggen' Saab! You've gained a sub because of Saab family cause I also have 9-3 but in SE version :) Keep it up!
4rtur3k awesome! Another og93 owner! 👍
Just what I needed to see. DIY bodykitting is the way to go for me. Thanks for your perspective it's greatly appreciated.
Being a 9-5 owner since 2005, and having driven both that same 9-3 in black and a '00 viggen, the 2.3T is waaaay better ;) But I am bias but, the power difference is noticeable to say the least. Your car looks good though. Now time for a big turbo, pistons, cam, injectors, fuel pump, full exhaust and headers to make some powwwwwwwwahhhhhh :)
Well yeah stock vs stock the Viggen is better lol. But now it has Viggen Turbo and Intercooler and stage 3 tune, and still fraction of the price of a Viggen with the potential of even more power. 👍👍
Your og93 is one of my favorites with just the right look. Best regards from Sweden (with 7 Saabs at my possessions at the moment)
Much love my friend!!
@@saabsofamerica5328 Welcome to Sweden! :)
I realize Im kinda randomly asking but do anyone know of a good place to watch new series online ?
@Grey Immanuel Try flixzone. You can find it on google :)
Beautiful 9-3! I've also got a 1999 9-3 base model 5 speed, but mine is in frost grey with 5 doors (1 of 357). I gotta say I LOVE the utility, being able to transport lumber up to 7-8 ft inside the car haha. Last time I moved, I even fit my 88 key digital piano in the back without moving the front seats forward at all!
I've been looking for a Viggen body kit, but the 5 door side skirts are near-impossible to find
I left in my original radio, and added a SaabAux bluetooth retrofit kit. It's all contained inside the dash, so it looks 100% stock. You just hit CD twice and it switches to bluetooth. And it retains Night Panel and steering wheel control functionality!
Sometimes I wish I had the 5 door. When I was fixing my fuel pump issue through the floor in the back I couldn't stop thinking, "omg I wish I had back doors CRAMP!!"
You’re absolutely right - the B204 is far better internally vs. the B205. The T7 engine management however is better than the T5 so I’ve heard. I myself am rocking the B204R in my ‘99 9-3. BTW - I KNOW THE 2 DOOR LOOKS COOLER, THANKS FOR RUBBING IT IN!!! Haha
😂👍👍
Funny how in the USA everyone are trying to Euro spec their cars, while here it's all about US spec the cars.
Good to see there are still some passionate Saab nuts out there! Keep it up.
Nice Saab! I got one just like it, SE kit, in Black but with upgraded Aero/Viggen interior and B235 engine/TD04.
Regards from Sweden!
Aero body is the same as Viggen except the rear spolier, 9-3 Aero was sold in some Asian countries and Australia.
My 99 9-3 is easily the most reliable Saab of owned in my life.. and that would be out of 13. Beautiful example. Keep up the good work.
Exactly!! And thank you!!
I have a Saab 93 1999 se grey... Also I'm in Phoenix too!
Automatic which doesn't give it's full potential.. But it's OK car
Joe Bee awesome! You in the local Saab club on fb???
Nope I refuse to join any cult forums lol Jk
I bought mine for 950 with 130k invested about 300 in parts runs good. Cheapest car I've bought that had ac
Joe Bee haha.
Well done. Except for those BBS things, I like how you've kept it "original". The trouble you've gone to, instead of paying someone a bucket-load of $, is, I think(?) what SAAB should now be. Anyone can throw money at things (if you've got it), & I commend you for that hands-on approach.
Well thank you much. I actually loved my previous wheels which were the Talladegas but they stuck way too far in for my taste and I didn't like running the super thick spacers. These BMW wheels came up for $50 bucks. I couldn't say no lol.
Nice Video. Nice Saab. Keep the videos coming.
Alex Purshaga I'm trying brotha!!
Last model of 2003 OG-9-3 was all made in Finland and there was convertible and 5 door. Some cosmic blue 3d aeros have made on special order.
Castrol131 that's fun to know!
I'm from the u.k mine is on 03 one of the very last 59k Aero coupe
Im hopefully getting a Saab 9-3 s 2.0t next month, its the exact same color as yours, only this one is a sedan. I'm so excited for my first wheels
highly collectable
I'm sure you can buy an adaptor to allow your steering wheel controls to work it should be pretty cheap as well
nice job on the se kit agree 99 model is better... doesnt have the electronic throttle body t7
Dude I completely feel you living without a garage and trying to work on your car! I got myself completely in over my head doing strut inserts on the front end of my ‘99 SE.
Also in the beginning are you comparing the B2x4 vs B2x5 / T5 vs T7? I know the former has much stronger internals and heard easier to tune. Not sure, been very happy with the power and reliability of my T5
agree the spacers were too much....larger brakes yes 17 in min. nice how u discovered everything...loving all ur vids ...... hershey pa here
Thank you so much!
Nice video , some RK2 would be really nice on your ride :) , less is more , is the only way I think about your saab , simply beautiful :)
Arie Tan I have photoshopped the RK wheels on my car many times. Countless Google Image searches. It's hard for me to like 17s on this car. I still have a hard time understanding why...
I know that you are no longer involved with the channel, or Saab for that matter, but if you ever check in....please explain your antipathy toward Viggens. This comes from a 1999 "Lightning Blue" Saab Viggen owner. I had hoped some day when I got mine sorted out, to get a photo of the two next to each other.
Awesome! I have a 1 in 37 2002 laser red Saab 9-5 aero
UA-cam User Andy that's pretty cool!
Please do the aux video!! And show how the grill looks inside. Thanks and good work!
saimonPtLee good idea. I'm sure I'll get to that one soon.
yes please! i am tired of the factory unit in my Viggen.
5 days ago i bought this car! Same year, same color and everything! For 2000$ with 120 000km on it!
I have a 2001 4 door hatch wish it was 2. Nice Saab!
I have a 9-3 4 door SE 2002 tid in the same blue colour and I love it. It is a great reliable workhorse and has a lot of poke when required. Also transported 4 house interior doors inside when seats are down. Awesome vehicle.
you and jacob (auto autopsy) should take the not a viggen and turbo x for a cruise and do a colab vid ((i think he is in arizona))
He is. I use to live there. I visit often. I already semi seriously challenged him to a dual!! Lmao.
I think have be better you paint grill in same colour as car,my thought only-but very good info in this video!
I really really thought about it, but after looking online I thought it looked kind of funny. The grill also has a broken mounting tab and didn't want to invest a matching blue finish on that but it has crossed my mind. 👍
I have 0d 9-3 Aero in a 03 in the uk 60k had the usual issues run good i get asked to sell alot in the summer
sweet viggen dude !!
Eric Remboldt you SOAB!!! Lol.
ahhahahahaa , viggen , VIGGEN :P
Funny how in the US, people with Saabs swap out their side repeaters for the EU spec, and in Sweden we swap out ours for US-style repeaters :)
Very nice. Cheap upgrade would be a new SAAB badge at the rear!
Christopher Mercer haha! And the front! 😎
Okay,understand you!
Saab 9-3 came out in 1998 in the UK i have one.
Whoa nice!!
I just purchased my very first og93 sitting on 210,00km and have no idea what I'm dealing with. It's in original state but I want to start upgrading it. Only down fall is it's automatic transmission 🤦
Damn you are Saab crazy. Now get that quarter panel dent fixed.
Not that crazy. I do have other cars not Saab. I remove no dents. I want it to look used and abused lol.
I traded a broken auto 2000 eclipse 4 cylinder for mine it’s 5 speed . Mine is a 99 also 5 speed and I just have to do a fuel filter slave cylinder and heater core hose. Good trade?
Sounds like an even trade to me considering either car the transmission has to come out lol. If you plan on adding significant power to your Saab, upgrade the clutch since you will be in there anyways for the slave cylinder.
Saabs Of America yeah true
Awesome video!!
I have a 99, 9-3 2 door, t5 5 speed and it was so insanely hard to find
Looks good Bro!
Thank you thank you and thank you!
@@saabsofamerica5328, Customizing like that is a real commitment, it came out great. I've done a bit to mine as well, I get it.
@@cortlandschurian5653 I've learned from my mistakes. I think I've remounted it 3 times, and repainted it 5 times lmao.
@@saabsofamerica5328, hahahaha, it's not nice to laugh I know but that's funny. I spent 2 months on ordering the parts and building my custom headlights (I wanted LED/HID's on a 2002), only to rear-end someone a week after the install was complete (not my fault!). Completely smashed them to bits... but I built them again.
Nice video, funny how the USA blinkers are really wanted in the EU.
Alexander Witte right?!? We need to setup a system to just trade lol.
SAABMERICA haha would be great! You also have a 9-3og in the color Dolphin Grey please send me one of those.
Alexander Witte pfff!! Gotta find one first!!
Here you go, i need this i my life. greenlitemotors.com/saab/73491-saab-9-3-dolphin-gray-with-98752-miles-for-sale.html
Alexander Witte beautiful!!!
Rip I have a 2003 saab 9-3 ecotec modified but I have problems with my torque converter/transmission I wonder if people have swapped their newer Saab’s with the old engine because that’s I think an option for me
Saabrito yeah 2003 is not a good year unfortunately. Best year that body style is 2007 in my opinion.
SAABMERICA yeah I also have another 2003 2.0t and an 2007 2.0T which took it from the us to the next country and back very reliable electrical still a little weird but definitely better than the 2003 models
Can you tell me the wheel specs? Im interested on getting ones, but if saab uses 5x110, and those rims are 5x120? How do u fit?
What engine do you have in it? Is it the B204r?
I am pretty sure it it the B204L. Engine is the same as a B204R, just the turbo I think was different with a different intercooler as well. And obviously the tune too.
Its a B204L
I bought a 9-3 Turbo (185hp) MT Sedan yesterday for 2000€. Was just sitting around at my local dealer. Is it really that hard to find Saabs in the US?
Great job 👍
How did the car work with the elevation change? Did you notice any changes in performance?
I've got a silver 99..9-5 5sp. 2.3 T. In S.C.
Sweet!!!
What about the custom grill???? I need that one!!
I really should make a seperate video on that. I'll have to get a spare one. It's easy, but you have to be patient when doing it. The right cutting tools really help.
Yes please... I want a similar one and i have no idea where to buy it nor how to make it...
I would like to see a vid on the after market radio!!
The trionic 5 engines are much much better. They destroyed the engine when they did t7 ecopower
Hey did you had to make any adjustment to the rims were they a perfect fit.
Hi, can you tell what kind of box you used to fill the space while installing an aftermarket radios as seen in 24:08? Is it a Saab OEM part?
I bought a dash kit for a 94-97 Honda Accord. I chopped off everything leaving just the bare pocket. It fits right in on top of a single din radio.
Where did you get the front bumper lip. I own a 9-3 SE from 99" in midgnight blue, but my front lip cracked. I just can't find the one that you have on your car ☹️
Ebay. I mentioned where you can find it and a picture of it in the video lol.
@@saabsofamerica5328 yeah I tried searching on eBay but can't find this exact one. Does this one have a particular name?
@@AbeHaverkamp Integra Type R
Hey whats the best technique to add the mesh to the grille??
Oh man that's a whole video in itself lol. I need to find someone local who is interested. Then I can do it and film it!
yooooooo i didnt know that there where only 21 sold of the exact type i just picked up mine from my cousin and i was just looking into it
Yup, pretty rare. Not the rarest but it's up there!
LOVE THE GODZILLA SHIRT!
King of all monsters!!!
Indeed... Godzilla 2.0 Anime is on Netflix and a new Godzilla Movie is coming out it looks epic and the girl from Stranger Things is starring in it!
Nice car man!! Is that a Viggen?
How many miles on it
Alex Lisyuk currently 168k. Bought at 160k.
Nice Viggen, Craig!
😶😶😶😶😶😶
Luv this car
The aero in Sweden has the same bodykit as viggen.
Does the integra’s front lip fit the NG 9-3?
Aye, colorado saab gang!
What is the engine code/name ?
MotorFrozes B204!
SAABMERICA yeah just like the 9000's they great but wouldn't a turbo converted b206? They even rarer and EU only and good tuning potential
Wheels suit it well
Thank you! It was a little nerve racking fitting oem wheels from a different car. Not only just getting them to fit, but to know if they would look good. I did a lot of Photoshop beforehand lol.
Do you have a video on re drilling the wheels?
All this work but no new emblems? :)
Like my SE over a vig. Except i swapped alot of vig parts to the SE haha
viggen front bumper is the best looking
👌🏻
The 2 door is stupid rare
Flagstaff AZ?
Joe Bee Flagstaff is lovely but I'm from the heart of Phoenix. However I am currently located in Los Angeles.
Oh OK just recognized your plates lol and the area looked familiar... Bought a 91 BMW 325ic in flagstaff along time ago wish I had that then my saaab
from the 401
Viggen viggen
nice but too much thinking on this
J Pogera I cut so much out when making this video trust me lmao.
Where is your emblems at!?. Btw i own a Saab 9.3 TTID Aero NG 2008.
Speed limit 8 mph?? Lol… why not 5 or 10 lmao
Here is one, same 'rare' colour, manual and with the bodykit fitted from new - one owner from new.
www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Saab-9-3-2000/SSE-AD-3841766/?Cr=7
I'm not the seller!
dude get a new saab emblem for hatch, looks like poop
dose not look like a viggen LOL.....
Glad we agree on something lol.
viggens Better