9-5 (B308E) V6 LPT to HPT/HOT

[stef_204]

Hi,

Apologies to all--unfortunately, I do not speak Dutch; but I believe there are lots of smart Saab owners here and wanted to get some feedback.

I have a SAAB 9-5 (V6 3.0 liter LPT [B308E engine] Griffin, year 2000) which is tuned to ~ Power hp 245 / 5080 min and Torque Nm 388 / 2370 min (have not put in on the bench to verify.)

I am interested in seeing if I can gain more power by transforming the car (which uses T7) to a High Pressure Turbo (High Output Turbo) from the original LPT.

I believe this would require major work to 1) add an APC valve, 2) change the manifold (which currently contains the Low Pressure Turbos) and 3) perhaps modify or insert new software in ECU?

Can this be done? If yes, would I need to re-enforce engine parts? Anything else?

Thanks.

[millerman]

Hi!

This is a question asked many times. However it's gonna be very complicated. The V6 does use T7 to control its engine. However, it's modified for the V6. The turbo is spooled up by the exhaust air of only 3 cylinders. Therefor a simple turbo swap would mean you have to reprogram that entirely.

Just check with well known Saab tuning companies for solutions: there aren't a lot around because it's rather complicated to do. I don't think it's impossible, but it will take a lot more effort than a B2xx engine.

[stef_204]

Hi,

Thanks for your feedback.

The Low Pressure Turbo is located in the exhaust manifold and, as you have said, only uses 3 cylinders. That would have to come off, and a new manifold fabricated.
The main issue for me is the ECU and APC.

None of the main Saab tuners are too interested in this mod because too few people request it--and all tuners are focused on the easier inline 4 turbos.

Maptun suggested building a custom manifold and inserting additional low pressure turbos but that doesn't seem appealing and is not the route I'd like to take.

That is why I am seeking to get valuable feedback from here, if possible.

Let's see if additional feedback comes in through this thread.

[millerman]

I would recommend you to go to a forum like http://www.trionictuning.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; which is focused primarily on tuning Trionic engines in all sorts. You will definitely get more and better feedback there!

[evo]

Don't know much about the HW of the V6's but does it even have a WG? I thought that was one of it's shortcomings?

If your willing to build new manifolds (know what you're getting into...!) well than you have a lot more possiblilities. Although I'm not sure if trionic7 for V6's is able to control boost, so you might need a standalone boostcontroler for that.

Another thing, or two, or three...
how much torque and power are you aming for?
Do you think that V6 can handle it, pistons, bearings, clutch, gearbox, etc...?
Why not get yourself a nice 2.3 liter straight 4... These will put out enough torque for the front wheels to handle and even more

[millerman]

I already sent a link from a topic at Trionic Tuning through PM. Indeed the hardware seems to be a limiting factor as well. Nordic has upgraded a V6 to 350bhp/550nm, but had to replace a lot of internals to do so. And indeed, the software seems to be missing the boost adaption tables.

[stef_204]

Don't know much about the HW of the V6's but does it even have a WG? I thought that was one of it's shortcomings?

If your willing to build new manifolds (know what you're getting into...!) well than you have a lot more possiblilities. Although I'm not sure if trionic7 for V6's is able to control boost, so you might need a standalone boostcontroler for that.

Another thing, or two, or three...
how much torque and power are you aming for?
Do you think that V6 can handle it, pistons, bearings, clutch, gearbox, etc...?
Why not get yourself a nice 2.3 liter straight 4... These will put out enough torque for the front wheels to handle and even more

Hi,

I agree with all of your points; there is no wastegate on the B308E V6 so one needs to resolve that; Trionic V6 IMHO does not control boost (no APC) but could perhaps be modified/reprogrammed. Never heard of a standalone boost controller but would that not need to interact with the ECU?

Aiming for approx 350 HP 550NM; not sure if internals can handle it or if need re-enforced parts as mentioned in the Trionic link posted by Millerman (thanks for that).

Costs are an issue as well as if too expensive, I might be better off trying to pick up a used 9-5 or 9-3 with an inline 4 and make that the project car.....

[wouter1220]

Costs are an issue as well as if too expensive, I might be better off trying to pick up a used 9-5 or 9-3 with an inline 4 and make that the project car.....

That is without a doubt the most sensible thing to do. Hundreds of topics are written about the B2XX engines, dozens op ppl have mountains of experience in this game...

If money isn't the problem tuning the V6 should pose a nice challenge...

[jarno93]

Or if you have time enough make a biturbo v6!

[stef_204]

Hi,

I'm checking on my alternatives and will post back here what I decide to do.

[stef_204]

I think I'm going to give up on further modifying the V6 3.0 liter LPT.
I already have it tuned to the max without going into too many hardware modifications and even then, since there is no APC, the whole thing would be really difficult, at best.

I guess I could still add an intercooler and a sports exhaust if I really wanted to do any more on that car but that would be it.

I will probably look to buy a used 9-3 or 9-5 with the inline 4 cylinders, make that the project car and really tune it up and have fun with it.

Thanks to all whom provided feedback here.

[AlexJ]

I would say, if you're looking for a lot more HP and NM, that is a wise decision sir!