uSAABy

Hi,

I'm new and looking to find some of the parts that can fit my 2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear SS 2.0t to begin upgrading and producing a little better feel and overall power. If you know of any threads that might help point me in that direction I would apreciate it very much.

Thanks.

cluelessk

Not a huge Saab following here but I'm sure with a little research you should be able to find info related to your car.

uSAABy

Thanks for the welcoming. I know that the block is the same for some if not all of the older Cobalts and some other parts are interchangable and way less expensive compared to SAAB parts. I thought it may be worth a try to learn something new and benefit from other peoples ideas or leads on parts.

Snail_SS

iTrader: (3)

Do you have some parts in mind that you like want to know if they fit?

63 Nova SS

iTrader: (3)

I also have a Saab, and it's easiest to find parts on the forum or on Facebook they have a site called North American Saab owners I believe. They are a different bunch, and don't try and talk about things other than Saab because they get offended quickly. Sadly there is much that many could learn about their motors from this crew as hardly anyone on their thinks outside the box or at interchangeability. They can be very arrogant thinking only Saab. My cobalt blows my Saab away and no one over there wants to listen about what their lsj motor will do. They all think 275whp is "big power".

uSAABy

Thanks for the heads up and the site referal. I am a member of many SAAB sites and thought I would try something else as there is SOOO much to sift through that I need to find something else with more info on the parts and capabilities of the motor. Newer parts are available instead of JUST SAAB and there can be big savings on new parts.

Right now I am just fixing things to get to stock. The car I bought has so much wrong and its very expensive to fix. Although I am interested in buying a Coblat block and am wondering if my ecm will accept it. I don't know if the stock Cobalt motor is too much for my ecm.

Does the Cobalt use a Tech2 or is there some other diag device yall use?

Snail_SS

iTrader: (3)

We also use the tech 2

63 Nova SS

iTrader: (3)

The short block is basically the same. But the head is different as the cam on a Saab drives a brake booster that the lsj doesn't. The coils are also different I'm told as the Saab could have the knock sensor in the coil itself. Stock bottom end lsj blocks can handle 400whp but suffer as all the motors do from the factory, by not having forged Pistons.

AHelm3

iTrader: (7)

I'm currently working on throwing a big turbo on a B207r, and this site has been much more help than any of the Saab resources. They really don't seem to chase big power.

I have come across a thread, where guys were cross-referencing Saab part #s with GM variants, and saving a bunch of money. Especially on sensors and smaller, pricey parts.

Why do you want to buy a Cobalt block? The bottom ends are the same, and the LSJ seems to be much more difficult to find, and expensive if you do come across one. That's the reason I ended up with a Saab motor to begin with.

uSAABy

I am suffering from blow by and for now it is not severe but I will need to fix an oil leak from the oil level sensor. I hate to leak oil all over the place and would like to fix that before changing out the factory exhaust for a 3" full exhaust and bracing the underside of the car. Long term it will save some hours for the mechanic to charge but I have been conflicted in trying it myself (dropping the sump and changing the oil level sensor).

For now buying a motor of any kind is just a pipe dream. I am just starting out in modifying the car and am trying to focus on brakes and suspention before adding any tuneups and trying to bleed some power out of the motor. I was thinking of getting a "New" motor because I would know it does not have previous owners abusing it and passing it off on me to fix all their crap. That's the main reason to day dream about a new motor. I'm kinda lost in too many thoughts about changing my car to feel like I want it to.

I should try to find that thread you mentioned. SAAB oil level sensor at a GM dealer who still has parts is $175.00 found a Cobalt oil sensor $67.00 same part numbers. I have not bought one yet because I'm saving the $500.00-$700.00 local mechanics and SAAB specialists are quoting to change the sensor to fix the leak.

63 Nova SS

iTrader: (3)

Europarts has a genuine Saab sensor for 78.99. They carry a lot of Saab parts. Mine leaks too. I'm first gonna try permatex before pulling the pan.

uSAABy

I looked in the Chilton and it grades it as an itermediate job in difficulty. I am not looking forward to that project because I am worried about what I will find. Although, the oil seems to be in great shape. it does not seem to be a big job just difficult because I will have such a low ground clearence. Thanks for the heads up with the sensor, I think that is a great price and I might just order it now and hold it till I decide to bite the bullet or find a car lift to help the process. I should probably go the same route as you but im lazy untl I get that fire and drive to do some stuff then I'm all in.

So AHelm3 do you have your motor already or is it in the works?