Seth's 2005 9-7x Build

[therealsethallen]

So, after realizing I put the 9-7x build in the wrong spot. Here it is, in the right spot.

The Truck
2005 Saab 9-7x Linear
4.2 I6
AWD
3.73 Gears
Limited Slip Rear (G86)

The Suspension Mods
Trailblazer EXT Rear Coil Springs
Trailblazer EXT Front Struts and Springs
Total Lift of 1.5" Over 9-7x Stock

The Engine/Performance Mods
Custom CAI with Intake Resonator Delete
Magnaflow 11229 Muffler
Resonator Delete
Factory Exhaust Tip

The Lighting/Electrical Mods
Silverstar Bulbs
Quad Headlight Mod
LED Fogs, Reverse Lights, Plate Lights, Interior and Mirror Turn Signals
Cobra CB Radio
Kenwood 2-Meter Radio

The Future
Powdercoated Factory Saab Wheels
Gutted Cat
Tune by LimeSwap
End with G80 Locker
LED Low Beam Headlights
Factory Fog Assemblies with 3000k LEDs

The Pictutes

NYS Route 97 in Deerpark, New York
Low Rent Intake

Quad Beam headlights

Trashcan Delete

Magnaflow 11229 2.5" Muffler


Saab Cen-Comm


Exhaust Video. In a parking garage...this has been done.

Dyno Day Video!

 

[CarProxy]

you got a nice list of install and upgrades on your ride. the magnaflow sounds aggressive

 

[Capote]

I love my Magnaflow, in conjunction with my deleted cat, it sounds beastly

 

[therealsethallen]

I love my Magnaflow, in conjunction with my deleted cat, it sounds beastly

My cat is in bad shape. I'm seriously considering it. Was it super difficult?

 

[Capote]

My cat is in bad shape. I'm seriously considering it. Was it super difficult?

No wasn't difficult, chopped it off, got rid of the honeycomb inside of the cat and then welded it back into place. Don't forget to do the o2 fouler trick though, so you won't get any codes that keep popping up .

 

[Instrumental]

How dos your suspension changes compare to factory? New shock/struts is on my short list, but I'm nervous about losing the factory tuning if I use a quick strut to do a complete changeover on the front.

 

[therealsethallen]

How dos your suspension changes compare to factory? New shock/struts is on my short list, but I'm nervous about losing the factory tuning if I use a quick strut to do a complete changeover on the front.

The handling hasn't changed. Not like I take the truck to the max all the time. I run Monroe Sensa Trac rear shocks and Monroe Quick struts in the front. There's slightly more body lean, but it's pretty minimal.

 

[therealsethallen]

Thought a video explanation for this might be in order. I'm thinking about upgrading to HIDs. But I'm not sure yet. SilverStars seem to be great, but I'd like some more low beam oomph.

 

[mrrsm]

My cat is in bad shape. I'm seriously considering it. Was it super difficult?

If its just clogged and you need to pass future inspections:

http://www.carid.com/2005-saab-9-3-catalytic-converters/

 

[therealsethallen]

Oh no way. I'm doing the anti-fouler gutted cat mod. Plus you linked for a Saab 9-3. Remember that the 9-7x is just a dressed up TB. My engine parts are identical.

I've said it once and I'll say it again. "The ice caps are melting, my one SUV without emission equipment won't make a huge difference"

 

[therealsethallen]

I might have the cleanest cargo area ever. The box of fluids isn't usually there, I also don't condone running Walmart brand fluids in anything.

 

[therealsethallen]

We've been visited by Capitan Cold as F**k this weekend.

So here's a cold start video. You're welcome.

 

[Paul Bell]

The Lighting/Electrical Mods
Silverstar Bulbs

The Future
EXT Rear End with G80 Locker

The Gallery

NYS Route 97 in Deerpark, New York

I thought these trucks came with actual HID headlighhts? I'd think (if yours did not) that HID's would be a better upgrade.

I think your truck has the 8 inch ring gear, the EXT/XL trucks have the 8.5" as well as all 5.3 trucks. Same housings.

I know Deerpark...

 

[Mooseman]

The HID came in the V8 trucks only IIRC.

 

[therealsethallen]

I thought these trucks came with actual HID headlighhts? I'd think (if yours did not) that HID's would be a better upgrade.

I think your truck has the 8 inch ring gear, the EXT/XL trucks have the 8.5" as well as all 5.3 trucks. Same housings.

I know Deerpark...

I hate HIDs. I'd rather spend the money on good halogens. I don't like extra wires. It was an option on the 4.2i 9-7x and standard (with washers) on the 5.3i IIRC. My first 4.2i 9-7x had them, and I wasn't a huge fan. I prefer something I can replace with an $8 bulb from Walmart. My bulb of choice is PIAA Night Tech which put out a very nice light and are great downroad.

Rear end for the limited slip is the 8.6

Route 97 is excellent.

 

[therealsethallen]

Head swaps....suck.

 

[therealsethallen]

My neighbor is getting rid of his 2006 TB EXT and welcomed me to ANYTHING that fit it, as long as I replaced it with what came off my truck. Which includes this 220a alternator. I have a feeling that my old one was wearing out, as this one is much quieter at idle.

I did reinstall that A/C line engine lift bolt.

 

[Mooseman]

Just be careful as some high amp alternators actually have a lower output at idle. Ask him how it works before committing.

 

[roughtony]

How are you liking the CAI? Did it make any difference in your car's fuel efficiency and horse power?

 

[therealsethallen]

How are you liking the CAI? Did it make any difference in your car's fuel efficiency and horse power?

Power gain is minimal, there's a nice sound without the intake resonator above the engine, I'm probably going to go with a K&N eventually just for the astetic.

Just be careful as some high amp alternators actually have a lower output at idle. Ask him how it works before committing.

It idles at 150 he says. Which is the output of the stockers.

 

[therealsethallen]

Took a little backwoods drive to celebrate the awesome weather.
She got a little dirty.

 

[therealsethallen]

Poor quality picture, but here's a comparision of Walmart cheapo LEDs and plain ole Sylvania basics from the parts desk at Advance. Let me tell you, the LEDs that they get you for at Walmart SUCK. Beyond suck. They're garbage.

 

[therealsethallen]

I got bored today, did some cleaning up, and suspension checking. The Saablazer's rear sway bar bushings are rubbish, as are the links. Time for replacement! Ordered the Moog ones from Amazon today.

 

[Mooseman]

It's not the side to side movement that indicates wear in the bushing but up/down or roundy round. In other words, there is space between the bar and bushing. Links are bad if there is also up/down movement. You have to pry the bar up and down to see if it's worn to see movement between the stud and link inside the joint. Just moving it like you did might just mean it's well lubed.

 

[therealsethallen]

@Mooseman I did do that to check as well. The bushings are shot. There's noticeable space in between them and the bushings. I just ordered ACDelco Advantage end links as well as some Moog bushings.

 

[therealsethallen]

With the engine blown up, and patiently waiting my turn for the trip to the shop. I cleaned the Saab's wheel center caps today. What a difference. I need to hit them once more with some cleaner to be totally done, but they look way better now.

I also noticed a small bit of rust accumulating on the bottom of the right rear door, which I plan to neutralize tomorrow.

 

[mrrsm]

Not trying to be an Alarmist here... but it looks like your Brake Disc is deeply scored in several lines behind that rim... symptomatic of Brake Pad to Disc Metal on Metal Wear....Maybe its just the angle of the sunshine... but ...What's going on there?

 

[therealsethallen]

Not trying to be an Alarmist here... but it looks like your Brake Disc is deeply scored in several lines behind that rim... symptomatic of Brake Pad to Disc Metal on Metal Wear....Maybe its just the angle of the sunshine... but ...What's going on there?

It's the light, the brakes are perfectly fine. In fact they're almost new.

 

[therealsethallen]

Engine teardown began today. Radiator, Fan Clutch and Shroud, Alternator, Battery, A/C System Discharge, Engine Lift Bracket, Coils, and Throttle Body.

Tomorrow the axles, rest of the front clip and the front differential, I actually think it may be ready to have it totally out tomorrow.

 

[mrrsm]

Seth... I know I shouldn't ask.. because we all know how difficult it is to stop and break your concentration when you are working away under the hood or under the vehicle... but every single Digital Image you can obtain for us and add to your story while doing this Epic R&R will always be appreciated for all time to come... and Brother...YOU will be a Legend for doing so!

 

[therealsethallen]

but every single Digital Image you can obtain for us and add to your story while doing this Epic R&R will always be appreciated for all time to come... and Brother...YOU will be a Legend for doing so!

I can most certainly do the best I can do. I make no promises since I won't be at the shop for the whole thing.

 

[Mooseman]

You can pull the diff with the engine. Much easier to get off after the engine is out. That's what I did.

 

[therealsethallen]

Today the axles came out. As did the intake manifold, all the stuff mounted to the side of the block. It should be out tonight, I left the shop early for an appointment, but it should be out by close of business today.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Good progress!

 

[therealsethallen]

I finally snapped a picture of the "new" engine. It's an 83k Mile unit from a 2005 TB, and it's completely...complete. Shockingly so actually. This thing has got EVERYTHING. Alternator, Starter, Throttle Body, Fuel Rail, Serpentine Belt, Tensioner, Fan Clutch, All Sensors.

I never ordered the Alpine Green paint, and the only engine enamel I have is some Silver left over from when I owned the Volvo. So it'll almost be the same color as the 9-7x itself.

 

[therealsethallen]

New motor is in, pretty new valve cover is in. All suspension components are installed. Idler Pulley, Water Pump, Intake Manifold, Wiring Harness, Ignition Coils, A/C Lines, A/C Compressor, Belt Tensioner, and Idler Pulley...yada yada.

 

[therealsethallen]

She's done. All buttoned back up and on the road!

 

[therealsethallen]

This is the now very spotless throttle body from my donor engine. It has a very slight polish to it now thanks to some sandpaper and my absolute boredom. I don't expect much since it's not "properly ported" But it did give me an afternoon project.

 

[therealsethallen]

Thought some new front pads might be in order. So I did that yesterday.

 

[therealsethallen]

Day of Adventure! I didn't get stuck or bottom out once!