I am looking to build a cheap turbo kit for my car and I have read alot about Saab turbo's. My question is what are the specs on the 9-3 turbo and what do I need for a manifold to bolt this to my b18? I am a virgin in the turbo world and looking for some guidance. I don't want to half *** this and I want it to be reliable, but on the other hand I don't want to spend $2500 on a turbo kit. I have found some info on homemade turbo kits but I have only found peoples thoughts. Can anyone give me some real life experiences or maybe some pros and cons. Also what are some things to look out for, what should I be aware of, What should I stay away from? Thanks for your time!

 

The good old Saab turbo....well from experience it peaks boost for me on my first turbo engine at 4k rpm.

That turbo comes with a T3 .48ar housing/Stage 1 exhaust wheel with a 42mm wheel compressor wheel(If I remember correctly)

It's got plenty of pick me up but starts to die in the middle and completely dead on the top.

I would seriously recommend you get a used turbo kit rather then do it by yourself. You could get a good price on a Greddy kit or something.

 

Really? Well that is some advice I haven't gotten yet. Thanks for the heads-up. This is the **** I am trying to figure out. I apreciate the help, and I am still debating on wether or not to get a used kit or make my own. Thanks again for the help. Oh ya, what do you think about a DSM turbo.

 

I can't recall exactly, but I think the newer 9-3's have a weird, tiny turbo compaired to the 50 trim t3 of the mid-late 80's saabs. I know its either the newer saabs or volvos that use a GT15.

As for an HMT setup, its really only an option if you really know forced induction, or can fabricate it all yourself. Many people go HMT and go *really* cheap, ssauto this & that, then parts break, motor goes, turbo takes a ****, then they become the 'na b16 ftw!' crowd.

The best advice anyone can give for an HMT setup is A) go to homemadeturbo.com and read both their Turbo Projects pages, as well as their forum (in depth), B) go read all the 'Turbo FAQ' pages you can find on google, and C) use the hundreds of thousands of pages in the archives ot search for & research.

Just remember, anyone can piece a kit together & install a HMT turbo kit. Its how reliable & effective you make it that separates the boys from the men.

 

used kit for the win.

trust me, its much easier to have everything fit together than to have to go back and get stuff to fit.

 

Thanks for all of the input, I am learing alot just from ur links and ****, thanks and keep this **** coming