Make Your Saab 9-5 Go Faster

In 1999, Saab introduced its new upscale model, the Saab 9-5, to replace its predecessor, the Saab 9000. The 9-5 featured a redesigned body, more horsepower and torque, and an updated interior.

But the 9-5 is designed with the layman in mind. There are many aftermarket options to increase horsepower and torque in the 9-5. Some are more complex than others. By replacing the software or the Engine Control Unit (ECU for short), driving enthusiasts can unlock the horsepower and torque that the 2.3 liter turbo-charged engine is capable of of making, without having to change any of the car's hardware.

Preparation
1. Set the hand brake, remove the key from the ignition switch, and open the hood.
2. Disconnect the negative battery lead from the battery terminal, using the adjustable wrench. Usually this lead is black. This will prevent any possibility of shock or shorting during the project.
3. Clear away any debris that has collected on the plastic run-off cover at the bottom of the windshield.
Removing the Factory ECU
1. Loosen the plastic run-off cover by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place with a Phillips-head screw driver.
2.Lift up the plastic run-off cover approximately six to eight inches, but do not remove it. Locate the ECU's oval-shaped plastic protective cover. The cover will have a plastic tube full of wires connected to its side.
3. Unscrew the bolts holding the protective cover in place using the 10 mm socket wrench. The socket-wrench extender may be needed to reach some of the bolts.
4. Lift up the black lever that releases the wiring coupler on the top of the ECU. The ECU is the silver box mounted vertically under the plastic protector. Disconnect the wiring coupler from the ECU.
5. Unscrew the two bolts located on either side of the ECU using the 10 mm wrench and slide the ECU out of its retaining bracket
Replacing the ECU
1. Slide the new aftermarket ECU into the bracket where the factory ECU was just removed.
2. Replace the two bolts that hold the ECU in the bracket, using the 10 mm socket wrench.
3. Align the wiring coupler with the new ECU and plug it in. Fold down the black plastic handle to secure the connection.
4. Replace the ECU's plastic protective cover and the plastic run-off cover.
5. Reconnect the negative battery lead and test to see that the ECU is functioning properly by starting the car. The car is governed by the ECU and will not start if there is something wrong with the installation.
6. Close the hood and take the car for a test drive. Drive slowly at first to make sure the car is operating properly, then gradually increase overall speed and acceleration. Read More »»

Make a 1997 Saab 900SE Turbo Faster

The Saab 900SE has a 2.0-liter, turbo-charged engine. From the factory, the 900SE produces 185 horsepower. Saab designed the 900SE with the layman in mind. Its Trionic 5 ECU, which governs the 900's engine system, is designed to accommodate low-grade gasoline and oil. With a few simple tools and the right knowledge, a driving enthusiast can unlock as much as 35 horsepower without replacing any of the car's factory hardware by simply installing a reprogrammed ECU.Preparation
1. Set the emergency hand brake, remove the key from the ignition switch and open the hood.
2. Disconnect the negative (black) battery lead from the battery terminal with an adjustable wrench to prevent any possibility of shock.
3. Open the passenger's side door and remove the floor mat.
Locating and Removing the Factory ECU
1. Loosen and remove the lower dashboard screw with a 10 mm socket wrench. The screw is located by the door frame where the carpet meets the dashboard, across from the door speaker.
2. Pull back the carpet to access ECU, being careful to avoid creasing the carpet.
3. Loosen the screw holding the ECU in place with the 10 mm socket wrench. The ECU is a rectangular silver box with a black and red lever on the bottom and is mounted under the dashboard.
4. Move down the black part of the lever to release the wire coupling then disconnect it.
5. Slide out the factory ECU.
Installing the New ECU
1. Slide the aftermarket ECU into its slot.
2. Line up the wiring coupler and plug it into the new ECU. Release the handle into its closed position.
3. Replace the 10 mm screw that holds the ECU in the bracket. Replace the carpeting then reinstall the lower dashboard screw.
4. Reconnect the battery lead with the adjustable wrench then close the hood.
5. Start the car and take it for a test drive, running it at low speeds first then progressively working up to higher speeds. Read More »»