the 83 turbo engine starts to reveal it's secrets (not good ones!)

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Craig's Saab C900 Site - 23 Oct 2006 06:58 GMT

Hi everyone,

Some of you would have seen the threads covering this at Saablink and at my
site:

http://www.classicsaab.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=450

http://www.saablink.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12223

I've included a bunch of pictures with the postings to show the 'secrets' of
the engine, and I'd be interested to know from your experiences how you'd
rate the corrosion damage to the cylinder head, cracking in the exhaust
manifold, etc.

I have a replacement turbo, and might be able to use the cylinder head from
my 1983 non-turbo donor car, but I don't have a replacement for the exhaust
manifold. I've been in touch with Jak Stoll and he's rough-quoted around
US$750 for a full-custom replacement exhaust manifold. That more or less
matches the quoted A$1000 from Rose Engineering in Brisbane (here in Oz).

I'd still like to locate a good used OEM casting somewhere - eventually I
will find one! However the idea of a proper heavy-duty custom-made exhaust
manifold is quite attractive, despite the cost implications. Might be good
for long-term peace of mind though.

Craig.

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Charles C. - 23 Oct 2006 21:05 GMT

> Hi everyone,
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> rate the corrosion damage to the cylinder head, cracking in the exhaust
> manifold, etc.

Hi,

I don't think the head is particularly corroded (on its surfaces). The
internal corrosion is rust from the engine block as it has not always
had the correct antifreeze solution in it.

The engine block and the *radiator in particular* will be in the same
state. I should say, the radiator will be much worse.

As you have got the head out I would remove the valves and clean them
and lap them. Then you will probably have to adjust the shims to set
the correct clearances.

Your options then are:
Refit everything and hope the head gasket seals.
Or take to engineering shop and have the head resurfaced and then refit.

I have done both and neither sealed :-(

> I have a replacement turbo, and might be able to use the cylinder head from
> my 1983 non-turbo donor car,

Are they the same heads? Camshaft should be different but I think the
head is also different. I could be wrong tho.

Any head that has stayed on a car for high mileages or has overheated is
bound to warp (let alone the corrosion you see), so I am not so sure
what you think you will save.

Been where you are, I had a damn good time lapping valves and then
trying to reduce the thickness of shims on fine emery paper (my nails too).

but I don't have a replacement for the exhaust

> manifold. I've been in touch with Jak Stoll and he's rough-quoted around
> US$750 for a full-custom replacement exhaust manifold. That more or less
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> manifold is quite attractive, despite the cost implications. Might be good
> for long-term peace of mind though.

I cannot help you with manifolds, sorry :-(

Good luck
Charles

PS. You are doing the whole thing because you are enjoying yourself. Go
on, go the full distance. Doing the valves etc. won't cost you any
money, just time.

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Jeremy Brown - 28 Oct 2006 18:22 GMT

Hey Craig,
Have you ever looked at this:

http://www.saabworks.com/projects/headers/

It is designed for an 85 16v but maybey it can be dajusted for you 8v? He
has a link for any questions.

Signature

Jeremy

Visit my 1986 Saab 900T & me at:
http://jerem43.home.att.net

> Hi everyone,
>
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
> Craig.

Reply to this Message

hippo - 31 Oct 2006 08:01 GMT

Craig's Saab C900 site wrote:

>I'd still like to locate a good used OEM casting somewhere - eventually I
>will find one!

Check your inbox Craig. Cheers

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