Technical Data

This data is for the standard engine in UK Specification.

Cylinders	4, in Vee 60 degrees
Bore	90 mm
Stroke	58.86 mm
Cubic Capacity	1498 cc
Compression ratio	9.0 : 1
Max Output, net (DIN)	65 bhp at 4700 rpm
Max torque, net (DIN)	85 lb ft at 2500 rpm
Main Bearings	3
Valves	overhead

Click here for a list of bolt specifications for the SAAB 96 (thanks to Genty!)

Problems / Buying Guide

Below is a list of problem areas to look out for when buying a 95 or 96 V4. The list is of the common areas that need to be looked at but you must also bear in mind the usual things for a car of this age.

Rust:-
Wings/Doors/Bootlid/Tailgate	Check these however they are all bolt-on and can easily be replaces
Boot Area on 96	Check Suspension mounts, area under bootlid where rear wing bolts are and area below bottom of rear window. Can be very serious here.
Inner Rear Wheel Arch	Check front edge and top front of this area - easily welded
Floor	Check the whole floor under seats etc and particularly where the engine floor meets the main floor - If this is seperating this will ne expensive to weld
Front Valance	Corners of front valance to inner wing joint - Easily welded
Fresh Air Intake box	Often rot in the corners, check around windscreen and within the engine compartment
Engine/Gearbox/Clutch
Balance Shaft	Grab the bottom pulley and test for play up and down or side to side. If serious will need major overhaul (difficult and expensive to get parts), or secondhand engine.
Overheating	Check for overheating if driven hard and when left idling usually due to blocked radiator - will need radiator recore
Whining noises	Gearbox can whine - will eventually need rebuild
Freewheel	Check freewheel operates and stays in both positions
Gear engagement	If gears are difficult to engage but gearbox otherwise sounds OK will probably need some simple adjustment of the column change
Clutch	Most cars suffer from judder on bringing up the clutch - if serious will need new clutch and possibly new operating arm
Brakes/Suspension etc
Front Brakes	Often knock, particularly in reverse. Can be left for some time as it sounds worse tahn it is. Reconditioned calipers will cure.
Handbrake	Often weak although careful and regualr adjustment can improve dramatically
Rear Brakes	Often suffer from leaking wheel cylinders - not major problem
Front suspension/Steering	Check for play in front ball joints and steering track rod ends - cheap and easy to replace

Service

Below are sheets for you to download and use for your service.

Tuning

SAAB Sport Tuning Manual
SAAB Sport Accessories
SAAB Sport and Rally Brochure 1973
SAAB Sport and Rally Catalogue 1979