The 1969 Saab 96 Rally is coming along nicely. Last weekend we got as far as installing the crankshaft and pistons. This weekend we got a little more done on the engine. Here’s what we did:
Oil pump
The first job on the high-flow oil pump was to upgrade the oil pressure. This can be done by inserting a washer under the oil pressure regulator spring (drill a hole in the cap, put a screw in and pull the cap out, shut the hole by welding). It is also a good idea to check that there’s no dirt or filings in the pump – even if it is a new pump.
Timing gear cover and oil pan
Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos of putting the timing gear cover seals in. But basically it’s just two paper seals with a plate in between. Just use a healthy amount of gasket glue to make sure it doesn’t leak.
Intake manifold
Heads
The crossflow intake manifold has a lot bigger port size than the stock Saab heads. So the ports on the heads need to be opened up a little.
So – there’s still a lot to do. We need to finish grinding the ports before we can continue to put in all the new valve mechanism pieces. Also the block needs to be painted. And we need to figure out a more elegant carburettor linkage…
Hello Tommi, That is a fine looking engine. Have estimated the horsepower and torque yet? The company that rebuilt my engine lists that they installed a oil pump from a V6. I know when it first starts I have 60 lbs of oil pressure, driving 50 lbs and on idle 25 lbs. No shortage there. I have a question, who makes the best oil pan and timing gear gaskets, as mine has a leak and will be a one of the winter projects. Also that crossover intake manifold with Weber Carb’s sure looks good. Now you have me looking for that intake setup. Here is another, what brand of shocks do you use?
Besides all my questions, the photo of the front of the Rally car’s paint job is fantastic looking, another great job Tommi. And I’ll be looking forward to your next post. Keep up the great work.
Sincerely, Bill
Hi Bill,
no, I have not measured the hp. It should be around 110 to 120 hp mark, but we shall see. Yes, the oil pump is from a V6, and as such should do very well in a road car. Upgading the pressure is just a precaution.
I don’t really know about the gaskets – most of the sets I have are 10 to 20 year old! And I have not had any special problems with any of them. A V4 always leaks a little! 😀
The shocks should really be Bilsteins. Everybody I know uses them for rallying. I put in some old leftovers to save a bit of money.
Br,
Tommi
Thank you Tommi, I appreciate all your good advice, and will be looking for a set of Bilstein shocks.
Bill …Cheers
Tommi, Hate to be a pain and always asking. But no one around here can come up with part numbers for Bilstein shocks. Would you reply with the part numbers for the front and back. Thank you Bill…Cheers
Now I am on the hunt for the same intake manifold you have on your rally car.
Hi Bill,
I don’t readily know the parts numbers, but I’ll ask around. (Already did, but haven’t got an answer yet).
Br,
Tommi
Hi Bill,
I finally got the Bilstein numbers from Tikkis.
These should do it, but they may be hard to get. You could try Niklas at http://www.classicsaabracing.com
Best regards,
Tommi
Where can I get one of those manifolds?
They can be hard to find. I would keep my eye on Tradera.com and eBay. For example: http://www.tradera.com/search?categoryId=343418&q=saab&expanded=1&queryScope=AllWordsAnyOrder
Also you could make a post on various Saab forums that you want to buy one. Same goes with the carburettors, Weber DCOE 40 or 45 will do.
Where can I buy one of those manifolds?
And also…..the carburetors?