Saab 96 V4 Rally – Fitting the Saab 99 radiator

Fitting a Saab 99 radiator to the V4 isn’t quite as straightforward as one might think. First of all the attachment points are different and you need to cut stuff out of the way, but the radiator needs some modification also. There’s more than one way to do this, the Works cars had a different system, but here’s what we did:

That's a tight spot. There's not a whole lot of room for the radiator and the outlet.
That’s a tight spot. There’s not a whole lot of room for the radiator and the outlet.
A Saab 99 bigger radiator will replace the stock V4 radiator.
A Saab 99 bigger radiator will replace the stock V4 radiator.
Here's the problem. The normal Saab 99 outlet would point the hose right into where the alternator should go.
Here’s the problem. The normal Saab 99 outlet would point the hose right into where the alternator should go.
A radiator outlet was removed from a normal V4 radiator and soldered here to point the hose down.
A radiator outlet was removed from a normal V4 radiator and soldered here to point the hose down.
It's still a tight spot even with the outlet pointing down.
It’s still a tight spot even with the outlet pointing down.
Electric fan fits just behind the mask.
Electric fan fits just behind the mask.
The Saab 99 radiator in place. We still need to make some changes to the fittings.
The Saab 99 radiator in place. We still need to make some changes to the fittings.
The inlet side. The reservoir will be positioned just about here. It's also from Saab 99.
The inlet side. The reservoir will be positioned just about here. It’s also from Saab 99.
Washer tank and pump.
Washer tank and pump.
I also got this - a Marpytoys Saab 95 V4 GL 1978
I also got this – a Marpytoys Saab 95 V4 GL 1978
In theory all the wires are marked. So - plug and play :D
In theory all the wires are marked. So – plug and play 😀

9 comments

  3. Tommi, It is wonderful to see all the Saabs in their native habitat and your custom work for the rally car racing. I am re building a 1969 Saab 96 in Wyoming, U.S.A. Where parts are very, very scarce!

    Reply

    1. Hi Gerald!

      Thanks for the nice words 🙂

      The blue&orange rally car is still awaiting parts. But I hope to get the project moving forward soon.

      I’d love to see photos of your car, it’s always nice to see the earlier V4s.

      Good luck with the rebuild,

      Tommi

      Reply

    2. Gerald, I too have a hard time finding parts. However I have had real good luck from a couple of members of the VSCNA. One is Don Levesque who lives in New Hampshire, and of course the Ashcraft’s in Eugene, Oregon.
      Good luck with your rebuild.

      Reply

  4. Thanks very much to you both. I’m finding the Saab 96’s are becoming as scarce as hens teeth in America but recently made great progress at Mile Hi Saab in Denver, Colorado. Jerry Danners And the crew are very knowledgeable, helpful and have parts! Tommi i can not post a photo of my 96, any suggestions?

    Reply

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