Turbocharged Saabs: Among The First Turbo Cars on US Roads

Your turbocharged Saab 9-5 has either a 2.0-liter or a 2.3-liter engine. Turbochargers drastically improve the power output and fuel economy of small, four-cylinder automotive engines. For example, the 2.3-liter engine under the hood of the 2004 and 2005 Saab 9-5 Turbo made 217 horsepower. The earlier, naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter V6 engine found on the 1998-2003 cars made 20 horsepower less.

Turbochargers go all the way back to the early days of aviation and internal combustion technology. They have been around since the early 20th century; however, it was uncommon to find them on otherwise stock economy cars until very recently. Increasingly stringent emissions and fuel economy standards, mandated by governments all over the world, have forced the hands of automotive manufacturers. Turbochargers now come as standard equipment on many small cars.

Saab’s history of using turbochargers goes all the way back to the 1970s. Despite increasing power and mileage, turbochargers come with a few drawbacks. Their internal components spin upwards of 150,000 RPM. As such, turbochargers create a staggering amount of heat. Nearly all turbochargers require a fresh stream of oil to be pumped into them at all times. Some turbochargers use your car’s coolant to tamp down excessive heat. Regular oil checks and changes are vital on turbocharged vehicles.

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate a failing or worn turbocharger. When in doubt, enlist the help of a local mechanic who specializes in Saab repair to diagnose and then repair your vehicle’s problem.

You may notice your turbocharged Saab lacks power. You may notice a change in the way the engine, or the turbocharger itself, sounds as you drive. BuyAutoParts.com has new and rebuilt turbochargers available for many cars and trucks, including your turbocharged Saab. For help selecting the appropriate turbocharger for your vehicle, call us at 1 (888) 907-7225 or send an email to [email protected].