The Evolution of Saab Performance
Automotion's Frequently Asked Questions
SQR is the abbreviation for Stromqvist Racing. Created by Frank Stromqvist
of Sweden, SQR specilizes in Engine Management System remapping to upgrade
the performance of your vehicle.
Go to top |
|
2. Why Should I Get My Car Tuned? |
If you are looking to attain the highest level of performance and effciency
from your vehicle the only way to safely attain it is to have the ECU
remapped by a professional tuner.
Go to top |
Trionic engine management is the epicenter of your vehicle. This Saab-developed
system automatically and instantly adjusts ignition, fuel injection
and, in turbocharged models, turbo boost pressure, thereby offering
both environmental and performance benefits. Powered by a 32-bit microprocessor,
Saab Trionic engine management improves performance by constantly monitoring
the combustion process, then adjusting engine operating parameters to
eliminate, for example, harmful engine knock. The special "trick"
within Trionic is the utilization of the simple spark plug, which performs
double-duty by also serving as a combustion sensor. Ionization voltage
is measured across the plug gap to determine combustion efficiency,
and Saab Trionic then adjusts engine systems for optimal performance
and efficiency. Courtesy of Trionic, Saab engine performance is improved
and peak torque is available at decreased rpm levels, which translates
to greater acceleration capability at lower speeds. By controlling the
combustion process so stringently, Saab Trionic engine management also
contributes to improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emission levels.
Go to top |
|
4. What is "Stage" tuning? |
Stage Tuning is a sequential amount of performance levels. The higher
the stage, the higer level of performance the car will have. Each stage
has its own hardware requirements that are neccessary to achieve the
power goal of that specific stage.
Go to top |
|
5. What is "Custom" tuning? |
Custom Tuning is for those with out of the ordinary hardware upgrades
that require special attention. The custom tune involves the tuner being
in your car on the road or on the dyno with a computer hooked up to
it. With the computer the tuner monitors all of the variables of your
car and optimizes it to achieve the best performance.
Go to top |
|
6. How Much Does Tuning Cost? |
$550 for Trionic 5 cars $895 for Trionic 7 cars Trionic 8 cost will
be determined upon its release. Custom tuning is $1300
Go to top |
|
7. How long will it take to tune my car? |
About an hour for staged tuning, custom tuning can take as much as a
full day do to the fact that it is very involved.
Go to top |
|
8. Is Tuning my car safe? |
It is completely safe provided you follow the specifications given by
the tuner.
Go to top |
|
9. I live in another country can you still ship it to me?
|
We will ship to anywher in the world
Go to top |
|
10. Why Does My Car Have Low Boost? |
A low level of boost may happen for many reasons. The most prevelant
being a faulty boost pressure control valve. Other reasons may be due
to an improperly adjusted wastegate or a vaccum leak.
Go to top |
|
11. What Exhaust Should I buy? |
SQR is optimized at higher stages to work with a complete 3" exhaust
from the turbo back. There are many options on where to buy but 3"
is always optimal.
Go to top |
|
12. Why Is My Car Bucking? |
You may find that under hard accelartion your car will "buck"
or hesitate. This is your engine recognizing a unsafe level of boost
presssure, so the ECU creates a fuel cut to prevent damage to your engine.
You may also experiece fuel cut when you engine is in danger of overreving.
Go to top |
|
13. What Spark Plugs should I use? |
The BPC is the Boost Pressure Control Valve. It meters and adjust the
amount of boost you have. It is controlled by the ECU. When this valve
breaks, you will either have very low boost or extremly high boost,
depending on whether the valve was open or closed when it brok
Go to top |
The DIC is the direct ignition cassette. This controls the ignition
for your car, they are known to fail and cause misfires or "detonation"
in your engine. Or cause your vehicle to not run at all. You should
always carry a spare in the trunk.
Go to top |
|
16. What Turbo Do I have? |
Most saabs utilize a Garrett turbo for the lower end models and for
the high performance models they uses a slightly larger Mitsubishi Turbo.
However people wanting more power will opt to install an even larger
aftermarket turbo.
Go to top |
|
17. What is an intercooler? |
The intercooler is used to cool the air after it comes out of the turbo
before it goes into the throttle body
Go to top |
|
18. Can I keep my stock clutch? |
Yes all staged tuning is desgined to work with the stock clutch if the
clutch is in good shape.
Go to top |
|
19. I have purchased aftermarket parts, can your shop install them
for me? |
Yes, at Automotion we will install any aftermarket parts you may have.
Go to top |
|
20. I think I have a vaccum leak. How Can I be sure?
|
|
21. Where is My ECU Located? |
On the Trionic 9000's and 9-5's it is located under the rain shield
at the base of the windshield. For the NG900 and the 9-3 it is located
behind the carpet, in the footwell of the passengers side, next to the
door.
Go to top |
|
22. What type of gas should I use? |
Always use the highest ocatane available. Preferably 93 octane
Go to top |
|
23. What type of oil should I use? |
Use a good quality oil and change it every 3000 miles. Do NOT use Mobil
1. We have found that it breaks down and cannot hold up to heat created
by turbocharged engines.
Go to top |
The wastegate is a hole in the exhaust housing of your turbo that has
a door on it that opens to let out unneeded boost pressure. This door
is controlled by a wastegate actuator.
Go to top |
|
25. Can I use a Blow Off Valve. |
Short Answer - Trionic 5 = yes Trionic 7= No
Go to top |
|
26. Can I use a Manual Boost Controller? |
No, the ECU is what controls the boost and the safest way is to let
it do its job.
Go to top |
