Tricky Swap Lanos 2.3 Turbo

batteryops · Post by **batteryops** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:39 pm

Heres my query i have recently bought a 94' 2.3 turbo saab 9000 and am wondering if there are any GM gearboxes that are a straight fit for lanos that will accept the engine, or is this a complete swap ie engine and gearbox with one off drive shafts

Should for some interesting modding thoughts

gse_turbo · Post by **gse_turbo** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:25 pm

this isn't a terribly difficult swap if you use the right Saab motor. if you pick the more current Saab motor after they became closer to Opel there is no problem. I think it's 99-05 or so, right before they started using the Saturn Ecotec. you want to use this motor because it will directly bolt up to the lanos gearbox, all you will have to do is sort the front motor mount. the later Saab motors got a bad wrap because they are not as strong as the early Saab motors. other than the different cast block everything is pretty much the same, you can swap internals, heads and so on. do over come the "weak" blocks you can use a main support but that's really only needed if you plan to push around 450bhp and up. i don't know of anyone doing the main supports, I've wanted to look into doing one and I even have one of these Saab motors just never got to it. if you do the Saab swap and use the later motor you can contact me for the main support if you think you will need it.

cheers,
Garrett

batteryops · Post by **batteryops** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 12:58 am

this is one of the earlier saab motors, i have heard of these engines being combined with a opel/vauxhall omega gearbox thats what gets me thinking about possible mounting to either an f20 or f28. Anybody offer any more insight into the subject.

Post by **PrecisionBoost** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:11 am

94 was a wierd year.... if it was the first half of 94 then the Opel transmission is a perfect bolt up match.... if it was the second half then it was a different tranny.

I did some research into the Saab's.... mostly because I was looking to find out if the Saab 6spd would fit the Opel iron blocks... which it does in certain years.

I know that's not a "solid answer" but I have to think your probably going to find that it will work just fine with an F18,F20, F28 or the Astra VXR's M32 gearbox

batteryops · Post by **batteryops** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:27 pm

will have to whip the engine out and have a closer look to see what the story is, already have the interior out ready for a full leather transplant into the lanos i think the engine model is a B234L if thats ant more insight. and let me know how you get on with your 6 speed swap