17.04.2004: Saab 9-5 boost gauge install

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17.04.2004: Saab 9-5 boost gauge install

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17.04.2004: Engine cover
Now we need to find a place to tap for the boost pressure. First, remove the engine cover.

[..^ up ^..]

A turbocharged car without a boost gauge is no fun. It's not that you really need it, but knowing what's really happening with your engine helps a bit, and the pressure surges when you mash the pedal sure are entertaining.

My car was among those unfortunate Saabs that came without a boost gauge (not that the standard one is very useful though), and I long wanted to fix that. Here's a detailed (maybe too detailed) description of the installation process. (And I did wash the engine a couple of days after performing this work ;)

The measurements I'm getting from a 1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t with a low pressure turbo are: the vacuum is 18-20 Hg at idle, 15 Hg while driving, up to 24 Hg when coasting. With the stock engine the boost during the moderate acceleration settled around 5 psi, the highest I've seen at WOT is 9 psi. An ECU upgrade from BSR raised these numbers to 12-13 psi in second gear and 14-15 psi in third.