This Guy Put A 322bhp Saab Turbo Engine Into A Vauxhall Astra Because Why Not
If you think 300bhp hot hatchbacks are a handful, try putting even more power into a small, cheap runabout heading for its 20th birthday.
Sleeper cars don’t come with much more understated nineties charm than this. You’re looking at a mk3 Vauxhall Astra, resplendent on its steelies and lowered springs but packing a pretty mighty Saab turbo engine conversion.
We’ve no idea which nutcase thought this one up, but the result is 322bhp and 388lb ft, says the seller, albeit using the previous turbo. A brand new one has apparently been installed, along with a load of other goodies including an aftermarket exhaust and something called “v6 calpers”. Might have to Google that one.
While Saab was under GM ownership, parts were presumably shared across brands to the extent that this hefty 2.0-litre turbo unit could slot into the otherwise rubbish Astra. Turbocharged Saabs were infamous for huge torque steer, so picture what this thing must be like…
The customary dump valve is present and correct, and four new tyres were fitted 500 miles ago, it says in the auction. Get on the gas with any regularity and they might not last too much longer than that.
As a cash buy it’s always going to be a risk, and frankly, driving it home might be an even bigger gamble. But to the brave soul who takes it on, we salute you. Sort of.
Now check out this staggering BMW Z4 with an 8.3-litre Dodge Viper engine. Possibly even more of a handful than the Astra.
Comments
I’m pretty that engine is from pre-GM Saab because that looks nothing like the 2.0t in my 9-3.
i’d buy that just to get the tuned Saab engine :)
its so ugly inside o.O
Its been done quite often, i’ve been told (and seen but not running), 2 out of 3 engine mounts are exactly the same, one needs a bracket. And when using the saab engine the astra gearbox can be used it bolts right on.
It’s often used to convert to 2liter turbo instead of putting in a c20let, since the saab engine is cheaper.
Source: being an astra mk3 gsi driver who picked up a lightened flyeheel from a guy who did this same swap.
My Astraab
Why wasn’t this on the list of tempting alternatives to the Focus RS?
Put Saab engine into any car…. Instant sleeper.
Swapping an engine of a car known to catch fire easily, with and engine that will blow up even more easily
Marc Humpf Agilaswap?
or Opel Astra Mk1