Classification Clarification

[YoursTruly]

This may or may not be the proper place to post this and I know it has been asked in some way before, but here I go . . .

I have a 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero. After studying the rules, I think my car would be a gs if it were stock, but it is considered an stu due to the engine (2.3L turbo) being .3L too big for stx class (2.0L and below for forced induction). Does this sound right or am I missing another part of the classification process?

Thank you for any input.

[87RX7RACER]

I believe you are correct. What mods have you done to your car?

[nicktcr]

You are correct on it being a GS stock (provided it meets stock class requirements of course), and you are correct on it being STU not STX.

[rodhx]

I spoke with Tanner at the event (nice to meet you btw). He is modded out of stock, so STU where the Saab will be. Unless he does some of that other stuff on his wish list

[YoursTruly]

I spoke with Tanner at the event (nice to meet you btw). He is modded out of stock, so STU where the Saab will be. Unless he does some of that other stuff on his wish list

Thanks for helping me I had a great time and will be back.

Currently, I have a stage1 ecu tune with an open filter and exhaust resonator delete. I also have full poly bushings in the suspension and a poly transmission mount.

One item I am on the fence about is my diverter valve. It is the stock bosch unit with a rubber diaphragm that tends to rupture under prolonged load. Bosch sells an upgraded model with an aluminum piston, but I am unsure as to whether or not it is legal. It would not increase performance in any way, rather, it would not break under the stress of autox. If anyone has dealt with this I would appreciate your opinion.

Thanks to everyone for helping me begin to end my time as a newb.

[TouringBubble]

I believe the ECU tune would bump you out of ST as it most likely ups the boost level. You can tune in ST, but you can't change boost.

I'll have to revisit the rules for the BPV. I want to say you can't change it in ST (but your tune bumps you out anyway) but in SP you can upgrade a BPV. You can't change to an open air BOV though. It has to stay recirculated.

[Cholewa]

Just do what you want and run in XP or SM with the rest of the cool kids.

[AutoX Civic]

XP is where its at

[YoursTruly]

I believe the ECU tune would bump you out of ST as it most likely ups the boost level. You can tune in ST, but you can't change boost.

I'll have to revisit the rules for the BPV. I want to say you can't change it in ST (but your tune bumps you out anyway) but in SP you can upgrade a BPV. You can't change to an open air BOV though. It has to stay recirculated.

I do not have a boost guage, so I can't check that. I guess I need one now.

I cannot run an open air BOV or my car goes into "limp mode" because it thinks there is a massive hole in the intake pipe.

Just do what you want and run in XP or SM with the rest of the cool kids.

I suppose you have a point, but I want to be in a class where I am the part of my car that isn't good enough.

[TouringBubble]

I'm very familiar with how bypass valves and blow-off valves work and affect MAF equipped cars. Either way, you're fine to upgrade in SP.

I'd look up the specs of the tune from your tuner. If you can't find specs, just give them a call and ask if the boost levels are modified with the tune. No need to invest in a gauge and the install just to find that out. I'll tell you though ... pretty much every VW, Audi, Saab, Subaru, Mitsu, Dodge, Hyundai, BMW, etc tune for a boosted car bumps up the PSI to make power.

[Cholewa]

I do not have a boost guage, so I can't check that. I guess I need one now.

I cannot run an open air BOV or my car goes into "limp mode" because it thinks there is a massive hole in the intake pipe.



I suppose you have a point, but I want to be in a class where I am the part of my car that isn't good enough.

I've got my old volvo gauge sitting around if you want it. It might not go so well with your interior, but you can at least get an idea of where the boost is (it's a VDO dual color bar gauge, the end of the yellow is 10psi)

In XP, it's me in my "modified" volvo (we need more sweeds), Nick in his drift 240, occasionally griffin in his "rally" MX6, and then cars that actually belong in XP that are fast and competitive. We however, are not, and are generally there to have fun.

It's always a good competition to try and not get beat by the 30 year old volvo roll machine.

[YoursTruly]

I'm very familiar with how bypass valves and blow-off valves work and affect MAF equipped cars. Either way, you're fine to upgrade in SP.

I'd look up the specs of the tune from your tuner. If you can't find specs, just give them a call and ask if the boost levels are modified with the tune. No need to invest in a gauge and the install just to find that out. I'll tell you though ... pretty much every VW, Audi, Saab, Subaru, Mitsu, Dodge, Hyundai, BMW, etc tune for a boosted car bumps up the PSI to make power.

I wasn't questioning your knowledge about turbo systems. Sorry.

Thanks for the tip. I can't believe I didn't think to simply call my tuner. I am going to do that. *facepalm*

[TouringBubble]

Didn't mean to sound insulted. I wasn't. =)

[YoursTruly]

Update; my tune does slightly increase boost pressure. I talked to my tuner and I will run stage0 until I get it retuned to only alter torque limits and fuel maps.

According to the rules, it looks like I can swap equipment between year models as long as the parts are stock for that year and the donor car is listed on the same line in Appendix A. The 06+ models of my car had a different tune/compressor housing/turbo intake pipe which resulted in about the same power I have now. I may swap to these parts after I get plenty of seat time and suspension to keep up with the stock power.

[Cholewa]

I may swap to these parts after I get plenty of seat time and suspension to keep up with the stock power.

smartest noob ever.