The Saab 2.8 is a Holden engine made in Melbourne Australia. It’s part of the Alloytec V6 engine from GM. Mace engineering has coil packs, camshafts, valve springs, manifold insulators. Holden also made natural aspirated versions in 3.2 and 3.6L
Owned several 9-3s with the B284R and enjoyed them but unfortunately the engine bay is just too small for a turbocharged V6 in my opinion, resulting in excessive heat throughout the engine bay due to the limited mounting options for the turbo. Ultimately, I went back to the Ecotec 2.0L because it's lighter, gets better gas mileage and generally easier to work on. Of course, the downside is that the 2.0L doesn't have the same potential for HP, at least without spending more money.
Strong engine block but everything around is heating hard so you have to replace hoses, cooling tank, abs module and so on very often. Electric connctions brittle easy. Also this engine is very sensible to oil changes intervals and sludge is coming fast. Pcv system is bullshit
The Saab 2.8 is a Holden engine made in Melbourne Australia. It’s part of the Alloytec V6 engine from GM. Mace engineering has coil packs, camshafts, valve springs, manifold insulators. Holden also made natural aspirated versions in 3.2 and 3.6L
So true! Excellent comment.
Owned several 9-3s with the B284R and enjoyed them but unfortunately the engine bay is just too small for a turbocharged V6 in my opinion, resulting in excessive heat throughout the engine bay due to the limited mounting options for the turbo. Ultimately, I went back to the Ecotec 2.0L because it's lighter, gets better gas mileage and generally easier to work on. Of course, the downside is that the 2.0L doesn't have the same potential for HP, at least without spending more money.
Very understandable. Thanks for your comment. I like hearing owner’s preferences!
I learned alot, thanks! Certainly one of the best sounding V6s IMO.
Strong engine block but everything around is heating hard so you have to replace hoses, cooling tank, abs module and so on very often. Electric connctions brittle easy. Also this engine is very sensible to oil changes intervals and sludge is coming fast. Pcv system is bullshit
Good lord I forgot to mention the PCV system 🤣